“Abracadabra” Once stood a realm of magic and mystery at Chessington World of Adventures. It was known as Hocus Pocus Hall. Today, we remember its enchanting history.
Hocus Pocus Hall resided within the Burnt Stub Mansion. The mansion itself boasts a rich past dating back to 1348. During the English Civil War, it served as a royalist stronghold. Oliver Cromwell’s forces razed it. Thus, it gained its distinctive name.
In 2003, the mansion opened its doors to the public as Hocus Pocus Hall. The attraction featured themed walk-through scenes and 3D UV artwork. Guests donned 3D glasses to fully experience the magical world.
Let’s step back in time to the original Hocus Pocus Hall experience. The adventure began in the mansion’s vestibule. Here, a wizard and a goblin greeted you. The room transformed with UV artwork. A hidden door appeared. It led to a library-themed corridor and a rotating trommel tunnel.
Beyond the tunnel lay a laboratory. Goblins caused chaos through animated figures and video screens. Guests could push buttons and put their hands in holes for surprises. Next was the wizard’s bedroom. Goblins interacted with the sleeping wizard. Guests could sit on a chair triggering fart sound effects. A corridor with uneven floors led to a mirror maze finale. The maze resembled a magic garden. Goblins appeared through the two-way mirrors.
In 2013, Hocus Pocus Hall underwent a Halloween makeover. It became “The Mystery of Hocus Pocus Hall”. The attraction featured a new theme and soundtrack.
Even though the 3D glasses were disused in 2017, the magic persisted. Hocus Pocus Hall offered a unique blend of mystery and live action. Actors brought the magical story to life with impressive theatricality.
Hocus Pocus Hall closed in 2018. It was redeveloped into Room On The Broom: A Magical Journey. Though Hocus Pocus Hall is gone, its memory lives on.