Disclaimer: We went along to the Hever Castle Christmas Grotto and Alice in a Christmas Wonderland light trail press evening for free in exchange for this review. Words and pictures are my own.
Having last visited Hever Castle in the heat of summer, this time was quite different; a trip after dark, with hats coats and scarves to see the Christmas lights, visit the Christmas trail and see Father Christmas in his grotto!
We arrived around 5.30pm when it was already dark, and the lights from the grounds could be seen from some distance. On arrival at the Lake View entrance the whole pathway towards the Castle was lit up with an array of amazing Christmas lights.
Following the path past the Guthrie Pavilion Restaurant and on towards the castle, the pathways were lit up with beautiful lights, changing colours and illuminating the landscaping; the roses might may not have been in bloom but it was stunning none the less.
Hever Castle itself was a sight to behold; the whole building was illuminated, and with the addition of a carousel it gave a truly spectacular view on the approach.
Inside the castle itself, the rooms have been festively decorated, but we didn’t stay long in the castle (just long enough for a mince pie and a mulled wine) as we had somewhere special to be…
The Christmas Grotto at Hever Castle
The Christmas Grotto at Hever Castle costs an extra £11.95 per child, and although bookable slots are sold out, there is the possibility to call in while you’re at Hever and take one of the drop-in slots. Please see the website for details*
The Christmas Grotto is located on the lawn inside a large tent, absolutely filled with real, snow-covered Christmas trees and Christmas lights.
Upon entry the children were asked to write a letter to Father Christmas, put a ‘stamp’ on it and then post it in the special post box.
In case you were wondering, my oldest asked for a ‘sepprighs’ three times over, which is the best and worst thing to ask for really!
We were then lead through the maze of trees by an elf until we reached Santa’s hut!
Not only was the wooden hut filled with Christmas presents and a lovely decorated tree, but there was – as you can see – the real Father Christmas, who was very friendly and spoke to the kids about whether they’d been good, and what they wanted for Christmas.
The kids were really chuffed with their presents – a soft toy for my youngest and a game of Tiddlywinks for my oldest.
The Alice in a Christmas Wonderland Trail at Hever Castle
You can visit Hever Castle at twilight, like we did – there are currently just two dates left however; visit the website for more details*.
Take a different turning before the entrance to the grotto and you will be lead along the Alice in a Christmas Wonderland trail!
I don’t want to spoil too much but if you’re a fan of Alice in Wonderland then you will love the festive light trail, spotting hidden characters along the way.
Even if you haven’t read the book, there is plenty to amuse and delight.
We met characters like the Rabbit, the Queen of Hearts and even the Mad Hatter, who sat us down to tea to ask our opinion on hats. He was fantastic and the kids thought he was hilarious!
The whole display is a real treat.
The trail, which leads you back towards the castle, is just magical, and both adults and children will be captivated.
We had a brilliant time at the Hever Castle 2019 Christmas Grotto and Alice in a Christmas Wonderland trail. If you are visiting the castle during the day, it is definitely worth staying until dusk falls to experience the lights and the Christmas trail.
*For more information about what’s going on this Christmas at Hever Castle and to pre-book, visit their website here.