England’s 7 best winter light trails

As the night’s draw in these colourful trails, many in the grounds of stately Homes and National Trust properties, are fast becoming a winter tradition.

6 mins

1. Lightopia at Heaton Park, Manchester

Nature through a keyhole (Lightopia)

Nature through a keyhole (Lightopia)

Lightopia is an award-winning and visually spectacular lantern and light festival, where visitors explore interactive exhibits and immersive light installations and wander along magical illuminated trails.

The festival is held in three different venues across England – Heaton Park in Manchester, Crystal Palace in London and Alton Towers theme park. Each location has a unique theme, with Heaton Park’s illuminations celebrating nature.

More information: lightopiafestival.com

2. Illuminated Light Trail at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire

Christmas Market at Blenheim Palace (blenheimpalace.com)

Christmas Market at Blenheim Palace (blenheimpalace.com)

This Christmas Blenheim Palace and its gardens will be transformed into a fairytale wonderland, showing this grand old building in a sparkly new light.

After wandering through the spectacular gardens, illuminated by over one million lights, visitors can venture inside the palace where The Nutcracker has been re-imagined with each of the rooms exquisitely transformed and filled with hidden surprises. In the courtyard, a traditional Christmas market sells festive products from around the world as well as food and drink to warm the soul.

More information: blenheimpalace.com

3. The Lanterns at Chester Zoo, Cheshire

Illuminated giraffes (ChesterZoo.org)

Illuminated giraffes (ChesterZoo.org)

Now in its tenth year, visitors to Lanterns at Chester Zoo are given the unique opportunity to experience the zoo after hours, following a  a set trail in the dark that will take them through spectacular illuminations and colourful lanterns, encountering enchanting costumed characters along the way. 

This year the event will shine a light on species that are threatened with extinction, with brand new characters and zones focusing on animals under the greatest threat. Funds raised from the event will support the zoo’s crucial work as a wildlife conservation charity so you’ll be doing your bit to help too.

More information: chesterzoo.org

4. Christmas at Kew, London

The Fire Garden at Christmas at Kew (kew.org)

The Fire Garden at Christmas at Kew (kew.org)

The world’s most famous botanical garden is filled with seasonal Chee on this magical light trail leading guests through every corner of this venerable institution.

The undoubted highlight is the extraordinary Fire Garden and its mesmerising display of flickering flames. Elsewhere, Christmas at Kew delivers larger-than-life illuminations, sparkling tunnels of light, dancing waterside reflections and trees drenched in jewel-like colour. The Palm House light display will take your breath away.

More information: kew.org

5. Leonardslee Illuminated, West Sussex

The moon hanging low over Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens (leonardsleeIlluminated.co.uk)

The moon hanging low over Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens (leonardsleeIlluminated.co.uk)

This spectacular Winter Trail leads through the beautiful grounds of Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens in Horsham, West Sussex. It features spellbinding illuminations, music, theatrical performances and large-scale projections, set in the enchanting Grade I Listed gardens.

You might wonder why the trail features illuminated wallabies. It’s a tribute to the famous mob of wallabies that call Leonardslee home. Keep an eye out. You might see one hopping across your path.

More information: leonardsleeilluminated.co.uk

6. Ignite at Polesden Lacey, Surrey

A dragon on the Polesden Lacey Fire and Light Trail  (nationaltrust.org)

A dragon on the Polesden Lacey Fire and Light Trail (nationaltrust.org)

This autumn a new trail of light and fire is coming to the stately Edwardian charms of Polesden Lacey in Surrey. Simply called ‘Ignite,’ it is guaranteed to add a little warmth to the cold autumnal evenings.

Visitors will be given handheld lanterns for first part of trail, so they can walk through the darkness lighting their own way through tree lined avenues on a quietly magical meander.

As twilight falls, the IGNITE magic begins with glimpses of fairies, playful top hats and teapots and a fiery interpretation of flora and fantasy, set to an atmospheric soundscape.

More information: nationaltrust.org.uk

7. Love Light Norwich

(Love Light Norwich/Chris Harvey Photography)

(Love Light Norwich/Chris Harvey Photography)

You won’t be able to attend this bold and bright festival until February, but it’s definitely worth the wait. This three-day festival literally transforms Norwich, turning much-loved landmarks into stunning works of art.

Themed around love and belonging, the stunning new installations, projections, and performances of Love Light Norwich are sure to amaze and delight, turning thedark February nights into a magical experience for residents and visitors alike.

More information: lovelightnorwich.co.uk

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