Dreamery Gardens and Museum
WHERE
York
What it’s like
Fifty acres of woodland to hunt through for fairy houses, dragon nests and hidden doors, plus a maze and a fairy museum.
You're here to hunt. Over 100 fairy houses are tucked through the woodland and gardens, along with dragon nests, giants' swords, mermaids and seasonal grottoes, and the site reckons a visit runs anywhere from 1.5 to 5 hours depending on how thorough your kids get. There's a maze to get properly lost in and hidden doors scattered about that don't announce themselves, so it rewards the kids who actually look rather than just walk past.
England's Fairy Museum is part of the ticket too, though it's more a looking space than a playing one, so don't expect it to fill an afternoon on its own. There's an outdoor play area if you need somewhere for the smaller ones to potter about that isn't a fairy hunt, and a café with a veranda for when everyone needs a sit down and a hot drink.
The woodland track is stoned but wild, and it can get muddy and rutted, which the site is upfront about being tough going for wheelchairs. No picnics either, on account of the woodland critters that food attracts. Dogs are welcome on the trail on a lead, just not inside the café itself, though they can join you on the veranda or in the courtyard marquee.
Booking has to be done online, and it's the only way in, which is a bit of a faff if you're the sort who likes to just turn up on a whim. Tickets are non-refundable too, though they'll offer a return visit if the trail's shut for extreme weather. Parking's free on site, at least, so that's one thing you don't need to plan around.
Facilities
Need to know
- Parking
- Free parking on site
- Tickets are non-refundable, though a return visit may be offered if the trail closes for extreme weather
- Bikes aren't allowed on the trail
- Opening times vary through the year, not every day of the week
- Parking's free on site
Plan your visit
How long does a visit take?
Somewhere between 1.5 and 5 hours, depending how thoroughly you search for the fairy houses and hidden doors.
Do we need to book?
Booking's online only, so it's how everyone gets in, not an option to skip.
What happens if it rains?
Most of the gardens are outside but under trees, and there's the museum and café veranda for shelter.
Can we bring a picnic?
No picnicking in the woods, since it attracts the local wildlife, but the Woodland Kitchen serves food and drinks.
Is it OK for a wheelchair or buggy?
The trail is a stoned woodland track that can get muddy and rutted, which makes it a genuine challenge for wheelchair users.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs on a lead are welcome on the trail and on the café veranda or courtyard marquee, but not inside the café.
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