York is known for many things but holds a particular place in the hearts of those who adore all things magic. From Harry Potter to hidden horrors, there’s certainly something mystical about this city. In the last few years, The Potions Cauldron Group have created several magical experiences across the city of York and recently, we sent our resident muggle, Mim to experience them:
I was delighted when York’s latest Wizardly addition, The Hole in the Wand opened its doors at Coppergate in May 2021, offering locals and visitors alike the chance to play a mystical, competitive game for everyone to enjoy.
Walking into the building, we are greeted straight away and are given step-by-step instructions by their friendly, well-dressed staff. Adorned in their Hole in the Wand waistcoats and shirts, the staff certainly set off the whole feel of this experience. We then enter a lovely gift shop with potion drinks and gifts, including some cuddly toys and treats for your kids or even to treat yourself! We also notice the Wizard Tavern where you can go sit down, and sample some lovely cauldron cake and potions.
After the short walk through the gift shop, we are then given the choice of a feather quill and a scorecard, in preparation for the game. The scorecard even has a riddle to solve, so you get the chance to win another game in the future! We pick our wand-style golf clubs and head for the first hole.
Along the way, there are plenty of magical props that make you feel like you’re in another world, including medieval pictures on the wall, complete with a mystical dark corridor that adds a bit of spook to the scene. I get to the ninth hole and add to the fun as I lose my ball through the fireplace exit. Every mini-golfer knows, there’s always going to be one dodgy shot!
We come to the end of the game and are given a magical-themed drink. Drinks are selected depending on how well you played, from ‘Tears of a Wizard’ to ‘Serpent’s Venom’. And, if you’re feeling particularly victorious, you also get the choice to have a picture taken at the end to remind you of this fantastic experience.
After visiting the Hole in the Wand we walk up to The Potions Cauldron for our potion experience on the Shambles. The shop has a lovely choice of potions and cauldrons to purchase before you walk into a dark spooky room. Receiving a refreshing drink – either soft for children or alcoholic for adults – visitors have a chat with their cauldron expert, who lets you know that ghosts have been seen in this really old building and it does give you a haunted feel as you are taken on a journey with lots of hidden surprises in the room (I won’t give that part away though!)
Finally, we then choose what drink we want to make, using ingredients such as popping candy and a flashing ice cube, which the kids seem to thoroughly enjoy. The drinks are tasty and this little touch adds to the experience of the day. The entire magical experience with The Potions Cauldron Group didn’t disappoint. It was full of laughter and fun and every room is thought out to play with your imagination. I would recommend this for a good day out in York, especially for families or days out with friends.
For bookings and more information, please visit www.thepotionscauldron.com or www.theholeinwand.com.
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