There’s plenty of magic to discover along our city’s cobbled streets and I’m going to ensure you don’t miss out on any Harry Potter activities it has to offer.
🧙 From playing wizard-themed golf to crafting your own potion, you and your family are about to experience an unforgettably ethereal day.
The Hole in Wand York – Wizard Golf
You might think you’ve experienced all that mini golf has to offer, but The Hole in Wand will make you think again.
Created by the brains behind The Potions Cauldron (more on that later), this course is fun for all the family, even your smallest members.
Over nine wizarding golf holes, you’ll attempt to various obstacles, such as a spilled cauldron, a huge picture frame (my personal favourite), and portals to other realms.
And at the end, you’ll discover whether your powers come from a serpent, unicorn, wizard, or basilisk. My girl achieved the unicorn accolade, which she was over the moon about.
Before you leave, don’t forget to sample the themed refreshments. I recommend the Spellbound Butterscotch Beer to round out your Harry Potter-filled day.
Wizard Walk of York
Got younger children like me? Your visit won’t be complete without joining The Wizard of York on his spellbinding Wizard Walk filled with comedy, mystery, and, of course, magic.
Unlike the popular ghost tours, this one is ultra kid-friendly, focusing on fun whimsy rather than scary ghouls — no wondering whether your little ones will sleep at night!
It isn’t just for little witches and wizards, though. I had just as much fun honouring my inner child while wandering York’s snickelways to find magical creatures.
York Train Station
My kids flew home from school one day and excitedly told me the iconic scene wherein Hagrid disappears into Platform 9¾ was filmed on the bridge at York Railway Station.
I was sceptical but researched anyway and discovered… that the scene was actually filmed in London at Kings Cross and St Pancras (sadly).
But we still went to York station during our Harry Potter day out. We still had a blast snapping pictures with the trains and old features. So, I suggest heading or arriving there to kickstart the fun.
Homestead Park Harry Potter Statues
Whatever the time of year, Homestead Park’s glorious 14 acres make a fantastic day out. But this year, they’ve added jaw-dropping Harry Potter willow sculptures!
I took a load of great shots of my family enjoying themselves, including my smallest pretending to fly on a broomstick!
No matter the age of your Potterheads, they’re bound to have a good time. Read about my Homestead park visit here.
York Shambles
The famous shambles narrow street lined with predominantly timber buildings was filled with butchers, butchers, and more butchers.
Today, it harbours a bunch of independent retailers who all appear to have landed here from Diagon Alley.
In fact, it’s so alike to the fictional street that people speculate whether it was JK Rowling’s inspiration (although she says she’s never visited)!
The Shop That Must Not Be Named
The Shop That Must Not Be Named is my personal favourite.
Packed with everything a witch or wizard may need, you can pick up anything from wands to Harry Potter merch.
Every time I pop in, I feel like I’ve just disembarked the Hogwarts Express and new supplies for my next term at Hogwarts. That’s how immersive it is!
The Potions Cauldron
Your Harry Potter day out in York won’t be complete without visiting The Potions Cauldron, a mystical drinks emporium also situated on Shambles.
You can head in for a drink or participate in their Potions Academy. I chose the latter and my children loved it.
We made potions under the Potion Master’s guidance for 30 minutes, and even my youngest was enthralled the entire time.
The Ghost Merchants
Despite the name, The Ghost Merchants isn’t as scary as it seems.
If you appreciate the handmade, I recommend buying your very own ghost to memorialise your Potterhead’s dream of a day out.
Granted, my youngest wasn’t too fussed about this part, but the rest of my brood adored it after seeing all the viral videos.
Villains Rum Of York
Looking to change sides and join the Villains of York? Picked your house and it was always Slytherin? Then you’ll fit right in!
Taking a change from the kids friendly activities and immerse yourself in this brand new shop opening offers the experience to taste and knowledge yourself about the villains of York and how the Rum represents them. Read about my experience at Villains Rum of York.
3 Harry Potter Themed Hotels in York
Fancy turning your day into a weekend, here’s where I’ve stayed and loved (all HP themed, of course)
Hocus Pocus
The names in this so-called “tiny hotel” are super Potteresque, but there are only five rooms, so they fill up fast.
I stayed in the Sorceryum room, but there’s also the Principium Magicae, alongside one designed like an old chemist and railway carriage. It’s like a different world in there! See rooms here.
The Enchantment Chamber
Despite having all today’s luxuries, The Enchantment Chamber’s vintage essence makes you feel like you’re living inside the Harry Potter books.
You’ll sleep in a custom-built four-poster bed and lounge on the opulent leather sofa in front of a realistic open fire. Just keep in mind that it only sleeps two, so save this for a romantic staycation! See rooms here.
101 House At The End
This Airbnb is filled with magical details that I challenge you to spot during your stay.
I couldn’t get enough of the emerald-clad bedroom and the Victorian-style reading room. You’ll have a blast, I’m sure of it. See rooms here.
Final Thoughts
Our Harry Potter day out was truly magical! The excitement on my kids faces were priceless, and it brought back so many fond memories for me as well. As we left, we couldn’t stop talking about our favorite parts, and I knew this adventure would be a cherished family memory for years to come.
Leave a Reply