Travel test

WHAT: Christmas at Bedgebury, a festive after-dark light trail. Runs on selected dates until January 17. Adults from £26.50 with parking and from £19.50 without, children from £13, family (2+2) from £60. WHERE: Bedgebury National Pinetum near Goudhurst, Kent. Now in its third year, Bedgebury’s Christmas light show is a mile-long trail through lush forest, home to 12,000 trees including a world-leading collection of conifers.

Marked pathways take visitors past a host of dazzling displays including multicoloured trees, gleaming lasers, twinkling stars and snowflakes, flourescent garlands and sparkling canopies.

The names of the themed spectacles alone are enough to get you in the festive spirit – be prepared to wander through a cathedral of light, neon strings, electric forest, constellations and haze arch to name but a few.

You’ll be treated to a selection of best loved festive tunes along the way too.

My favourite bits included the tunnel of light, which twinkled with hundreds of glowing illuminations, and the fire garden – ablaze with flickering flames. There’s also a mesmerising laser show across the lake and a tribute to The 12 Days of Christmas.

The whole experience takes around an hour-and-a-half and is completely outside, so it ticks the Covid-friendly boxes.

Book car parking at the same time you purchase your tickets and there are plenty of spaces, with toilets there and also halfway round the trail.

If you need sustenance on the way – or just a hot chocolate or cup of mulled wine – you can buy takeaway snacks at the visitor centre, or from two of the three food shacks along the way. QUIBBLES: It’s hugely popular so you’ll need to keep checking the website for a slot that suits as cancellations often come up at short notice.

VERDICT: In the era of countless restrictions, this is one outdoor attraction that all ages can enjoy safely this Christmas and into the New Year. 9/10