UNDER a beaming blue sky the little purple boat glides towards the dock to ferry gangs of children from this world to theirs. They arrive on the other side under the watchful eye of Mildred the Crocklebog who snorts her disapproval at every eager cargo.

UNDER a beaming blue sky the little purple boat glides towards the dock to ferry gangs of children from this world to theirs.

They arrive on the other side under the watchful eye of Mildred the Crocklebog who snorts her disapproval at every eager cargo.

Just around the corner the

Boggles and Twiggles carry on

their little lives, washing flapping

on the line and untold domestic dramas unfolding in their little homes.

Beyond are the tall towers, slippery slopes, tree-top walkways and muddled maze of the main adventure park blurring the line between imaginary and real in a single fantasy world - Bewilderwood, at Horning Road, Hoveton.

It all sounds a bit daft - which is half the fun - but far from “doing a Disney” it's a slightly peculiar landscape where insects probably do have stings in their tails and some of the characters are scary rather than cute and cuddly.

And unlike most other attractions, trying to prise more money out of your pocket once you have paid to get in does not loom large and visitors are not routed out through the shop, which makes a change.

New for this year is Toddlewood, aimed at the under-fives - our youngest daughter Isobel loved the mini zip wire - and also a new full-colour book for younger readers called The Ballad of Bewilderwood, penned by Bewilderwood creator, author and landowner Tom Blofeld.

In its first year the magical world - which mixes story telling and natural, healthy play - surpassed all expectations, with more than 100,000 visitors.

And with more attractions added, aimed at rekindling interest in old-fashioned outdoorsy fun like den building, it looks set to repeat that success.

Big celebrations are planned

from Saturday, May 24 to Monday, May 26 for Bewilderwood's first birthday, including an attempt at

the world's record pass the

parcel.

The Twiggles and Boggles will be hosting the three-day birthday event, and the inhabitants of Bewilderwood are said to be looking forward to the fun, laughter, games and dancing that lie ahead.

All visitors and families will receive a special invitation to attend the Big BewilderBirthday party, which will take place daily near the Peaceful Paths. Mildred will be the belle of the ball and in her honour the Twiggle Team have conjured up some exciting traditional party games and fun stuff to do. Normal admission prices

apply.

From our experience it's probably best to wear long-sleeved tops

and trousers and to expect a batch

of scrapes and bruises when

visiting.

For more information visit www.bewilderwood.co.uk or telephone 01603 783900.

Events: May 24-26, Big BewilderBirthday; July 26 and 27, Twiggle Dress Parade; August 23 to 25, paint a Boggle poem; October half-term, giggling Pumpkin Parade and Bewilder Monster Party.