“Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience” Is Returning to Leesburg, Virginia

Calling all North American Potterheads! Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience is making its way back to Leesburg, Virginia, this fall. The Forbidden Forest Experience made its North American debut back in the fall of 2022 at Morven Park in Leesburg, in the Washington, D.C., area, and it’s returning there beginning October 26 this year.

The experience opens as the sun goes down, setting the scene for the nighttime trail, which visitors can take at their own pace, walking through the magic of the wizarding world against an enchanting woodland backdrop. 

As you wander through the forest, expect to see characters and scenes from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films, with glimpses of magical creatures such as centaurs, Nifflers, and more.

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience (@hpforbiddenforestexperience)

 

Guests can also take part in interactive activities along the way, from casting your Patronus and bowing to Buckbeak to having a duel.

There are magical dishes for those wanting a bite to eat, including butterbeer and smoked turkey legs, and for those wanting to take a piece of the magic home, don’t forget to visit the shop, where you can get your hands on Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts merchandise. 

 

This Buckbeak recreation is part of the Forbidden Forest experience.

Buckbeak also makes an appearance at “Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience.”

 

The Forbidden Forest Experience is open daily starting October 26, from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., with the last entry at 9:45 p.m. As the trail is walked at the guests’ own pace, how long it takes can vary, with the average taking between 45 and 75 minutes.

Tickets are set to go on sale to the general public on August 1 at 10:00 a.m., starting at $45 for adults and $30 for children, with those under the age of two going free. Those who are eager to experience the magic can sign up for the waitlist online now to get priority access to presale tickets.

Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience has had success worldwide, having been to Australia, Texas, Singapore, and more, with its debut taking place in Cheshire, England. We’re thrilled to hear the magical trail will be returning to Virginia – it’s the perfect way to start the spooky season. Will you be heading there this fall?

Grace Hurley

I'm an animal-loving Ravenclaw with a Masters Degree in Writing and a passion for the Harry Potter universe since the age of five.