‘I’m spellbound!’ That was the reaction of a York tour guide after being named in the top three best family experiences in the world.
TripAdvisor has just compiled its ‘Best of the Best’ awards for 2023 – and The Wizard Walk Of York is among them.
The global website put the tour at number three in its best family-friendly experiences in the world.
The award is based on an analysis of a year’s worth of reviews, comments and ratings across the TripAdvisor website and app, and recognises traveller experience that appeal to children as well as their parents.
Dan Wood, who is the wizard in the Wizard Walk of York, said: “I’m absolutely spellbound, and delighted be recognised for bringing wizard fun and comedy to the streets of York.
“There are currently 15 ghost walks in the city, but my goal was to create a truly unique family-friendly experience, with the emphasis on making magical memories!”
The top 1%
The tour was born from the chaos of the pandemic, and Dan has recently hung up his big green hat and retired his other role – The Magic Hatter – to focus on the Wizard Walks and his work in hospitals as a trained Giggle Doctor.
Although it only began in February 2022, it has already notched up a list of successes, including being the silver winner for Best Small Attraction in the YorkMix Choice Awards, Best Tour of York (Little Vikings Awards), and Highly Commended Experience of the Year (Visit York Awards).
This, though, is the tour’s first international accolade.
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Fewer than 1% of TripAdvisor’s eight million listings are awarded Best of the Best, and other winners this year include swimming with dolphins in South Carolina, the Indian Cave Safari and a Roman Gladiator school in Italy.
So what makes his tour so special? “With it’s cobbled streets and winding alleys, York looks like something from the pages of a magical wizarding novel,” Dan said.
“There’s magic around every corner, and lots of opportunities for young wizard fans to join in with their own optional Wizard Wand Kit.”
Tours run from Shambles, and you can book a tour on the Wizard Walk website.
Private tours are also available for birthdays, school groups, kid’s clubs, Rainbows, Beavers and more.
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