The Forbidden Corner
The Forbidden Corner, Middleham: Hours, Address, The Forbidden Corner Reviews: 4.5/5
The Forbidden Corner
The Forbidden Corner
4.5
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Monday
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Friday
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Full view
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
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The area
Address
Best nearby
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22 within 10 kms

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125
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612
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Contribute
Popular mentions
4.5
3,323 reviews
Excellent
2,431
Very good
603
Average
177
Poor
56
Terrible
57
Tim M
7 contributions
May 2022 • Family
Love this place but it does need a bit of attention to detail as it’s looking a bit tired in places. Light bulbs missing fountains not working blowers not blowing. And the story of the mice and the cat would be amazing if the lighting was sorted and every thing was given a bit of an overhaul and given a good dust. There was a few broken things which distracted from the overall effect. Plus there seemed to be lots of niches and alcoves that should have had something in them but didn’t , but of a shame really🙁
Written 26 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Comments Noted ... Thanks for your review. We have just recently had a huge Senior Management change and are looking at everything as we love the attraction and the Estate and want it to be at its best. The Cat and Mouse is a current project we are looking at but as I think you may agree a lot of things in the Forbidden Corner are bespoke and take time to redesign and plan in as well when to change as we are limited with work during opening hours. There are 5 acres of walled gardens with many alcoves and many areas to develop I agree. Thanks Again The FC team
Written 26 May 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Ernie F
Colchester, UK26 contributions
May 2022
This is a superb place to visit!
However it is almost impossible to describe because it is so many different things: it's a maze, a folly, a fantasy, a ghost walk, the list goes on and on.
There are different things around every corner, different views, different buildings, different surprises and quite a few tricks.
We are in our 70's and when we booked it we wondered what we'd let ourselves in for; thinking it was for children or the younger generation. How wrong we were. It's for everyone. We stayed much longer than we thought we would, about four hours and we still didn't manage to find all its hidden surprises and treasures.
Go with an open mind, immerse yourself in the experience and just enjoy.
Absolutely brilliant!
However it is almost impossible to describe because it is so many different things: it's a maze, a folly, a fantasy, a ghost walk, the list goes on and on.
There are different things around every corner, different views, different buildings, different surprises and quite a few tricks.
We are in our 70's and when we booked it we wondered what we'd let ourselves in for; thinking it was for children or the younger generation. How wrong we were. It's for everyone. We stayed much longer than we thought we would, about four hours and we still didn't manage to find all its hidden surprises and treasures.
Go with an open mind, immerse yourself in the experience and just enjoy.
Absolutely brilliant!
Written 20 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Steve B
2 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
Me and my partner (both 40+) spend our one day off a week exploring all over North Yorkshire. Waterfalls, caves, rivers that sort of thing. So when she proposed going to Forbidden Corner I definitely didn't think it would be my sort of thing (I'm an adult for God's sakes!!) Once there it was like we were both children again. Loved every second and every turn held yet another sight, surprise or soaking! Despite being mature and logical the whole place had me lost and bamboozled for ages and i still think we missed big chunks of it. Would highly recommend to anyone. It's humorous, pretty, engaging and surprising. Even the car park toilets had me amazed!! I dont know honestly how to describe the place as it seems to roll so many genres into one, haunted house, maze, historic building, show garden, playground and art exhibition all in one venue. Worth every penny and we will be dragging more of our adult friends along with us so they can be big kids too. Top marks!!
Written 16 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Linda F
9 contributions
May 2022
Oh wow! I've wanted to visit here for a long time and it exceeded my expectations. There were two of us (adults) and we had such a laugh. It doesn't look that big on an aerial view of the property, but it's what you can't see that makes it exciting too. We certainly got lost exploring the site, which makes it all the more fun. We visited during the week when the schools were back, so it was fairly quiet and mostly seemed to consist of other adults and some families with smaller kids. I wouldn't want to visit on a weekend as I imagine it will be chaos,but fun for those with kids. A school trip did arrive in the afternoon, which elevated the noise level, but because it was otherwise quiet, it didn't detract from our enjoyment.
I highly recommend this as a place to visit, we were there longer than expected and had a lot of fun.
I highly recommend this as a place to visit, we were there longer than expected and had a lot of fun.
