It’s a busy time of year filled with anticipation for the festivities ahead, but with so much to do, it's easy to feel worn down before the holidays arrive.
But don’t despair - there's an easy way to reignite your festive spirit: winter light trails.
These dazzling outdoor experiences have rapidly grown in popularity in recent years, offering a blend of natural beauty and artistic illumination that can lift even the weariest of winter moods.
So, if you're feeling the winter blues, bundle up and step into a world of light.
Why light trails are the perfect mood-booster
Light trails provide an immersive, family-friendly outdoor activity that combines the benefits of being outdoors and in nature with the wonder of light installations. As you stroll through these enchanting displays, you'll not only be treating your senses but also supporting local businesses and artists, contributing to your community's vibrancy during the holiday season.
Don't miss our best tips for visiting winter light trails at the end of this feature.
Top light trails across the UK
We’ve put together a list of some of the most spectacular light trails around the UK:
Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) gardens
RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Essex
22 November - 28 December
New for 2024, this trail features a magical technicolour makeover, including dazzling displays in the Winter Garden and living willow sculptures immersed in festive colour.
RHS Garden Harlow Carr, North Yorkshire
21 November - 28 December
Returning with special lighting effects showcasing magnificent trees and shrubs, this trail includes new features like the illuminated Thaliana Bridge and Logness monster
National Trust properties
Belton House, Lincolnshire
21 November - 1 January
This year's trail introduces a meadow of light, colour-changing neon string flowers, and floating candles, creating a truly magical atmosphere.
Stourhead, Wiltshire
21 November - 1 January
Offers a magical journey through historic gardens with illuminated features and festive installations
Dunham Massey, Manchester
15 November - 1 January
Known for beautiful light installations that transform the gardens and deer park into a winter paradise
English Heritage sites
Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
15 November - 1 January
Features an impressive 8m sphere with over 20,000 moving LED lights
Forestry England
Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, Gloucestershire
29 November - 31 December
Collaborating with producers from Kew, Bedgebury, and Blenheim Palace, this trail offers an enhanced experience with light displays and interactive elements
Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, Kent
15 November - 1 January
Features a new illuminated tree trail with stunning displays like softly-lit doves and sparkling tunnels
Historic estates and attractions
Longleat's Festival of Light, Wiltshire
9 November - 5 January
Known for its grand scale and intricate lantern displays, each year features a different theme
Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire
15 November - 5 January
Inspired by Sleeping Beauty, this trail includes new light projections on the Manor façade and a glittering garden trail
Leeds Castle, Kent
23 November - 5 January
Offers magical light displays set against the backdrop of the historic castle and grounds
Sudeley Castle & Gardens, Gloucestershire
22 November - 30 December
The Spectacle of Light trail is based on the classic fairy tale, Sleeping Beauty, for 2024
And last but not least, independent attractions:
Royal Botanic Gardens Christmas at Kew, London
13 November - 5 January
Celebrating its 12th year, this spectacular trail showcases new installations across Kew Gardens' UNESCO World Heritage landscape, featuring over a million twinkling lights
Cotswold Farm Park, Gloucestershire
December dates, check the website
The Enchanted Light Trail returns with thousands of lights and the chance to meet farm animals in glistening decorated barns. Most importantly of all for some, this trail is dog friendly.
Tips for visiting light trails
To make the most of your visit to these spectacular light trails, consider these helpful tips:
- Book tickets: Popular trails often sell out quickly during peak times. Pre-booking your tickets online is essential to secure your preferred date and time.
- Arrive early or stay late: To avoid crowds and fully immerse yourself in the experience, consider arriving early or visiting later in the evening when it’s less busy.
- Dress Warmly: Winter evenings can be quite chilly, so layer up with warm clothing, hats, gloves, and comfortable footwear to ensure you stay cozy while enjoying the sights.
- Plan for refreshments: Many light trails offer delicious refreshments to enhance your experience. For instance: At Birmingham Botanical Gardens' Winter Light Trail, you can enjoy hot drinks and toasted marshmallows along the way, Kew Gardens features bars serving mulled wine and hot chocolate scattered throughout the trail and Stourhead offers seasonal snacks from local vendors along with warm beverages.
- And don’t forget to take your camera or smartphone: Capture the stunning displays—these light trails provide countless photo opportunities and record memories with happy family and friends.
