Little did Sir Colin Armstrong, the owner of the 500 acre Tupgill Park Estate in the Yorkshire Dales know that in 2025 he'd have approximately 150,000 visitors to his land each year. What started in the eighties as a private folly with a small wood, a tower and a grotto, snowballed into The Forbidden Corner, an attraction billed as 'the strangest place in the world'.

       Today, this 'day out with a difference' boasts 'the temple of the underworld, the eye of the needle, a huge pyramid made of translucent glass, paths and passages that lead nowhere and extraordinary statues' and has been delighting kids and adults for almost 30 years.

       But the attraction was almost halted just a year after opening to the public, back in the nineties. Queries about planning permission were raised by officials - prompting loyal fans to send 2,000 letters demanding it be saved and garnering 10,000 signatures on a petition that eventually resulted in The Forbidden Corner being granted permission to remain open, in 2000.

       Since then, the park has gone from strength to strength, with visitors taking to TripAdvisor to share their thoughts. Comments range from "Magical and captivating (and exceptional staff!)”, to "Definitely, definitely go here! The layout and scenery is absolutely amazing, especially for nature lovers, and it's great for people of all ages".

       It's safe to say this hidden gem is worth a look - however, be warned, some of its features have been labelled 'too scary' for children! Luckily, according to the website, those parts can be avoided - so little ones can enjoy without worry, reports Chronicle Live.

       The trail, which should take approximately two hours to complete, is deemed suitable for everyone, with the website warning visitors may "get wet either by mother nature or surprises around every corner".

       Gearing up for a busy spring and summer season, the attraction reopens for the year in April, following it's annual off-season closure. Tickets are available to book now and Forbidden Corner will be open seven days a week from April 1st – October 31st and weekends only in November and December.