The Experience
What can I expect from Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience?
Take a walk through an enchanting woodland filled with magical creatures and moments from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts series. This all-new, outdoor light trail, inspired by the iconic Forbidden Forest, will have you reliving some of your favourite moments as you explore after dark the sounds, lights, and special effects that bring the wizarding world to life.
Where is the event located?
TThis experience will take place on the estate of Arley Hall & Gardens, Arley, Northwich CW9 6NA.
How long is the experience?
Your adventure will likely last 60-90 mins. However, there is lots to see and do at your own pace, so make sure you save some extra time to make the most of everything on offer!!
Will there be merchandise for sale?
Yes, there will be an on-site shop for Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts merchandise to take home.
Will Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest be coming to other cities
For 2021, your only chance to see this experience will be at Arley Hall & Gardens, however please check back for further updates.
Do I need to have watched the movies?
We encourage it! But even if you are brand new to Harry Potter and this is your first foray into the magical world, you will enjoy the experience regardless.
What time should I arrive?
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled start time. This is to ensure you have enough time to check-in before entering the experience.
Will it be scary?
This is a family experience, however elements may be perceived as a little spooky for certain individuals. If you have arachnophobia, please let us know when you arrive and we can make sure that we accommodate any needs to avoid spiders.
What is the minimum age?
There is no minimum however, given it is a lit trail at night, containing magical creatures from the film series, some younger Guests might find elements a little bit spooky. We recommend that all children under the age of 12 years old be accompanied by an adult.
What is the dress code?
Please remember this is an outdoor winter trail, we strongly recommend you wear sensible outdoor shoes for uneven terrain and that you wrap up warm.
Tickets
Where can I get tickets?
All tickets must be pre-purchased ahead of time through one of the following three channels:
- On the Fever app, available on Google Play and Apple Store.
- On this website in the Tickets section.
- On the Fever website.
Can I reschedule my tickets to another date/time, or upgrade/downgrade my ticket?
We may be able to help reschedule or exchange your ticket for another date, time or ticket type that has not already sold out. Please
contact us for more information. Make sure to include your ticket order number.
Can I transfer my tickets to another person?
Yes, you can transfer your tickets to anyone for free. It is as easy as clicking "Transfer Tickets" on your ticket on the Fever App. Please
contact us for additional help. Make sure to include your ticket order number.
What is your refund policy?
Tickets may be exchanged or refunded up to 48hours prior to your booking. You can
contact us and our user support team will process your request. Make sure to include your ticket order number.
I can't find my ticket. What can I do?
You can find your ticket with the QR code in the Fever app, within the Tickets section. If you don't have it installed, you can download it from
Google Play and
Apple Store.. Remember to log in using the same account that you used when buying the tickets. If you still cannot find your ticket, please
contact us.
Can I buy different ticket types in the same transaction?
Currently it is not possible, however we have a great family pack which allows you to add as many children as you wish for the same discounted price. Should you require different ticket types we ask that you make separate transactions. Don’t worry, this will not cost you any more and tickets are exchangeable or refundable up to 48hours before the trail should you change your mind.
Do I need to print my ticket?
No, ticket validation will be through contactless tickets directly in the Fever App.
Can I pay my ticket with cash?
Cash payment will not be possible. All tickets must be pre-purchased through the Website or APP.
Do you provide free tickets for young children?
Absolutely, children under the age of 5 can come enjoy the trail for free.
Access
What happens if I arrive late?
Late comers may not be admitted.
What do I do if I have any questions about accessibility / special accommodations?
Please email our customer service team
here and we will advise on how we can best assist you.
I am a wheelchair user, is the trail suitable for me?
Please be aware this is a woodland walk; our pathway is made up of pressed stones, it is therefore not on tarmac- this can make it a challenging terrain for pushing a wheelchair. However, we have motorised wheelchairs for adults that can be utilised and hired. We will endeavour to ensure the pathways are flat, however given the natural environment of the woodland and time of year guests should expect that the surface may be uneven in areas. Please contact our customer service team to discuss facilities and how you can enjoy the trail.
How do I book a ticket for my carer?
Guests requiring assistance throughout the experience are entitled to apply for one free pass for their Personal Assistant/Support worker. Please note that the Guest requiring assistance must have a valid ticket before applying. Once you have purchased your ticket please email us
here with proof of disability. Here are a few of the documents we accept:
- Middle or Higher rate DLA for care and/or mobility.
- Receipt of Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
- Evidence of being severely sight impaired.
- CredAbility Access Card – + 1 category requirement.
- A recognised Assistance Dog ID Card.
In the event the experience sells out and you haven’t applied for your PA ticket please do not worry. If you have a valid ticket we will ensure a PA ticket is made available for you.
Do you have Accessible facilities?
On-site we are offering the following facilities:
- Blue Badge Parking - Car Park 2 (Everyone wishing to park in the accessible car park will need to apply here)
- There are accessible toilets at both the half-way point and in the Village.
- Motorised wheelchair hire will be offered at the trail entrance please book in advance here)
Are dogs permitted?
Only assistance dogs are permitted on the trail.
Will there be any medical & welfare facilities?
There will be medical facilities on site located in the Village.
Are there any special effects or loud noises in the experience?
