UK's Unmissable Christmas Light Trails: Top 20
The magnificence of Christmas light exhibitions across the manicured gardens of the UK has consistently escalated over the years. These spectacular displays often involve a magical landscape of twinkling fairy lights tunneling through, accompanied by thematic illuminations that could range from exotic animal lanterns, like those at Chester Zoo, or beautiful glowing flora installations on display at the RHS gardens. Not just that, these experiences are enriched with flaming torches, awe-inspiring lasers, luminescent snowflakes, and an ambience made vibrant with uplifting holiday tunes.
Visiting these enchanting light trails naturally align with the Covid-19 guidance due to their expansive outdoor settings in parks and gardens, thus ensuring a safe environment for social distancing. The practice of pre-booking tickets, a tradition long associated with these events, helps manage the crowd better. True, these tickets aren't budget-friendly, and they are selling like hot cakes. The necessity for timed tickets only reinforces their high demand, especially during weekends and late evenings. But the opportunity to lose yourself in an hour-long fantasy world amid these bedazzling lights circles back to the promise of the holiday season — a sweet escape from reality, a breath of fresh air that we all crave in today's world.
Illuminated Light Trail at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
If you're seeking a truly enchanting experience in grand surroundings, the light trail through Blenheim Palace Park should be a certain contender. With stately rows of regal architecture, verdant terrains and beguiling water bodies nestled amid picturesque tree clusters, a trip here promises serenity and scenic beauty. This possible idyll is furthered by the contributions of Capability Brown, a revered British landscape architect known for his impressive vistas, whose intricate design is truly accentuated by the wintertime illumination trail. The lights not only enhance the majesty of the aged oaks and graceful cedar trees but also playfully dance across the woodland on the edge of the lake, offering a transformative colour display atop the cascading waterfall.
Flaming torches adorn the rose garden while the sculptural allure of water garden is heightened by fire sculptures, adding a fiery contrast to the general ambience. 2020 brings some exciting new additions to the display - including the Blue Neuron, a kinetic light sculpture fabricated from recycled plastics, that projects an ethereal bluish hue onto the nearby foliage. Contrary to past years, this year's festive market has been postponed. However, visitors now have the unique privilege of witnessing a spectacular light show finale within the stately Great Court, of the palace for the first time.
Meticulously timed lasers and rhythmically glowing vines further contribute to the mystical atmosphere of the event. The trail is set to run from the 20th of November until the 3rd of January, with an array of pricing options available, including discounts for pass holders. For more information please visit blenheimpalace.com.
Enchanted Christmas, Westonbirt Arboretum, Gloucestershire
A spectacular array of brightly illuminating trees and glittering pathways make up the essential elements of the winter light spectacle at Westonbirt, an event that's perfect for families. Children will marvel at the twinkling lights, atmospheric smoke effects, and a delightful woodland full of sugary candy canes. Unfortunately, Santa's physical interactions are limited this year, prioritising his health, so there'll be no hand-outs happening. But fear not, the festive spirit will be abundant with activity packs, cheerful elves, chattering trees, and a heart-warming narrative involving a trek to the 'West Pole' for some merrymaking at Santa's workshop.
Mark your calendar for selected dates between 28th November and 21st December, mostly falling on Fridays and weekends. Price of admission is £8 for children and £16 for adults, with reductions available for Friends. For further information and booking, do visit forestryengland.uk.
Christmas at Waddesdon, Buckinghamshire
Throughout the year, Waddesdon Manor’s chateau-inspired turrets stand tall and charming, embodying a picturesque fairytale castle. Yet as the holiday season approaches, they assume an otherworldly allure, washed in a cascade of iridescent hues that dance in harmony with melodic beats. This year, the Manor promises a new musical Winter Light trail, a fresh line-up of evening hours for guests to spread out, and an immersive sound-and-light show titled 'Parallels', housed within the stables. Owing to its location, the driveway adorns hanging globes of light, while the valley, expected to be scattered with radiant daffodils by spring, impersonates a winter wonderland lit up as a sea of flames. The Manor continues to be one of the rare locales that have persevered to host their characteristic Christmas fair and market, now bringing in wider-spaced stalls and increased staff to streamline visitor flow, with the added convenience of contactless payment methods. The festivities kick off at midday, though the true spectacle of dazzling lights is unveiled only when dusk sets in. Availability between 14 Nov-3 Jan, with entry fees for child/adult/family at £8/£16/£40 (discounts applicable for NT, RHS, Artfund and HHA members as well as local residents), Details on waddesdon.org.uk
Frosty Fantasies at Castle Howard, North Yorkshire's Must-See Light Show
This season Castle Howard reveals a touch of magic, shifting away from its tradition of in-house Christmas decorations to a grand collaborative venture with the reputed Projection Studios, known for their impressive illuminations at landmarks such as York Minster, Buckingham Palace, and the iconic Blackpool Tower. But the luminance isn't all that's new. Strolling down the scintillating path, visitors will witness an enthralling frost-themed narrative, brought to life by members from Tutti Frutti, a renowned theatre group domiciled in Leeds. They would be gracing the event as mystical creatures, adding an alluring charm to the festivities.
