Our Top Things To Do In York - The Hole In Wand
Find out everything you need to know about magic mini golf and its newest hole
My Dad introduced me to golf by taking me on ‘a really fun day’, when I carried his golf bag in the rain and watched him demonstrate his multi-tasking abilities by swinging a golf club, smoking a John Player special from the corner of his mouth, and swearing loudly all at the same time.
The guys that started The Hole in Wand have decided to go in a different direction by introducing the game of golf to children by making it 'a magical mini golf experience with nine wizard-themed holes where players solve riddles along the way to earn a free potion at the end', and it's indoors — so no rain, no swearing, and you can't smoke.
It seems to be working, in fact since opening in May 2021, The Hole In Wand has garnered multiple awards, including being named York’s Best Magical Experience in the Little Vikings Awards.
Their newest hole - and its got a tail
This week they have opened a hole called “Nest of the Dragon”, it’s a brand-new eighth hole that promises to test your courage and putting skills. Inspired by the meeting point of the River Foss and the River Ouse, this hole tells the story of Apalla, a vigilant water dragon fiercely guarding her precious eggs from curious humans.
Local Knowledge
Prebook online as it gets very busy, and queueing is no fun if it's cold and raining as you have to do it outside
Its not really suitable for infants — but kids above five should be fine
If everyone is a bit tired after a day of walking round York or if it's raining then this a good way to have some fun for an hour — and they even have lockers you can put your bags in
It may be worth forewarning children that there can be a bit of a wait between holes — perhaps bring something with you to keep them occupied

So, gather your bravest companions and head to The Hole In Wand. For more details and to book your adventure just visit The Hole In Wand’s official website https://www.theholeinwand.com/york and if you need a place to stay, then just visit our website www.houseofyork.org and book:
- one of our homes for up to six people
- two of our homes for up to 12 people
- or all three together for up to 18 people
Rather conveniently, all our houses are next door to each other!
Want to read more for your next visit to York?
Then download a free copy of our book York Local Knowledge Must-do Top Tens & the vouchers to get them for less where you will discover the historic UK city of York like a local with tips, top tens, and guidance on where to find the best discounts and vouchers, so you can experience it all without breaking the bank!
You can download it for free from the Apple iBooks Store here
You can download it for free from the Google Play Books Store here
This isn’t your average guidebook—it’s a laugh-out-loud, down-to-earth companion, packed with top-ten lists covering everything from essential attractions and hidden gems to entertainment, dining spots, walks, tours, festivals, and shopping, all enriched with a local’s insider knowledge.
With insights, amusing anecdotes, and a sprinkling of puns and dad jokes, Alistair’s love letter to York will help you see the city in a whole new way. Grab a copy and start planning the York adventure you didn’t know you were missing!
With over 240 pages, this guide is ideal for families and groups of friends planning a trip to York and includes:
Up-to-date information on everything in the ever-changing city of York—this is the 2025 edition.
Top ten lists of York’s best tourist attractions, entertainment spots, food and drink, walks, tours, festivals, and independent shops.
Beautiful photography accompanying every recommendation.
Answers to visitors’ top questions, from “Where’s the best place for ice cream?” to “Where can I find a great takeaway curry?”
Recommendations on where locals go for up-to-date information about York.
The best places to stay, from five-star hotels to holiday homes and houseboats.
Details on where to find discounts and vouchers for York restaurants, attractions, and experiences.
Want to hear a great podcast about York?
A fab podcast for tourists and locals looking to find out more about York History, must do York Top 10's and money saving tips to do it all for less.
Just search your podcast app for York Must Do Top 10s or click on this link for the show on apple podcast here
Book one of our Holiday Homes for your next trip to York
Are you looking for a great place to stay for your next trip to York. All 3 of our holiday homes are next door to each other which means you can hire them individually for up to 6 people or together for up to 12 (107 & 109 together) or even 18 people (Spencer House & 107 & 109 together).
To check availability and book just visit www.houseofyork.org
We pride ourselves on being couples and family friendly and we try to take any of the stress out of your stay so you can focus on enjoying yourselves and magnificent York.