Kent with Kids: Bedgebury Christmas Lights family guide & review

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Bedgebury Christmas Lights is one of Kent’s most popular festive trails, set within the beautiful National Pinetum – here’s my review of our experience along with a guide to help you get ready for your visit with the kids. The forest is transformed into a glowing winter wonderland packed with colourful displays, twinkling trees and gentle music. It’s a lovely evening out for families, especially those with younger children who enjoy a magical and calm Christmas experience. Here’s everything parents need to know before booking, plus photos and my review of our trip.

Visit: November 2025

What is Bedgebury Christmas Lights like?

The Bedgebury Christmas Lights event is an illuminated walking trail filled with light tunnels, glowing sculptures and decorated trees that the kids will love. The atmosphere is soft and festive, and it feels more like a gentle wander through a magical forest than a big, loud Christmas show. It’s visually beautiful, very family friendly and ideal if your children prefer calmer, more enchanting experiences – it suits younger kids perfectly. The displays are pretty, the route is easy to manage and the whole experience is relaxed. With older kids or teens it may be best for a one off, but for families with younger children it’s a great way to kick off the festive season and a very sensory experience.

Where is Bedgebury Pinetum located?

Bedgebury Pinetum is located in Goudhurst in the heart of the Kent countryside, not far from Tunbridge Wells. It sits within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, surrounded by forest, lakes and miles of peaceful walking trails. The site is easy to reach by car, with well signposted routes from the A21, and it feels wonderfully secluded once you arrive. Its central location makes it a popular choice for families across Kent and East Sussex.

How long does the trail take?

Families usually spend between sixty and ninety minutes on the route, depending on how often they stop for photos, snacks or to watch the displays. It’s easy to take the Bedgebury Christmas lights trail at your own pace – kids can wander happily through the lights with no need to rush. Though it’s very busy and popular, it doesn’t feel overly crowded once you’re on the trail – we visited on a Sunday around 5pm and didn’t find it too manic.

What are the opening times for Bedgebury Christmas Lights?

The event runs from late November into December, with timed entry slots starting in the late afternoon and continuing through the evening – typically between 4pm and 8pm. Earlier slots are ideal for younger families, while later times give the best views once the forest is fully dark. Weekdays are likely to be quieter than the weekend dates, though it’s a popular attraction so it does attract a lot of people throughout the whole season.

How much do tickets cost for Bedgebury Christmas Lights?

The prices for Bedgebury Christmas Lights vary by date. For 2025, adult tickets are between £18 and £24, whilst tickets for children up to 16 years old are priced between £12 and £18. Children under 2 years old can enter for free, and the best value for families will be the family tickets. These are based on two adults and two children – costing £57 off-peak and £84 for peak times. Parking is an additional cost of £8 and must be booked alongside your tickets. Slots do seem to sell out pretty quickly, so book in advance, and I would definitely recommend an off-peak visit for families as the price difference is quite a lot!

Is Bedgebury Christmas Lights suitable for toddlers?

Yes, Bedgebury Christmas Lights is actually very toddler friendly – the event is gentle, colourful and not too loud so it’s definitely suitable for younger kids. Paths are wide and easy to follow, with the majority of the route fairly flat. The slow paced nature of the trail suits toddlers who like to wander and look at everything, and the route is pram-friendly. The lights follow a pathway and we found, despite rain earlier in the day, it wasn’t very muddy. We came prepared with wellies but opted to wear normal shoes as it was a dry evening and there’s limited opportunity for you to stray from the set pathways. You can also say hello to Father Christmas and dance in bubbles along the route!

Are dogs allowed at Bedgebury Christmas Lights?

Yes, dogs are welcome on leads. It’s a good idea to bring a towel for muddy paws and choose a quieter time slot if your dog prefers a bit more space though many families bring dogs, so you won’t feel out of place.

Is there food and drink?

There are festive food stalls selling hot chocolate, mulled drinks and hot food. The food stalls are located at the start of the trail and along the route, plus the large cafe remains open if you’d like somewhere to sit in the warm. You can toast marshmallows on the trail too, and here are some price examples from the food vans:

Margarita pizza: £11
Hot chocolate: £5
Bratwurst: £10.50
Chips: £5

The prices for food were fairly typical for this kind of event but it adds up when you’re out as family and the event itself is already pretty pricey without adding on extras. I forgot our flask so we did buy a couple of hot chocolates but I would definitely recommend bringing your own food and drink to save money. Toilets are available near the start, middle and end of the trail, which is handy for families with small children.

What should you wear?

Warm layers are essential. Hats, gloves, waterproof coats and sensible footwear make the biggest difference, especially on colder nights. The forest can feel extra chilly, so it’s worth bringing blankets for children in prams. As far as I’m aware the event stays open despite wet weather, only closing should there be something like a storm, so it’s worth being prepared for all eventualities – bring wellies just in case.

Is Bedgebury Christmas Lights trail worth it?

The Bedgebury Christmas Lights trail is a lovely festive outing for families in Kent – particularly for those with younger kids. The atmosphere is gentle and magical, the forest setting is beautiful and the trail feels calm and easy to enjoy. Kids who enjoy lights, music and exploring outdoors will love it, and parents will appreciate how easy it is to navigate with little ones. The trail is a good length for little legs but long enough to make it worthwhile – the music and light themes change along the route which keeps things engaging. It’s a nice Christmas treat if you want to feel festive in the run up to Christmas.

We had a lovely evening and it definitely helped to get us into the Christmas spirit. It’s a very well run event with great facilities, staff to guide you when needed and plenty of festive cheer. Lots of families return year after year and it’s definitely one of the most popular Christmas events in Kent. However, it wouldn’t be something that we’d do annually due to the cost and the ages of our children. I think Bedgebury Christmas Lights trail is most worthwhile for families with kids under 10, and opting for an off-peak family ticket offers the best value for money. Bring your own treats and hot chocolate, wrap up warm and get your camera ready for some beautiful photos. For even more fabulous ideas for things to make your festive season sparkle, check out my article: Kent with kids – the 10 best things to do at Christmas!

Useful Information for your visit:

- Website: https://www.forestryengland.uk/bedgebury/christmas
- Pets: Dogs allowed on lead
- Parking: Yes – extra cost
- Facilities: Cafe, food stalls, toilets, picnic areas
- Address: Bedgebury National Pinetum, Lady Oak Lane, Goudhurst, Kent, TN17 2SJ
- For up-to-date opening times and prices, please check their website.