Magical Woodland Halloween review 2024
We were kindly invited along to the opening night of Magical Woodland Halloween in October 2024. Read on for my Magical Woodland Halloween review. This is a magical Halloween light trail in Cheshire. Find more Halloween light trails Cheshire here.
Ad – we were gifted entry into Magical Woodland in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, photos and opinions are my own.
Where is Magical Woodland?
Magical Woodland Cheshire is situated at Blakemere Village. The woodland is behind the shopping village and is clearly sign posted from the car park.
The address is Magical Woodland, Cheshire Outdoors, Blakemere Village, Sandiway, Cheshire, CW8 2EB
Parking at Magical Woodland
There is plenty of parking for Magical Woodland visitors in the main Blakemere village car park. You need to prebook a ticket for £3 per car with your tickets.
When is Magical Woodland Halloween on?
You can visit the Halloween trail at Magical Woodland Cheshire from Friday 11th October – Thursday 31st October 2024. Timed entry slots run from 5 – 8 pm.
Our visit to Magical Woodland Halloween 2024
We visited on opening night and had a fantastic time. We had visited the trail a couple of years earlier and loved it then too. The trail this year is different to previously and the Halloween theming stronger.
I would describe this Halloween-themed event as spooky not scary. That’s not to say that there aren’t a few bits that could be scary for some young children though. However I think some of the creepier bits would not really be noticed by young children. Our kids are 8 and 11. They thought the voice in the first section was creepy but they weren’t scared by it. There were plenty of much younger children than ours enjoying the trail.
You can expect lots of Halloween fun along the trail. There are loads of lights illuminating the woodlands in loads of different ways and colours. There are also lots of different decorations used to theme the different areas. There is music across the entire trail which really sets the atmosphere well and it changes in each area and theme. Expect Halloween music such as the Hocus Pocus theme and other spooky music that you may or may not recognise.
We loved all the actors on the trail performing as different characters like the good witch, the bad witch, Wednesday Adams, Batman, Beetle Juice and two pirates on ships arguing with each other across the path (a highlight for one of my children). They are really fun to watch and they talk to the children and adults on the path making each persons trail experience unique.
There are loads of places to stop and take a photo along the trail. We had a 7:15pm start time and we did feel we were quiet bunched up and queuing for the first 5 minutes or so. After that we mostly managed to not spend loads of time queuing for any element of the trail.
As well as Halloween there is also a superheroes area and dinosaurs too. You’ll also find a mad professor, owls and transformers at the end of the trail. This is also the area where you will find the food and drink (more on that below).
Is Magical Woodland pram-friendly?
To an extent yes. The paths are woodland paths so they can get muddy!
The paths are smooth though and mostly flat so with an off-road buggy you would be fine but a baby carrier may be a better idea especially if there has been a lot of rain.
Are dogs allowed to attend Magical Woodland?
Dogs are not allowed at Magical Woodland Cheshire.
How long does it take to complete the Halloween light trail?
We spent 90 minutes on the trail and in the food and drink area. You may spend more or less time than this depending on how busy the trail is and how long you spend in the food and drink area.
Food and drink at Magical Woodland Cheshire
Near the end you will find a food and drink area which also includes fire pits for toasting marshmallows. Marshmallows are for sale on meter long sticks with 4 marshmallows. These are £4 each or 3 sticks for £10. These are the perfect length for toasting in the open fires for even the youngest children.
There are lots of different delicious street-style food vendors selling drinks (including hot chocolate) and tasty snacks such as nachos and pizza. You can also buy light up balloons and other toys in this area.
How much does it cost to visit Magical Woodland?
Prices vary depending on the day and time you visit. This varies from £57 for a family ticket for 4 up to £75.
Our top tips for enjoying Magical Woodland Halloween
- Dress for the weather. Even on a relatively mild day it can get cold after dark so dress for warmth! Don’t forget your waterproofs if it is wet. As long as you are dressed right, you will have an enjoyable evening whatever the weather.
- Wear appropriate footwear. This is an outdoor trail in the woods. The paths are mud so they will change with the weather and could get muddy. I’d suggest wellies or walking boots for everyone.
- Book the right time slot for your children. Earlier time slots will be best for those with young children so that they can enjoy the trail before they get too tired.
- Don’t forget your camera or phone. There are lots of photo opportunities throughout the woods for you to enjoy. The tunnel of lights is always a favourite.
- Prams are allowed on the trail. The path is a woodland, mud path though so it may get muddy and could be difficult if your pram has small wheels.
- Portaloo toilets are found in a couple of areas on the trail and there are toilets in the main car park too.
- The event does include strobe effects.
Our verdict
We had a fantastic evening at Magical Woodland and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this light trail to other families. The trail is spooky not scary so it’s perfect for families with children of all ages who don’t want a scary Halloween event.
If you love Christmas light trails but haven’t tried a Halloween before then this might be the trail for you.
How to book
You can book your tickets now here – Magical Woodland at Halloween. The trail is on until the 31st October and then they will be getting ready to open Magical Woodland Christmas from the 29th November 2024.
Christmas at Halloween Woodland
Once the Halloween trail closes at the end of October, it’s time for the team to start preparing for The Magical Woodland at Christmas. This runs from the 29th November – 24th December 2024.
For Christmas you can expect Father Christmas and Mrs Claus, The Grinch and Cindy-Lou to really get you in the Christmas spirit.
Book here – Magical Woodland at Christmas
Find our review from Christmas 2024 here – Christmas at Magical Woodland
More Cheshire Halloween events
Find loads more Halloween events Cheshire here.
If you’re particularly looking for a Halloween light trail or spooky walk. You need this post – Halloween walks North West
Let’s not forget bonfire night, find all the Cheshire firework displays here.
