Puzzlewood – a mysterious forest that inspired Tolkien to create "The Lord of the Rings" (16 photos + 1 video)
Tolkien, who often walked here, was inspired by the fantastic landscapes to create the Old Forest, Mirkwood, Fangorn and Lorien, which feature in The Lord of the Rings. 
Puzzlewood, located in the Forest of Dean near Coleford, is a popular outdoor destination in Gloucestershire, England. 
There are many beautiful moss-covered rocks, bridges, fantastic hills and trees, with winding paths leading to them. Puzzlewood, which has been used as a filming location for Merlin, Doctor Who, Star Wars and more, covers an area of over 6 hectares and is considered one of the best examples of open-pit iron mines from the Celtic period to the pre-Roman era. The paths were laid out in the early 19th century by the then owner. It was not opened to the public until 100 years later. 
A charming place, Puzzlewood is said to have been the inspiration for J.R.R. Tolkien's novel The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien was a frequent visitor to the area, and may have considered Puzzlewood and the Forest of Dean when he created the Old Forest, Mirkwood, Lothlórien, and other places in his Middle-earth. 
As well as the forest, there are petting zoos, outdoor picnic tables, a cafe, a gift shop and a children's play area. Animals housed at Puzzlewood include cattle, wildfowl, rabbits, donkeys, Soy sheep, goats and Shetland ponies. The area around Puzzlewood is a working farm. 
Over the years, evidence of Roman occupation of the area has been found in the form of over 3,000 coins from the third century. In the hundreds of years since the Romans left the area, trees and moss have grown and hidden any man-made structures that may have been left behind for mining. 
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"Star wars" 
"Snow White and the Huntsman" 
"Doctor Who" 
"Merlin"
