A Review by Mumbler Sarah
This is a new attraction created by York magician and entertainer The Magic Hatter. We had seen him before performing at Piglets and he was fantastic, so I knew the kids would enjoy his new offering.
The tour we booked started at 6pm but times and dates differ so do check the website! We met at the bottom of the Shambles as instructed and were greeted by the Wizard who introduced the tour and immediately put the children at ease with his silly jokes!
We then set off along the shambles with instructions to look out for specific magical creatures. At regular intervals we stopped, to listen to the Wizard tell us a bit more about different magical creatures and show us some magic of his own.
The tour lasts approximately an hour and it was the perfect length of time/walking for the two six year olds we were with.
They both had a brilliant time and were so engaged and excited the whole time. It was a novelty for them to be out and about in York when it was dark, and they were captivated by all the magic and (very silly) jokes. We loved how the Wizard constantly encouraged the children (and adults!) to participate, by either going to the front to help or by suggesting answers to his questions. He made all the children present feel at ease and was very good at responding to everything they came out with in a really genuine and friendly manner.
When booking there is the option to pay a bit extra to receive a ‘wand kit’ which includes a hand crafted wand and a leaflet detailing some simple tricks that children can try out themselves. Ted has loved giving these a go at home, and getting the kit at the start of the tour made it all just a little bit more special for them.
Ted and his friends are really into Harry Potter/wizards so this tour was absolutely perfect for them and really captured their imaginations! Although the tour isn’t fully based on Harry Potter it is perfect for fans as there are more than a few references to it! But I don’t think you need to be into Harry Potter to enjoy the tour. I definitely recommend it as a unique, special and fun way to spend an evening in the beautiful city of York.
