Review: Northwood Trail – Fairy Sanctuary Near York

Disclaimer: We were invited to the press evening at Northwood Fairy Sanctuary in exchange for this review. All opinions, views and photographs are genuinely my own. I’ve had the opportunity to do some really unique things lately, including one evening where I headed along to review Northwood Trail, with my mum, as I’d been invited to the press evening. Located just 20 minutes outside of York, Northwood Fairy Sanctuary has recently opened and also includes a captivating fairy museum. The Van Outersterps family have evidently put so much thought, time and effort into making the fairy sanctuary what it is today. Prepare yourselves for so, so many photos within this blog post as the sanctuary is such a beautiful place.

Northwood Kitchen

Upon entering Northwood Kitchen, fairy and woodland themed foods and sweet treats were placed on the tables and we each got to have either a glass of homemade lemonade or fairy dust (glittery) prosecco. I loved the creativity of the food and nibbles! Everything looked and tasted amazing, but in particular my favourite was the little canapés, as they were so flavoursome. The family then did a talk about Northwood, explaining how they wanted to create a natural space for both adults and children.

You can visit Northwood Kitchen without actually having to pay an entry fee into the fairy museum and sanctuary. Northwood Kitchen promise locally sourced food and excellent coffee, and they are continuing to make the range of food offered varied in the coming months. You can find out more information about the Woodland Kitchen’s opening times here on the Northwood website.

Northwood Fairy Museum

The fairy museum is definitely worth a visit, especially if you have children who are unsure whether fairies or mermaids exist – they will definitely become believers! Having just recently opened, the fairy museum boasts extraordinary fairy and elven clothing, including a beautiful wedding dress. It also showcases fairy furniture, with an adorable white four-poster bed. Above, on the ceiling, is a fairy mermaids skeleton which I thought was beautiful to look at and captures the attention of anyone who enters the room. It’s worth noting that the fairy museum can be visited for a small charge, without visiting the whole trail.

“Open Me”

Underneath the “Open Me” sign is a hidden surprise. I don’t want to give too much away, but the surprise is incredibly beautiful and worth taking a look at. Both children and adults will love this part, I can assure you!

 

Northwood Trail Fairy Sanctuary

As the nature trail begins, you will arrive at a maze which is actually quite tricky. It goes without saying but children should be supervised at all times, especially in the maze. It’s also best to leave prams outside the maze due to the odd tree stump or whole tree which may be in your way inside the maze.

Dotted throughout the trail are fairy doors, fairy houses, fairy circles, toadstools, and so much more. You really get to see where all the fairy people live. Towards the end of the trail, there are some natural play areas, which encourages creative play. Dogs, bikes and picnics are not allowed throughout the trail, as the family do not want litter throughout the woodland which I think is understandable. Northwood is off-grid, therefore it generates its own electricity which is brilliant.

As you can see from my photos, there is so much attention to detail throughout every single part – Northwood Kitchen, the fairy museum and the trail itself. If you enjoy nature and/or fairies, then Northwood is definitely for you. I think it’s so lovely to have somewhere so peaceful and stunning on our doorstep. The sanctuary is a space of serenity, relaxation and calm.

I so missed out on the opportunity to arrive wearing fairy wings – maybe next time haha. If you’re looking for something totally fun but also relaxing to do, which is great for both adults and children, then I cannot recommend Northwood Trail enough! Thank you so much to Northwood Trail and their PR company for inviting us to their press evening, it was completely magical and both my mum and I are extremely impressed. We will definitely be back, as it’s safe to say I have fallen in love with this fairy sanctuary!

It is advised that you buy tickets in advance via the website, as there is limited parking and this allows management of visitor numbers. You can find out more information about the trail and purchase tickets on the Northwood Trail website.