Do you believe in magic? If you are in search of a magical experience, then the Magic Alley is the place for you. Located in a quaint town, this unique attraction has been captivating visitors for years. With its enchanting ambiance and wide array of mystical offerings, Magic Alley has become a popular destination for both young and old. One of the highlights of Magic Alley is its wide range of spellbooks. From potions to divination, these books offer a glimpse into the world of magic and allow visitors to learn and explore at their own pace. Whether you are a seasoned witch or a curious muggle, these spellbooks are sure to spark your imagination and leave you wanting to learn more.
Our verdict on Magic Alley and the Christmas experiences in Stratford-upon-Avon
If you’re looking for a magical Christmas experience, it’s well worth taking a trip to Stratford-upon-Avon.
Magic Alley is a magic museum and shop which features its own Enchanted Manor set over several levels with narrow stairways, atmospheric lighting, and low beams.
My boys, aged eight and 10, had a wizard time there!
Magic Alley (Image: Birmingham Mail)It has to be the best Santa experience we’ve had since visiting Lapland.
Father Christmas seemed to ‘know’ us all – parents included! – saying what we’d done well and areas for improvement between now and Christmas, including listening skills for our eldest, tidying up for our youngest and not hoarding (me!)
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He gave each of us a sleigh bell and a specially commissioned storybook for us to read together as a family on Christmas Eve.
We all had our own Frostmakers Passport from Pippin the elf then went into the manor to follow clues round the festive trail and decipher codes.
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It was magical for all ages but I’d particularly recommend it for older children who have maybe outgrown a traditional grotto experience. It’s great for Harry Potter, Doctor Who and Sherlock fans too.
My favourite bit, apart from meeting Santa, was playing in the snow room. We had great fun hurling ‘snowballs’ at each other and ended up covered in flakes for the rest of the day.
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We also liked the final part where one of Santa’s elves carefully marked our passports, ticking every question we’d answered correctly and then rating us on the Nice-o-Meter in the back of the passport.
The shop is full of unusual and interesting gifts to browse for inspiration too.
There's no Butter Beer (there usually is throughout the year) because of the grotto but this will be on offer next year as Magic Alley is moving to Bell Court where there will be more space.
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The Magic Alley Christmas event is taking place until Christmas Eve in Henley Street, Stratford upon Avon, CV37 6QW.
Tickets cost £8 per person and under ones go free.
Pre-booking is essential and tickets are selling out fast. Click here for more details.
From here, we went around the corner to The One Elm , a Peach Pub that’s cosy with roaring woodburning fires and beautifully decorated for Christmas.
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The festive lunch menu here costs £19.50 for two courses and £22.50 for three courses and features crispy Camembert, mushroom pate and venison and pheasant terrine to start, turkey with all the trimmings, roast sea trout, butternut squash wellington for main and Christmas pud, chocolate brownie or espresso martini iced parfait for dessert.
We tucked into delicious Sunday roasts off the main menu set off by breaded Brie with chilli jam, Cheddar and ham croquettes and prawn cocktails to start.
The kids thoroughly enjoyed their child-size portions of steak and fish and chips.
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This pub feels very sophisticated but relaxed and child-friendly at the same time – perfect for festive meals out with friends and kids.
Within Stratford itself, there’s a Twelve Days Of Christmas treasure trail from December 1 to 24 throughout the town with prizes on offer.
You can pick up an entry form from Magic Alley.
Christmas in Birmingham 2018
And, if you go on Stratford’s Victorian Christmas weekend from December 8 to 10, the Magic Alley Players will be taking to the streets of Stratford to recreate a Victorian Nativity.
A Christmas Carol is on at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre too, until February 4.
It’s worth noting that Magic Alley is not suitable for pushchairs.
Parking, however, is easy as you can park just over the road on the Windsor Street car park from around £1 an hour.
• There are lots of great things to do with kids in the Midlands. To keep updated, like our Brummie Mummies Facebook page. You can also sign up to our weekly Brummie Mummies email newsletter
• Zoe Chamberlain and her family enjoyed complimentary access to Magic Alley and a meal courtesy of The One Elm.
