Hever Castle at Christmas 2020 - Peter Pan Trail and Christmas Lights | Review

1.12.20


We received press tickets in exchange for this review. All opinions are honest and my own.

After the most amazing visit to Hever Castle back in the summer, we were so excited to be invited back to enjoy their Christmas offerings this year. Of course due to current restrictions there are a few changes to their Christmas event this year, but we still had a great visit and it's really got us into the Christmas spirit!

Tickets to the event have to be pre-booked and are allocated in time-slots to ensure there's a steady flow of guests entering the grounds. We opted to arrive at the earliest 11.30am slot so we could enjoy a full day out at Hever, but there is also the option to purchase just a Twilight ticket - entry to the grounds past 4pm to enjoy the grounds in their full festive glory. 



Christmas at Hever Castle

This year Hever Castle and Gardens has a magical Peter Pan theme for their light trail. Following a one-way route, you wander through the beautiful gardens spotting sights and surprises from the classic tale. You first come across the Darling children's nursery, before flying through space past the second star on the right and straight on until morning!

Once into Neverland (a great photo opportunity) make sure to keep your eyes open for all of the wonderful props from the story. Unfortunately, due to current restrictions there are no live actors throughout the trail as originally planned, but it is still incredibly magical. We went through during the day and then again toward the end of the day when the lights were starting to come on, and all three of the littles said it was their favourite part of the day.






Despite new restrictions, Father Christmas has still managed to make his way to Hever Castle for visits this year. He is outside in the courtyard, where families are brought in one at a time to meet him and gifts are placed down a clever chute for little ones. I think this is a great way to get around distancing rules, and actually might be a better way for shyer children to meet him, as they don't have to get too close!

Of course it's not just the Peter Pan light trail you can enjoy this Christmas. The whole of the Castle and Gardens is decorated with twinkly lights and decorations that come alive as it gets dark. Christmas music can be heard as you enjoy the gardens and the Castle itself is lit up in all it's festive glory too. We enjoyed these during the day, but I can imagine they look incredible during the evening!

What Else is Available to Enjoy this Christmas?

Despite current restrictions Hever have done an incredible job to make your day out as 'normal' as possible. The play areas are both open for little ones to enjoy - queuing systems and time-limited sessions still apply. Hever Gift shop will be open to browse for gifts and Christmas shopping too. The cafes, restaurants and food trucks are all available for takeaway food and drinks, including pizzas, bbq, light bites, and of course those well-needed hot drinks and treats. And of course there's there lake walk and gardens to enjoy at your leisure too.







So if you're local to Hever Castle and Gardens and looking for a festive day out this Christmas, I would 100% recommend a visit. Not only is it a wonderful day out for all the family, it's a perfect way to sprinkle some Christmas magic during these strange times we are in at the moment.

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