45 UK Christmas Light Trails 2021: The Most Complete Guide
Looking for things to do this Christmas? Christmas light trails are springing up all over the place in 2021. Being an outdoor event, they’re the ideal place to be able to enjoy the sparkle of Christmas and socially distance. They’re a great alternative for a Christmas family day out if you’re not able to book a Santa’s Grotto.
I love Christmas light shows and am lucky to have some fantastic light trails near me, including Kew Gardens and Blenheim Palace.
These festive light experiences sell out fast to so make sure to have a look at this comprehensive list to find a Christmas light trail near you.
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*Please check the current Government guidelines before visiting. More details can be found on the websites for each light trail. Dates will be updated for 2021 when they are released*
Table of Contents
Christmas light Trails in the East
Christmas light Trails in the South East
Christmas light Trails in the South
Christmas light Trails in the South West
Christmas light Trails in the Midlands
Christmas light Trails in the North East
Christmas light Trails in the North West
Christmas light Trails in London
Christmas Light Trails in Scotland
Christmas Light Trails in Wales
Christmas Light Trails in Northern Ireland
Many of these winter light trails are taking place at English Heritage and National Trust properties. If you haven’t got an annual membership, we would highly recommend looking into getting one. There are discounts for members to their Christmas light trails and just a few visits a year will cover the cost of the membership.
See here for English Heritage membership.
See here for National Trust membership.
Christmas Light Trails in the East
Belton House
Christmas at Belton – one of the loveliest National Trust Christmas lights.
When: Weekends from 25th November 2021 to 22nd January 2022.
Where: Belton House, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG32 2LW.
Tickets: Adult – £20.00 (or £28.00 with parking), Child (3-16) – £14.00, Under 2 – Free. Family of 4 – £74.00 with parking.
Belton House Christmas lights | Photo Credit: National Trust
Thursford
Thursford Enchanted Journey of Light
When: 19th November to 23rd December 2021.
Where: Thursford, Fakenham, Norfolk, NR21.
Tickets: £16.00 per person, Under 2 Free.
See other Christmas events in Norfolk this year for more festive days out.
Thursford Enchanted Journey of Light | Photo Credit: Thursford
Lincoln Castle
Lincoln Castle Christmas Emporium
When: TBC
Where: Lincoln Castle, Castle Square, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, LN1 3AA.
Tickets: Adult £8.00, Child £5.50 (Family £21.50).
Anglesey Abbey
When: 3rd – 5th, 10th – 12th and 17th – 19th December 2021.
Where: Anglesey Abbey, Quy Road, Lode, Cambridgeshire, CB25 9EJ.
Tickets: Adult – £17.50, Child (5-17) – £14.00. Under 5 – FREE.
See also our post on Christmas events in Cambridgeshire for more festive days out.
Anglesey Abbey Winter Lights | Photo Credit: National Trust
Helmingham Hall
Helmingham Hall Illuminated Garden Trail
When: 19th November to 19th December 2021.
Where: Helmingham Hall, Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14 6EF.
Tickets: Adult – £15.00, Child (5-16) – £9.00, Under 5 – Free. Family with 2 adults and 2 children – £39.00.
See other Christmas events in Suffolk for more ideas for festive days out in Suffolk.
Audley End House & Gardens
Enchanted Audley End – see also Christmas events in Essex for more Christmas light trails in Essex.
When: 9th to 11th, 16th to 23rd and 27th to 30th December 2021 (see also Santa Trains running at Audley End).
Where: Audley End House, Audley End Road, Audley End, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB11 4JF.
Tickets: Adult – from £14.00, Child – from £9.50. Under 5 – FREE.
Wimpole Estate
When: 26th November to 2nd January 2022.
Where: Wimpole Estate, Arrington, Royston, Cambridgeshire, SG8 0BW.
Tickets: NT members (£18.00 per adult, £14.00 per child) / Non-NT members (£26.00 per adult, £14.00 per child).
Christmas Light Trails in the South East
This is a pick of some of the best Christmas light trails near London..
Blenheim Palace
Blemheim Palace Illuminated Light Trail
When: 19th November 2021 to 2nd January 2022.
