Is it any wonder that Puzzlewood is a popular location for filming! Its unique environment makes it ideal for all kinds of fantasy-style productions and we’ve certainly seen the weird and wonderful take up residence in the woods. But Puzzlewood has also been used for documentaries and other shows. We can’t tell you where specific scenes were filmed but you may spot parts of Puzzlewood that look familiar.

The Secret Garden

Released in 2020 Starring Colin Firth, Julie Walters and Dixie Egerickx.

The Secret Garden tells the story of Mary Lennox, a prickly and unloved 10-year-old girl, born in India to wealthy British parents. When they die suddenly, she is sent back to England to live with her uncle, Archibald Craven at Misselthwaite Manor, a remote country estate deep in the Yorkshire moors, under the watchful eye of Mrs. Medlock and with only the household maid, Martha for company. Mary begins to uncover many family secrets, particularly after chancing upon her sickly cousin Colin , who has been shut away in a wing of the house, and through her discovery of a wondrous garden, locked away and lost within the grounds of Misselthwaite. While searching for Hector, a stray dog that led Mary to the garden walls, she befriends local boy Dickon who, through the garden’s restorative powers, helps her to fix Hector's injured leg. Once brought together, these three damaged, slightly misfit children heal each other as they delve deeper into the mysteries of the garden – a magical place of adventure that will change their lives forever.

Thomas Duke, Stepping through film, visited us recently and you can read all about his stay here and enjoy some of his pictures below.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Yes, The Force was with us! Puzzlewood was described by Kathleen Kennedy, Star Wars Producer and President of Lucasfilm, as ‘the most magical forest on the face of the earth!'

The Huntsman: Winter’s War

Puzzlewood featured in this 2016 fantasy adventure film, a sequel to Snow White and the Huntsman.

Jack the Giant Slayer

Hollywood came to Puzzlewood to film this modern-day adaptation of the classic fairytale. Stars such as Ewan McGregor, Nicholas Hoult and Stanley Tucci were all on set. Some of the filming took place during regular opening hours, so visitors got an extra treat – one lucky visitor even wrote about it on her blog!

Doctor Who

A regular location for this iconic and popular TV series, the eleventh Doctor, Matt Smith, filmed both his first and final episodes at Puzzlewood. The 2013 Christmas special, where the Doctor regenerated and Peter Capaldi took over, also saw one of the Doctor’s scariest adversaries, the Weeping Angels on location.

Merlin

Puzzlewood featured in all five series of Merlin, providing a hideaway for Morganna and a fitting habitat for dragons and unicorns, as well as a setting for exciting chases and fights.

Our Planet

We featured in the Netflix series Our Planet narrated by Sir David Attenborough, in the opening titles of the episode 'Forests' which examines the fragile interdependence that exists between forests' wide variety of residents.

Atlantis

Puzzlewood featured in several episodes of this BBC1 series which aired in 2013.

Wizards vs Aliens

A CBBC adventure series, which needed a location where schoolboy heroes would meet alien characters.

Da Vinci's Demons

Puzzlewood was used to help create the look and atmosphere of 15th century South America in the second series, which aired on Fox in 2014. Da Vinci’s Demons was created by David Goyer whose other credits include the Blade and Batman trilogies.

Tree Fu Tom

Fans of this CBeebies animated programme may recognise Puzzlewood in the magical opening and closing sequences.

Hidden Kingdoms

This BBC nature programme used state-of-the-art filming techniques to explore the lives of some of the world’s smallest animals, including the North American Chipmunk, which appeared to frolic against a Puzzlewood background!

Secret Supper Club

Filmed for C4, this programme saw local food producers dining at Puzzlewood on a cold October evening. A hog roast was the centrepiece of a delicious supper that was cooked on site.

Puzzlewood in the press and media

We have a range of professionally shot high-res images of Puzzlewood available for free usage. Copyright remains with Puzzlewood. Please contact us for more information.

Commercial photography, photo shoots, product placement shots and filming at Puzzlewood is by written permission only, organised in advance, with the correct risk assessments/insurance in place and may include fees. Please email filming@puzzlewood.net for more information and to discuss your request. Please note, drones are NOT permitted at Puzzlewood.