Review – Tickets Gifted¦ The Christmas light trail at Bedgebury Pinetum is one of the first things we do at the start of the Christmas season each year. It always gets us into the festive spirit and is always one of our top highlights in the run up to the 25th of December! There are always plenty of new amazing light installations for us to marvel over each year, with festive music making it even more magical. There also lots of photo opportunities and the popular Christmas Cathedral arch of lights was back once again (I don’t think it could be Christmas at Bedgebury without it!)
Where is Bedgebury Christmas Lights Trail?
Bedgebury Pinetum is in the South of Kent, about a 20 minute drive from Tunbridge Wells.
It takes about 50 minutes to get to Bedgebury from where we live in Medway if the traffic is good. We went there straight from school on a Friday evening. As such, it took us about 1 hour and 10 minutes but it was well worth the journey time and whining from the back of the car!
What is Christmas at Bedgebury like this year?
In one word…SPECTACULAR! I don’t have the words to tell you what a wonderful evening it was, but I’ll try to give you a bit of an idea along with some pictures. Just a few sneak peeks though, as I don’t want to ruin it for you (as if I could…the photos don’t do it justice!)
The trail started with the Bedgebury sign on the lake, which was cycling through an array of colours which were also projected onto the foliage behind.
We took a stroll through Candy Cane Lane and into a breathtaking Laser Garden. This was one of my favourite parts; it was such an immersive experience. The combination of the lasers moving and changing colours, along with the smaller lights shimmering and moving through the trees was breathtaking.
If the children hadn’t have wanted to move on, I’d have happily stayed in just that part for half an hour.
The children were mesmerised by the Isithunzi show and the lighting in the trees following its dramatic music. In fact, they loved the whole trail. There were no claims of boredom this evening (OR of achy legs!) When it can occupy an 8 year old and 3 year old and have them willing to walk just over a mile without complaining, you know it’s good.
With Bedgebury marking their 100th Birthday last year, there was a focus on the environment. The beautiful installation above was at Kew Gardens last year and was as thought provoking as it was fun to walk through!
The Winter Garden (above) was another beautiful new addition this year. Much of the surrounding light installations were based on stars, which was lovely. These included colourful star arches to walk through! Already we were roughly half way round and after a quick pit stop for food, we stopped to watch the Water Fountains Show.
Set to music from Polar Express, this light installation was very dramatic and I stayed to watch it a few times (before I got nagged by the kids to move on again). The combination of the music, lights and water dancing was wonderful and definitely one of my favourite installations this year. Reuben loved it too and was saying “Wow!” and jumping and dancing to it.
At Christmas at Bedgebury, it feels like you naturally move from one installation to another. Yet at the same time, you often go from loud and dramatic areas to gentler areas. This is excellent planning, as it stops your senses from becoming too overwhelmed and allows you to fully appreciate the beauty of each and every installation.
Once we had passed through the peaceful Fire Garden, it dawned on me with sadness that we were over halfway through the trail. However, first there were the Neon Gallopers to see, Santa to greet and marshmallows to toast!
The second half of the trail was just as wonderful as the first, with the cute and sparkly Robins Trail, some amazing projections and, of course, the popular Christmas Cathedral! It’s always a favourite and brilliant for photos!
Another of my favourites this year was the Mycelium Network towards the end of the trail. I couldn’t take my eyes off of the colours changing and pulsing; it was wonderful.
How long is the Bedgebury Christmas Trail?
It’s just over a mile long, but you can take it at your own pace. We took a VERY leisurely stroll, stopping to admire displays, partake in food and drink and say hello to Santa. It took us about 3 hours and I could have stayed there longer if I didn’t have children with me who wanted to move onto the next thing. I’d estimate most people to spend around 1.5 to 2 hours there.
Is Christmas at Bedgebury accessible?
Yes, it is! The paths are pretty smooth and although they can get a little muddy it’s nothing major. There are no steep inclines either. We’ve happily done the trail in previous years with a pushchair with no problems.
What is the food and drink like at Bedgebury Christmas Lights?
There are more options for food and drink than there have been in previous years. There are some food/drink stalls at the start and half way through the trail, plus a couple of others dotted throughout the route. Near the beginning of the trail, there is also a café.
The prices are about what you would expect for a captive market. My husband had a massive Bratwurst which was £10 and I had vegetarian loaded fries which were £8 and delicious!
I also highly recommend the orange gin hot chocolate from Not Just Gin, which was delicious. Although, I hardly drink alcohol and after I’d got half way through it, it wasn’t just the Christmas lights that were merry!
Oh, I almost forgot! Once again, there is a marshmallow toasting area! It’s always great fun toasting and eating your gooey marshmallows. Mine was a vegan one and really yummy 🙂
Are there toilets at Bedgebury Christmas Trail?
Yes, there are toilets at the start/end of the trail and half way round. However, only the ones at the start/end have a baby change and are wheelchair accessible.
Is Father Christmas at Christmas at Bedgebury?
Yes! Dressed in traditional green, you can say hello to Father Christmas. He will happily chat and have pictures taken outside his beautiful woodland home. However, it isn’t a grotto experience.
Are dogs allowed at Bedgebury Christmas Lights?
Yes, you can take your dog! They must be kept on a short lead and under control.
Are there additional needs sessions at Bedgebury Christmas Trail?
Yes! There are sessions available which are a more relaxed experience with less people. These are for young people and adults with additional needs and you can book here.
How much do tickets for Christmas at Bedgebury cost?
Adult tickets start from £17 and children’s tickets start from £12 (children age 0-2 go free*).
Family tickets (2 adults, 2 children) start from £55 and personal assistants go free*.
*there is no charge for infant or personal assistant entry but these must be booked in conjunction with a full price ticket.
YOU CAN BUY TICKETS HERE.
Disclosure: We received tickets in return for this review. As always, all views and opinions are honest and our own.