Where: Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire, OX20 1PP.
Tickets: Adult – £22.50 (or £32.50 with parking), Child (3-16) – £16.00, Under 2 – Free. Family of 4 – £74.00 with parking.
Waddesdon Manor (National Trust)
Waddesdon Manor Winter Light Trail
When: 2nd to 23rd January 2022 (see also the Christmas Fair from 13th November 2021 to 23rd December 2021).
Where: Waddesdon Manor, Waddesdon, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP18 0JH.
Tickets: (NT Members): Adult £7.50, Child (5-17) £3.75, Under 5 Free. (Non-NT Members): Adult £19.50, Child (5-17) £9.75, Under 5 Free. Parking charges apply.
Bedgebury Pinetum and Forest
When: 19th November 2021 to 2nd January 2022.
Where: Bedgebury Pinetum and Forest, Bedgebury Road, Goudhurst, Kent, TN17 2SJ.
Tickets: Adult – £20.00 (or £28.00 with parking), Child (3-16) – £13.50, Under 2 – Free. Family of 4 – £72.00 with parking.
If you’re looking for other things to do in the area, don’t miss Rye, one of the most beautiful small towns in England. There are also plenty of other things to do in Kent, including visiting nearby Leeds Castle, one of the best castles in Kent.
Christmas at Bedgebury | Photo Credit: ChristmasatBedgebury
Hever Castle
Twilight Christmas at Hever Castle – one of the most impressive Christmas light shows at one of the most impressive castles in Kent! See also our guide to the Christmas events in Kent this year for more festive days out.
When: 20th November to 3rd January 2022 (after 4pm).
Where: Hever Castle, Hever Road, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 7NG.
Tickets: Adult – £19.00, Child (5-17) – £11.50, Under 5 – Free.
RHS Wisley
When: 19th November 2021 to 4th January 2022.
Where: RHS Wisley, Wisley Lane, Wisley, Woking, Surrey, GU23 6QB.
Tickets: (Members): Adult – From £8.95, Child (5-16) – From £4.50, Under 5 – Free. (Non-Members): Adult – From £16.00, Child (5-16) – From £11.00, Under 5 – Free.
Glow Trail at RHS Wisley | Photo Credit: RHS Wisley
Hylands Estate
When: 26th November 2021 to 2nd January 2022.
Where: The Pleasure Gardens, Hylands Park, London Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 8FS.
Tickets: Adult – from £15.00, Child (4-15) – from £11.00. Family of 4 – £50.00.
See also Christmas events in Essex.
Christmas Light Trails in the South
Wakehurst
When: 25th November 2021 to 2nd January 2022.
Where: Wakehurst, Ardingly, Haywards Heath, Sussex, RH17 6TN.
Tickets: Adult – £16.00, Child (4-16) – £10.00, Under 4 – Free.
Wakehurst Glow Wild | Photo Credit John White
Kingston Lacy (National Trust)
Christmas at Kingston Lacy 2021
When: 3rd to 5th December and 8th December to 2nd January 2022.
Where: Kingston Lacy, Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 4EA.
Tickets: (NT Members): Adult – £18.00, Child (2-18) – £14.00, Under 2 – Free. (Non-NT Members): Adult £26.00, Child £14.00.
Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens
When: 25th November to 22nd December 2021.
Where: Leonardslee, Lower Beeding, Horsham, West Sussex, RH13 6PR.
Tickets: Adult – £13.50, Child (2-15) – £6.50, Under 2 – Free.
Light Up Trails
Where: The Cowdray Ruins, Cowdray Heritage Trust, River Ground Stables, Midhurst, GU29 9AL.
Tickets: Adult – £20.00, Family – £60.00 (2 adults, 2 child) – £70.00 (2 adults, 3 child), Child (2-15) – £12.00 & Under 2 – Free.
Christmas Light Trails in the South West
Stourhead
When: 26th November 2021 – 2nd January 2022.
Where: Stourhead, Stourton, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 6QF.
