Brand new Scottish attraction offers magical experience Harry Potter fans will love

Daily Record

28-05-2025

A magical new attraction opens next Friday, June 6, bringing Harry Potter-style enchantment.
A magical new attraction is set to enchant Scottish Harry Potter fans this summer. The Bubbling Toad is nestled within the lush surroundings of Vogrie Country Park in Midlothian, just a short drive from Edinburgh.
The event will open its doors next Friday, June 6, transforming the once-forgotten first floor of Vogrie House into a world where 'stories shimmer, potions bubble, and magic lingers in the air.'
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The Bubbling Toad has been created by Gayanne Potter - a voiceover artist who claims ScotRail's new 'Iona' AI announcer is using her voice data - and her family, and is a lovingly handcrafted space born from months of creativity and community spirit.
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What was once a neglected wing of the stunning estate has been reborn as an immersive escape, sparkling with twinkling fairy lights, enchanted classrooms, and hidden treasures at every turn, Glasgow Live reports.
Offering a spellbinding experience for all ages, the attraction features potion classes, fairy trails, and handmade crafts beneath a glowing tree, alongside magical stories told in a starlit library.
Families with kids and adults alike will find something to delight in, with a Victorian-themed escape room launching alongside the opening, set to change themes every few months.
The festive season promises a special transformation too, turning The Fairy Hollow into an Elf's workshop and the escape room into Santa's Grotto.
The Bubbling Toad is designed to be welcoming and adaptable, offering quiet sessions across all experiences to ensure accessibility.
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Visitors can look forward to a wide range of activities, including:
Potion classes where spells swirl and cauldrons bubble
Fairy, woodland, and dragon-themed parties plus seasonal celebrations
Creative workshops for all ages, from crafting to stargazing
Relaxing spaces like the enchanted Fairy Hollow and the dreamy Lunar Library
Adult craft and design evenings
Exclusive hires of the Lunar Library for fortune-telling nights and private events
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The story behind The Bubbling Toad is one of transformation. When the council offered Gayanne and her family the first floor of Vogrie House, they saw not decay but opportunity.
The family revealed that on that first cold January morning, they arrived armed with paintbrushes, old furniture, storm-felled branches, and a head full of ideas. The result is a unique, handcrafted space where artistry, storytelling, and 'a little bit of mischief' come together in perfect harmony.
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Gayanne Potter, founder and creative director of The Bubbling Toad, said ahead of the grand opening: 'I wanted to create a space that felt magical and enchanting, somewhere families could enjoy a slower pace for a while and reconnect through different imaginative activities.
"Take time away from screens, just be swept up in the wonder we've created in the different rooms. Magic has no age limit and The Bubbling Toad doesn't either, it's for everyone.'
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In other magical news, the highly anticipated Harry Potter television series has announced its leading cast.
Warner Bros and HBO confirmed that young Scottish actor Dominic McLaughlin will take on the iconic role of Harry Potter, joined by Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley.
The series is expected to debut on HBO and HBO Max in 2026, promising to bring fresh life to the beloved wizarding world.