The best Christmas light trails in Britain for 2024
Enjoy a magical night out with these dazzling displays
It’s that time of year again, when the nights draw in and the festive light trails begin. If you’ve never taken one, walking through gardens and forests in the dark, with the trees sparkling with lights, really is magical and I thoroughly recommend checking out your nearest one, or adding it to your holiday wish-list. It’s an unforgettable night out. Here’s my round up of some of the best for 2024:
Christmas at Kew, London
Until January 5
One of the most popular, is always the 3km magical trail through the world-famous botanical gardens at Kew, which features installations, a tunnel of lights, and fountains. kew.org
Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
Until January 1
Another famous location which lights up at Christmas, is historic Blenheim Palace, which this year has Neverland in the Palace theme, skating rink and light trail. blenheimpalace.com
Christmas at the Botanics, Edinburgh
Until Dec 30
It’s a must-do on the Scottish capital’s calendar, as the Botanic Gardens transform into a winter wonderland. See floating candles, dancing light batons and a sparkling flock of robins. rbge.org.uk
Luminate Wales, Margam Park, South Wales
Until Dec 31
Luminate returns to Margam Country Park and Castle in South Wales for its annual light trail, reimagined for 2024. The mile-long trail has light installations and interactive elements for kids. luminate.live
Christmas at Chatsworth, Derbyshire
Until January 5
The Christmas trail at Chatsworth House is this year, themed A Christmas Feast, and you can journey through 20 decorated rooms, then follow a light trail through the garden and finish at the farmyard, where you can cuddle a pig. I’m in! chatsworth.org
Thursford Enchanted Journey of Light, Norfolk
Until Dec 24
It’s quite hard to do justice to the extravaganza which is Thursford’s Enchanted Journey of light. Travel past penguins and polar bears into the land of giant teddy bears and follow the Lantern Light Extravaganza with light sculptures and much, much more. There’s also a Santa’s Magical Journey and a Christmas Spectacular. thursford.com