Tickets: Adult – £12.00 (or £28.00 with parking), Child (3-16) – £14.00, Under 2 – Free. Family of 4 – £74.00 with parking.
Longleat
When: 5th November 2021 to 8th January 2022.
Where: Longleat, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 7NW.
Tickets: Adult – £36.50, Child (3-15) – £27.95, Under 2 Free.
Westonbirt Arboretum
Westonbirt Enchanted Christmas
When: Weekends from 26th November to 21st December 2021.
Where: Westonbirt Arboretum, Westonbirt, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, GL8 8QS.
Tickets: Adult – £16.00, Child (5-18) – £8.00, Under 5 Free.
Westonbirt Christmas Illuminated Light Trail | Photo Credit: Forestry England
Bath on Ice
When: 12th November to 3rd January 2022.
Where: Royal Pavillion, Royal Victoria Park, Bath, BA1 2NR
Tickets: Adult – £7.75, Child – £6.50.
Christmas Light Trails in the Midlands
Wollaton Hall
When: 26th November 2021 – 9th January 2022.
Where: Wollaton Hall Natural History Museum, Wollaton Park, Wollaton, Nottingham, NG8 2AE.
Tickets: Adult – £19.25, Child (3-16) – £13.75, Under 3 – Free. Family of 4 – £60.52. All prices include booking fee.
Christmas at Wollaton | Photo credit: Wollaton Hall
Himley Hall & Park
When: For 2021 the Christmas lights will be replaced by the Christmas Portal.
Where: Himley Hall & Park, Himley, Dudley, West Midlands, DY3 4DF.
Tickets: 16th to 19th December 2021.
Malvern Winter Glow
When: 4th December 2021 – 2nd January 2022.
Where: Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Worcestershire, WR13 6NW.
Tickets: Adult – £20.00 (£16.50 online), Child (3-16) – £12.00 (£10.00 online), Under 3 – Free.
Warwick Castle
When: 29th November 2021 – 2nd January 2022.
Where: Warwick Castle, Warwick, Warwickshire, CV34 4QU.
Tickets: From £14.50 – £16.00 (not including castle entrance).
Christmas Light Trails in the North East
Castle Howard
When: 13th November 2021 to 3rd January 2022.
Where: Castle Howard Estate, York, YO60 7DA.
Tickets: Adult – From £26.50, Child (3-16) – From £15.90, Under 3 – Free.
Castle Howard Illuminated Christmas | Photo Credit: Castle Howard
Temple Newsam
When: 26th November 2021 to 2nd January 2022.
Where: Temple Newsam, Temple Newsam Road, Leeds, LS15 0AE.
Tickets: (NT Members): Adult £16.00 (£22.00 with parking), Child (3-16) £12.00, Under 3 Free.
Gibside Hall (National Trust)
Ignite at Gibside – a beautiful winter lights festival
When: 26th November 2021 to 2nd January 2022.
Where: Gibside Hall, Near Rowlands Gill, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear, NE16 6BG.
Tickets: (NT Members): Adult £18.00, Child (5-17) £13.00, Under 5 Free. (Non-NT Members): Adult £26.00, Child (5-17) £13.00, Under 5 Free.
Lightwater Valley Theme Park
When: Weekends in December and then 21st to 23rd December 2021.
Where: Lightwater Valley Theme Park, North Stainley, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 3HT.
Tickets: £12.50 per person, Under 2 – Free.
Stockeld Park
When: 21st November 2021 to 3rd January 2022.
Where: Stockeld Park, Wetherby, North Yorkshire, LS22 4AN.
Tickets: £15.00 per person, Under 2 – Free.
Lightwater Valley Theme Park
Christmas Light Trails in the North West
Dunham Massey (National Trust)
Dunham Massey Illuminated Light Trail
When: From 19th November 2021 to 2nd January 2022.
Where: Dunham Massey, Altrincham, Greater Manchester, WA14 4SJ.
Tickets: Non-Member prices: Adult – £21.00 (or £29.00 with parking), Child (3-16) – £13.50, Under 2 – Free. Family of 4 – £74.00 with parking.
Dunham Massey Illuminated Light Trail
Lightopia
When: 19th November 2021 to 3rd January 2022.
