“Magical Forest?” What is that? ‘When I said I was going to Magical Woodlands in Cheshire, almost everyone asked me.
“Well…it’s…you know…a magical forest! With lights and music and…magical things…” I didn’t know what to expect either, so I stopped. But… Wow wow.
Magical Woodland is without a doubt the most magical, family-friendly experience we’ve ever had in the Cheshire area. Admittedly, we haven’t been out much lately so I’m super excited to have a family night out, but it was truly magical!
Magical Woodland is located in the forest of Blakemere Village, just outside Delamere Forest. The forest will be illuminated with lights, music, entertainers, performances, light shows and theater. Guests follow a path through the trees and encounter countless mini light shows along the way.
It feels like there are a lot of mini stations with lights and music, and you just have to walk a little to get to the next attraction. Each has its own theme and music.
I was very surprised by the size of Magical Woodland and how each attraction was a little bigger and a little better than the previous one. So excited his 3 year old Joseph tried to watch the whole thing in a hurry to see the next little show, but even though he ran at a 3 year old pace, it took him over an hour to watch everything. It took.
Grub in the wood
As you near the end of the trail, you’ll reach the “Grab in the Wood.” There are several wooden huts selling drinks and marshmallows, as well as a pizza and prosecco van and another food truck. Best of all, the clearings are dotted with small fires where you can toast marshmallows and warm your cold hands.
(Pay by card, so no cash required!)
Fun for the whole family
It’s a cliché to say that an experience is something the whole family can enjoy, but this was true!
Our one year old Alba loved seeing all the lights and dancing to the music. George (age 5) and Joseph (age 3) were fascinated by all the magic and loved seeing the owls and interactive elements.
Can you take a baby to Magical Woodland?
that’s right! Music is playing, but not so loud that you need earplugs. I saw some people with strollers, but I don’t recommend them. The path in the forest is flat, but it might be a little difficult with a stroller, so I’d definitely recommend using a baby carrier.
Would little children be scared?
We saw a lot of small children, none of them seemed scared, they were all excited about the magic. I thought Joseph might be scared. He is 3 years old and gets scared of a lot of things (Delamere’s Gruffalo is scared of his trails!) but he wasn’t scared at all. It’s dark in places and people are well-dressed, but there’s plenty of fun things to keep you occupied.
Did it feel ‘Covid-safe’?
absolutely. It’s all outdoors so there’s very little to touch so it felt very safe. We visited Magical Woodland on opening press night and it was quiet there. I don’t know if it always feels this quiet, but I don’t think it makes a difference. You will be assigned a time slot to enter and follow a path through the forest, naturally keeping your distance from the group in front of you.
I was told that if I wanted to pass the group in front of me, that was fine and that I could request to pass when I felt it was appropriate.
It’s dark in the forest so you hardly notice anyone, so I don’t think it will be a problem even if it gets crowded. I noticed the group in front of me and the group behind me, but I couldn’t see or hear anyone else.
We attended a press evening before the experience officially opened, so our tickets to Magical Woodland were free.
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