Reviewed by Amanda Hayes
After a freezing start to the week and a very wet middle we were delighted to have a dry and mild evening to visit the illuminated trail at Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest in Goudhurst, Kent. On arrival we were promptly shown a car parking space, grabbed hats and gloves and walked the short walk to the entrance. Just standing at the entrance was enough to get our 6-year-old excited as we could see small fairground rides, a helter skelter and different coloured lights shining high into the sky.
If you have young children you can buy a set of tokens at £10, which was enough for 5 rides, they were a little on the small side for our son, so we watched for a while and then headed down towards the start of the trail. The first thing we were greeted with was the café overlooking the lake. The lake was illuminated by an array of different coloured lights changing both in formation and colour, the result was a fantastic light show and a great beginning to the trail.
Joining an array of other families, we followed the path through a glowing arch welcoming us to the start of the trail and into an awe dropping light show backed with music from The Snowman. The music really gave it the festive feel and was a brilliant start to the evenings walk. The trail is around 1.5km and I don’t really want to give away too many of the amazing surprises that greet you on the walk, but prepare to go wow several times, you may even see Father Christmas!
Halfway round the trail you arrive at another lake with hundreds of floating and colour changing lanterns, a sight to behold. There are several food and drink shacks here together with a marshmallow stall. We brought the candy floss flavour which was delicious and roasted it over the fire pit. It was a lovely winter experience that felt very Christmassy.
The trail is circular so instead of going straight back to the car we went back to the café where we warmed up with sausage rolls, chips and hot drinks. More substantial food such as hot dogs and pulled pork baps are also available in wooden cabins just outside. Unfortunately, you can’t see the light show from inside the café due to the reflection on the windows, but there is seating outside where you can enjoy the show as you eat and drink. The illuminated trail will take about one to one and a half hours, dependant on how many times you stop, is all on hardstanding and is suitable for pushchairs and sturdy shoes with no real need for wellington boots.
We thought Christmas at Bedgebury was a magical experience and although not cheap, at around £54 per family (2 Adults & 2 Children), it wasn’t like anything else we had done before. The combination of lanterns, lasers and hanging lights made for a festive filled delight all backed by well-known Christmas tunes to really get you in the festive spirit. Even though it’s still early we came away feeling Christmas had begun and what an amazing start it had been on the Christmas at Bedgebury illuminated trail.
Highly recommended 4.5 out of 5.
Rating: 4.5/5
Tickets: £18 adults / £11.50 child / £13.50 family (per person)
For more information to book tickets visit www.forestryengland.uk.
Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, Lady Oak Lane, Goudhurst, TN17 2SJ