Where: Heaton Park, Sheepfoot Lane, Manchester, M25 0BP.
Tickets: Adult from £20.00, Child (3-16) from £13.00 and Under 2 – Free. Parking – £5.00.
Lightopia | Photo Credit: Lightopia Festival
Chester Zoo
When: 12th November to 23rd December 2021.
Where: Chester Zoo, Chester, Cheshire, CH2 1EU.
Tickets: Adult from £13.00, Child from £11.00 and Under 2 – Free.
Bolesworth Castle
When: 26th November to 24th December 2021.
Where: Bolesworth Castle, Bolesworth Rd, Tattenhall, Chester CH3 9HQ.
Tickets: Adult from £20.37, Child (3-12) from £13.40 and Under 2 – Free.
Delamere Forest
When: 26th November to 31st December 2021.
Where: Delamere Forest, Linmere, Delamere, Northwich, CW8 2HZ.
Tickets: Adult from £19.50 (£27.50 with parking), Child (3-16) from £13.50 and Under 2 – Free.
The Lanterns Chester Zoo
Christmas Light Trails in London
Kew Gardens
When: 17th November 2021 to 9th January 2022.
Where: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Road, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3AE.
Tickets: Adult – £21.50 to £26.50, Child (4-16) – £14.00 to £14.50, Under 4 – Free. Family of 4 – £65.00.
Christmas at Kew | Photo Credit: Kew Gardens
Canary Wharf
When: TBC
Where: TBC
Tickets: Free
Wembley Park
When: 25th November to 9th January 2022.
Where: Wembley Park, Wembley, HA9 0FA
Tickets: Free
Syon Park
When: 12th to 28th November 2021.
Where: Syon House, Syon Park, Brentford, Middlesex, TW8 8JF.
Tickets: Adult from £10.00, Child from £7.50 and Under 2 – Free.
Chiswick House & Gardens
When: TBC
Where: Chiswick House & Gardens, Burlington Lane, Chiswick, London, W4 2RP
Tickets: TBC
Eltham Palace
When: 9th to 11th, 16th to 23rd and 27th to 30th December 2021.
Where: Eltham Palace, Court Yard, London, SE9 5QE.
Tickets: Adult – from £14.00. Child – from £9.50.
In the event that some of these light trails are cancelled this year, you could also pop into London to see the London Christmas lights (which are worth seeing anyway).
Christmas Light Trails in Scotland
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
When: 25th November 2021 – 2nd January 2022
Where: Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Arboretum Place, Edinburgh, EH3 5NZ
Tickets: Adult – £20.00, Child – £14.00 and Under 3 – Free. Family of 4 – £66.00.
Christmas at the Botanics | Photo Credit: Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Faskally Woods
When: Cancelled for 2021.
Where: Faskally Wood, 3 Atholl Road, Pitlochry, Perthshire, PH16 5BX.
Tickets: N/A
Dean Castle Country Park
When: TBC
Where: Dean Castle Country Park, dean Road, Kilmarnock, KA3 1XB
Tickets: N/A
Illuminight | Photo Credit: Lloyd Smith
Christmas Light Trails in Wales
Margam Country Park
When: 18th November to 24th December 2021.
Where: Margam Country Park, Neath, Port Talbot, South Wales, SA13 2TJ.
Tickets: Adult – from £15.00, Child (3-15) – from £11.00 and Under 3 – Free. Family of 4 – from £48.00.
Christmas Light Trails in Northern Ireland
Antrim Castle Gardens
When: 27th to 21st December 2021.
Where: Antrim Castle Gardens, Randalstown Road, Antrim, BT41 4LH.
Tickets: Adult – from £6.00, Child – from £4.00. Under 2 – FREE.
These are all official light trails in the UK but there are also lots of unofficial ones. Have you driven around your local area and seen some incredible private light displays?
There’s a great one on Beech Road in St Albans and since there are no light trails in Hertfordshire, this is one of the best places in Hertfordshire at Christmas to see Christmas lights. It’s definitely worth finding out if there is one similar close to you.
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