The Christmas magic will arrive early this year with the Bedgebury Pinetum festive light trail when visitors will get a chance to enjoy its dazzling illuminated trail from 15 November.
If, like us, you didn’t know what a pinetum is, it’s a plantation of pine trees or other conifer trees that have been planted for scientific or ornamental purposes.
At Bedgebury, there’s a great opportunity for guests can wander through the iconic conifers along an illuminated light trail bathed in more than a million twinkling lights and festive sounds.
This award-winning light trail is fast becoming a cherished tradition, promising unforgettable memories for families.
And this year, visitors will enjoy brand new light installations including a sparkling flock of robins, giant glowing seed pods and neon horse silhouettes peeking from the trees.
Shimmering tunnels and a rainbow-hued forest complete the magical experience.
Christmas at Bedgebury’s winter woodland walk: 15 November to 1 January 2025
Warm up with a seasonal treat
Visitors can warm up with a seasonal treat from the Bedgebury cafe or tempting street food vendors.
While festive light trails offer a magical experience, at Christmaas.co.uk we appreciate they can also be expensive outings for families. To manage the cost, we suggest taking your own snacks or a picnic.
Another thing to consider is the crowds – this is a popular venue and even with designated time slots, light trails can get busy. To beat the throngs, arrive early and take some time to explore the landscape before your allotted time for the lights arrives. There’s a good café on site.
When you are walking along the trail, don’t forget to keep an eye out for a special visit from Father Christmas!
Advanced booking is essential for this popular event and there are timed entry slots available from 4:15pm to 8pm, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all visitors.
Christmas at Bedgebury is produced in partnership between Sony Music, Forestry England and Culture Creative.
Enjoy this Youtube video, ‘Christmas at Bedgebury 2024’ to get a feel for the impress festive light show.
Bedgebury National Pinetum: A conifer haven
Bedgebury National Pinetum is a world-renowned treasure cared for by Forestry England and is home to the National Conifer Collection.
It boasts an awe-inspiring array of more than 12,000 trees, including rare and endangered species.
This 350-acre site in the rolling Kent countryside is a must-visit for nature lovers, featuring giants like the world’s largest living organism, the giant redwood, and the tallest tree, the coast redwood.
Bedgebury’s dedicated team works tirelessly to conserve these magnificent trees by collecting seeds worldwide.
Conveniently located just a short drive from Tunbridge Wells, Canterbury, Brighton, and Eastbourne, Bedgebury is a perfect escape for a day surrounded by nature’s grandeur.
More information about Christmas at Bedgebury
When: From 15 November – 1 January 2025
Dates:
- Friday 15 – Sunday 17 November
- Friday 22 – Sunday 24 November
- Thursday 28 November – Sunday 1 December
- Wednesday 4 – Sunday 8 December
- Tuesday 10 – Tuesday 24 December
- Thursday 26 December – Wednesday 1 January
Admission: Limited capacity with timed entry, early booking advised
Tickets: Adults – peak £24, standard £21.50, off peak £19. Children – peak £17; standard £14.50, off peak £13. Child off peak: Family (2 adults, 2 children) – peak £79, standard £69, off peak £61.
Parking £8. Must be booked in advance. Forestry England members receive one free parking space when booked through Forestry England’s website.
Address: Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, Forestry England, Goudhurst, Kent, TN17 2SJ.
The festive light trail at Bedgebury Pinetum website.
Image credits © Sony Music
