Hever Castle celebrates 10 years of Christmas experiences with Santa’s Grotto, fairytale trail and light projections

One of Kent’s biggest landmarks is gearing up for its 10th festive season with magical lights, storybook characters and a Santa’s grotto.

Hever Castle, near Edenbridge, is one of the most-visited castles in the county and, over the Christmas period, visitors can enjoy a brand new day out themed around the festivities.

During the day, there will be a host of family-friendly activities, including a trail with nods to the castle’s previous Christmas experiences such as Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland and Jack and the Beanstalk.

There will be characters, including the Queen of Hearts, Captain Hook and Tinkerbell, dotted around the trail, a selection of children’s funfair rides and numerous photo opportunities where you can stop and snap a selfie.

Children can also pay a visit to Father Christmas in the grotto. You will be greeted by Mother Christmas and Santa’s cheerful elves who guide you down a tree-lined path, past the reindeer stables and into the cosy cabin where you will receive a gift to take home.

If you head inside the castle, you can find decorated rooms with traditional festive touches like log fires, Christmas trees and Tudor ornaments in the recently redecorated Boleyn Apartment, named after Anne Boleyn who used to live in the room.

When the sun goes down, the Christmas lights will illuminate the castle grounds.

The twilight displays will surround the castle walls, woodland and lake with vibrant projections, including the Space installation that will see glowing moons and planets fill the night sky.

Christmas at Hever Castle runs on select dates from Friday, November 22 to Friday, January 3. Tickets can be booked online here.

Some activities, such as the Christmas lights and Santa’s grotto, are not included in a standard entry ticket and will need to be booked separately.