With the picturesque town of Malton, proudly self-coined as Yorkshire’s gourmet heartland, functioning as Castle Howard's neighboring town, attendees are in for a multisensory treat. The route will be dotted with festive vans, serving up an array of mouth-watering artisan delicacies that will make the tour all the more delightful.
Care has been taken to ensure a safe and comfortable surrounding. The estate is equipped with sanitization facilities, and vigilant stewards will be on hand to ensure social distancing, while pre-planned designated spaces on the vast South Lawn will allow individuals to watch the illuminations maintain a secured distance.
The event will run from the 27th of November to the 31st of December, with tickets for children and adults starting from £10 and £15 respectively, excluding service charges. Visit official website for more details.
Christmas at Belton, Lincolnshire
The vast gardens belonging to the National Trust's Belton House, for the second consecutive year, are awash with gargantuan candles and a spectrum of snowflakes that are sure to instill a festive spirit. This estate serves as a habitat to a grace of wild fallow deer, welcoming its visitors is a warmly luminous deer sculpture of impressive stature. The garden labyrinth made of millions of pea lights gleams in the twilight, while the aromatic fire garden serves as a soothing retreat amidst the exhilarating lasers.
The event takes place on carefully chosen dates between November 27 and January 3, with ticket prices as follows: child - £13.50, adult - £19, family - £60, and parking - £7. National Trust members can enjoy the benefit of free parking, visit official website for more details
Experience the Magical Luminance at Kingston Lacy, Dorset, and Gibside, Gateshead
The National Trust proudly presents two gleaming additions to their holiday events this year: the radiant Ignite trails at Kingston Lacy and Gibside. With a stunning fusion of lamp arts, fire displays and immersive fantasy, these paths showcase the unique aesthetics of these two estates. Enter the enchanted realm of Kingston Lacy's pristine property, where the fernery twinkles with unexpected encounters of luminous fairies and variegated plants bathed in light. Complementing this otherworldly aura is the harmony of seasonal melodies and calming whale songs. Strikingly, Gibside’s Georgian-style garden, a testament to coal magnate, George Bowes' aesthetic prowess, creates an indelible aura with its labyrinthine trails, pine-draped expanses, and splendid vistas of the Derwent valley. Don’t miss the fiery fish and delicate willow sculptures that adorn the ¾-mile Christmas amble, adding a vibrant pop to the yuletide spirit.
Kingston Lacy, active 11-13, 18-24 and 26-30 Dec, ticket rates: child/adult/family/parking - £10/£15/£45/£7 (NT members enjoy free parking), nationaltrust.org.uk. Gibside accessible 11-30 Dec, same pricing particulars as Kingston Lacy, nationaltrust.org.uk
The Lanterns at Chester Zoo, Cheshire
As a result of the pandemic, Chester Zoo has faced considerable losses amounting to £5.5m. Subsequently, this magical holiday event becomes pivotal in kickstarting the recovery of the incurred losses. Scattered around the meandering pathways snaking through the zoo, visitors will witness a beautiful display of illuminated animals for the ninth year in a row, besides the oriental lanterns lighting the paths. These exhibits include towering giraffes, pulsating jellyfish, radiant frogs, transforming chameleons and a strikingly enormous octopus. The journey begins near the elephant bridge, leading visitors across a radiant desert of cacti, and takes them on a captivating quest stretching from the heights of the azure skies to the depths of the oceanic blues, mirroring the vibrancy of a rainbow with a one-way trail around the zoo. While food and beverages remain available for purchase, visitors are unfortunately not provided with lanterns this year but are encouraged to bring or purchase their own. The zoo has implemented measures to facilitate social distancing by reducing ticket availability which resulted in several dates getting sold out quickly.
