Last Saturday (November 18), ‘Christmas at Bewl Water’ opened for an exclusive event in order to say a big ‘thank you’ to local charities ahead of the venue’s new festive attraction officially opening the following day.
Sunisa Avery, Creative Manager of Christmas at Bewl Water and her team welcomed guests from charities such as Young Lives Foundation, Gingerbread, ellenor and Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre so they could experience first-hand the excitement of this brand-new event which is currently taking place in the heart of Lamberhurst.
As a way of ‘giving back’ the popular venue’s entire opening day was a gift to these local charity workers before it opened to the general public on Sunday November 19.
“I am in awe! After a huge creative effort transforming Bewl Water into a winter wonderland, it was a joy to see our first young guests, their families and caregivers arrive. Honestly, it just doesn’t get better than this!” Sunisa said.
The venue, which boasts the largest reservoir in southeast England, has been transformed for the holiday season, with its Rangers using coppiced wood from the 800-acre parkland to create a frost-covered enchanted woodland as guests first enter the experience.
Attention to detail is evident everywhere throughout Bewl Water and there is a real sense that its beautiful surroundings have been echoed inside the Christmas at Bewl experience and sprinkled with fairy dust, giving young guests a magical sense of wonder
“I am so grateful for the generosity of the team here at Bewl Water. We have been blown away by the attention to detail and just how much the kids loved the crafts and storytelling. It really was a special event for us all,” said Sue McGowan of the West Kent British Heart Foundation on being one of the chosen charities attending the special day.
As guests stroll through the fully immersive experience, children can gaze up in wonder ata towering beanstalk, giant-sized gingerbread men and oversized storybooks on their path to see Santa.
At check-in, children also receive a passport that is then stamped at various crafts and tasks on their journey to see Father Christmas, which makes for a beautifully personalised finale.
From Mrs Claus’ Bakery to the elves’ decoration workshop, there is something at every turn to keep little hands busy. The winter village also plays host to a warming fire pit where guests can toast marshmallows – available to buy in the Candy Land shop – and treat themselves to a warming hot chocolate or a mulled wine.
“We have so enjoyed our time here; my children were so excited from the moment we arrived to meet Father Christmas. The best grotto visit ever!” another guest, Laura Dadswell told the Times.
Running until Christmas Eve, tickets are available from £40 per child and £15 per adult, which includes parking. Although hurry, limited tickets are quickly running out for the peak dates and times at ‘Christmas at Bewl Water’. Those eager to secure their spot are urged to act quickly by booking online at: christmas.bewlwater.co.uk.
BLACK FRIDAY OFFER: For a limited time only we are offering 20% off* children’s tickets. Use access code ‘XMAS20’ when booking. *Applies to dates from 25.11.23 – 17.12.23.
