Wizarding wonderland opens in Samford

Tucked away in the streets of Samford is a wizarding wonderland welcoming magical and non-magical people.

The brainchild of Bronwyn Wood – aka Professor Blackthorn - The Three Quills School of Witchcraft and Wizardry transports visitors into a world of magic.

The experience begins at the front door, where Professor Blackthorn greets visitors, who must give a special password for their journey to begin.

Entry to the workshop is through an enchanted forest, which opens into a treasure trove of witchery and wizardry.

Fun for all ages

Professor Blackthorn’s passion for all things magic began in 1997 when she read the first of the Harry Potter series, The Philosopher’s Stone.

“I’ve been collecting since 1997 and I’ve been to Harry Potter World four times and the London studio twice,” she says.

Visitors are transported into a school of magic – and Professor Blackthorn says the experience is not just for children.

“We’ve had people in their 70s, 30^th birthday parties and over-18s potions classes.

“For birthday parties we have the birthday child in the middle and we do three different workshops, pass the owl post and then do presents and cake. Parents are not allowed!”

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Other workshops include herbology classes where students learn about the properties of magical plant, medieval history and herb lore and make a special keepsake to take home.

There’s also the potions lab where Professor Blackthorn shares the secrets to making magical brews and a wizarding candy workshop where you can create cauldron cakes, a winged chocolate ball and a candy wand.

Professor Blackthorn’s school has recently reopened after a COVID-enforced break and she says would-be witches and wizards are delighted.

“The Samford community has been awesome – they were very sad when we had to close because of COVID.”

There’s a special one-hour Halloween workshop from 4.30pm on October 31 and from 5.30-7pm Professor Blackthorn will be on standby for visits from trick-or-treaters.

The Three Quills School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is at 9 Village Lane, Samford.

To book a workshop or find out more, click here.