The event operates on specific days stretching from 13th Nov to 23rd Dec, with child/adult tickets priced at £13.50/£16, chesterzoo.org
Ushaw: Historic Houses, Chapels and Gardens, County Durham
For local inhabitants, the expansive gardens of Ushaw, situated a brief drive to the west of Durham, have become a sanctuary during recent times. As winter approaches, preparations are underway for a Christmas tree festival and a stunning light spectacle. The centerpiece of the display is an enormous rose window, crafted from reused bottles which once graced the exterior of Durham Cathedral. Moreover, the main estate windows will emanate a warm glow, mirroring the sequence of an Advent calendar, while the estate grounds will showcase a multitude of Christmassy trees, the ongoing outdoor exhibition featuring vivid stained-glass panels, and an oversized reindeer. Adding to the holiday feel, the Bounds cafe will stay open, and every week leading up to Christmas Day, "foodie Fridays" will enthrall visitors with various street food vendors lighting up the front of the house.
The festive event runs on selected dates from November 20 through December 24 (Thursday to Sunday). While ticket pricing details are to be confirmed, they shall be available for online purchase from November 1, ushaw.org
Wondrous Woods at Hopetoun House, West Lothian
An autumn festivity is what marks this trail, rather than bearing a solely Christmas theme. It takes you on a journey through the 300-year-old forestry that forms part of the waterside Hopetoun estate. This newly inaugurated path stretches over a mile, ambling leisurely amidst the towering trees. Along the way, you pass the enchanting old summer house, the majestic wrought-iron gates, and a graceful row of lime trees, taking you through portions of the property rarely seen by the public. The trail culminates with a panoramic view of the resplendent Hopetoun House bathed in evocative floodlighting. To ensure youngsters are equally entertained on this excursion, lasers have been mounted, a collection of cheeky gnomes are hidden, mirror balls are poised for discovery, and a unique triangular passage beckons exploration.
Visitors can enjoy this experience on selected dates until 15 Nov, with tickets priced at £9 for children and £19 for adults, all information and booking details are available on wondrouswoods.com.
Christmas at the Botanics, Edinburgh
The Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh, established in 1670, is heralding its 350th anniversary with a burst of festive cheer. Appreciate a warm cup of spiced cider as you meander through radiant tunnels of lights and marvel at the Victorian palm houses, brilliantly illuminated for the holiday season. This marks the return of the beloved botany-themed light trail, which is being showcased for the fourth time, and is set to extend over an impressive span of 32 nights. This year's illuminations cover an entire mile and include the return of popular features such as the cathedral of light and the laser garden, along with a spectacular festive finale projected onto Inverleith House. This year's new additions include an expansive 128-metre-long series of projections and an impressive display of thousands of LED stars, adding further sparkle to the event.
The event is available from November 26 till January 3, with ticketing options for children, adults, and families at £13, £19, and £60 respectively, available for purchase at rbge.org.uk.
Lightopia at Heaton Park, Manchester
Residents of Manchester are set for a delightful treat, as Lightopia is poised to cast its glow over Heaton Park. Unveiling an array of enchanting new displays, a redesigned path, broadened walkways and a collection of 50 glowing lanterns, the Premier Park of the Northwest will once again serve as the merry host to its customary annual Festival of Lights. A cluster of lantern dragons stand guard over the food plaza, while festive visuals light up the facades of Heaton Hall. Guests can bask in the lively atmosphere of the interactive music quadrant, look up in wonder at cosmically-inspired installations in the astronomy domain, and honor local frontline staff by visiting a novel series of sculptures crafted just for them.
Available on chosen dates from the 20th of November to the 3rd of January, entry prices for children, adults, and families start from £13, £20, £60 respectively, with a 20% concession for our esteemed keyworkers, lightopiafestival.com
Holiday Celebrations at Wollaton, Nottingham
Wollaton Park, positioned just to the west of Nottingham's center, is a location that offers up a stunning array of natural landscapes throughout the year. Rich with lily-speckled ponds, flourishing avenues of luscious purple rhododendrons, and wide expanses of grassy plains frequently visited by wandering deer. In this festive season, expect to witness an even more enchanting spectacle as the park unveils its freshly introduced illumined path. The interplay of light with various corners of the frosty park results in imagery as bustling as a burning forest and as serene as a moon-bathed clearing. Additional scenes include a palette of rainbow colours painting the ground in vibrant hues.
