Discover an array of spectacular Christmas lights and winter illuminations along the length of the Great West Way route between Bristol and London this festive period. See some of the most spectacular historic houses and quintessentially English sites illuminated and transformed with Christmassy light displays. Take an after-dark walk amongst spectacular illuminations, with the frosty air nipping at your nose and your loved ones by your side. Just make sure you book your tickets in advance!
Here are ten incredible Christmas illumination events planned along the Great West Way route for you to enjoy in December 2021.
Over a million lights will contribute to this year's illuminated light trail at Blenheim Palace. Seasonal sounds and bright lasers fill the air as you explore the palace grounds discovering glittering tunnels of light, dancing lakeside reflections and trees drenched in jewel-like colour. There's also a Christmas market to visit, or head inside the palace to see the rooms transformed and decked out with fairy-tale world surprises.
Winter Light Trail at Waddesdon Manor
The Winter Light trail at Waddesdon Manor is specially designed to accentuate the natural treasures of the gardens and grounds. Allow your senses to be teased by scents, sounds and lights as you explore a spectacular tunnel of light, see the Rose Graden lit up with lights that glow and grow before youe eyes, and walk amongst giant dandelion sculptures. You will also find a Christmas Fair at Waddesdon in the run-up to Christmas, selling unusual gifts of all kinds.
Everything’s sparkling with music and magic this Christmas at Longleat, found just off the Great West Way route. Their Christmas celebrations will see Longleat House bathed in brilliant bright lights, with an illuminated trail leading visitors through the grounds. Follow the winter wonderland path between towering silk flowers, or head into the after-dark hedge maze.
Reading Twilight Trail: Biscuit Town
Reading's Twilight Trail is back this winter - bigger, better and biscuitier than before. This magical festive light trail leads you through the Abbey Ruins and Forbury Gardens, illuminated by enchanting lights. The fully accessible trail is designed for all ages and this year is inspired by Reading’s old nickname of Biscuit Town.
The Enchanted Garden of Light at the American Museum & Gardens
Located just outside Bath overlooking a pretty wooded valley, the American Museums is well worth a visit during the festive season. Sparkling reindeer will guide you through a world of enchantment, magic and good cheer where spectacular lights emblazon the entire house, gardens and woodland in glorious seasonal colour.
Ignite Fire and Fantasy at Tyntesfield
An unusual winter lights trail in that it takes place in the new year, rather than the run up to Christmas, Ignite Fire and Fantasy at Tyntesfield near Bristol will illuminate the National Trust's picture-perfect parkland with light, lanterns, fantasty and fire. Taking place in February 2022, this new after-dark experience will invite you to wander between flickering flames and majestic trees, exploring the park’s majestic landscapes after the sun has set.
This winter, discover the National Trust's Stourhead, within easy reach of the Great West Way route. Stourhead's glittering illuminated trail will feature towering trees adorned with neon strings, a walk through a tunnel of hearts, a flotilla of brightly coloured boats bobbing on the lake, and giant colour-changing flora. To keep you warm, there will be a selection of independent street food vendors serving delicious hot tasty treats.
See some of Bath’s most iconic streets and buildings transformed by magical illuminations this winter. Well known locations and landmarks in the gorgeous Georgian city will be bathed in light and colour, including the Roman Baths, Milsom Street, Brunel Square, and Bath Abbey.
Illuminature at WWT London Wetland Centre
This winter, an after-dark trail like no other comes to WWT London. Walk through habitats of owls, geese and otters and see larger-than-life illuminations of iconic wetland wildlife. Dance under rainfall lights and skip along with fireflies at one of the 21st Century’s greatest urban conservation projects located at the Eastern end of the Great West Way route.
Westonbirt Enchanted Christmas - Search for the Lost Reindeer
Help reunite poor Father Christmas with his lost reindeer this Christmas at Westonbirt, the National Arboretum in Gloucestershire. Adventurers young and old can explore amongst the illuminated trees of the arboretum this winter, experience mesmerising light displays and stunning spectacles on the search for the lost reindeer.
Inspired to take a festive trip along the Great West Way this winter? How many winter light trails do you think you can fit in? For more inspiration and to begin planning your getaway, take a look at our pages on escaping the everyday this winter on the Great West Way.
© Great West Way 2022.
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