UK's mystical rainforest that's ‘like a movie set' but ‘haunted by a ghost dog'

Metro

26-05-2025

When you hear 'rainforest', you might think of the Amazon in Brazil or the Congo Basin – but did you know there are rainforests here in the UK?
The UK is home to patches of temperate rainforests – rare habitats that are thought to be even more endangered than those found in the tropics.
They're found on the Western coastlines in the UK – and one in Dartmoor National Park, Devon, was previously named in a list of Britain's best 'off the beaten track' locations to visit.
Wistman's Wood, known as Wistman's Wood National Nature Reserve, is important for its fragile mosses, lichens, heathland and grassland species.
But there are plenty more reasons to visit…
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With oak trees growing in odd directions, alongside granite boulders and wildflowers, a walk through Wistman's Wood can feel like stepping into an otherworldly fantasy land.
Perhaps it's no surprise, then, that visitors report spooky goings on after dark.
Some report seeing a 'ghost dog', or hearing eerie whispers as the wind blows.
Legend has it that there's an angry pack of bloodthirsty hellhounds who hunt across the moors at night, searching for lost souls and explorers who've lost their way. They're even said to guard the gates to the Underworld.
If that's not scary enough, another tale tells the story of a man who attempted to fell one of the ancient trees… but the oaks got their revenge, curling their roots around the man, crushing him to death. It's said his cries can still be heard at night.
However, that hasn't put visitors off from exploring the stunning site. There are numerous five star reviews of the place on TripAdvisor.
One traveller said Wistman's Wood looked like it was 'straight out of a Harry Potter set', adding: 'This is a very peaceful place, but dare you stay after sunset???'
Another reviewer likened it to a 'Steven King cinema set', and a different visitor described it as 'mystical and magical.'
Meanwhile, on TikTok, one user said: 'It feels like walking through a scene from Lord of the Rings'.
The look and feel of the forest makes it a must-see, but it's also a historic site.
Wistman's Wood is a remnant of Dartmoor's ancient forest dating back to around 7000 BCE.
Originally covered with stunted oak trees, the wood has changed over the years and has seen the emergence of new straight-grown oaks alongside the growth of its older trees. Some of these ancient oaks are estimated to be 400 to 500 years old.
The origin of the name of this petite oak wood is shrouded in various theories.
Some believe it came from the presence of Druids in the wood who purportedly conducted rituals within. This meant it was dubbed 'Wise Man's Wood.'
Alternatively, some believe the name stems from the Saxon term 'wis,' denoting knowledge, or 'Wissman,' translating to 'Wood of the Wise Man.'
For those who prefer a more mysterious association, the term 'Wisht' also connotes being led astray by pixies. In folklore, pixies are mischievous pranksters, often playing tricks on unsuspecting visitors to this wood.
Travelling to Wistman's Wood is not the easiest of excursions, and weather on the moor can change quickly and drastically – so if you do want to visit, be prepared for all conditions.
The wood is located in the Dart River Valley which is a very remote area of Devon's Dartmoor National Park.
It is closest to the area Two Bridges, with the larger tourist hub Princetown – which is home to the National Park Visitor Centre – nearby.
Trying to reach Princetown by car, you'll be looking at a one-hour journey from the city of Exeter, 2 hours and 20 minutes from Bristol, or a lengthy 4 hours and 30 minutes from London. More Trending
According to the official Dartmoor website, a small car park for visitors is available in Two Bridges, opposite Two Bridges Hotel. Spaces are very limited and best avoided at busy times.
Then the footpath to Wistman's Wood from the car park and back again is about 4km. It is advised that visitors give themselves at least one hour to complete the return walk.
After all, you don't want to get stuck here after dark.
This article was originally published in March 2024.
As Wistman's Wood is an important nature area, visitors are urged to adhere to the following rules: Don't walk through the wood or scramble across the rocky boulders, this will destroy the lichens and mosses. Every footstep makes a difference.
Don't remove branches or pick lichens and mosses.
Don't light fires or barbeques
Wild camping is not allowed in this area
Cycling is not allowed on the footpath or moorland. Check where you can cycle.
Leave no trace, give nature space
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