Written 15 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Lynne D
3 contributions
May 2022
A great family day out for all age groups. We were three generations (all very agile) ranging from 7 to 68 with a couple of teenagers thrown in for good measure and we all had fun. Each of us got wet along the way and there was a surprise around every corner. We enjoyed it so much we retraced our steps several times. The restaurant served good food and the potting shed was a lovely place to stop for an ice cream at the end of our day. Would certainly recommend it.
Written 3 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
TPert
Hove, UK9 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
We loved it - two young adults both 30. We ran around the whole place like hysterical children having the best time. Had no expectations of what it would be but really loved every minute. Brilliant fun.
Written 27 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Many thanks for taking the time to post a review that made me smile !! Best thing is to have no expectations and go in with an open mind which you did we look forward to welcoming you back soon many thanks The FC Team
Written 29 April 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
A M
4 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
Wow!!!! Today was our first visit to Forbidden Corner! STUNNING!!!!! We had the most fantastic day!!! I am absolutely blown away at the place!!! The attractions to see while there are just phenomenal!!! We will be absolutely returning and I have recommended to all our friends and family!! I already can’t wait. The only thing that touched a nerve was our arrival. We were early and were told by one lady we couldn’t enter until our time, which was absolutely fine. We were happy to have a look around the gift shop etc. Another lady asked me why I was lurking around. I explained we were early and had been told we were to wait (again no problem) but the lady told me to go in early anyway cause we looked like we were lurking with intent. That was the only thing that made me feel a little unwelcome, but actually it didn’t dampen the day AT ALL! I honestly think this is one of the best places to visit! Absolutely brilliant!’ Thank you so much for allowing us to have a fantastic family day!
Written 24 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Many thanks for taking the time to post a review. we are so pleased you enjoyed your visit to the forbidden corner we are a very busy tourist attraction and are at peak time at the moment our main priority is safety of the business and getting people into the attraction at their allotted time apologies if you felt a little uncomfortable present company excluded !! but we have had some issues over Easter with goods going missing from the shop…. volume of people it would seam one member off staff on admissions wouldn’t have spoken to the to another member… Unfortunately it's the old proverb of one bad apple and as I said before do not take offence we are simply protecting us… we look forward to welcoming you again
Written 25 April 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jessica H
Staffordshire, UK31 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
What can I say about this place other than fabulous! Creepy, scary, funny, mad - we had a great 4 hours wandering about, meeting dead ends and getting lost. Such an imaginative place - two adults, two teenagers and one child all had a brilliant time. Just when we thought we had seen it all we would find another door or passageway. Fantastic! We will definitely return next time we visit Yorkshire. Loved it!
Written 22 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Many thanks for your review and we are so pleased you enjoyed your visit to us we look forward to welcoming you again soon and hopefully getting lost again as we have done our job correctly !!!!!!
Written 25 April 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Tr4v
6 contributions
Apr 2022 • Friends
This place is just bonkers! We entered the park through a large mouth leading swiftly to the tiniest door I've ever squished myself through. We felt like Alice in Wonderland. Each door / path led somewhere new and you just get completely lost. Can feel slightly claustrophobic in places, especially when you want to leave the park and can't because you can't find an exit. But I suppose that is the point! We went with two 10 year olds and spend 3 hours but could have spent more as we couldn't find all the things on the checklist. We would love to visit again sometime.
Written 20 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Many thanks for your review and we are so pleased you enjoyed your visit to us we look forward to welcoming you again soon and hopefully getting lost again as we have done our job correctly !!!!!!
Written 25 April 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Benchambers99
Caversham, UK26 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
Went today with three our three boys ages 4-11ams their grandparents. Had no expectations as people that recommended it kept mysteriously quiet about what we had in store.
We were not disappointed, loads to look at and play with and some great surprises. Not going to spoil anyone’s fun, you’ll have to go yourself and experience it.
We were not disappointed, loads to look at and play with and some great surprises. Not going to spoil anyone’s fun, you’ll have to go yourself and experience it.
