Who says you can’t find cheap flights for a weekend getaway? In February, I stumbled upon an incredible deal: flights to Cologne for just £38.43, proving that with a bit of savvy planning, you can embark on an affordable adventure. This marked our second trip to Cologne, a city teeming with family-friendly activities and attractions.
Our journey began straight after school, a slightly frantic start, I must admit! We boarded the Stansted Express from Tottenham Hale, for £17.60 thanks to our family and friends railcard, which made the journey both smooth and economical. In just 35 minutes, we arrived at Stansted Airport, with ample time to spare.
The flight departed from Stansted around 8 pm, whisking us to Cologne in less than an hour—a remarkable journey. However, navigating passport control proved to be a daunting task, reminding us of the challenges post-Brexit travel can entail.
Our hotel, conveniently situated opposite the airport, made for a seamless transition. Moxy hotel welcomed us warmly, offering a complimentary cocktail and tempting us with a free breakfast if we signed up for their loyalty program—naturally, we seized the opportunity. Our £68 room, while basic, was clean and comfortable, ensuring a restful night’s sleep before our upcoming adventure.
The following morning, we indulged in a hearty breakfast spread at the hotel, complete with eggs, sausages, pastries, and even a nifty pancake making machine. Dining with the backdrop of planes taking off added an extra thrill to the experience. After checking out, we left our luggage with the hotel staff and hopped on the train to our destination, just two stops away.
To explore Cologne conveniently, I recommend opting for a Köln Card, providing access to transportation and discounts on attractions.
Our main highlight awaited us at the Odysseum: “Harry Potter: Visions of Magic,” an immersive art experience. This immersive journey delves into the enigmatic realms of the Wizarding World, offering an unforgettable adventure. With tickets starting from €20.90 and free entry for children under five, it’s a family-friendly outing not to be missed.
While the website suggests the experience is suitable for ages 12 and up, my eight-year-old daughter was enthralled throughout. However, it’s worth noting that some parts may be slightly eerie for younger audiences, particularly as the atmosphere can become quite dark at times.
At the onset of the adventure, participants are handed a wand, followed by a fantastic photo opportunity and a brief wizard training session. This training serves as a fun way for the staff to ensure your wand is fully operational, essential for the magical journey ahead.
As you venture through various rooms, you’ll uncover the enchantment firsthand, and let me assure you, the experience is nothing short of extraordinary. Each room is impeccably designed and highly interactive. I was practically transported to a scene from a Harry Potter movie when we entered the Room of Requirement—it was truly magical. The sight of mystical objects coming to life further heightened the enchantment of the journey.
It’s worth noting that the entire experience is conducted in German, which may pose a challenge for non-German speakers. While some staff members are proficient in English, not all are. To enhance your experience, I recommend downloading the Google Translate app to translate any German text encountered throughout the journey.
Don’t forget to visit the gift shop at the conclusion of the experience. I couldn’t resist purchasing a key ring and magnet to commemorate our adventure, both adorned with the photo we took at the beginning of our magical journey. These souvenirs serve as treasured reminders of our unforgettable experience at Harry Potter: Visions of Magic.
Additionally, you have the opportunity to explore the Museum of the Mouse, which offers a separate admission fee. This museum brings everyday phenomena from nature and technology to life in a child-friendly manner. Geared towards children aged 5-12, it provides an engaging and educational experience. For further details, you can find more information here.
During our stroll to the Odysseum, we stumbled upon Bürgerpark Kalk, which boasts a delightful playground for children. Adjacent to the apartments opposite, we explored multiple playgrounds, each charming in its own right. Comparing them to those in London, we couldn’t help but notice the superior quality in Cologne. It prompted me to reflect on the importance of prioritizing investments in playgrounds for children, rather than allocating funds to other endeavors..
After our playground adventures, we continued with some sightseeing. Our initial plan to visit Phantasialand was thwarted when I discovered that the park would be closed during our visit. However, if you’re searching for more family-friendly activities in Cologne, I highly suggest exploring Get Your Guide for some inspiration.
Once we were back at the airport, we found security procedures to be surprisingly efficient. However, I recommend grabbing a meal before arriving, especially if you’re traveling through terminal one, as the food options are somewhat limited—particularly for picky eaters. Nevertheless, we stumbled upon a delightful play area for kids located conveniently before and after passport control. Check out the pictures below for a peek at our airport adventure.
Stay tuned for our upcoming guide to airport play areas, which will be featured on the blog soon. If you have any pictures and information you’d like to contribute, feel free to email me at mummybloggernat@gmail.com. We’d love to hear from you!
As for our journey back to London Stansted, the flight was a quick one, lasting less than an hour. From there, we simply hopped on a National Express coach for the journey home. Cologne has left a lasting impression on us, and we’re already planning our return trip—especially since Phantasialand looks so enticing, and we’re always up for a thrilling theme park adventure.
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