Festive light trails in the UK keep becoming more and more popular, and now there are many options to choose from. This festive group of light shows highlights the natural surroundings of where they are located and includes installations by famous artists, music ranging from classical Christmas songs to contemporary holiday hits and millions of flickering lights.
UK’s 15 Best Christmas Light Trails
Let’s explore the 15 most admired Christmas light trails in the UK,
Hillsborough Castle & Gardens
The enchanting nighttime path at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens will change the estate’s exquisitely designed grounds with a new way leading up to the castle. Stroll under tree covers soaked in Christmas tones, encompassed by gigantic ornaments, shining spiral trees, sparkling snowflakes, and groups of trees wrapped in constantly evolving neon bands.
Address – Hillsborough Castle
Dates – 23 November 2024 to 5 January 2025
Royal Botanic Garden
Over one million lights and holiday sounds will illuminate the atmosphere at The Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh, Scotland. Classic attractions like the Christmas cathedral and fire garden are back, but there are also new paths, illuminations, and exhibits to make the event better than ever – keep an eye out for Inverleith House, presented in a new glow. Gear up to experience one amid the best Christmas light displays in UK at the Royal Botanic Garden.
Address – Arboretum PL, Edinburgh EH3 5NZ
Date – 21 November 2024 to 30 December 2024
Warwick Castle
Image Credit: warwick-castle.com
Thousands of sparkling lights are scattered around the famous castle grounds, and our festive Light Trail is back this year, bigger and better than ever, illuminating the castle and its gardens. Experience stunning surroundings illuminated with larger-than-life illuminations as night sets in. Explore the lovely gardens with their sparkling trees and sky-lit projections. Our castle Light Trail is guaranteed to recreate the true spirit of Christmas.
Address – Castle, Castle Ln, Warwick CV34 4QU
Dates – 23 November 2024 to 5 January 2025
Dunham Massey
Explore new engaging installations as the winter trail is set to be larger and more exceptional than ever before at the Georgian mansion and grounds at Dunham Massey. In addition to new lights and music, there is a new path, food, beverages and carnival rides. This trail has a tendency to sell out every year, so early reservation is recommended to prevent letdown.
Address – Dunham Massey, Altrincham WA14 4SJ
Dates – 15 November 2024 to 1 January 2025
Blenheim Palace
With a plethora of sparkling lights and holiday music filling the air, Blenheim Palace is a location where new memories are built. Known for being one of the top illuminated trails in the UK and a must-see during the holiday season, this trail offers everything you need for a fantastic day with friends and family, including the chance to get a stunning glimpse of Father Christmas.
Address – Woodstock OX20 1PP
Dates – 15 November 2024 to 1 January 2025
Gibside Hall
Tickets are available for purchase for the Christmas light trail at the National Trust’s Gibside property, located near Gateshead. This will be the second year that the site has hosted a holiday walking path, which will include lights synchronized to popular Christmas music, as well as a giant snowflake walk featuring glittery gold, silver and pink snowflakes.
Address – Gibside Hall, Near Rowlands Gill, Gateshead. Tyne & Wear, NE16 6BG
Dates – 16 November 2024 to 6 January 2025
Belton House
Image Credit: visitlincolnshire.com
Belton House, managed by the National Trust, is preparing to reopen its sparkling illuminated path with a new 2km route. Visitors will be immersed in over one million shimmering lights, vividly colored trees, and spectacular lighted displays along the trail. The illuminations are synchronized to festive music, with the path featuring morphing colored spheres, an ocean of lights, a glittering rose garden, and stars guiding the way to gigantic mistletoe.
Address – High Rd, Belton, Grantham NG32 2LW
Dates – 2 November 2024 to 1 January 2025
Wimpole
The Christmas light trail at Wimpole will be back again this year for a second time. It will have a new route that includes sparkling tunnels lit up with lights, giant Christmas ornaments hanging, and trees that glow. There will also be new installations like a green laser garden, heart-shaped arches that are romantic, a walkway with snowflake designs, and a cathedral decorated for Christmas.
