The Wizard Walk of York took the honour in the TripAdvisor Best of the Best Awards 2025, which is based on 8 million attractions.
The awards are based on customer feedback, which sees the attraction recommended by 99 per cent of those who experienced the walk.
Tripadvisor also awards the Wizard Walk of York five stars out of five, based of 756 reviews, 732 of which were five star.
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York-based husband and wife duo Dan and Bev Wood beat millions of attractions to the top spot, which is based on review data and feedback from spellbound visitors who have enjoyed this unique walking tour.
Dan Wood, aka Phoenix the Red, who runs the business with wife Bev, said: “We were over the moon to win third place back in 2023, but to climb to first place worldwide just two years later is absolutely mind-blowing!
The wizard, Dan Wood, with his pet dragon (Image: Pic supplied)
“We’re so grateful to all the families who have booked for a magical experience like no other, and taken the time to leave such enchanting feedback after.”
Explaining the secret of his success, he continued: “We set out to create something different and unique in York, and create unforgettable memories through magic, fun and laughter. The Wizard Walk is packed with magical moments, special effects, jokes, prop comedy, slapstick, storytelling and even origami!”
The list of other winners includes Vila Encantada Dinosaur Park in Brazil (2nd place), an interactive pirate cruise in Florida (3rd place), a dolphin experience in South Carolina (4th place) and LEGOLAND California (5th place)
This latest recognition follows other successes for The Wizard Walk this year.
The company won Best Tour for the third year running in the Little Vikings Awards for Kids, as well as Best Birthday Party Entertainer again.
At the Visit York Awards, they took Experience of the Year, and picked up silver nationally at the VisitEngland Awards.
It also recruited a new wizard tour guide Viridian the Green, allowing them to double the amount of tours.
During May half-term Dan and Bev also conjured up the city’s first WizardFest, which lasted three, attracting 600 families over three days. More than 20 local businesses also took part, with highlights including extra tours, dragon meet-and-greets, LEGO workshops, bath-bomb making, themed food and drink and a parade through York.
Dan and Bev are already busily planning the next WizardFest for May 23-25 next year, and are looking for sponsors, activity providers, market traders and more.
Recent tour additions to the tours include the ‘Sundaes and Dragons’ add-on, in which families can book to meet the Wizard’s pet dragon Ignis – or Iggy – and then enjoy a Dragon Sundae at Loopy Scoops on Church Street.
Looking ahead, Dan and Bev plans to increase their team and offer more tours to meet demand. The couple also plan an online video subscription service called The Wand and Quill Club
For details of the tours and to book, go to: www.wizardwalkofyork.com
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