Where are the best Christmas light trails in the UK?
As autumn ends and Christmas approaches, you’ll see houses all over the UK festooned with lights. It’s almost a competition to see who can display the largest, most breath-taking light display in the street.
You’ll also find many towns and cities have a spectacular Christmas light trail too. If you’re in the UK at Christmas and have hired a car, why not take the opportunity to visit one of these Christmas light trails for a visit to remember?
Experience the illuminations of Anglesey Abbey
For an enjoyable evening out visit Anglesey Abbey in Cambridgeshire and marvel at the Christmas light show. Inspired by nature and set at this historic National Trust property, you’ll be in awe of this after-dark spectacle.
As night falls the grounds come to life. You’ll see light projections along the river, nature at night, and experience the magical sensation of the gardens being lit by thousands of twinkling lights. There is also an area with food vendors so you can grab a snack before you begin.
Be fascinated at Dunham Massey
Head north-east to Manchester where the Dunham Massey Christmas light trail awaits you. The kids will be amazed at the giant illuminated deer at the entrance to the park and will love the colours and lights along the paths.
They may even spot Father Christmas peeping out from the foliage! Lights dance on the lake, tunnels glimmer and giant baubles sparkle. This is the perfect place to spend a romantic evening with your partner, finishing the evening with a hot chocolate or glass of mulled wine.
Entertain the kids at Kingston Lacy
In the south of England lies Kingston Lacy in Dorset, another National Trust property and home to a stunning Christmas light trail. More than a thousand lights lead the way as you wander along the enchanting pathways and wonder at the beauty of the lights.
You’ll be astounded by the amazing sights of the trees, each lit up in a different colour and standing majestically as if covered in frost (they may well be at this time of year!). Don´t miss the colourful garden of fire and make sure to end your visit with a warm winter drink and snack from one of the food vendors.
Be enchanted by the magic of Kew Gardens
This has to be one of the top Christmas light trails in the UK and a favourite destination for many. Over a million lights twinkle throughout the gardens, creating a mystical environment for all the family. This winter wonderland sparkles along two kilometres of trail culminating in a ‘tree top waterfall’.
Experience the sensation of Christmas at the scented fire garden, marvel at the singing holly bushes and see the Palm House lit up in spectacular fashion. There’s also plenty of family entertainment including fairground rides, Father Christmas and his elves and a magnificent laser light show when the Palm House comes to life with a kaleidoscope of colours.
Spend an evening at the Royal Botanic Garden
North of the Scottish border in Edinburgh, you’ll find the Royal Botanic Garden Christmas light trail. This magical journey through the gardens is filled with festive fun and over a million lights. Coloured lights line every path and lead the way around a wonderful sensory experience. Wander under the canopies of the trees and be transported to a peaceful world where light icicles hang like crystals in the night.
The fire garden flickers, the light tunnel amazes and the trees shine out into the night, giving the warm, comfortable sensation of a cosy Christmas. The illuminations dazzle and reflect in the calm water of the lake, while seasonal sounds ring out to remind you it’s Christmas.
Don’t miss the enchantment of Blenheim Palace
This awe-inspiring festival of lights takes place at Blenheim Palace in Oxford and is combined with an Arts, Culture and Community festival. You’ll find thousands of glittering lights illuminating the gardens, trees and paths.
The palace is bathed in light and colour and is lit with snowflakes while giant Christmas trees stand proud and inspire children to write their list for Santa. If you have time, you can take a walk around the picturesque city of Oxford, where many residents light their homes for the delight of visitors.
There are so many Christmas light trails in the UK offering a dazzling and spectacular experience. The ideal way to see several is to hire a car and travel to each location. Christmas is a time to make memories and spend time with loved ones. Book a trip to one of the many UK Christmas light trails this year and treat your loved ones to a sensational evening of entertainment.
