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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Emma Gill

'For any Harry Potter fan, the Forbidden Forest is an experience you don't want to miss'

It's the time of year when families start looking at what events are in store for the festive season.

Well it's not a Christmas event, but there's certainly a festive feel as you wander past the twinkling lights into the new Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience.

It's back for a second year in the grounds of Cheshire's Arley Hall and Gardens - little more than half an hour from Manchester - and we were among the first to step inside to see exactly what's in store.

Read more: 30+ things to do with kids in Manchester this Halloween and October half term

Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience is on at Arley Hall in Cheshire (Manchester Family / MEN)

With last year's event receiving rave reviews we had high expectations and thankfully it didn't disappoint.

From start to finish there's something Potter-themed to keep fans of the films and books - and even those who haven't seen or read them - entertained.

Inspired by the iconic Forbidden Forest and featuring creatures from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts series, visitors follow a set trail through the woodland encountering mystical creatures such as Hippogriffs, Centaurs, unicorns, Nifflers, and more.

You won't meet any live characters as such - it's not somewhere you'll find Dobby bobbing around - but there are lots of static and moving statues and scenery along the way, which all helps to bring the magic of the Wizarding World to life.

Hagrid and his dog Fang (Manchester Family / MEN)

From Hagrid and his beloved boarhound Fang - which will now no doubt have fans reminiscing over the talent of Robbie Coltrane following his sad death this week - to the Hippogriff reciprocating the bows of visitors, there's so much for big and little fans to enjoy as they make their way around.

And there are lots more interactive elements to it as well, including the chance to practice casting spells and see if you can wake the sleeping giant.

Don't worry if you don't have your own wand as visitors are loaned one for some of the activities - including the part where two people can go head-to-head to see whose house power is the strongest.

Of course it wouldn't be complete without some Potter-themed food and drink to enjoy along the way and there's certainly no shortage where that's concerned.

A Niffler Pocket donut and Slytherin hot chocolate among the many treats on offer (Manchester Family / MEN)

On arrival there's everything from donuts and edible wands, to house-themed hot chocolates and slushies. Around the middle of the trail you can grab more treats and snacks, including the popular Butterbeer, and at the end there's an entire seasonally themed village full of stalls selling a whole host of meals, from roast dinners inside giant Yorkshire puddings to traditional fish and chips.

No doubt the pick 'n' mix Sweet Shop will catch the eye of younger guests and they can fill up with eyeballs, jelly frogs and all sorts of delights. Plus there's a firepit to toast marshmallows and have them coated in a chocolate and a choice of toppings.

There is also an on-site shop with Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts merchandise to take home.

Throw in all that with your tickets and it's not a cheap experience. But you can tell from the sleekness of it and how well it's been designed that the big boys are behind it.

Harry Potter slushies (Manchester Family / MEN)

In fact it's been created by Warner Bros Themed Entertainment in partnership with award-winning theatrical designers and creators Thinkwell, as well as their partners Unify and leading entertainment discovery platform Fever.

And if you're a Potter fan, or you have one in the family, it's definitely an experience you don't want to miss.

The attraction is open from Saturday, October 15, and will be offering visiting slots every 15 minutes from 6.45pm until 9.45pm. It's on until January 16, but tickets are currently only available up to December 4.

Ticket prices will start from £39.50, family and group bundles are also available, and can be ordered online.

At the end of the attraction there's an entire village full of stalls selling a whole host of treats (Manchester Family / MEN)

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