We were given free passes for the Christmas Trail at Leeds Castle. All opinions are our own
This was our second time at The Christmas Light Trail Leeds Castle in Kent, we have visited Bedgebury four times and Leeds Castle is similar but yet different! I thought I would give you the benefit of a few hints and tips. Here is our Christmas at Leeds Castle review:
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The Christmas Light Trail Leeds Castle is easy to get to and about is about 40 minutes from Sevenoaks, depending on traffic.
When you arrive it helps if you have your car parking ticket ready as you will need that straight away. I screenshot all our tickets for ease, just in case I didn’t have mobile signal on the gate.
After parking the first building is the shop, we popped in on our way back to the car. There is lots of lovely Leeds Castle merchandise on sale as well as themed bits and pieces as from the Castle theme which for 2025 is Neverland.
Next to the shop are the toilets – well worth a visit before you get going, although there are portaloos around the trail.
What to expect from Christmas at Leeds Castle, Kent?
Having visited the Christmas Light Trail at Bedgebury (you can read our reveiw here) the previously I assumed the Christmas Light Trail would be similar at Leeds Castle, and in some ways it was. There are similar light installations but where Bedgebury makes the most of the trees in the forest, Leeds Castle makes the most of the Castle.
The Christmas Light Trail Leeds Castle is more than “just lights”
There is a different festive song or music for each different area and the shift in music is seamless – you cannot hear an overlap at all. The lights vary between twinkly, sparkly, flashy and even tactile. The gorgeous Feast of Light from Squidsoup which was one of our favorites from Bedgebury a few years ago is wowing visitors, in fact we spent a long time here, taking photos and videos! There are definitely enough photo opportunities to fill a photo album.
Feast of Light – Squidsoup
The Christmas Light Trail at Leeds Castle – what you need to know:
There is a fair amount of seating around the walk as well a fair ground and food court. The food court is made up of independent vendors, we can vouch for the Greek and the mulled wine. There is also undercover seating in the form of pub style benches, although there was a fair bit of seating we still struggled to find anywhere but lurking helps! Don’t be afraid to ask if you can join people, there is room for 6 on the tables.
When is the Christmas Lights Light Trail at Leeds Castle 2025?
22nd November 2025 to 1st January 2026
How much are tickets to Christmas at Leeds Castle 2025?
Advanced Tickets are priced as follows (please note there is a £2.50 booking fee per transaction):
Off Peak ticket prices for Christmas at Leeds Castle 2024
Adult: £18.00
Children (3 to 16): £13
Family (2 adults 2 children aged 3 to 15): £59
On site car parking: £7
Standard ticket prices for Christmas at Leeds Castle 2023
Adults: £26.00
Children (3 to 16): £16.50
Family: £84.00
On site car parking: £7.00
Peak ticket prices for Christmas at Leeds Castle 2023
Adults: £24.00
Children (3 to 16): £17.00
Family (2 adults and 2 children): £79.00
Children under 3 and carers are free but you do need a ticket
Car Parking £7.00
Children under 3 and carers are free but you do need a ticket
There is a transaction fee (per transaction, not ticket) of £2 for e-tickets.
You can book tickets HERE
Do you have to pay for parking at The Christmas Lights at Leeds Castle 2024?
Yes! Car parking is an additional £7.00 this is paid at the time of booking tickets.
Is food and drink and available at The Christmas Light Trail at Leeds Castle?
Yes! There is a large food court area selling hot and cold food and drink. Including some festive favourites, mulled wine and cider.
The food is reasonably priced under the circumstances (but by no means cheap) and there is a wide variety of different vendors catering for most tastes.
There are fire pits to toast marshmallows. Marshmallows are for sale but are expensive (but they are bloody lovely to be fair and last a while, they aren’t your bog standard marshmallow) but you can take your own like we do – don’t forget your sticks!
Are there toilets on the Christmas Light Trail at Leeds Castle?
YES! Although I would suggest using the loos near the shop before you set off, there are portable loos about halfway round, including a disabled loo with ramp and baby changing facilities.
How long does the Christmas Light Trail at Leeds Castle take?
It’s just over a mile but it takes as long as you like. I went with a friend and we took around two hours or so. We took a lot of photos and videos and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
Is the Christmas Light Trail at Leeds Castle accessible? Can you use a wheelchair or pushchair?
The trail is mostly on path, flat and accessible. The toilets have a ramp to enable a wheelchair user to access them.
Is there a fair at Leeds Castle Christmas Lights?
Yes! And there are more rides than at Bedgebury but again it is only for little ones which is a bit disappointing, we would have loved a ride on a carousel!
Is Father Christmas at The Christmas Lights at Leeds Castle
Yes he is, BUT it is not a grotto experience. Father Christmas is in a chalet about half way round the trail and he greets and chats to the children, there are no presents involved but he is happy to have a selfie!
Can I take my dog to Leeds Castle Christmas Light Trail?
No! Only guide dogs are permitted.
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Leeds Castle Christmas Lights in 2023 – check out our reel:
