Harry Potter Forbidden Forest REVIEW

Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience is now open to visitors (Image: Warner Bros)Warner Bros’ woodland attraction at Arley Hall and Gardens between Liverpool and Manchester, in Cheshire, has been open since last month and every night entertains Potter fans and delighted families.Now Express.co.uk has headed down to see for ourselves what visitors have been enjoying on the night-time trail that adds some much-needed magic to this gloomy winter.Straight away we are treated to mulled wine or smoke-topped drinks depending on which Hogwarts house you are in – Slytherin, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw or Gryffindor.A greeting from one of the Forest’s many helpers and we were on our way, starting the winding tour past magical creatures that takes up to two hours.En-route you can bow to a Hippogriff, creep past Unicorns, lots of owls and stumble across the jewellery and gold-stuffed Niffler den.You can even see the Weasley’s flying Ford Anglia car, before you get a chance to conjure up a Death Eater’s dark mark or your own dementor-protecting Patronus charm.In its second year, the attraction boasts a new feature for those that bring along their own wands – the chance to cast some new spells that you may not have come across in any of JK Rowling’s books, such as one to freeze a lake! Guests will receive a drink depending on what Hogwarts house you are in (Image: Warner Bros) Guests can see Ron Weasley’s iconic Ford Anglia from the movies (Image: Warner Bros)Duelling wizards and witches have the chance to test their skills in combat with a wand battle game, just by the half-way point where you can stop for a hot chocolate or reviving butterbeer drink.Then it is on into the darker parts of the Forbidden Forest and into evil Aragog’s lair as you are swamped by his brood or ravenous spiders.And at the end there is a whole Hogsmeade-style village of refreshments to enjoy, from traditional drinks, to butterbeer, toast your own marshmallows, sweets and roast dinners and hog roasts.It is the perfect pre-Christmas treat and the festive lights will make you still feel that post-Halloween magic is lingering in the air for a few more weeks. Bring your wands, cloaks, waterproofs and maybe a pair of wellies!Tickets are now available for the experience until December 4th.For more information visit the Forbidden Forest website.