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We review and step into the magical world of Narnia this Christmas Leeds Castle 2023 trail, near Maidstone

From the moment I finished CS Lewis's timeless classic as a child, I’ve wanted to walk through that wardrobe into the magical world of Narnia, and lucky me got to do exactly that at Leeds Castle this weekend.

It may have taken me more than 50 years, and of course, watching the film always takes me to the magical land, but the real thing was just so wonderful, that I cried with tears of joy.

Narnia’s Mr Tumnus and Mrs Beaver. Picture: Leeds Castle
Narnia’s Mr Tumnus and Mrs Beaver. Picture: Leeds Castle

Walking into the amazing world of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe on Sunday at the stunning venue was everything I had dreamed of and not only for me, but for my 12-year-old buddy and her 67-year-old great aunt.

It truly was just wonderful, we all loved it from the moment we walked into the wardrobe, there were fur coats, fir trees and then just a winter wonderland around every corner, two women behind me couldn’t believe the look and feel of the fur coats and giggled with excitement and slight trepidation as Lucy does as she first steps into it.

You really do walk right into the wardrobe
You really do walk right into the wardrobe

Being greeted by treasured fawn, Mr Tumnus at the lamppost in the white snowy woodland was just a delight and each and every character, including the White Witch who told us if we stayed too long in Narnia we’d be turned to stone, it was just incredible.

Every scene within the castle has been completed to perfection and for me and my Narnia buddies it was real and we didn’t stop grinning from ear to ear the whole way through.

It takes you through every step of the epic tale and we even got to see the witch in her sleigh, it was just utter magic for all of us.

The White Witch at Leeds Castle as part of 'A Narnia Christmas at the Castle' Picture: Leeds Castle
The White Witch at Leeds Castle as part of 'A Narnia Christmas at the Castle' Picture: Leeds Castle

The amazing attention to detail in each scene is extraordinary and makes you remember a particular line from the book or an emotion you felt when one of your favourite characters popped up in front of your eyes, it truly was astounding.

Mrs Beaver welcomes everyone at the event
Mrs Beaver welcomes everyone at the event

The characters all look like they should and Mrs Beaver is so cute as she lovingly makes sure all the children are OK and get a glimpse of Father Christmas sitting by the fire.

There are some beautifully decorated Christmas trees included in the experience too
There are some beautifully decorated Christmas trees included in the experience too

Not only that, as you make your way around the land of Narnia, there are beautifully decorated rooms featuring the professor’s house and scenes from the story and the beautifully decorated Christmas trees dotted everywhere are just stunning and make you feel all warm and cosy.

We all love the tale and for me it was like I’d been transported back in time and I was a kid again, like Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter, taken into another magical world and it was where we all wanted to stay, forever.

It was a truly magical incredible journey and left all of us feeling we’d just been transported there.

Leeds Castle - Winter. Picture: Leeds Castle
Leeds Castle - Winter. Picture: Leeds Castle

Not only is the whole site just a beautiful place to visit, the Narnia experience especially, but alongside that enchanting world, the castle is hosting various activities to enjoy during the festive season.

The White Witch's castle was also magical
The White Witch's castle was also magical

Visitors can, as the evening gets dark, explore the illuminated castle and grounds in the outdoor Christmas Lights at Leeds Castle event, try some delicious festive treats, and even get dizzy and giggly on a ride on a vintage fairground carousel.

The Narnia experience is included in admission tickets, for more information and to book, click here, the price includes unlimited visits for a year, from £30 for adults and £22.50 for children.

A Narnia Christmas At The Castle is so wonderful, you’ll want to go back again and again and you can if you get an admission ticket, as the wonderful experience just takes your breath away and it’s on at the castle until January 1, 2024.

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