Hunting for the tiny fairy doors hidden around the gardens is why many children love to visit Furzey Gardens time and time again.
Come and join in the fun, creep around at the base of trees and you might discover twisted in gnarled old oak or nestled under bushes, a tiny door no more than a foot high.
Furzey gives up its secrets slowly though and you will need to look hard. There are reputed to be over 40 of these secret fairy doors, originally designed and carved by a master thatcher.
James' Tool Shed and Tiny Treats sweet shop
There is a smaller trail of eight fairy doors on our garden map, download your copy here.
Some of our newest doors have been designed by young fans of the gardens, with a hospital, sweet shop and even rocket ship added in the last year.
Although it is fun to leave letters and gifts for the fairies, please encourage your children to post their letters in the Fairy Post Box and not leave items and glitter around the fairy doors, as they are not bio-degradable and could harm wildlife.
Write your letter to the fairy queen, post it in our fairy post box and she will reply!
Ask our meet and greeters about a fairy queen letter and non-germinating bird seed to sprinkle as you explore the gardens.
A message from the fairies:
The fairies love seeing children enjoy the gardens and seeking out their doors, but they have a message for all our visitors.
Fairy glitter is nasty stuff,
The fairies have had quite enough.
They have asked if you can be kinder to nature,
By spreading love as a favour.
So scatter some seed to feed the birds,
And your kind actions will speak louder than words!
We hope you can find all the doors,
And help the Minstead Trust cause.