HARRY Potter fans are keen to get their hands on tickets to a new £36 million British tourist attraction set to open in a former prison.
Inverness Castle, located in the atmospheric hills of the Scottish Highlands, is set to undergo a major £36 million renovation and be transformed into a unique spectacle.
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And lovers of Harry Potter and the arts will be thrilled to hear that the opening is planned for summer 2025, with construction expected to be completed by the end of that year.
Fiona Hampton, Director of Inverness Castle and Events for High Life Highland, told the Press and Journal: “We are at the point where we are turning the concept into reality.
“The audiovisual material that will be shown in each room is currently being created. The text to accompany the exhibits is currently being written.
“And it was a conscious decision to ensure that all the screenwriters came from the Highlands.”
The majestic castle is expected to attract a whopping 500,000 visitors each year who want to experience the Inverness Castle Experience.
“We have been talking about the concepts, stories and ideas for years,” Fiona added.
The upcoming attraction was designed by Mather & Co and the company promises that ticket holders will “laugh, cry and reflect”.
Mather & Co were heavily involved in Downton Abbey: The Experience and the R&A World Golf Museum in St. Andrews.
Managing director Chris Mather described Inverness Castle as a combination of Harry Potter wizarding attractions and some of the world’s finest art galleries.
He praised the “unique” experience and boasted that it would boost tourism in the Highlands.
“It’s not just one thing. It’s about food and drink, entertainment, education, tours, the natural landscape and sustainability,” he said.
“It was fantastic to be there. I’m falling in love with Inverness, it has so much to offer.”
Harry Potter fans will be excited to learn that the Workhaus Projects were also involved in the construction.
The company is known for its work on the Harry Potter Wizarding World attraction in New York and the V&A in Dundee.
Director Jim Ibbetson said: “This is huge for us. We’ve been doing this for almost 25 years and this project is unlike any other.”
“It is an incredibly exciting task that I am involved in.”
10 attractions in the UK this summer
We’ve put together a list of the top ten staycation activities you should definitely try – for all ages, perfect for your bucket list.
Boom Battle Bar
- They offer a variety of activities to ensure entertainment for everyone, from axe throwing and augmented reality darts to classic American pool and the chaos of Crazier Golf.
- With 29 locations across the UK including Scotland, Wales, London and throughout the North and South West, a great night out is never far away.
The Ice Cream Farm
- Located in Cheshire, it is home to the largest ice cream parlor in the world.
- With over 50 flavours of Cheshire Farm Ice Cream on offer, entry is a bargain at just £2.50 per person (£1.50 with a Late Afternoon Pass).
- Hippodrome Circus
- Great Yarmouth is one of the UK’s most popular seaside destinations and is home to the Hippodrome Circus, Britain’s last remaining circus arena.
- Set in a historic venue built in 1903, the summer show Champions brings together an array of world-class performers, from fearless acrobats and stunt cyclists to tennis jugglers and slam-dunking basketball teams.
Household Cavalry Museum
- If you’re in the capital and looking for a mix of history and excitement, the Household Cavalry Museum in Horse Guards is a must-see.
- Both you and the children can catch a glimpse of the soldiers and their horses in the original 18th century stables and have the chance to see them in their magnificent attire during the Changing of the Guard on Horse Guards Parade.
Tipsy parties
- You don’t have to travel far for a fantastic home away from home holiday. Many experiences can take place right outside your door, like the cocktail wizards at Tipsy Parties.
- Their experienced bartenders mix delicious drinks and there is also a selection of non-alcoholic cocktails so everyone can have fun.
Stockeld Park
- If you’re looking for a fun day out with the family, Stockeld Park in Yorkshire, between Wetherby and Harrogate, is the place to be whatever the weather.
- This summer, the Summer Adventure Festival at Stockeld Park will provide even more fun with an extensive program of live entertainment.
Trentham Monkey Forest
- Trentham Monkey Forest in Staffordshire offers a unique day out that’s perfect for your summer bucket list.
- The forest is a sanctuary for 140 Barbary macaques that roam freely across 60 hectares, offering visitors the rare opportunity to observe them in their natural habitat in this incredible setting.
Woburn Safari Park
- This holiday season you can experience the thrill of the African savannah right here in the British Isles at Woburn Safari Park.
- The park offers a road safari where you can be just a windshield’s width away from lions, tigers, monkeys, rhinos, bears and giraffes in stunning park reserves.
Evesham Vale Light Rail
- You can hop aboard the 15″ gauge Valley Railway for a scenic ride to Evesham Vale station. Trains depart every 30 minutes.
- There you can test your skills on the new 18-hole Aztec-themed adventure golf course, which features an Aztec temple, wooden bridge and water features.
During the castle experience, visitors are guided by a storyteller (Seanchaidh) and learn about the rich history of the Highlands.
Culture and legends served as inspiration; about 600 stories were submitted by local communities.
Matthew Zajac, Dogstar’s artistic director and an Inverness-born actor, is writing the screenplay.
“We have never done anything like the castle experience before,” he said.
Rich history
The original castle on site dates back to the 11th century and has seen the likes of Robert the Bruce, Mary Stuart and Bonnie Prince Charlie.
However, this was lost over time and the building that visitors see today was actually a 19th century courthouse and prison.
It changed again when it became a centre for Inverness-shire County Council and Inverness-shire Constabulary, but court hearings continued to take place there until 2020.
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Matthew added: “In some ways, this project could be a way for the people of Inverness to reclaim the castle.”
This comes as a fifth land based on Harry Potter is unveiled as part of a massive new theme park opening in 2025 – featuring wizard battle rides and magic shows.
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