The Ice Kingdom at Magic Alley, Stratford-upon-Avon
We were really looking forward to this as I had heard really good things about it. It lives to its reputation and is pretty good, although does not last long enough. Basically, you enter The Ice Kingdom and make your way through out magical 10 rooms to complete the Christmas quest. It depends how much time you spend in each room, but I don’t think the entire experience will last longer than 30-40 minutes (and that’s me stretching it).
You get a little booklet at arrival with questions of the quiz in each room (which are easy enough). On the way through the rooms, you willl meet various characters and then Father Christmas. All children receive a present and then continue on their journey culminating in a visit to the snow covered Enchanted Forest where you can play in the snow and have a snowball fight! Ay loved this part the most
At the end of the quest, you get a certificate (and candy cane) for completing the quiz. The only place who gave mummy a certificate too, which is a nice touch.. at least someone appreciates the mummy 🤣🤣. You also get to keep the quiz booklet at a souvenir.
The majority of sessions are suitable for children over 4 but there are specific sessions aimed at children under 4 which are clearly marked at the time of booking. Now I personally think the charge for adults is a bit more than my liking (see prices below) but they do get a prize in the sessions aimed at children more than 4, so, may be its i ok. We went in the under 4 session, so I did not get a gift (and that’s why I am sulking may be but Santa did give Ay two gifts, one of which is an adult-ish book, so I really should not be complaining)..
Overall, a good enjoyable day out. If you are travelling from Oxford, you will need to combine it with something else, as it does not last long enough to make a full/ half day out of it. We had a nice stroll around Stratford after this, which has such a character to it. You can also go to the Butterfly Farm an entirely different experience altogether
📍Unit 23A Bell Court Stratford upon Avon CV37 6EX- They are based in Bell Court. The nearest entranceis via Wood Street.
💷 Prices 2021: Sessions for children over 4> Adults £14, Children over 4 £12.50
Children under 4 £11.50 (these can only be booked with at least one child over 4)
Sessions for children under 4: Adults £11, Children £8- No charge for the children under 1 in either session
📅 Different activities continue throughout the season (please see WEBSITE for more details)
🚘 They do not have their own car park. The closest car parks are: the NCP car park Rother Street, Stratford on Avon, CV37 6JP or the Windsor Street Surface Level or Multi Storey Car Parks CV37 6NL or Arden Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6PA. we parked at roadside (1.10£ for one hour- max stay allowed 1 hour and paid by RingGo)
🚻 Unfortunately, no toilets or baby facilities. There are however public toilets in Bell Court located next to the Everyman Cinema
🍕 No refreshments on site but plenty of restaurants/ cafes around
🦽Pushchairs/prams cannot be accommodated on the shop floor and within the ice Kingdom. If they are brought to the venue, they will have to be left downstairs at the owner’s risk.
Murder at Magic Alley!
Magical experiences take a darker turn for the spooky season with three spooktacular Halloween Murder Mystery Crime Solving events at Magic Alley in Stratford!
The Witching Hour – Murder Mystery
Enter The Witching Hour, a Halloween Murder Mystery, where young aspiring detectives (ages 6 and up) are invited to uncover the truth behind a spine-chilling crime!
This immersive Halloween-themed experience filled with forensic puzzles, mind-bending riddles and exciting challenges, as you work together to solve the mysterious murder that has shaken the enchanted grounds. Unleash your inner detective, unravel clues, and unlock secrets in this hair-raising adventure. Don’t miss your chance to become a hero of Halloween by cracking the case.
Spine-Tingling Murder Mystery: Suitable for children aged 6 and above. Children under 6 will not be permitted entry and tickets purchased for younger children are not refundable. It is not possible to bring babies or dogs to this event as part of our safeguarding policy. The experience lasts approximately an hour to an hour and a half.
A Blood-Curdling Murder Mystery: Suitable for adults and children 10+ (parental discretion from 8). Children under 8 will not be permitted entry and tickets purchased for younger children are not refundable. It is not possible to bring babies or dogs to this event as part of our safeguarding policy. The experience lasts approximately an hour to an hour and a half.
