Christmas at Delamere Forest Review

Reviewed by H Chan

The festive season is upon us. It’s time to get together as a family and spend some time doing something which makes you feel warm and fuzzy! It can be hard to find that perfect event which keeps children and adults entertained, with good facilities, food options and is within budget.

My husband, three children (13, 10 and 7) and I were invited to attend Christmas at Delamere Forest! A magical event where the forest is transformed with lights and music. As we neared the forest, a forest we love and spend lots of time in during the day, we were pleased to see that the all weather car park was well lit and there were plenty of staff on hand to direct any traffic. As we were booked in for the very first slot at 4.15, there wasn’t any traffic at all however I assume over the coming weeks it will get busier. As we left I noticed the car park a lot fuller but still a lot of spaces for parking.

The trail begins just beyond the visitor centre, which has plenty of very clean toilets (always a bonus). This is also where the food vendors are set up outside. There is a good variety of food, including pulled pork baps and Belgian waffles. There are also two fair ground rides, aimed at very small children so my three didn’t want to go on them, but they looked fun. Ride tokens are available to purchase online for £2.50 each (in pairs only) but individual tokens are available on the night. If you want to cut out some time queuing then it’s best to purchase these in advance. I do feel however with the cost of entry, these should have been included.

Walking into the woods after dark was super exciting. I was a little worried at first as my middle daughter uses a wheelchair, and there had been a lot of rain over the week which made me think about mud and puddles, but the trail was well made on sturdy paths. There are a few steeper bits but these were not a problem for her powered chair, but keep this in mind if using a manual. I was impressed with how level and accessible they were, pushchairs shouldn’t be a problem. Every half mile or so there was a small hut which sold hot drinks, we bought the children hot chocolates which were on the pricier side at £3.95 each, but they were yummy and kept our hands warm. Half way round were a few porta loos and a huge fire where they sold marshmallows for roasting.

The lights themselves were beautiful. We loved every minute of it and of course we took hundreds of photographs. I loved how they all had their own themes too, there was something for everyone and music styles for all. My children were dancing through the woods singing along to the Christmas songs, it really made us feel festive. I loved the cathedral effect made by lights whilst the children had so much fun walking through the dangling lights later on – I would add though that if you have a wheelchair with bigger wheels just keep an eye on them going through the long dangly lights as they could become caught up, we went slow and steady and had no big issues.

The trail is a good length, just right for children and took us just over an hour with lots of stops to sing and dance and of course, meet the big man himself, Father Christmas! Who had a nice, long conversation with the children. They were so happy with their interactions with him. I can’t talk too much about the actual lights without giving away spoilers but they were magical, in a heart racing, genuine joy and warming way. I would certainly attend again. I can imagine attending on Christmas week or even Christmas eve would really set the season! Keep in mind that this event is completely outdoors and there is no shelter in the woods should it be throwing it down with rain. We were very lucky to have a clear sky.

This delightful event runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday between November 25th and December 24th, it is then closed on Christmas Day itself and open for the week Monday December 26th to Saturday 31st December. Prices start at £21 per adult and £14 per child. Family and concessions tickets are available, and parking is available as an optional extra, either separate or added to a ticket. Parking itself is £8. A family of two adults and two children, with parking, would cost £75 for entry. You can purchase tickets and find more information about visiting here https://www.forestryengland.uk/christmas-at-delamere tickets are limited so if you’re looking to attend, I recommend you book as soon as possible.

Time slots run from 4.15 pm and then every 15 minutes until 8pm. (with the exception of Christmas week where the last entry will be 7.15pm) There are two quiet sessions available for those who might like it a little less busy and quieter, details for these are on the website.

Rating: I have given this event a rating of 4 ½ out of 5 stars. I would have given the whole five, however for many this event won’t be accessible due to the higher cost of tickets, plus they’re pricing out others because of the extra costs included whilst at the event (I know these are to be expected at events like this and pricing is on par with other events and markets) however the cost of entry is on the higher side. Looking at costings for other events, and the fact you’d probably spend the same on a family meal out, so it isn’t too bad.