The Hole in Wand York Review: The Most Magical Mini Golf in Yorkshire

The Hole in Wand York is a unique and enchanting experience for families, friends, and fantasy-lovers of all ages.

This unique course puts a magical spin on your typical mini golf experience, creating a carefully crafted, immersive adventure.

Whether you’re a York local or a visitor seeking magical experiences, The Hole in Wand is a must-visit destination.

Continue reading to explore the enchanting surprises The Hole in Wand has in store. I’ll reveal why this is the most magical mini golf experience in Yorkshire!

What is The Hole in Wand York?

The Hole in Wand York is a mini golf course that offers a whimsical and enchanting experience for visitors of all ages. Situated in the heart of York, this unique attraction transports players into a magical world where miniature golf meets fantasy.

As visitors navigate through the course, they encounter charming obstacles such as magical creatures, mystical landscapes, and even a few surprises along the way.

Each hole presents a new challenge, inviting players to test their skills while immersing themselves in the imaginative world of wizards.

With its vibrant decorations, interactive features, and engaging layout, The Hole in Wand mini golf course is a memorable and enjoyable addition to any York itinerary!

The Hole in Wand York: Need To Know

Here’s a quick introduction to everything you need to know about The Hole in Wand York before you visit.

The Hole in Wand is located next to Coppergate Shopping Centre. The address is: 14-16 Coppergate Walk, York, YO1 9NT.

Castle Car Park (YO1 9SA) is the closest car park and just a four minute walk away from The Hole in Wand. However, car parks in York do get extremely busy, so it is recommended you travel via public transport where possible.

There are many bus stops located within walking distance of The Hole in Wand, including stops for many of York’s Park and Ride services. York train station is a 20 minute walk away.

The Hole in Wand York is open 10am-7pm daily.

Please check the website prior to your visit for the most up to date information.

The Hole in Wand York Review

Here’s an overview of our experience when we visited The Hole in Wand York, including a full review and the pros and cons of the experience.

Arrival

We arrived at The Hole in Wand about twenty minutes early for our booking. You are advised to arrive ahead of your booking slot, although our timings for the day meant we arrived earlier than necessary. It was an exceptionally busy day when we arrived so it didn’t really matter that we arrived earlier than planned.

The queue to check in is outside the building, so we waited for some time before we were able to go inside. The host at the door lets parties in one by one to help manage the flow of people through the building. There is one queue to enter for both pre-booked tickets and walk ins.

While we were waiting in the queue, we were able to spot some fun props and displays, as well as some information cards about what was in store. This helped to pass the time quickly despite the wait.

Greeting

Once we reached the door, we were greeted by an enthusiastic host. He checked us in and provided a detailed introduction about what we could expect when we are inside.

There is a huge storytelling element here. We were visiting as a party of two adults, but the welcome was really fun and engaging, which makes it a perfect experience for kids who are visiting!

After the initial greeting at the door we were directed to pick up our golf balls then into an indoor waiting area. Although there was quite a wait both outside and inside, the team and environment were engaging and did a great job of managing and entertaining everyone coming inside.

After the wait, the magic really begins! We moved into the photo area where we had a team photo and collected our golf clubs. There are some fun tricks and more storytelling here to keep the experience interesting and aligned with the theme.

Even as an adult, I found it easy to get caught up in the magic of the experience!

At this point we were given the instructions for playing each hole. Plus, there are additional activities that you can play along the route, including finding hidden letters at each hole to spell out a word. We didn’t take part in this, however, it is another engaging activity for younger visitors while they play.

The Course

The course is made up of nine holes, each with its own unique theme and challenge. The gameplay follows the storyline of trying to locate Grobblenook the gargoyle who has gone missing. It is a great addition for younger players who want extra immersion in the experience.

Each of the nine holes was totally one-of-a-kind, providing a variety of experiences and challenges. Plus, throughout the course there are a number of immersive elements such as lighting, sounds and mechanics.

The decor throughout has been carefully considered to match the theming of the hole you are playing. James and I have played a lot of mini golf courses but this was by far the most carefully crafted and well-themed one we have done!

We had so much fun playing each hole while trying to achieve the best score. As we progressed through the course, there was also a lot of building excitement to see what the next hole had in store.

Completing the Game

After a fun finale at the final hole, it’s time to head back downstairs and talley up the scores!

As you return your golf clubs the staff member will ask you what your final scores were. The score bracket that your final result falls in determines which magical potion you get to take away as your prize!

There are four different flavours that you may win. Each potion is a glittery soft drink from The Potions Cauldron. Both James and I won the tropical punch flavour and it tasted delicious! Plus, you can purchase extra potions from the shop if you want to try them all.

It is a great twist that your score determines which potion you receive. Plus, you can return again and again and get a different score – and potion – every time!

James got a hole in one on one of the holes, so he also received a fun little button badge too. This was an extra bonus we weren’t expecting!

Pros and Cons

Overall, we were really impressed with our experience at The Hole in Wand. As mini golf lovers, it was a great way to get in a round on our visit to York. It is also a one of a kind attraction in the city that provides some variety and a change of scenery from the many museums.

The highlight was the theming of the course which was excellently executed. Each hole was fun with well thought out decor throughout. As you progress through the course many of the holes are set in individual rooms, which makes the experience more immersive than all the holes in one single open space.

The holes also posed the right level of challenge. They weren’t easy enough to move through them too quickly, but weren’t so difficult that they became frustrating. Overall, the course provided a good balance of challenge and fun.