The Witching Hour After Dark – Strictly Adults Only
Prepare for a night of spine-tingling thrills and heart-pounding suspense as you step into the dark and mysterious world of Magic Alley at Halloween.
Immerse yourself in an interactive experience where you must solve intricate puzzles to unravel the bloody murder that has shrouded our enchanting realm.
With forensic puzzles to challenge even the most astute detectives, this event is perfect for those with a keen eye for detail. But beware, for lurking in the shadows are cunning murderers, and it’s up to you to solve the crime before becoming their next victim. An unforgettable evening of mystery, danger, and excitement.
If you escape with your life you will be able to savour the taste of Halloween with some delectable Halloween-themed cocktails or mocktails. Unleash your inner detective in this terrifyingly thrilling adventure!
This is a scare attraction with live actors, sound and lighting effects. Strictly over 18s. The experience lasts as long as you can stand it!
Sam Jenkins, Head of Events, said: “We love the spooky season at Magic Alley and I must admit that planning a murder has been great fun and has enabled me to utilise my criminology background. I really hope our visitors will enjoy solving the forensic clues and being immersed in a world of crime solving”.
Owner Derek Ives said “We like to do some different each year and this combines our love of Halloween with our love of puzzles. You can expect the odd surprise or two along the way as we will be revealing some brand new animatronics this year.”
The event opens at Magic Alley in Bell Court on Saturday 7 th October and runs till Saturday 4 th November.
For further information visit here
Whether you are a seasoned witch or a curious muggle, these spellbooks are sure to spark your imagination and leave you wanting to learn more. But Magic Alley does not just offer spellbooks. It is a treasure trove of magical items, ranging from wands to mystical jewelry.
The shopkeepers are friendly and knowledgeable, and are always ready to assist you in finding the perfect item to suit your magical needs. It is not uncommon to see visitors leave with bags filled with magical trinkets and souvenirs, eager to bring a piece of the enchantment back home with them. Another highlight of Magic Alley is its immersive storytelling experience. Visitors can embark on a magical adventure, guided by charismatic actors who bring the stories to life. From interactive performances to captivating storytelling sessions, these experiences transport visitors into a world of magic and wonder. It is an experience that is sure to leave you spellbound. The ambiance of Magic Alley itself is enough to transport visitors into another realm. The narrow alleyways, adorned with twinkling lights and mystical decor, create an atmosphere that is truly magical. It is easy to lose track of time as you wander through the alley, taking in the sights and sounds of this enchanting place. Overall, the reviews of Magic Alley are overwhelmingly positive. Visitors describe it as a haven for anyone seeking a magical escape from reality. The attention to detail and the immersive experiences make it a truly unique attraction. Whether you are a fan of magic or simply looking for a memorable experience, Magic Alley is a must-visit destination. So, embrace your inner wizard and step into the enchantment of Magic Alley..
Reviews for "A Journey Through Magic Alley: A Review"
1. Jennifer - 1 star - Magic alley was a complete disappointment. The magic tricks were dull and unimpressive, and the overall atmosphere was lackluster. The staff seemed disinterested and not very friendly. I would not recommend wasting your time or money on this attraction.
2. Mark - 2 stars - I had high hopes for Magic alley reviews, but unfortunately, it fell short of expectations. The magic show felt amateurish and not well-rehearsed. The props and illusions were cheap-looking, and the whole experience left me underwhelmed. I expected more from a place that claims to be magical.
3. Sarah - 1 star - Save yourself the disappointment and skip Magic alley reviews. The tricks were obvious and poorly executed. The magicians lacked charisma and failed to engage the audience. It felt like a waste of time and money. There are much better magic shows and attractions out there worth visiting.
4. Mike - 2 stars - I was excited to visit Magic alley based on the positive reviews, but I was ultimately let down. The show lacked the wow factor and was quite forgettable. The magicians seemed unenthusiastic, which in turn made the audience disinterested. Overall, a forgettable and lackluster experience.
5. Emily - 1 star - I regret going to Magic alley reviews. The show was unoriginal and unimpressive. The tricks were easily predictable, and the overall production quality was low. I expected a magical experience, but what I got was a disappointment. I would not recommend this place to anyone.