Bedgebury at Christmas: The 2019 Bedgebury Pinetum Christmas light trail

Disclaimer: We went along to the Bedgebury Pinetum Christmas light trail for free in exchange for this review. Words and pictures are my own.

On Saturday we visited Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest in Goudhurst to experience the magnificent 2019 Christmas lights trail.

We arrived around 5.30pm when it was already dark, and were directed to a parking space and then through the entrance barriers where there were a few rides including a carousel and a helter skelter.

To go on the rides, you need to buy tokens at the entrance to Bedgebury, but we decided instead to head straight to the trail, past the cafe which was still open for business.

The Bedgebury Christmas lights trail is an absolute festive treat.

It follows the path anticlockwise on a route around the lake, which is about a mile long. It probably took us close to an hour or so to complete with a four year and six year old and taking our time to look closely at the lights. With the addition of a stop in the middle we probably spent 1.5 hours on the trail.

The photos just can’t do it justice; the Christmas trail at Bedgebury Pinetum is an absolutely spectacular experience.

The route is divided into sections which flow together, each with different types of light displays illuminating the trees and the path.

Some of the highlights include a tunnel of lights, a section of hanging light curtains which change colour, a laser light display, and rows of change-colour boats floating and reflecting on the lake. All of them are set to rousing Christmas music so as you walk around you’ll really get into the festive spirit.

Together with the trees, which are awe-inspiring even during the daytime, it’s a really special experience.

Father Christmas at Bedgebury Pinetum

We wondered whether we’d see Father Christmas at Bedgebury, having seen him the previous night at Hever Castle.

Yes, he was there – but not in a grotto. Instead, there was a little ‘show’ which you could stop and watch at the bottom of the hill. This is only 5-10 minutes long and don’t worry, there is minimal audience participation required.

Food and drink at Bedgebury at Christmas

Just over half way around the trail, there is a place to stop and get a hot chocolate, coffee or alcoholic drink (priced around £4.50 for a mulled wine) and toast marshmallows on the fire pit.

These are available to buy for £1.50 each, but having been told about this, we took our own marshmallows and skewers along (a good job too, as the kids decided they didn’t actually like marshmallows…).

The cafe at the start of the trail is also open throughout the evening serving hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, pastries and chips. We stopped for a couple of sausage rolls and some chips, which cost £8.50 altogether.

Photo opportunities

Unfortunately, taking photos in the dark is very difficult if you’re not a pro, but there are still some amazing photo opportunities. Near the marshmallow toasting are some lit frames overlooking change-colour lanterns on water. There is also one at the entrance to the tunnel of lights.

Make sure you stop for a picture!

Toilets

There were also toilets halfway round the trail, as well as at the cafe at the start, which is very useful particularly when you’re with kids.

How much are tickets to The Christmas Trail at Bedgebury Pinetum?

Tickets for the Bedgebury Pinetum Christmas trail cost £18 for adults, and £11.50 for children aged 3 to 16; younger children are free but you still need to get a ticket for them. You can purchase a family ticket for two adults and two children for £54.

Tickets are available here: https://christmasatbedgebury.seetickets.com/

Parking costs an additional £6 and can be pre-booked.