GEARING UP
Huge UK tourist attraction dubbed ‘Harry Potter meets world’s poshest art galleries’ will open in former jail
Pictures reveal how top tourist attraction is taking shape
HARRY Potter fans are desperate to get their hands on tickets to a new £36million UK tourist attraction - set to open in a former jail.
Inverness Castle, situated in the atmospheric hills of the Scottish Highlands, is set to undergo a major £36million re-vamp and transform into a one-of-a-kind spectacle.
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And, Harry Potter/art lovers will be thrilled to hear doors are scheduled to open by summer 2025, with construction due to finish by the end of this year.
Fiona Hampton, director of Inverness Castle and Events for High Life Highland, told the: “We’re at the stage where we’re taking it from concept to reality.
“The audio-visual material that will be in each room is now being created. The text that goes with the exhibits is being written.
“And it’s been a conscious decision to ensure all the scriptwriters are from the Highlands.”
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The majestic castle is predicted to draw in a whopping 500,000 visitors a year to undergo the Inverness Castle Experience.
“We’ve been talking about the concepts, stories and ideas for years now," added Fiona.
The upcoming attraction has been designed by Mather & Co, and the company vowed ticket holders will "laugh, cry and think".
Mather & Co have been instrumental in Downton Abbey: The Experience and the R&A World Golf Museum at St Andrews.
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Chief executive Chris Mather dubbed Inverness Castle a combo of the Harry Potter wizarding attractions some of the world's poshest art galleries.
He hailed the "unique" experience and boasted it will "spearhead" Highland tourism.
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“It’s not just one thing. It’s food and drink, entertainment, education learning, tours, the natural landscape and sustainability," he said.
“It’s been fantastic to be involved. I’m falling in love with Inverness, it’s got so much to offer."
Harry Potter fans may be excited to learn the Workhaus Projects have also been involved in the construction.
The company is recognised for working on the Harry Potter Wizarding World attraction in New York and the V&A in Dundee.
Director Jim Ibbetson said: “This is massive for us. We’ve been going for nearly 25 years and this is up there with other projects.
“It’s such an incredibly exciting job to be involved in.”
10 UK attractions this summer
WE'VE compiled a list of the top ten must-try staycation activities for all ages, perfect for your bucket list.
Boom Battle Bar
- They’ve got a variety of activities that’ll keep everyone entertained, from Axe Throwing and Augmented Reality Darts to classic American Pool and the chaos of Crazier Golf.
- With 29 locations across the UK, including spots in Scotland, Wales, London, and all over the North and South West, a great night out is never far away.
The Ice Cream Farm
- Located in Cheshire, it’s home to the world's largest ice cream shop.
- 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 top seaside destinations and boasts the Hippodrome Circus, Britain’s last surviving circus venue.
- Housed in a historic 1903 venue, its 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 blend of history and excitement, the Household Cavalry Museum at Horse Guards is a must-see.
- Both you and the kids can catch a glimpse of the troopers and their horses in the original 18th-century stables, and have the chance to see them in their finery at the Changing of the Guard ceremony on Horse Guards Parade.
Tipsy Parties
- You don’t have to venture far for an amazing staycation, plenty of experiences can come right to your door, like the cocktail magicians at Tipsy Parties.
- Their expert mixologists make delicious drinks and there are options for non-alcoholic cocktails, so everyone can have fun.
Stockeld Park
- If you’re after a fun-filled family day out, Stockeld Park in Yorkshire, nestled between Wetherby and Harrogate, has you covered, no matter the weather.
- This summer, Stockeld Park is stepping up the fun with its Summer Adventure festival, including a lineup of live entertainment.
Trentham Monkey Forest
- Trentham Monkey Forest in Staffordshire offers a unique day out that's ideal for the summer bucket list.
- The forest is a sanctuary to 140 Barbary macaque monkeys that roam freely across 60 acres, providing visitors a rare opportunity to observe them living naturally in this incredible setting.
Woburn Safari Park
- You can experience the thrill of the African Savannah right here in the British Isles at Woburn Safari Park this holiday season.
- The park offers a Road Safari, where you can get a windscreen’s width away from lions, tigers, monkeys, rhinos, bears, and giraffes, in stunning parkland reserves.
Evesham Vale Light Railway
- You can hop aboard the 15-inch gauge Valley Railway for a scenic ride to Evesham Vale Station, with departures every 30 minutes.
- There you can test your skills at the new 18-hole Aztec-themed Adventure Golf Course, featuring an Aztec temple, wooden bridge, and water features.
The castle experience will see visitors guided by a storyteller, or seanchaidh, and learn about the Highlands' rich history.
Inspiration has been taken from the culture and legends, with around 600 tales sent in by local communities.
Matthew Zajac, Dogstar’s artistic director, and an Inverness-born actor is crafting script material.
“We’ve never done anything quite like the castle experience before”, he said.
RICH HISTORY
The original castle on site dated back to the 11th century and saw the likes of Robert the Bruce, Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie.
However, this was lost over time and the building visitors will see today was actually a 19th century courthouse and jail.
It transformed again when it became a hub for Inverness-shire County Council and Inverness-shire Constabulary but court hearings still took place there until 2020.
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Matthew added: “In a way, this project could be a way for the people of Inverness to reclaim the castle.”
This comes as a huge new theme park opening in 2025 has revealed a fifth land based on Harry Potter – with wizard battle rides and magic shows.
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