There will be lighting sequences created within the lighting design that will have some flashing lights contained within them, however, these will not be strobe lighting. We have worked to guidelines on photosensitive epilepsy and will adhere to the industry standard of synchronising effects and locking the sequences to ensure that lights do not operate at more than 5 flashes per second.
How far will I need to walk between amenities?
These are the distances in metres:
- Car Park 2 ( where disabled parking is ) to Event toilets in the village - 500 metres.
- Distance from start to trail to half way toilets - 900 metres.
- Distance from half way toilets to end of trail - 1000 metres.
- Distance from the end of the trail to toilets in the village - 300 metres.
Will catering units accommodate dietary requirements?
There will be a range of hot and cold food- both savoury and sweet there will be a range of vegetarian, vegan GF available.
How can I get to the estate?
Address: Arley Hall & Gardens
Northwich
Chesire
CW9 6NA
Located in the grounds of Arley Hall, Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest will take place within the woodlands of the estate. Please note that this is an outdoor trail, conducted in darkness hours. Staff and signs will guide Guests from the car park to the start of the trail.
Via car Arley is signposted from Junction 9/10 on the M56 and Junction 19/20 on the M6. Follow the brown tourist signs. Please check back closer to the event for further information regarding travel by car.
We have event car parks on site, and would ask Guests to follow the signs and directions of our staff. Parking is free for this event.
Please note parking on grass verges or on roads running up to the Arley Estate is strictly prohibited and cars may be removed if blocking the public highway in any way. Please always utilise the event car parks on site.
Public transport info: Via train: The event is well served by a number of train stations. We advise looking at the National Rail website to look at the most appropriate route and train station, from your home location. However, as a guide we would recommend:
- Manchester/ Liverpool direct train to Warrington
- Birmingham direct to Hartford / or 1 change to Warrington
- London Euston direct to Warrington
Warrington Taxi Services
There are a number of taxi services in Warrington. We advise early booking to avoid disappointment.
Hartford Taxi Services
There are a number of taxi services in Hartford. We advise early booking to avoid disappointment.
A taxi drop off / pick up point will be located near the event parking on site. Please advise taxi services to pick up from this location at the end of your experience. A waiting taxi rank will not be offered, so advise all Guests to pre-book their return taxi.
Will there be free Parking?
Yes, a free parking area has been made available for guests of the trail, so you will not need to book this ahead of time.
Environmental Impact
How is the walking path being created?
The Woods have a pre-existing path that we’ll be utilizing for most of the proposed walking trail. The remaining will follow a pre-existing track, which is being upgraded for the experience.
Were any trees or animals affected by this Experience?
The vast majority of the overall woodland will remain completely untouched by the experience and should have minimal impact to natural habitats. Working in conjunction with the estate manager, any sapling trees that are removed for the event will be replaced within the wood system with species benefiting the overall health of the wood. Therefore, we will not reduce the woodland, but look to increase the number of heritage species on the estate as a whole.
Will the lights and sounds affect the natural habitats in the woodlands?
Our overall sound levels are low in the areas where music is being used, we are using localised, limited lighting and we will return the woods to darkness each evening.
Miscellaneous
Is your venue COVID-secure?
The entire experience is being conducted outside and we will be following Government guidelines throughout. The trail follows a one-way route and is designed to be COVID secure to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable visit.
Do I need to wear a mask?
As an outdoor experience, there is no requirement to wear a mask during the trail. However, in line with government guidelines, our Forbidden Forest Emporium requires face masks to be worn at all times. We would recommend that all guests arrive with face masks. Alternatively face masks can be purchased on site.
What if it rains?
This is an outdoor trail and will go ahead even if there is rain. Guests are encouraged to dress appropriately and can bring small personal umbrellas. Large golf style umbrellas are not permitted.
Can I take photos of the experience?
Absolutely! We encourage Guests to take photos throughout the experience. Don’t forget to share your best photos on social media using the hashtag #HPForbiddenForestExperience.
Will I be in a group with other guests?
You will not be asked to join a group, but to follow the trail at your own pace. We advise, as per Government Guidelines, to keep space between you and other Guests.
Can I book a bus to the venue?
We are sadly not able to accept buses onto the premises, so we kindly ask that you do not organise any bus transport directly to the venue.
Contact details
Our user support team can be contacted in two ways:
- Here by submitting a request
- Going onto the Fever app and starting a live chat with our service agents. If you do not have the app it is available on Google Play and Apple Store.
What if someone has an invisible disability?
We fully support the The Sunflower Lanyard Program, so we encourage those with invisible disabilities to come to the trail with the relevant lanyard.
Who do I contact about lost property?
Please email
lostproperty@ravenswoodexp.com with any lost property queries. All lost items will be held on site until the end of the run for Guests to collect, or they can be returned at your cost.
Can I pay with cash at the venue?
No, the Forbidden Forest Experience is a cashless site.
Date: Gates are now open!
Days: Various sessions open daily
Duration: approx. 60-90 minutes (the walking trail takes approx 45-75 minutes)
Location: Arley Hall & Gardens, Arley, Northwich CW9 6NA
Price: Ticket prices may vary depending on the date & time selected. Valley (off peak times) from £19, Standard from £24, Peak (peak times incl. holidays) from £29, Peak + from £34
