When darkness falls, curtains are drawn and the moon is a glowing orb high in the onyx sky, fantastical beasts inspired by the wizarding world will emerge from the shadows in Arley Hall & Gardens in Cheshire, found under an hour’s drive from Manchester. Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience is coming to the end of its second spell and will be ending on January 15.
Don’t miss out on the chance to, under the cloak of night, enter a forest that feels like it has been plucked from the pages of Harry Potter™ and Fantastic Beasts™. This is an unforgettable experience where stunning sets, immersive sounds, atmospheric lighting and magical creatures bring the Wizarding World to life right in front of your eyes. It may be the experience’s second time in the moonlight but this is not the same trail you remember, with plenty of new features, photo ops and characters to witness for the first time. Let’s just say, you’ll want to make sure to scrub up on your wand technique and spell casting.
Swap city lights for the illuminating woodland trail this Winter. This incredible experience was a big hit last year garnering a wealth of good reviews and is back with a host of brilliant new attractions that ensure even returning visitors will be treated to some unexpected new surprises. You’ll be contributing to the magic, even more, this time round: you’ll be able to freeze fairies with a mere swish of a wand, cast a spell to reveal a giant Dark Arts snake twisting up a gnarled tree trunk and change the colour of a troop of mushrooms sprouting from the forest floor. The power is well and truly in your hands, ensuring an unforgettable time. Don’t just take our word for it, the reviews speak volumes…
💬 – ‘Absolutely loved it! Was bigger and better than I expected, really well thought out, not overcrowded at all and just magical.’
💬 – ‘We travelled down from central Scotland and it was well worth the journey! Full of surprises and lots of interactions. Very well done.’
💬 – ‘It was fun and a true reflection of Harry Potter set in lovely grounds giving the perfect atmosphere! Thank you to everyone involved in making the whole experience magical for any age…. From two 60-plus-year-olds’
💬 – ‘Beautiful displays loved it as did my 8-year old granddaughter as it was her birthday’
One thing is for sure, you know you’re in good hands when exploring the wilderness of Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience. Created by award-winning theatrical designers and experiential creators, the interactive nighttime trail celebrates iconic scenes and characters from the Harry Potter™ and Fantastic Beasts™ series; every bewitching detail – from the feather in a Hippogriff’s wing to the mist rolling through the thick tangle of trees – adds to the experience.
Be sure to keep your phone juiced up – you’ll want to capture it all on camera. On the trail you’ll encounter all sorts of intriguing creatures: a Niffler with a mischievous glint in his eye (or is that just a twinkle of a pilfered diamond necklace he’s got his hands on?), a solitary unicorn gleaming in the darkness, even a cluster of giant spiders dangling from the treetops (arachnophobes may want to give this part a miss). Not only that, but you’ll swing by the overgrown wreckage of Ron’s rusted car, have the chance to cast your own patronus and even feast on delicious Potter-inspired food and drink along the way. Butterbeer™ anyone?
This experience is a must-visit for any fans of the Wizarding World or simply those who need an extra bit of magic in their life this year. But just be sure to grab your tickets quick, as they tend to disappear faster than the drop of a sorting hat.