CHRISTMAS may be over and the New Year beckoning, but there’s still time to head outdoors and explore some of the UK’s most spectacular illuminated light trails.
“Twixmas” is the perfect time to relax, recharge, and soak up the festive spirit before ringing in the New Year.
This twinkling tunnel at Bedgebury Pinetum, Kent, is fun for all the family[/caption]
The stunning light trail at Wimpole, Cambs, has made a welcome return[/caption]
With smaller crowds and magical settings, these light trails are a great way to get out and about and walk off some of that festive food.
From magical gardens and historic estates to arboretums and whimsical art installations, these festive destinations offer an enchanting blend of nature, art and holiday cheer . . .
Belton House, Lincs
Until January 1
The National Trust’s beautiful Belton House in Lincolnshire features a meadow of light stretching out into the distance, colour-changing larger-than-life neon string flowers, candles floating high into the sky and battens of light that shine all the colours of the rainbow.
Tickets from £15.
Wimpole Estate, Cambs
Until December 31
The light trail at Wimpole makes a welcome return with a selection of brand-new installations in the delightful grounds of the National Trust property near Cambridge.
Highlights include neon trees, larger-than-life flowers, long glowing tunnels in all the colours of the rainbow.
Tickets from £15.
Dunham Massey, Cheshire
Until January 1
Step into a sparkling wonderland with star-filled tunnels, colour-changing battens, and a glittering display of lights across the lake.
There’s a host of new light installations to see this year, at this historic National Trust estate with its all-season gardens and historic deer park.
Tickets from £19.
Leeds Castle, Kent
Until January 1
Discover radiant light sculptures, colour-changing lilies, and tunnels of sparkles in the stunning castle grounds and then venture inside the castle to enter the magical realm of the Nutcracker.
Rooms have been decorated to tell the classic tale, from the grand ballroom of the Sugar Plum Fairy to the dreamy land of sweets.
Tickets from £18.
Bedgebury Pinetum, Kent
Until January 1
The National Pinetum at Bedgebury has more than a million twinkling lights this year and a soundtrack of seasonal music to accompany them.
Discover a sparkling flock of robins, giant luminous seed pods floating high into the night sky, neon gallopers peeping out behind trees, and sparkling tunnels of light as the forest is filled with all the colours of the rainbow.
Tickets from £17.
Blenheim Palace, Oxon
Until January 1
There’s still time to venture on to the ice with the all-new Great Skate ice rink in the Great Court.
Visitors can also enjoy illuminated trails in the world-renowned gardens and Neverland-themed rooms in the Palace, a new experience based on J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan.
Trail tickets from £31.50, Neverland from £38.
Stourhead, Wilts
Until January 1
Stourhead is a Palladian house and garden described as a “living work of art”.
The curated trail features the stunning Christmas Cathedral, in which more than a thousand pea lights will be woven into the forest landscape.
New features this year include a “Sea of Light”, larger-than-life snowflakes suspended in trees and Light a Wish, which fills the air with giant, floating dandelion seeds.
Tickets from £15.
Westonbirt Arboretum, Gloucs
Until January 1
There’s a new festive experience to discover at the National Arboretum.
Explore trees from all over the globe in a new light when over a million twinkling lights illuminate the woodland.
Discover luminous birds balanced on branches, colourful neon trees, and tunnels of light.
Tickets from £18.
- For details and to book, go to mychristmastrails.co.uk