Address – Wimpole Estate, Arrington, Royston SGB 0BW
Dates – 22 November 2024 to 1 January 2025
Kew Gardens
Portrayed as a botanical realm brimming with seasonal joy, Christmas at Kew has now solidified itself as one of the UK’s premier Christmas happenings. The organizers propose that this year’s enchanting trail will illuminate Kew Gardens like never before. Anticipate glittering passages of light, dancing waterside reflections, disco balls and trees soaked in color on your journey to the sweeping Palm House light exhibition. Halt at the wavering flames and you may even spot Santa Claus en route. Along with Christmas, New Year in London too is celebrated in an extravagant way.
Address – Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Road, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3AE. Entrance will be via Victoria Gate, Elizabeth Gate and Brentford Gate.
Dates – 13 November 2024 to 5 January 2025
Bedgebury
Experience the trees at the National Pinetum and Forest at Bedgebury like never before this Christmas season. Displays crafted by various international artists will showcase the pinetum in a splendid light, under covers full of seasonal color and motivated by the scenery to make a joyful adventure for people of all ages.
Address – Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, Bedgebury Road, Goudhurst, Kent, TN17 2SJ
Dates – 15 November 2024 to 1 January 2025
Margam Country Park
The breathtaking, lighted trail in Margam Country Park will captivate and delight your senses with its surprise and intrigue. Join us as we embark on an enchanted trip through the magnificent, historic gardens of Margam Country Park and Castle. Take in the captivating atmosphere of our mile-long walk, which features wonderful interactive features for kids to enjoy and gorgeous lighting exhibits set to music.
Address – Margam Country Park, Neath, Port Talbot, South Wales, SA13 2TJ
Dates – 21 November 2024 to 31 December 2024
Leeds Castle
Groups can be taken into a seasonal land of delight across the grounds, approaching the surrounded Leeds Castle itself. Among the many light installations will be three remarkable new pieces from creators T-i-l-t, including oversized lamp shade clusters and chandeliers. You will be able to walk under giant ornaments and below wonderfully lit up trees to a seasonal soundtrack.
Address – Broomfield, Maidstone ME17 1PL
Dates – 22 November 2024 to 1 January 2025
Stourhead
Stourhead is a Palladian-style house and garden known as a ‘living work of art’. The Christmas trail at Stourhead features the impressive Christmas cathedral, where over one thousand fairy lights will be intertwined into the forest scenery. Other notable attractions include the ‘Sea of Light’, with neon stars wrapping around trees, and a dazzling light supernova.
Address – Stourton, Warminster BA12 6QF
Dates – 29 November 2024 to 1 January 2025
Kingston Lacy
The premises of this stylish country estate will be turned into a festive paradise once more this year. The Kingston Lacy path, showcasing carefully selected lights set to Christmas tunes, will light up the lovely garden.
Address – Kingston Lacy, Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 4EA
Dates – Early December to 24 December 2024
RHS Garden Wisley Glow
The Royal Horticultural Society’s garden located in Wisley, Surrey is introducing a new illuminated walking path around its gardens this year. The trail will guide you along the Jellicoe Canal and past the old Laboratory, taking you through Wisteria Walk and into the Glasshouse where a white Christmas-themed plant exhibit will make a striking final impression.
Good news: they are promising even more fire and fountain shows than usual. The illuminated route will lead visitors on a tour of key attractions at the Wisley Gardens, culminating in an impressive plant display in the Glasshouse, with enhanced fire and water features along the way.
Address – Wisley Ln, Wisley, Woking GU23 6QB
Dates – 22 November 2024 to 5 January 2025
Christmas illumination shows spread the enchantment of the Christmas season for all to see and appreciate. You will be astounded by the dazzling Christmas lights and presentations highlighting the beautiful winter places in UK.