Tips for The Enchanted Forest Pitlochry 2024 – from Tickets to Transport
The Enchanted Forest Pitlochry – from Tickets to Transport – The Enchanted Forest lives up to its name, it’s simply enchanting. Here’s what you need to know. *Contains affiliate links
This year’s dates – 3rd October – 3rd November 2024
What Will You See at The Enchanted Forest Pitlochry
The Enchanted Forest is wonderful, mesmerising and immersive. A forest of illuminations, illusions and beauty. This year’s theme is ‘Symphony of Nature‘. For timings, we spent around 90 minutes in the forest itself. It’s hands-on, it’s about sights, sounds and touch.
This year’s visitors “will be transported into an immersive outdoor experience which combines a kaleidoscope of vivid colours with inspirational original music. Accompanied along the way by Beira, Goddess of Winter, you’ll discover the mellow croak of the forest frogs, and the gentle whisper of butterfly wings … celebrating the harmony and power of nature at the heart of the ancient wood.” It’s as mystical and beautiful as it sounds. The grand light display is phenomenal.
Is it Family Friendly? Enchanted Forest Pitlochry
100%. The Enchanted Forest is a wonderful family event, and a memorable one. I saw babies attending, but I’d say the ideal starting age is around three or four upwards, when kids can stay up ‘late’ and appreciate what they see. We caught the first bus of the evening and were back in Pitlochry by 9pm, well past bedtime!
You can take buggies, but the forest floor is uneven, and potentially muddy and slippy, depending on the weather. The stewards were notably brilliant with little ones, chatting directly to them and making them feel extremely welcome.
Location of The Enchanted Forest Scotland
Whilst the event is set in the deep, dark Faskally Woods, a bus transports guests from Fishers Hotel, which is right on Pitlochry’s main street. The transfer bus ticket is included in the price. This means you can stay in a central hotel, grab a quick bite beforehand in any of the multiple cafés and restaurants in town, but once you’re out at the woods they feel remote and magical. It’s the best of both worlds.
Tips for The Enchanted Forest – Transport
There are two transfer buses available. The standard one departs from Fishers. An Accessible Bus leaves from Blair Athol Distillery (that must be prebooked), providing for those with additional needs. Our bus left Fishers pretty much on time, and we got straight back on a return bus to Pitlochry, so it was pretty seamless. Returning buses leave every 15 minutes and the journey only takes 10 minutes. You can’t drive private transport (personal or taxis) to the forest, everyone travels via the shuttle buses, although disabled parking is available. For parking advice click here.
Food & Drink at The Enchanted Forest Scotland
This year expect pizza, fish and chips, churros, marshmallows and doughnuts. Teh glow-in-the-dark candy floss was a huge hit! Don’t picture some high street chain, think rustic, woodland stalls with benches set back from a fire.
The food bases are peppered along the route. You can usually pick up alcoholic drinks such as mulled wine, prosecco and cider. Take a look at the menus here.
Bring Cash
Due to the remote location, card machines don’t always work in the forest so bring old fashioned bank notes. There is a bank machine operated by Bank of Scotland immediately opposite Fishers Hotel in Pitlochry.
Wrap the Kids Up Warm
Again, it sounds obvious, but it’s best to go for broke with layers and waterproofs. We were kitted out, head to toe, in wet weather gear, and were smugly snug. Cold children are, understandably, miserable children. If it’s raining bring an umbrella as there’s limited shelter.
Are there Toilets?
Yes. Disabled ones too.
Where do you Get Tickets and how much are they?
Grab your tickets here. Adult tickets are £27.50, children cost £14.75 (children under 3 are free but they still need a ticket), and family tickets are £76.00. Prices are subject to change in line with demand and may increase as the event dates draw closer. The Enchanted Forest makes donations to charity so click here to find out more.
We were blown away by the Enchanted Forest experience. My four year old and I were both mesmerised when we attended, and I’ve visited with a pal and it was magical. I imagine it’s a pretty romantic date night too…
Book Ahead – Accommodation for The Enchanted Forest Pitlochry
It sounds obvious, but this is a very popular event, so firstly, be sure book ahead! You’ll have to select a date and a specific time slot for the forest experience so coordinate accommodation/meals around that. Hotels and guest houses are exceptionally busy in the area throughout the Enchanted Forest period. This year I was booked into Fonab Castle, which is a luxury option with stunning views over Loch Faskally. Relax in its Woodland Spa with its indoor and outdoor hot tubs, pool, outdoor resistance pool, sauna and steam room.
There are two dining options. The 3 AA Rosette Sandemans restaurant with its 7-course tasting menu, which sounds divine. But as we were on a schedule we enjoyed a slightly more informal but indulgent meal at ‘1892 on the Loch’. In the morning an imaginative two-course breakfast sets you up for the day. The first course is an afternoon tea-style affair, featuring three mini brekkie bites. Then you choose your main. Gorgeous idea.
In the past I’ve booked a very reasonable room at Scotland’s Spa Hotel in Pitlochry – very handy for the shuttle buses, and it has a pool (which is usually a big hit with children). Fisher’s Hotel is the departure point for the bus so it’s also worth considering.
.. For self-catering options browse here.
Our Story
We drove from Aberdeen to Pitlochry, which took roughly 2 hours, but Pitlochry is well served by trains and buses.
If you liked ‘Tips for the Enchanted Forest Pitlochry’ post then please subscribe. Alternatively, join the conversation on Facebook, or check out the bonny photos on Instagram. For any queries or opportunities please email scots2travel@hotmail.com. Text copyright of Scots2Travel. Check out our Privacy Policy here. We received complimentary entry to the Enchanted Forest and an overnight stay at Fonab Castle for review purposes. Featured image courtesy of Robert Ricuitti.
