Given the current uncertainty surrounding what we should and shouldn’t do due to the continual rise in Omicron infection rates, opting to enjoy a seasonal treat in the great outdoors would seem like a sensible decision right now.
Luckily you don’t have to travel very far in order to do so courtesy of the amazing illuminations and fun-for-all-the-family fairground currently happening over the Christmas period until January 3 at Hever Castle and Gardens.
I paid a visit to it last week with my family after hearing lots about it over the years. Hever’s official Christmas event, which includes an impressive Santa’s grotto, launched in 2007 and its light trail was launched the following year. Since then it has grown bigger and more impressive every year with lots more of its iconic landmarks being lit up against the December night sky.
Sadly you’re too late for tickets to see Santa as that sold out – as it always does – weeks ago but you can still take in the charming light trails. This year there’s a special one dedicated to the story of Pinocchio which is ideal for little ones.
The twilight trail tickets are available from 4pm daily and although we visited around 6.30pm when it was pitch black Hever’s glorious grounds and castle looked nothing short of stunning as they were transformed into an illuminated winter wonderland courtesy of an amazing array of festive lights festooned over all of this historic country estate.
As you wander around the main light trail you walk through a series of pretty light displays where you can marvel at the grounds’ huge majestic trees illuminated in shades of vibrant red, pink and green. Seasonal music gently plays as you tour around thanks to some cleverly hidden speakers dotted about. And there’s always a nearby sign pointing you in the right direction, so despite the fact it might be very dark when you visit you never feel like you’re veering off track.
This year most of the really impressive light displays are located near the castle. They include an amazing Ferris wheel – new for this year – which you can ride on for two pounds per person. Top tip here: to get a really great shot of it at night make sure you position yourself on the nearby bridge so you can catch its reflection in the water too.
Just nearby there’s the chance to hook a duck, (from £2), treat yourself to some hot donuts and coffee – or for little ones why not take a ride on the fairytale-style carrousel which looks like it could have stepped straight out of the original Mary Poppins film set.
The Pinocchio Christmas Trail takes in a trip to Geppetto’s workshop which boasts a display of wonderful woodcarving creations. Visitors, both young and old, can also see Stromboli’s puppet show. You also get to journey through the land of toys and help rescue Pinocchio’s father – oh and Jiminy Cricket can be spied throughout the trail so make sure you keep an eye out for him!
It takes around 30 minutes to follow the Pinocchio Christmas Trail and 90 minutes to do the whole circuit – which also sees Hever’s famous Italian Gardens getting a look in on the action. A number of its famous statues are illuminated while the Loggia’s walkway is studded with twinkling fairylights.
All in all Hever’s light trail is a truly magical – and very safe – experience that will certainly brighten up your Christmas and as it runs until January 3 there is still plenty of time to enjoy it.
To book tickets to Hever’s light trails which are on until January 3 visit www.hevercastle.co.uk
