HAVE you ever dreamed of being a student at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry?

Now you have the chance to follow in the footsteps of Harry Potter and his friends because the UK’s only real life school for wizards is set to open its doors at Herstmonceux Castle this summer.

Inspired by the success of similar schools in the US and Poland based on J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books, Bothwell School of Witchcraft gives guests the opportunity to play characters in a school, take part in lessons and sleep and dine at the castle.

Tickets for the weekend event will go on sale next month for £400-£500, including a two-night stay at Herstmonceux and meals.

Organisers have already received a lot of interest in the event.

Stuart Munnich co-founder of Rogue Events, said: “I was amazed when I realised there wasn’t a similar event in the UK.

“So I thought it had to happen here and I should probably run it myself.

“Since we released the dates in January, we have had a steady increase in interest and a lot of people have been asking me when they can buy tickets.

“We were lucky that Herstmonceux Castle had a cancellation allowing us to book it for the event.

“When we arrived at Herstmonceux for the first time, we knew immediately that it was the right place. It just felt magical.”

One of the oldest significant brick buildings still standing in England, Herstmonceux Castle is owned by Queen’s University, Canada

The grounds, spanning 300 acres, formal themed gardens and a 15th century moat were the home of the Royal Observatory from 1957 to 1988.

Organisers are expecting 150 people to take part in the weekend and are partnering with the team that produced College of Wizardry in Czocha Castle, Poland, and New World Magischola in America to bring the experience to the UK.

Cameron Readman, co-founder of the school, said: “Creating this amazing experience for our potential guests is really exciting.

“We want to make it the best we can and I can’t wait to show everyone more of what we have planned.”

The Harry Potter novels have taken the world by storm since the release of The Philosopher’s Stone in 1997.

Six books later, the brand continues to inspire the imagination of adults and children.

The weekend will take place from August 11-13. Visit www.bothwellschoolofwitchcraft..com.