Christmas at Bedgebury is a magical build up to the festive season. We’ve been going for a number of years and have always loved it (apart from the one time I forgot to put the pram in the boot). Luckily my youngest is now 5 so all good.
We were very fortunate to receive free tickets in exchange for a review, however we’re very serious about providing an accurate overview about the good and bad. It was genuinely all fantastic though.
The official description is as follows:
A magical trail with new lights for 2024 – an after-dark stroll through iconic conifers
The National Pinetum at Bedgebury is a place where new memories are made when over a million twinkling lights and seasonal sounds fill the air with festive fun. Created by award-winning, internationally acclaimed light trail producers, it is firmly positioned as unmissable within the UK’s seasonal calendar. With everything you need for an unforgettable time with friends and family, including a magical glimpse of Father Christmas along the way. Discover a sparkling flock of jolly robins, giant luminous seed pods floating high into the night sky, neon gallopers peeping out behind trees, sparkling tunnels of light and the forest filled with all the colours of the rainbow.
Grab a seasonal snack from the Bedgebury café at the visitor centre or one of the hand-picked street food vendors who bring an indulgent twist to tempting treats on offer. Complete your walk under the stars with a festive *spiced winter warmer, *hot chocolate or *toasted marshmallow and share it with someone special (*separate charges apply).
The description is pretty much spot on. The whole of the trail at Bedgebury is a stunning sensory experience, with perfectly matched music playing gently throughout each visual delight, ranging from from classical to a little bit of Elvis Presley.
Father Christmas is present (excuse the pun) in his grotto and interacts with all the children. Photo opportunities are happily offered with children (and adults).
There are opportunities to purchase food at the beginning and end of the trail as well as half way round. Coffee, tea and hot chocolate are also available along the trail.
Don’t miss the chance to roast some giant marshmallows on the open fire pits too. Marshmallows can be purchased for a couple of pounds each, but they are huge.
Of the two independent food vendors we chose to eat from half way along the trail, the food was expensive and a couple more options might have been nice, but just a small niggle. There is outdoor seating available and while it was full when we arrived, there were tables available by the time we’d ordered our food.
The magic of Christmas at Bedgebury is in the experience though. The forest is awe inspiring by itself but there isn’t a 
part of the trail that won’t impress. Highlights for me were the laser lights and the LED floor but to be honest there was nothing that wasn’t outstanding.
In short, we thoroughly enjoyed it.
Just 20 mins from Tunbridge Wells, Bedgebury Pinetum is fantastic at any time of the year, but in the run up to Christmas and bathed with stunning light and sound, it’s incredible.
The trail took us between 45- 60 minutes and is accessible for buggies but do the read the information on their site for more information, and do wrap up warm and be prepared for bad weather (which won’t spoil anything)
For more information and to book tickets click here.
