Wizards on Windermere to cast half-term magic

Children can enhance their witch or wizard know-how this October half-term, just in time for Halloween, by enjoying a magical visit to the Wizards on Windermere event (October 22-28), at the Aquarium of the Lakes, in the beautiful Lake District.

The Aquarium's version of the Sorting Hat awaits their arrival and kids will discover which house they are in by pulling out a sticker. They can then enter the Aquarium’s inner chamber, with its mesmerising underwater tunnel, and be charmed by fabulous creatures, from otters to menacing pike and from red eyed frogs, to Cichlids from Lake Malawi.

Families will be transported into a spooky forest, to come face to face with creatures deemed to have extraordinary magical powers, such as a weird looking bearded dragon, a tarantula and a witch's favourite - a toad. They can then be spellbound by the trickery of diving ducks, staying underwater for up to 45 seconds, without the assistance of herbology!

During the week, owls and their carers will deliver important messages at Meet an Owl sessions. On October 23, 27 and 28, the Corio Raptor Care and Rehabilitation Centre will bring some of its winged ambassadors and talk about its work with sick and injured owls. On October 25, the World Owl Trust will take up the reins to explain owl conservation.

The mysteries of herbology and how to care for the creatures will be covered by the regular talks programme. Anyone who thought the invisibility cloak, confusion potions and camouflage tactics were modern creations, are likely to be disappointed!

On October 24, Angela Reid, of Cumbria Wildlife Trust, will present the Trust's interesting, new Wildlife in our Churchyards project.

Throughout the week, a cracking time will be had as kids discover hidden, ancient runes. The trick is to find quills left in zones like the Otter Encounter and Riverbank at Night, as each leads to a rune. Whoever cracks the code could be a prizewinner.

Arts and crafts activity will include wand-making and kids can test some spells, perhaps on the huge freshwater fish collection, or the Cuban boa not yet appearing to speak parseltongue!

Visitors can arrive by car, train or boat. A Lakeside and Haverthwaite steam train option will add a Hogwarts flavour, whilst arriving via a misty lake, on a Windermere Lake Cruiser, has its own drama.

Normal admission prices apply and include the Wizards on Windermere additional activity, with an adult ticket costing £7.50, a child’s £5.00 and concessions £6.50. Family tickets start at £22.00 and combined cruise and Aquarium, or train and Aquarium tickets are available.

More information for budding witches and wizards can be found at Aquariumofthelakes.co.uk.

Arrival in fancy dress is positively encouraged!