The only downside we encountered on our visit was the volume of people playing at the same time. Understandably, there were a lot of people playing on a Saturday afternoon which we had expected. However, because you move from one room to the next, it is tricky to know when the people ahead of you have completed their turn.

As a result, we often found we would start to progress ahead, then find we were intruding on the group in front of us. At the same time, the group behind us were keen to start their turn, so we found ourselves ‘stuck’ between two holes and impeding on both the game ahead of us as well as the game behind. This wasn’t really anyone’s fault, but a result of the way the rooms are laid out.

This wouldn’t stop me from visiting again, and, I imagine, at a quieter time of day, this would be less of an issue. Just bear it in mind if you are visiting at a busy time of day that you may risk feeling you are in the way if you find yourself trapped between holes like we did!

Other Things to do During Your Visit

Your experience at The Hole in Wand doesn’t have to end as soon as your round is over!

If you want to extend your stay here, you can browse the many wizard themed items in the gift shop. There are plenty of fun souvenirs, gifts and foodie items to browse and purchase. Plus, if you don’t want to play, you can still pop into the shop!

As well as the shop, you can also visit the Wizard Tavern. The tavern shares a fun selection of hot, cold and alcoholic drinks, plus cakes and snacks. All of which are in keeping with the magical theme of course!

Final Thoughts

Overall, we had an absolutely brilliant experience at The Hole in Wand! This magical course is full of fun and theatre and caters to all ages. From the moment we arrived until the moment we left, we were swept up in the magical world that has been carefully crafted in this corner of York.

The staff were exceptional storytellers who are clearly passionate about the magical world they are living and maintain the illusion for all visitors no matter how old you are.

I am certain I will be returning to The Hole in Wand York and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to anyone!

FAQ

Before you set off to York to play your round at The Hole in Wand, here are some frequently asked questions to help you plan your visit.

How much is The Hole in Wand York?

There are a few different booking options available at The Hole in Wand York. Here is an overview of what you get with each package*:

Standard Package – One round of golf plus a magical potion drink at the end of the course. £6.99/child, £8.49/adult.

Premium Package – One round of golf, a magical potion drink at the end of the course, plus a phial of jellybeans or poison for adults (gin, vodka, rum or whisky). £8.99/child, £10.49/adult.

VIP Package – One round of golf, a magical potion drink at the end of the course, plus a potion pack and a souvenir guidebook. £15.99/person.

Couples Package – One round of golf, a magical potion drink at the end of the course, plus a £20.00 gift voucher to spend in the gift shop at the end of your experience. £29.99/couple.

Group discounts are available for large party bookings.

*Prices accurate at time of publication. Please check the website for the most up to date information ahead of planning your visit.

How long does it take to do The Hole in Wand York?

The Hole in Wand website advises you should allow 45 minutes for two players and an up to an hour for six players to complete your entire experience.

However, it is worth allowing additional time. Especially if you are visiting at peak times such as weekends, bank holidays or during school breaks.

We visited on a Saturday in February that coincided with York Ice Trail. We arrived ahead of time for our booking but had to queue outside as it was very busy inside. During the rush, the team were managing the flow of people throughout the building.

Overall, from joining the queue to completing our game, James and I spent about 90 minutes at The Hole in Wand. I would highly recommend allowing extra time for your visit above the recommended time. If you visit during a quiet period, this might not be necessary. However, it is a hugely popular attraction so factor this in to be on the safe side.

How many people can play The Hole in Wand together?

The maximum group size is six players. This is to help ease congestion throughout the course.

Also, some of the holes are located in smaller rooms, so you won’t be able to fully appreciate the theming and decor of the holes if there are lots of people crammed inside there!

What is the age requirement to play The Hole in Wand?

Players as young as three can enjoy a game at The Hole in Wand. Under threes can visit for free with the groups but need to be booked in.

Players under 15 years old need to have a group member aged 16 or above to play.

Do I need to pre-book?

Pre-booking isn’t required to visit The Hole in Wand but I would highly recommend it to avoid disappointment. Especially on busy days! Prebook your tickets here.

Is there disabled access?

Unfortunately the majority of the course takes place upstairs, which is not accessible to wheelchairs. Anyone with access issues should keep in mind that the majority of the course is located on the first floor and the layout of some of the rooms may pose trip hazards.

Anyone who can’t play or access the first floor can enter for free. There is space to sit in the Tavern and wait for the rest of your party. 

More things to do in York

Looking for things to do in York? If you are a mini golf lover like I am, why not check out my Puttstars Mini Golf York review to extend your York mini golf adventure?

Plus, here are some more York travel guides to get the most out of your visit!

• Things to do in York when it rains
• Free things to do in York
• Viking things to do in York
• Incredible things to do in York at night
• Romantic things to do in York for couples
• Magical things to do in York at Christmas
• Top attractions for your York bucket list
• Complete York city guide
• York Cat Trail
• The Best York River Boat Cruises
• The Secret City: York
• Treasure Hunt York

Before You Go

So, will you be testing your putting skill at The Hole in Wand York? If you are, I’d love to hear about your experience!

Also, I’m always on the lookout for new mini golf courses to try out, so let me know which other ones in Yorkshire are your favourite in the comments!

And if you want more York inspiration ahead of your visit, download your free York Quick Start Planning Guide for a list of the top 10 attractions in York, plus a guide to where to stay, when to visit and more!

Plus, you’ll get four bonus travel planning printables you can use when it comes to planning and packing for any trip!

Until our next adventure,

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