An interactive family attraction aiming to create ‘more magical experiences’ for residents and visitors will open in York this summer.
The Potions Academy will enable people to become witches and wizards and take an extraordinary broomstick ride over York.
And visitors will also take part in a unique potions making masterclass.
The Potions Academy is set to open on Shambles in July.
It is the latest venture of York’s award winning Potion Cauldron Group, which already runs The Potions Cauldron on Shambles and the Hole In Wand golf attraction on Coppergate.
More recently, it has expanded nationwide, with a second Hole In Wand opening in Blackpool and another one set to open in Chester next month, plus a Potions Cauldron shop now trading in Edinburgh.
The Potions Academy will have two core elements.
- Broom School – a broom flying video experience which allows wizards and witches the chance to fly across the city, swerving key landmarks and escaping the clutches of the dragon, with a souvenir video to take away
- Potions Class – a 30 minute actor interactive alchemy class for all the famly, showcasing the art of potion making whilst sampling some of the Potions Cauldron award winning potions.
Based on Shambles, the Potions Academy will be accessed via Shambles Market in the old Sew N’ Sews unit.
It will be initially open at weekends and holidays.
Company co-founder Ben Fry said “Providing great value magical experiences is a core aim of The Potions Cauldron Group and we know that the addition of The Potions Academy we will achieve this.
“We have evaluated the feedback from guests of our current offerings in Northern England and Scotland taking best practice to achieve another magical experience.”
Co-founder Phil Pinder added: “During weekends and holidays our potions experience in Shambles and our mini golf in Coppergate both reach capacity.
“Therefore we know that there is appetite for more magical experiences. This new brand is exciting for the group as we continue to grow and develop and will hopefully create another 5-star rated attraction for both residents and visitors to the city to enjoy.”
The Potions Academy also plans to offer additional experiences in late 2024, including wizard afternoon teas working with local suppliers as well as walking tours and animal encounters.
More updates are coming on the website and social media.