By Lyn Funnell 
Every year Bedgebury puts on an amazing display all around its Trail.
There were wonderful colourful lights and music around every bend.
I’m sure that every tree was lit up! Even the ground had multicoloured patterns over it.
We had to walk slowly, looking up, down and all around as there is so much to see that it’s easy to miss things. And we were enjoying the music. A different tune played with each display. But they didn’t interfere with each other as they were carefully spaced apart.
As booking times are staggered, we were easily able to take photos without interruption. And we took loads!
Nobody was in a hurry. Everyone was friendly and careful to wait and not Photo Bomb anyone who was taking a picture.
There are plenty of food stalls on the route, and Father Christmas was there outside his little hut.
On the lake, fountains danced to the music. It was wonderful to watch!
As we walked over the bridge, the lit-up trees were reflected in the lake so that it looked like an underwater world. Fascinating!
It took us an hour to walk round the route, stopping quite a lot to gaze at the lights and to take photos and videos.
Then we went in the café for a welcoming drink of hot chocolate.
What a wonderful magical experience!
I wonder what they’ll do next year?
Looking at all the work involved, I wouldn’t be surprised if they’ve started planning it already!
Bedgebury is worth visiting any time of the year.
It all began in March 1925 when 315 pine trees were planted, partnered with the Royal Botanical Gardens in Kew to protect them from the dreadful pollution in London.
89 of those trees now survive and are of course 100 years old. They are all labelled.
Now Bedgebury is known as a Tree Zoo. Many trees from all over the world are grown and protected there and seeds are sent to different parts of the world.
King Charles visited there in July 2025.
He was given a Vietnamese Golden Cypress that will be grown at Windsor to help preserve the species.
34% of Conifer species are threatened with extinction.
Bedgebury produces more than 2,000 tree and shrub seedlings a year which are sent across the UK and Europe.
It is one of the leading centres for conifer preservation.
And in its century year, it’s developing all the time, and it’s a great day out – especially at Christmas!
Dates
- Friday 21 – Sunday 23 November
- Friday 28 – Sunday 30 November
- Wednesday 3 – Sunday 7 December
- Wednesday 10 – Sunday 14 December
- Tuesday 16 – Wednesday 24 December
- Friday 26 – Wednesday 31 December
Trail entry time slots
To avoid overcrowding and ensure the enjoyment of all visitors on the illuminated trail you will need to select a time slot when booking.
Time slots vary depending on the date, but generally take place every 15 minutes between 4pm to 8pm. Please ensure you arrive at the trail entrance promptly for your allocated start time. Advanced booking is essential.
Prices
Tickets are priced according to the date and time slot as standard and off peak. Please select the time slot you wish to book and the relevant prices will be shown. Off peak and standard times vary by date. Off-peak tends to apply to mid-week and later timeslots. Standard pricing tends to apply to weekend, closer to Christmas and earlier timeslots.
| Admission ticket type | Standard | Off peak |
| Adult | £26 | £18 |
| Child (3-16 years old) | £18 | £12 |
| Infant (0-2 years old) | Free* | Free* |
| Family (2 adults, 2 children) | £84** | £57** |
| Personal assistant | Free* | Free* |
*there is no charge for infant or personal assistant entry but these must be booked in conjunction with a full price ticket.
**to book your family ticket simply select 2 Adult and 2 Child tickets and the relevant discount will be applied in the basket.
All orders subject to £3 transaction fee.
Parking
There is a charge for parking at this special event. If you plan on arriving by car, a parking space must be purchased in advance along with your trail entry tickets online.
Parking for Christmas at Bedgebury costs £8 per car. Accessible spaces for Blue Badge holders are available in the Visitor Centre car park, parking charge applies. We are offering Forestry England Members one free parking space, this must be booked in advance.
