Published on Jan, 2025

Light trail was stunning. Especially for our 2½ yrs old girl. We booked hotel room for a night. Absolutely outstanding customer service we received from Ellie. We stayed in lodge (after heating in our room failed to work). Amazing experience all thanks to Ellie. Restaurant is not cheapest but food was delicious.

Published on Jan, 2025

We stayed in the Peacock room in the Caesar tower. It was for a special birthday and it didn’t disappoint. The staff were attentive from booking to leaving. Nothing was too much trouble. We loved the experience especially the secret bits of the castle, the four poster bed. Imagining who had been in the tower before us. Not cheap but worth every penny

Published on Dec, 2024

I visited with my young son between Christmas and New Year for the light trail. It appears from other reviews that this was a perfect time to visit as it wasn’t too busy and we didn’t have to queue for anything. I was very impressed with the light trail, there was a lot of nice theming, I actually preferred it to other light trails I have visited on previous years. Seeing the castle lit up at night was magical! It seems a lot of effort has gone into it. The Big Top was a nice touch with the Greatest Showman soundtrack playing, and we managed to get a seat and stop off here for some food. Prices were pretty steep but that is expected at events like this. Parking cost £5, I think given the ticket prices this really should have been included in the price. The car park was a 15-20 minute walk away, I was alone with a toddler and pushchair and didn’t find this too strenuous, and didn’t need to make use of the transfer bus. I would recommend and will return next year.

Published on Dec, 2024

The Christmas castle experience was amazing. There were so many little extras that I didn’t expect or anticipate as we hadn’t been before (to the castle or done its Christmas experience). The info ahead of the day was excellent and the week leading up to the date, there was a text service available for any last minute questions. We were allowed to check into the hotel as soon as we arrived as I’d checked in 3 days prior to arrival which really helped. It is a short walk from the castle entrance. We should have got there earlier which meant we probably didn’t get as much in as we hoped. There were lots of stalls for hot food, alcoholic and hot/ cold drinks which I didn’t expect. VERY PRICEY- everything costs money so be prepared (probably the main negative of the entire experience). There was lots of things going on which made it hard to plan as some of it was all going on at the same time. The wild bird demonstration was excellent and the man that led it really knew his stuff. The birds were fantastic too. Ice skating was excellent although slightly too busy if you’re going to be picky. Lights trail was truly amazing and really utilised the entire castle grounds complete with sound effects- again slightly too busy if you’re going to be picky. Be prepared for a bit of a walk if you have little ones. The restaurant was only an all you can eat buffet and was quite pricey so we skipped it and went into the less formal part next door- they happily accepted our change of heart despite having made a booking. Elf wake up was really magical as we kept it quiet from the children. Buffet breakfast was fantastic and being part of the hotel package meant it felt free. The stories with Santa was amazing. They all played a great part to explaining and keeping the magic for the children. Despite being a group experience it felt niche and comfortable. Overall we all had an amazing time.

Published on Dec, 2024

Wonderful light trail meandering through all the castle grounds with good selection of food and drink pre, mid and post light trail.