The event runs from November 27th to January 6th (excluding Mondays), with tickets for a child/adult/family ranging from £12.50 to £59.50 (additional booking fee). There's great news for Nottingham locals as they enjoy exclusive discounts, and until November 9th, an advantageous 20% discount offer is available to everyone using the code LIGHTS20. Click here to book your adventure
Eden Project, Cornwall
The Eden Project's annual holiday season event exercises a different twist this year. Instead of the familiar laser spectacle of past years, visitors can anticipate an enchanting showcase of lights in both the rainforest and Mediterranean environments.
Be sure not to miss this spectacle being featured on select dates from 4th until 30th December, with ticket prices to be announced. Have a glance on exact dates on edenproject.com.
Christmas at Kew Gardens, London
The famed pathway through Kew Gardens has returned for its eighth edition, offering a refreshed trajectory that promises to thrust its exotic flora and conservatories into the limelight with over a million luminescent bulbs. This year's enlightening journey introduces novel installations, lushly illuminating the rose garden. The visual feast extends to a star-blanketed treetop waterfall, cherry blossom promenade enveloped in neon, radiant trees, and fiery figures. Expanding beyond the regular garden grounds, there's also a luminescent lantern trail meandering through the more untamed sister garden at Wakehust, where dwells the tallest living Christmas tree in the UK, poised to dazzle under a cascading shroud of lights soon.
The event runs on selected dates from November 18 to January 3 (mainly from Wednesday to Sunday, with most weekend slots already fully booked for November and December). Tickets are available at £12 for children, £19.50 for adults, £57 for families, and can be purchased from kew.org
Glow Trail at RHS Wisley, Surrey
The quartet of RHS gardens across the UK are sparkling brighter than ever this festive season with their captivating Glow Trails, and Hyde Hall in Essex is the most recent addition to this magical roster. Wisley, renowned for its exhilarating harmonisation of illuminating greenhouses, luminous trees, and spiralling festive tunes, has this year embellished its longest Glow Trail with a few more enchanting surprises.
As spring blossoms are to cherry trees, so are glittering Christmas lights in the winter, revitalising the garden with a new beauty. The captivating allure of the wisteria walk in summer, known for its cascading purple flowers, transforms under the guise of hypnotic lighting effects. Further enhancing the surreal atmosphere, the Pinetum and rock garden trees are bathed in an ethereal show of mesmerising colours.
This year, the RHS Glow Trails have even more to offer with their open shops and cafés. Guests looking to warm up can enjoy hot beverages and a delightful selection of food, or indulge in some last-minute Christmas shopping. The Terrace restaurant even features an exclusive Glow menu, available from £20, offering delicacies like roast turkey, spiced winter fruit compote, and the refreshing cranberry G&Ts.
The Glow Trails are a seasonal spectacle not to be missed, with selected dates from 21st November to 4th January. Entry costs are £10 for children and £15 for adults, with generous discounts for members. More about the event and booking details can be found here.
Land of Light at Longleat, Wiltshire
In lieu of the usual lantern festival this year, Longleat has innovatively introduced a new feature called the Land of Light installation. This comprises seven distinct zones that promise to leave spectators dazzled with various spellbinding light and sound exhibitions, including radiant flowers, fountains, thunderstorms and even radiant peacocks. Visitors can enjoy the excitement of an icy mirror maze and the visual delight of misty colour plumes. While it is one of the more expensive trails available, the experience justifies the price tag, serving an array of gastronomic delicacies, drinks, and delightful souvenir huts, in addition to a mesmerizing laser show hosted in the longhouse.
On selected dates between 7th November and 10th January, tickets for children and adults can be purchased from £20.95 and £27.95 respectively, longleat.co.uk. The Longleat Land of Light Installation will leave attendees with cherished memories of a festive outing.
Christmas at Bedgebury, Kent
For the third consecutive year, Bedgebury's enchanting pinetum trail comes alive at dusk with novel attractions. Witness the stunning spectacle of intricately illuminated treetops, radiant ropes of neon lights, shimmering celestial bodies, and alluring visions mirrored in the tranquil lake. The revamp includes the introduction of an intriguing light labyrinth and a dynamic electric forest (featured in the picture), on top of the customary oversized Christmas baubles and the mesmerizing fire garden. Adding to the seasonal joy, the revered Santa Claus himself is scheduled to spread cheer amidst the majestic pines and firs of the National Conifer Collection.
