Last weekend we had the pleasure of being invited to the opening night of Magical Woodland Cheshire 2022. We had an absolutely amazing evening. My kids who are 9 and 6 thought it was the most magical evening ever. It’s a 1 mile illuminated trail through the woodland at Blakemere village, Cheshire. This is our second visit and we loved this year’s Halloween theme. Stunning light displays set to music, dinosaurs and marshmallow roasting, what more could you want for the perfect family night out? It’s up there as one of my favourite seasonal Family days out North West.
Ad – we were gifted a family ticket to the opening night of Magical woodland Cheshire. All thoughts, opinions and photos are my own.
Where is magical woodland Cheshire?
The magical woodland is based at Cheshire outdoors in Blackmere village, close to Delamere forest, Sandiway, Cheshire, CW8 2EB. There is plenty of free parking on site.
Magical Woodland Cheshire light trail
As soon as we entered the Magical forest we knew we were in for a real treat. The lights and music throughout the forest are enchanting. The music is all really fun and Halloween-themed. Think “This is Halloween”, Michael Jackson Thriller and songs from Hocus pocus. The music is all really fun and enhances the expereince.
There are several different light tunnels, a stunning carpet of string lights, Halloween light installations, various areas where videos are being projected and so many more lighting effects and displays.
There is an underwater-themed area which we enjoyed with an illuminated ship wreck and lots of lights and items themed to make you feel like you are under the sea. There is also a pirate walking around chatting with the visitors.
One of my favourite parts is this huge carpet of colour-changing lights. You walk along a pathway between the lights and of course, there is some lovely music playing as you walk through.
This colour-changing rainbow was also popular with my two but they honestly loved the whole trail and understandably struggled to choose a highlight.
I love that the trail twists and turns through the 15 acres of woodland. There is a new surprise around every corner! It is about 1 mile long and including time in the food area at the end, we spent about 1.5 hours there.
A few people have asked if it is still suitable for kids now that the theme is “spooky” and I would say yes. There were plenty of young children there on the night we visited. The trail is designed to entertain you and not scare you. Nothing jumps out in an attempt to scare you or anything like that. The music is fun and not creepy.
Dinosaurs at the magical woodland
The dinosaur area of magical woodland is back for 2022. This area is right at the end, before grub in the woods and the exit. There are a number of dinosaur sculptures that are illuminated as well as tent where if you are lucky a moving dinosaur will come out to greet the crowd.
Grub in the woods
At the end of the trail, you’ll find grub in the woods. Here you’ll find a few food vans including one selling sticks of marshmallows for roasting over the fires that are dotted around this area. These fires are surrounded by cages so your kids are kept a safe distance away from the fire. Mine loved toasting their marshmallows. They were £4 each or 3 for £10 when we visited in October 2022.
As well as marshmallows there are vans selling hot dogs and pizzas as well as drinks including hot chocolate and alcohol. Stalls accept cash and card.
Once you have finished in grub in the woods, it’s time to make your way back through the dinosaur area and past the display of owls to the exit from the woodlands.
Is magical woodland pram-friendly?
We did see some prams on our visit. The paths are really good. We visited on a very wet day and the paths were still great, just a few puddles. There are a few steep areas and as you’d expect from a woodland walk, the ground is uneven. Although there are light displays all through the forest, the path is not always clearly illuminated.
Are dogs allowed?
No dogs are allowed.
Top tips for a family evening to remember
- Dress for the weather. You will be outside the entire time and let’s be honest the evenings in autumn do get chilly. Make sure everyone is warm enough to enjoy the experience fully.
- Where appropriate footwear. You are walking through the woodlands so wellies or walking boots are ideal but on a dry day trainers would also be suitable but I wouldn’t recommend heels.
- Leave the pushchair at home if you can. A baby carrier is a better option and hopefully, preschoolers will manage the 1 mile-slow walk whilst they are distracted by the beautiful lights.
- You know your own children but think about the entry time slot you book and add on roughly 90 minutes for the experience. Will your kids be too tired? I’d recommend the earlier slots the younger your child is.
Overall impressions
We genuinely all loved our night at Magical woodland Cheshire. It’s such an enchanting family night out. We walked a little over a mile and were there for 1.5 hours. I can’t recommend it enough as a fantastic family event.
The magical woodland 2022
The magical woodland is back this October and this time it will have a Halloween theme and the dinosaurs are coming back. Book here.
The magical woodland will then be transformed into Christmas at magical woodland which is on from 25th November 2022 to 1st January 2023. Book here.
Other local events you might like this autumn
Will you be going pumpkin picking? If so you need my post on all the pumpkin patches in Cheshire as there are loads to choose from in 2022. Read it here – Pumpkin picking Cheshire.
Magical Woodland is a great Halloween event in Cheshire. You can find loads more ideas for Halloween related days and evenings out for families here – Halloween events Cheshire.
Did you know the Magical woodland will transform into a Christmas light trail? It’s one of many amazing Christmas events in Cheshire. Find them all here – Christmas events Cheshire.
Where to next?
If you are looking for more things to do across Cheshire and the surrounding areas over the next few months, then look no further.
- Find all the Halloween events in the North West here.
- If you want to go pumpkin picking then you need my post on where to go pumpkin picking in the North West
- For all the October half term events in the North West here.
- Find out Where to see Father Christmas in the North West here.
- If you are looking for a full day out this Christmas or a Christmas light show, then you need my post on Christmas days out in the North West