Written 20 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Sonia M
Blackpool, UK1 contribution
Can you travel to this by train from blackpool
Jangles_11
Otley, UK219 contributions
No is the short answer. The nearest mainline train station is apparently at Northallerton which is 15 miles away. As previously stated it's really out in the sticks and needs to be accessed by car
VeggieVenturer
Teddington, UK156 contributions
We will be arriving at about 11 and will want to eat at about 12:30. Is it easy to get back to the cafe or picnic area if you’re about half way round? And assuming that the only toilets are by the entrance, is it easy to get back to the toilets too?
One of our party is less mobile. If there are areas she can’t get round, is it easy to meet up again? Are there maps etc where pre-arranged meeting points can be found?
jck032
Gunton, UK52 contributions
I would suggest that you eat beforehand either taking a picnic and eating in the outdoor picnic area or in their own cafe as it’s not easy to find your way back due to the maze style layout.
Toilets are in the reception area. Don’t be fooled, as I was by the fake toilets in the car park area.
It’s not the most accessible place for those with limited mobility, but there is a route marked that avoids the wet and potentially slippery stepping stones.
If you split up, then I’d advise the shop/cafe area the best place to meet up again.
I saw families using their mobiles trying to discover where other members of their group had got to. Also the signal was not great.
Aaron C
North Shields, UK41 contributions
If I book for 12 how long do you get in there is there set time or can u stay till it closes?
Christina B
Fareham, UK157 contributions
There's no set time but you can get around the whole thing easily within 2 hours anyway.
Emma P
Spennymoor, UK71 contributions
Would this be suitable for just adults? Was thinking for me and my 60 year old mam. We like to go to different places for walks. Gardens etc.
tealady1983
Catterick, UK34 contributions
My mum comes with us when we go, she’s 65 and loves it probably more than the kids. I’d say go for it.
Nikki G
Nottinghamshire, UK
Would it be any good in bad weather? We will be in the area over Christmas week, but we’re nervous about booking it in case the weather is bad.
Hexagon
Cambridge, UK92 contributions
Hi, I agree with the other answer: definitely much less fun if the weather is bad. It rained a little while we were there, and that was ok, but anything worse would really take much of the fun out of it. But worth the visit and the risk!
Enjoy!
My friends are booked on for 12.30 on Thursday but that slot is full if we book on for 1pm will we be able to meet up with them?
Pioneer778711
32 contributions
Yes you will have great fun finding them.i don't think mobile will work in certain areas but you'll have fun I'm sure of that.enjoy
Stew F
10 contributions
Are you allowed to take a dog
Ljejcj3003
1 contribution
I’m sure we did pass people with Dogs so I don’t think they aren’t allowed. Although I will say it’s best not to take one as there is indoor features to see and a lovely cafe and gift shop to enjoy so if you were to take your dog you would miss out on a lot.
Sarah Stephenson
7 contributions
Is it just for kids? I’m a young at heart adult and will be staying nearby shortly
cerys_mckenzie
Thirsk, UK19 contributions
Great for all ages. When I went it was a family of teenagers, adults and grandparents and we all had a great day out :)
tillynamber
Newcastle, UK41 contributions
Can you take your own picnic in?
Lynsey C
23 contributions
There is a designated picnic area near the car park - there are plenty of tables, and a big hut with tables inside which is ideal if it is wet. They ask that you do not take picnics into the actual garden.
There are a few picnic benches near the play area too but these are just for seating while your kids play.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Forbidden Corner
- The Forbidden Corner is open:
- Sun - Sun 10:00 - 18:00
- Mon - Sat 12:00 - 18:00
- Hotels near The Forbidden Corner:
- (0.13 km) The Saddle Room
- (0.09 km) Tupgill Park Cottages
- (3.36 km) The Priory Guesthouse
- (3.51 km) The Old Vicarage
- (3.86 km) The Wensleydale Heifer
- Restaurants near The Forbidden Corner:
- (0.09 km) The Saddle Room Restaurant
- (3.86 km) The Wensleydale Heifer Restaurant
- (4.20 km) The Black Swan Leyburn
- (3.06 km) The Three Horseshoes
- (4.20 km) Sandpiper Inn
- Attractions near The Forbidden Corner:
- (4.19 km) Leyburn Shawl
- (3.40 km) Middleham Castle
- (12.47 km) Farm Adventure
- (7.54 km) West Burton Falls
- (13.61 km) Swinton Cookery School