A historic castle is being transformed into a magical grotto of twinkling lights, cosy Christmas rooms and festive forest trails.

Hever Castle, near Edenbridge, will be bringing back its Christmas experience for another year, with even more family activities for visitors of all ages.

To celebrate its 17th year of festive fun, the castle will be covered in captivating Christmas lights from Saturday, November 18.

The after-dark experience will switch on from 4pm each day in the run-up to Christmas and includes fairy lights, projections and illuminated installations.

Visitors can walk through the award-winning gardens and soak up the atmosphere with colourful lights and seasonal music.

The grounds will also boast a family funfair, including an old-fashioned carousel and big wheel, and a Festive Forest Christmas trail where kids can join Red the Squirrel for a woodland adventure.

During the Christmas season, florist Emma Fuller-Wilke will be putting on Christmas wreath-making and table centrepiece workshops.

There will even be the occasional visit from Father Christmas who, on select dates, will welcome families into his grotto, introduce you to his elves and hand out toys to the children.

There will also be plenty of Christmas decorations inside the castle.

As you wander through Anne Boleyn’s former childhood home and learn all about the fascinating history of the castle, you can take a peek inside the rooms decked out with tinsel, lights, ornaments and trees.

Hever Castle’s Christmas experience is open from Saturday, November 18 to New Year’s Day. You can book tickets online here.

However, some activities are only available on select dates and are ticketed separately so make sure you check the online schedule before you visit.