The English woodland theme park with light trails, pantomimes and free gifts for kids

AS my excited four-year-old son entered a forest trail full of sparkly lights, life size snowmen and crackers, real snow started to fall and he asked: “Is it Christmas Day?”

That magical moment happened at BeWILDerwood in Cheshire which, for the rest of the year, is an award-winning forest experience based on the books by Tom Blofeld where you can explore treehouses, go on slides, zip wires and do creative crafts.

But for a few short weeks in December it is transformed into a Christmas wonderland.

On the day we visited it was chilly, but luckily rain-free as we wandered through the woods on a non-slip decking path accompanied by plenty of parents with babies in buggies.

We passed through tunnels of twinkling lights, snowflakes, giant baubles and huge multi-coloured balls that turned the woodland into bright purple, yellow and green.

There was even an illuminated white ball that was so big Alex and his pal Wilfie were convinced it was the real moon.

But it was the scores of life-size silly snowmen that really had them entertained.

There were some in boats, some with arms outstretched as though they were waving at us and some were joined by giant Christmas puddings and gigantic crackers.

And then, about 20 minutes into the magical journey, we were led to an area with a stage and covered bench seating ready for the Bewildermas Pantomime.

There was a fantastic actress who played the part of “Jingles” who was on a mission to save one of the characters from the book – Mildred the Crocklebog.

The show included talking reindeers, a talking bird and games on stage.

We all had to cheer and sing a song together.

And the beauty was, with two young kids, it wasn’t too long so they didn’t get bored and cause too much chaos.

After a quick stop at the Munch bar takeaway for a hot chocolate – although you are allowed to bring your own snacks and drinks into the woods – we met another character from the book, the huge Thornyclod Spider.

The puppet had a Manchester accent and had the kids and adults in stitches with his dry humour and banter.

Before we left, a lifesize Hazel the Wood Witch puppet chatted to each of the children – and there was a small glimpse of Santa and two elves gave them each a present.

They received a mini book called A Snowdance At BeWILDerwood and a puzzle book and pencil.

As a family we have been to Christmas experiences which only offered light shows but this had plenty more – and I’d go back just to have another chat with the cheeky spider!

• BeWILDerwood’s Christmas specials in Cheshire and Norfolk run until Dec 23. Tickets from £15.50pp for children over 92cm tall and adults. See bewilderwood.co.uk/