The Magical Woodland experience

If you go down in the woods today

You’re sure of a big surprise!

…a magical woodland surprise!

Last night we were invited to attend the launch of the magical woodland experience in Blakemere forest, Cheshire.

This is the second time that the magical woodland experience has come to Blakemere, the last being in 2016.

We wrapped up warm [but didn’t need to because the weather is freakishly warm at the moment] and got our boots on. We were advised that as this is an outdoor walking experience through the woodland, the terrain may be uneven and there were some hilly bits at times. The ‘proper’ pram [not the stroller] was taken out so we were fine but there were people with carriers for smaller children there too – I call those the sensible people!!!

The beauty of Nature

We entered the woodland through a neon circle and started walking along the path. Trees were lit in different colours, glitter balls were strung up between branches, bunting was criss-crossed from one tree to another, strings of lights were draped as a canopy to walk under, the forest was stunning and full of wonder!

To keep our interest, there were interactive parts of the experience too. At one point we came to a clearing where a lighting magician was showing the children how to change the colour and sequence of the lights. We met him again further on when he was demonstrating a swinging pendulum of balls…which I was mesmerised by!

Food, glorious food!

We had eaten before we went out but there was a food court in the middle of the experience – make sure you have cash on you!

There was an open fire pit where we toasted marshmallows [maybe burnt them a bit!] and drank mulled wine [mmm, first of the season!!!] but there were other food and drink items available too.

It took us about two hours to go through the forest – but we took our time, told stories to the kids about the Gruffalo and fairies etc to make it more magical…and we spent quite a bit of time at the food court! You can walk around the event multiple times too.

The kids really enjoyed the experience. They were interested in the lights and believed that the forest fairies had been working hard to put the lights up. Their little faces were full of excitement and wonder which was lovely to see! At one point they were a bit scared because we walked down into a pit where loud bangs and thunder claps were being played. This was a really cool part of the experience – I thought it was very ‘War of the Worlds’.

We will definitely go again.

Think along the lines of Chester Zoo lanterns or Dunham Massey Christmas lights but more magical and less Christmassy. It’s not just for kids either – it brought out fascination and we marvelled at the beauty of it all!

The setting definitely makes it and sets it apart from other events; the forest comes to life and the trees are truly beautiful all lit up. At one point there was a smoke machine emitting smoke that fell amongst the forest floor that gave it a really eerie atmosphere. I actually think it is a real celebration of Autumn, just as the leaves are falling from the trees and lying to rest on the forest floor. It would not be as beautiful later on once Winter sets in.

However…

The team do have plans to create a magical woodland experience for Christmas. This will be a totally different experience because the setting will have changed given Mother Nature’s habits. A lovely team member told the girls that Father Christmas would be making an appearance in the forest AND he was bringing real-life unicorns with him. The girls were amazed!

Check out their website and facebook page for more information on this and links to tickets once they are released.

The current Magical Woodland experience is on until 2nd November and tickets are selling out fast. Be quick if you want to be delighted by the autumnal forest!

This was a paid collaboration with the Magical Woodland, however all opinions are my own.