By Craig Neil. This post includes affiliate links.
The Enchanted Forest is a spectacular outdoor event set in the beautiful Faskally Wood just north of Pitlochry.
This popular nighttime show uses the dramatic background of the autumnal woods as the stage for an incredible light and sound experience. Discover everything you need to know about the Enchanted Forest in this complete visitor guide.
| Address: | Pitlochry, Perthshire, PH16 5 |
| Opening Hours: | 29th September – 30th October |
| Admission Price: | Child Under 3: Free Child 3 – 15: £13 Adult: £23 Family Ticket: £65 |
| Parking: | Paid car parks in Pitlochry. No parking at the event. |
| Contact: | tickets@enchantedforest.org.uk |
| Facilities: | Disabled access, toilets, food and drink stalls, shuttle bus |
Map
Explore Scotland with Ordnance Survey Maps
Get unlimited access to over 600 detailed maps of Britain.
OS Maps make it easy to find the best walking routes and tourist attractions.
Out About Scotland recommends OS Maps Premium.
Overview
Set in the beautiful Faskally Forest just north of Pitlochry, the Enchanted Forest is a spectacular outdoor event that uses the dramatic background of the autumnal woods as the stage for a light and sound show.
The event takes you on a walk through one of Forestry Commission Scotland’s nicest Highland woodlands where you’ll be dazzled by an array of dancing lights that play out across the trees with music and sounds accompanying the constantly changing scenes.
Faskally Forest is worth visiting at any time of the year and this picturesque section of Tay Forest Park offers exceptional walks on easy-access paths that run alongside Loch Dunmore.
On an autumn day with the sun reflecting the colours of the leaves onto the loch it has to be one of the most scenic locations in Scotland – but the colours go into overdrive when The Enchanted Forest event begins in October.
This multi-award-winning event has been running for 17 years and it’s renowned for being one of Scotland’s most elaborate art shows, with elements of coloured lights, classical music, and water combining to produce a real feast for the senses.
It’s a brilliant family occasion too as it’s an event that anyone of any age can enjoy, from toddlers to pensioners.
If you’re looking for a unique experience that can be enjoyed by family members of all ages I think you’re going to love The Enchanted Forest.
The highlights
1: The Enchanted Forest is a spectacle of light and sound that’s quite unlike any other event in Scotland.
2: The event is very family-friendly and has excellent facilities including a story-telling tent and food stalls. Just be prepared to have deep pockets for the little knick-knacks and kids’ toys that are sold across the site.
Visiting tips
1: I recommend booking one of the twilight tickets so you can see Faskally Forest in both light and dark.
2: The on-site food and drink are quite pricey, so if you want to save money I recommend eating in Pitlochry before you depart. The cafes in Pitlochry are good but I suggest giving the hotel restaurants a wide berth (from my own experience the food has been terrible).
3: Looking for other attractions in the area? Two recommended places to visit within ten miles are Blair Castle and The Birks of Aberfeldy.
Tourist information
You might think a walk through the woods with a few lights flashing about sounds a bit lame but you honestly can’t appreciate what a spectacle it is until you actually see it in person.
As you leave the tour bus that drops you at the edge of the woods you initially hear classical melodies played over a series of loudspeakers which adds to the drama of what you think might be around the corner.
But it’s only on entering the woodland that you truly get a feel for the scale of the artwork.
Faskally Forest is centred around Loch Dunmore, and paths running around the loch let you watch light shows playing out across the water as well as surrounding you on all sides.
As you walk around the pathways you’re thrown into a world of timed lights and musical soundscapes projected against the forest, with each year showcasing a new theme so that no two visits are ever the same.
The Enchanted Forest has been designed for all age groups to enjoy and mums and dads will have a great time just as much as the wee ones.
My recommendation is to take the time to walk around the site both clockwise and anti-clockwise as there’s so much going on you’ll likely miss something on your first route.
And for another top tip – try to book an early evening show as you’ll get the opportunity to see the spectacle both in the twilight and the dark of night, which are two totally different experiences.
The show has proved incredibly popular over the last 17 years with 2018 culminating in an incredible 80,000 visitors coming to enjoy the experience.
I guess that means people think the event is worth visiting – and I totally agree with them.
The organisers have included plenty of activities to keep children entertained with a storytelling yurt that tells tales of ancient folklore, wee gift kiosks that sell light-up toys and outdoor catering vans selling delicious hot chocolate.
There are beefburgers and hotdogs available in case the cold night air starts making you feel a little peckish, and at the end of the show you can take the bus back into town and warm up in the pubs and restaurants of Pitlochry.
It really is a magical night out.
Access for private vehicles is allowed for disabled visitors only. All other visitors must travel to the event on the bus shuttle service.
There’s no car parking available at the Enchanted Forest site so it’s recommended to use the car parks in Pitlochry town. It’s also not possible to take a taxi to the site, with the exception of blue badge holders who will be given specific instructions upon booking.
However, note that your ticket includes transfer to and from the centre of Pitlochry to Forestry Commission Scotland’s Faskally Forest by bus.
Discover more forests to visit in Scotland with: The Best Forests in Scotland – Ultimate Visitor Guide.
Things to do
Exploring the Enchanted Trail: Discover the magic of Faskally Forest with the Enchanted Forest Trail. As you wander through the woodland you’ll be greeted by stunning light displays that transform the trees into a riot of colour, while sound installations play a symphony of accompanying music.
Interactive Art Installations: The Enchanted Forest is not just about passively observing the light show, but also about becoming a part of it. Interactive art installations scattered throughout the forest invite guests to engage with the art, altering colours, creating sounds, and letting their imaginations run wild.
Storytelling Sessions: Add a touch of whimsy to your visit with the storytelling sessions held in the forest. Talented storytellers weave enchanting tales inspired by local folklore which are best accompanied by a delicious cup of hot chocolate and a stick of toasted marshmallows.
Eat in Pitlochry: After a visit to the Enchanted Forest, head back to Pitlochry and enjoy a meal in one of the town’s many pubs and restaurants. There’s a great selection of family favourites to choose from, from traditional Scottish dishes to international cuisine.
Things to do nearby
Craigower. Pitlochry PH16 5LB. 30-minute drive.
Scenic point in Tay Forest Park.
Tay Forest Park. Pitlochry PH16. 20-minute drive.
Large forest park featuring a collection of managed and off-road paths and walking/biking trails.
Linn of Tummel. Pitlochry PH16 5NP. 8-minute drive.
A nature reserve that’s known for its tumbling waterfalls.
Pitlochry Fish Ladder. Pitlochry PH16 5BF. 6-minute drive.
A location on the River Tummel where Salmon can be seen swimming upstream.
Blair Athol Distillery. Perth Rd, Pitlochry PH16 5LY. 5-minute drive.
Whisky distillery featuring guided tours, tasting experiences, a café and a gift shop.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Faskally Forest?
No parking is available at Faskally Wood. Visitors are transported to the centre of Pitlochry to the Enchanted Forest and back by a shuttle bus.
Address: Pitlochry, Perthshire, PH16 5
Directions map: Google Maps
How long does Enchanted Forest take?
Visitors should expect to take 60 to 90 minutes to complete a walk of the Enchanted Forest light show, excluding time for drink and snacks.
What time does the Enchanted Forest show start?
The enchanted forest times change with the hours of darkness. The time of each event is listed when purchasing tickets. Visit the Enchanted Forest tickets page for the current times.
How long does the shuttle bus take?
The shuttle bus between Pitlochry and Faskally Wood takes approximately 10 minutes.
