There's trees galore and lots more... Hever Castle at Christmas

Christmas is all about tradition - and what better venue for it than a 13th century, double moated castle where a king wooed his future queen? Angela Cole and family stepped into the winter wonderland at Hever Castle

Do you feel fabulously festive once you’ve put your Christmas tree up? If so, how festive are you likely to feel if you’re faced with more than 70 Christmas trees? This is what greets visitors to Hever Castle - 75 in total in all their glittering, gleaming, green glory - some loud and proud, towering above visitors, while others small and perfectly formed within the former children’s bedrooms inside the castle.

There are also more than 250 in the grounds, illuminated in the darkness on a light trail around the gardens.

As you walk towards the castle, its spectacular light display shines out. The 125-acre grounds have been transformed into a very different looking festive treat, and lights and glitterballs brighten up areas you might not expect.

Young visitors should look out for the tiny fairy visitors peeking out from the lush flowerbeds along the way to an from the castle.

There are story-themed displays, houses to peer in and characters from the story to meet who will take you along on Ebenezer Scrooge’s voyage of discovery. There is also a carousel and traditional vintage fairground stalls in front of the castle, and if you head beyond the outskirts of the castle you will find costumed characters from Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, celebrating 175 years this year. There is also a light show on the lake, huskies on display and the interactive trail.

If you venture further, you will find what could be the real Father Christmas in his grotto. Sessions to see him are now sold out, but children without a place may get the chance to meet him in the toy workshop. These meetings are on a first come first served basis. Tickets to the toy workshop can only be bought in the grounds on the day, at the information centre or courtyard shop.