A life-sized, Hagrid-inspired character stands in the doorway of a recreated stone cottage at Metrocentre's free Wizardy World exhibition, running throughout October half-term 2026
Families visiting Metrocentre this October half-term can explore a magical Harry Potter-inspired display featuring a giant's cottage, a flying car, a motorbike and sidecar, with free wand-making workshops and character appearances taking place on 30 and 31 October.
A little bit of Hogwarts magic has arrived in Gateshead this October half-term, and families from Newcastle Great Park and across the North East can experience it for free.
Metrocentre has transformed its Exhibition Square into a magical world inspired by the Harry Potter films, complete with a life-sized stone cottage, a familiar-looking blue flying car and a vintage-style motorbike with sidecar.
The attraction, officially called The Wizardy World of Metrocentre, opened on Monday 26 October and will remain in place until Sunday 1 November 2026.
Visitors can explore the display throughout the week, with additional free activities planned for Friday 30 and Saturday 31 October.
And judging by the photographs, the centre has gone to considerable lengths to bring some much-loved elements of the wizarding world to life.
Step inside a world of Harry Potter-inspired magic
One of the largest attractions is a replica of the rustic stone cottage associated with Hagrid, the half-giant character familiar to generations of Harry Potter fans.
The impressive structure, displayed in the middle of Exhibition Square, features weathered-looking stone walls, a wooden door, a sloping roof and a chimney.
Visitors can also see a life-sized representation of the famous character standing in the cottage doorway, complete with long hair, an enormous beard, oversized boots and a lantern.
The installation creates an eye-catching centrepiece, giving families an opportunity to take photographs and enjoy a little movie-inspired magic without travelling far from home.
Seasonal decorations, pumpkins and a handcrafted graveyard-style setting add to the atmosphere, making it particularly fitting for Halloween week.
The Harry Potter-inspired installation in Metrocentre's Exhibition Square includes a recreated cottage, flying car, motorcycle and sidecar, alongside Halloween-themed decorations
The famous flying Ford Anglia makes an appearance
Another standout attraction is the pale blue Ford Anglia, instantly recognisable to Harry Potter fans as the flying car associated with Ron Weasley's family.
The display vehicle has been presented with a large spider perched across its roof and windscreen, recalling one of the series' most memorable encounters in the Forbidden Forest.
With its distinctive rounded headlights, vintage grille and pale blue paintwork, it is a particularly popular-looking backdrop for photographs.
For adults who grew up watching the films and children discovering them for the first time, the car is likely to be one of the highlights.
The exhibit features replica and themed props rather than being advertised as a display of original production-used vehicles.
A pale blue Ford Anglia, reminiscent of the flying car in the Harry Potter films, forms part of the magical display at Metrocentre, complete with a giant spider perched on top
A motorbike and sidecar worthy of a half-giant
Beside the cottage sits another familiar-looking vehicle: a blue motorcycle complete with a large matching sidecar.
The vintage-style Royal Enfield motorcycle and sidecar combination recalls the distinctive transport associated with Hagrid in the Harry Potter stories.
The display includes plenty of detail, from the chrome fittings and black leather seat to the rounded sidecar and its curved windscreen.
Together with the cottage and flying car, it creates an immersive attraction that is likely to appeal to anyone who enjoys the magical film series.
A vintage-style Royal Enfield motorcycle and blue sidecar are among the themed exhibits on display at Metrocentre this October half-term
Free wand-making workshops on 30 and 31 October
While the themed displays are available throughout the week, Metrocentre has organised additional entertainment for the final two days of October.
On Friday 30 October and Saturday 31 October, young witches and wizards will be able to take part in free wand-making workshops, creating their own magical keepsake to take home.
The workshops run from 11am until 4pm on both days.
There will also be magical characters appearing around the exhibition, giving children opportunities to meet costumed performers and enjoy the atmosphere.
The special programme includes wizarding professors and students, the Enchanted Cauldron, Merakel and Mistletyne, and a Dragon Master appearing on Halloween itself.
Full timetable for Friday 30 and Saturday 31 October
Metrocentre has confirmed the following times for its magical entertainment.
Wizardy Professor and Student characters
11am–11.45am
12.45pm–1.15pm
2.30pm–3pm
The Enchanted Cauldron
11am–12pm
1pm–1.45pm
3pm–3.45pm
Merakel and Mistletyne
11.45am–12.30pm
1.30pm–2.15pm
3.15pm–3.45pm
The Dragon Master – Saturday 31 October only
11am–11.15am
12.30pm–12.45pm
2pm–2.15pm
3.30pm–3.45pm
Free wand-making workshops
11am–4pm on Friday and Saturday
Families hoping to meet particular characters may wish to plan their visit around these scheduled appearances.
A free family outing during October half-term
With the cost of entertaining children during school holidays continuing to be a consideration for many households, a free attraction like this could prove particularly welcome.
Metrocentre's wizarding display offers families an opportunity to enjoy themed exhibits and take photographs without having to purchase admission tickets.
The free wand-making activities add another option for parents looking to keep younger children entertained before Halloween.
Visitors can also combine the experience with a meal, shopping or one of the centre's other leisure attractions.
The centre is hosting several half-term events this October, but some other attractions and activities are separately ticketed.
Where is the magical display?
The Wizardy World of Metrocentre is located in Exhibition Square, near Primark, inside Metrocentre in Gateshead.
Event details
Event: The Wizardy World of Metrocentre
Location: Exhibition Square, Metrocentre, Gateshead, NE11 9YG
Dates: Monday 26 October to Sunday 1 November 2026
Special activities: Friday 30 and Saturday 31 October
Wand-making: 11am–4pm on both days
Admission: Free
Best for: Families, children, Harry Potter fans and anyone looking for a Halloween half-term outing
Although the display is inspired by the Harry Potter films, Metrocentre is presenting it under its own Wizardy World event name.
Visitors can find the full official programme and any updates on the Metrocentre website.
A little Halloween magic for Great Park families
For Newcastle Great Park residents looking for a family outing before the half-term break comes to an end, this could be a particularly enjoyable option.
Whether you're hoping to photograph the flying car, admire the detailed recreation of Hagrid's cottage or take the children along to make their own wand, there's something to interest both younger visitors and lifelong fans of the films.
And with the main display continuing until Sunday 1 November, there is still time to enjoy the attraction even if you're busy with Halloween celebrations on Friday or Saturday.
The Wizardy World of Metrocentre runs until Sunday 1 November 2026, with free character appearances and wand-making activities on Friday 30 and Saturday 31 October.
Photographs supplied to Great Park Gazette.
Published: Thursday 29 October 2026.
Source: Metrocentre's official event programme and October half-term announcements.
