Norfolk's newest tourist attraction has been so successful that officials have taken the unusual step of appealing for people to stay away this weekend.

Norfolk's newest tourist attraction has been so successful that officials have taken the unusual step of appealing for people to stay away this weekend.

Bewilderwood was packed with up to 6,000 children and adults yesterday as families made the most of the warm weather.

But representatives from the 50-acre magical tree house adventure park, which cost £1.5m to develop, have asked that people stay away this weekend in a bid to prevent the attraction becoming overcrowded.

A spokesman for the park from Jungle PR said: "Bewilderwood has been a massive success both with people in the county and from further afield, thanks to national publicity, but we are taking the unusual step of asking anyone thinking of coming this weekend to wait until after half-term is over.

"If you really want to enjoy it, it is best when it is not so busy."

Bewilderwood, near Wroxham, features tree houses, aerial walkways, slides and zipwires set in a mystical world of woodland creatures headed by Swampy. It opened on May 21 and officials estimate 80,000 people a year are expected to visit.

Visitors enjoy a short boat trip through the Dismal Dyke and into the Scary Lake, where Mildred, a 14ft long crocklebog, lurks. For those who wish to walk, there are jetties and boardwalks into the magical world.

Land owner and founder, Tom Blofeld, has written an accompanying children's book, depicting the weird and wonderful characters that populate the woods, A Boggle at Bewilderwood.

Mr Blofeld said: "Bewilderwood is a reality adventure for the most bold and daring of children. Children who read the book will be able to follow in the footsteps of lead character Swampy, a 2ft-high marsh boggle with a taste for adventure."

Joining Swampy in the undergrowth is the ThornyClod the giant spider, Tree Twiggles and a Witch.

> For information visit www.bewilderwood.co.uk.