Availability ranges from 21st November till the end of the year, with charges of £13 for children, £19.50 for adults, and £60 for families, with an additional parking fee and a £1.50 discount for Friends. Avail your ticket at christmasatbedgebury.co.uk
Illuminated Garden Trail at Helmingham Hall, Suffolk
Approximately 10 miles to the north of Ipswich, sits the spectacular Helmingham Hall, an enchanting, moated brick mansion renowned for its stunning gardens. Introduced for the third year running is the almost-a-mile long enchanting trail. Unlike colossal structures, the trail emphasizes on enhancing organic elements within the Grade I-listed gardens using light as its primary tool. A delightful addition is the incorporation of gourds and pumpkins, freshly harvested from the garden during the autumn season. The journey begins with a nostalgic crossing over the drawbridge and into the antiquated courtyard where guests are treated to complimentary mulled wine. The Coach House tearoom and Stables gift shop will be at service. Firepits will also be available for that warm and cozy marshmallow toasting experience.
Avail this unique holiday magic on select dates between 18th Nov-13th Dec. Please note, the lights will be off on Mondays and Tuesdays. Tickets range from £8 for children, £13 for adults, and £34 for families. Check out and book your passes on helmingham.com. Simply click on "what’s on/calendar" to book your tickets.
Experience the charm of Helmingham Hall's gardens, lighted to bring out their spectacular natural features. Get a chance to wander on and mingle in the evocative ancient atmosphere as the hall's history is subtly highlighted through strategic light placements. Don't miss out on this shimmering spectacle!
Leonardslee Illuminated, West Sussex
The scenic and tranquil ambience of Leonardslee's Grade I-listed gardens has always fascinated the locals with its picturesque lakeside strolls. This winter, these grounds will become an enchanting canvas of light, with radiant illuminations cast upon the historic structures, a celestial silver moon hung over the aqueous abyss of the lake. For three weekends in December, let yourself be immersed in an artfully lit spectacle featuring innovative light sculptures, live melodious performances and heart-warming theatrical acts for all age-groups, brought to life by a talented team of more than 50 artists and technical staff.
Did you know that Leonardslee gardens are home to a population of wallabies, that were introduced way back in 1889? This Christmas, the gardens will also host luminescent lantern display of not just these wallabies, but other resident fauna of the estate. Most mesmerizing of all would be the mythical Leonardslee forest fire dragon, brought to life in a vibrant luminous display. Amidst these wonders, visitors can also indulge in warm meals and shopping as the on-site restaurant, café, and shop are expected to remain open.
The magic awaits from Dec 4-22 (predominantly Fri to Sun), ticket prices are £8 and £16 for kids and adults respectively, with a slight deduction for members. To get your ticket visit leonardsleegardens.co.uk.
Thursford’s Enchanted Journey of Light, Norfolk
This festive season unveils a unique experience at the Thursford Collection - the most extensive array of steam engines and fairground organs on the globe. Nestled in the heart of the Norfolk countryside, this eccentric museum has temporally halted its typically sought-after Christmas theatrics. Instead, visitors will be treated to an "all new indoor wonderland trail". Imagine yourself in a labyrinth of mechanical marvels, surrounded by enchanting fairytale characters, and beneath the radiant glow of what is touted to be "one of Britain's grandest kinetic light exhibitions".
The experience will be accessible on selective dates from 20th November to 3rd January, at a cost of £16.50 per individual (£18 for tickets booked post 18th November), discover more at thursford.com.
For those planning an extended stay in the picturesque Norfolk countryside, a visit to the Mangreen Country House, is recommended. Nestled in the heart of Norwich, this delightful Bed and Breakfast offers a cosy and comfortable stay while you explore the gems of Norfolk, including the Thursford Collection.
There are also plenty of attractive resorts in Norfolk on in-norfolk.com, which offer a perfect retreat after immersing yourself in the magical experience at Thursford Collection.
To make your stay even more comfortable and convenient, you can search among best hotels on tophotels.com. These hotels provide top-notch services and facilities that would complement your enchanting journey of light at the Thursford Collection. Enjoy the very best of Norfolk's hospitality and make your festive season truly memorable.
