The hugely popular woodland trail inspired by the forbidden forest from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beats franchise is set to return next month.
After what was undoubtedly a massive success back in 2021, with people travelling from all across the UK to see what it was all about, organisers of the Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience have announced that it’s coming back to the Grade II-listed Arley Hall & Gardens in Cheshire in just a few weeks time.
Arriving just in time for Halloween from Saturday 15 October, Potter-heads are invited to “walk into the depths of a dark forest”, and “discover fantastic beasts and iconic Wizarding World moments illuminated like never before”.
Transforming the beautiful location into a spectacular outdoor light trail inspired by the much-loved book and film series’, fantasy fans are invited to step into a magical woodland filled with curious creatures and characters.
It’s set to be an interactive experience packed with surprises around every corner.
ADVERTISEMENT
Just like last year, you can once again discover mystical creatures like Hippogriffs, centaurs, unicorns, and Nifflers as you make your way around the trail.
You can also practice casting your very-own spells like studious wizards and witches.
ADVERTISEMENT
The forbidden forest trail itself isn’t all us muggles have to look forward to either, as the experience also includes a seasonally-themed village where you can enjoy a wide range of delicious food and drinks – including the Wizarding World fan-favourite Butterbeer.
There’ll also be edible wands, and hearty winter warmers like traditional roast dinners, and pie and mash – with vegan and gluten-free options.
The hugely popular Harry Potter ‘forbidden forest’ experience is returning next month / Credit: SuppliedThere’s set to be surprises around every corner at Arley Hall and Gardens / Credit: Supplied
Decadent hot chocolates and mulled wine will be on hand to wash it down with too.
ADVERTISEMENT
There is also an on-site shop that’s decked-out with Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts merchandise for fans to take home.
Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience will once again be open from 15 October 2022, and is gearing up to be a unique adventure for the whole family that provides plenty for fans of all ages to see and do.
Tickets start from £19.50, and you can grab yours here.
Featured Image – Supplied
What's On
Popular grassroots music festival to return to hidden Manchester street with new fringe events
Emily Sergeant
Manchester’s much-loved grassroots music festival is back next month, and this year, there’s some new fringe events too.
Set across a handful of popular venues up on Deansgate Mews – including The Lion’s Den, Low Four Studios and The Mews Bar – Deansgate Mews Festival is returning for its sixth year this late May bank holiday weekend.
More than 40 music artists will be performing on a mix of outdoor and intimate indoor stages.
But that’s not all, as in what’s set to be an exciting new chapter for 2026, the festival is expanding beyond its core programme with the launch of the first-ever Mews Fest Fringe too.
Popular grassroots music festival Mews Fest returns this late May bank holiday / Credit: Supplied
The inaugural Mews Fest Fringe will be hosted in a large unit within Great Northern Warehouse, which will be transformed into a ‘vibrant’ hub celebrating music, art and independent culture.
Designed as a platform for Manchester’s creative community, the festival space will welcome artists, designers, collectors, and creative entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their work while connecting with festival-goers.
At the Fringe event, you can expect everything from record sellers and vinyl collectors, to vintage clothes, arts and crafts makers, independent creatives, and even bands selling merchandise.
This year there’s also the addition of the Mews Fest Fringe / Credit: Supplied
Already known for its strong grassroots ethos and growing reputation, Mews Fest continues to champion local talent and independent culture – but now with the addition of the Fringe event, the stage is set for its most ‘ambitious and inclusive’ edition to date.
Oh and the best bit? Both festivals will be free to attend, with no need to book tickets beforehand.
Mews Fest and Mews Fest Fringe will take over Deansgate Mews next month on late May bank holiday weekend from Friday 22 – Monday 26 May.
Featured Image – Supplied
What's On
Peter Kay announces four intimate charity shows in Greater Manchester – but only for these postcodes
Emily Sergeant
Peter Kay has just announced four intimate shows to raise money for a very worthy cause… but you can only get tickets if you live in these particular postcodes.
Comedy legend Peter Kay is set to return home to the Bolton Albert Halls for four very special hometown shows in this summer, marking his first performances at the venue more than two decades.
Taking to the very stage where he recorded the UK’s biggest-selling stand-up DVD, it’s set to be a proper nostalgic homecoming for one of Britain’s most beloved comedians.
The summer shows – which are taking place from 9 – 11 July 2026, even including a matinee performance – this is a rare chance for local fans to be part of something incredibly special, with all funds raised going to Bolton Hospice.
But, there’s a bit of a catch… you’ll only be able to get tickets if you live in Bolton (and some parts of Bury), as it’s strictly limited to BL postcodes.
Peter Kay Live at the Bolton Albert Halls – 2026 Dates
Thursday 9 July (Evening)
Friday 10 July (Evening)
Saturday 11 July (Matinee)
Saturday 11 July (Evening)
Tickets officially go on sale Friday 24 April at 10am, and you can get your hands on them here.
Emily Sergeant -
29th September 2022 
