4 minute read
BEST FESTIVAL LIGHT TRAILS & ILLUMINATIONS
Get into the spirit this season by embarking on a festive journey along the Great West Way. Through colourful light trails surrounded by historic gardens and famous landmarks, to traditional Christmas markets, their plenty fun to be had between London and Bristol.
1. The Festival Of Light At Longleat
Rediscover the stories that shaped our childhood and make your own magical moments as Longleat presents Treasured Tales: The Festival of Light 2023. Discover brandnew, show-stopping scenes from treasured tales, featuring The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S Lewis; Cinderella; Peter Pan; The Wizard of Oz; Winnie the Pooh and many more. The UK’s original and best lantern festival returns from 11 Nov to 7 January 2024, and it’s inviting you to step straight into the pages of your favourite stories, reimagined as stunning lanterns.
In addition to this year’s brand-new lantern scenes, you can also enjoy access to all Longleat’s popular animal and adventure attractions, including the Winter Safari experience.
2. Christmas At Stourhead
Stourhead’s hugely popular Christmas light trail returns for its fifth year with a host of amazing new features. Running from 1 to 31 December 2023, Christmas at Stourhead is full of seasonal surprises and shimmering reflections that cast light on beautiful silhouettes of majestic trees, all choreographed to a soundtrack of festive classics. Discover the iconic Christmas Cathedral created with more than a thousand pea lights woven into the forest landscape. Marvel at the ‘sea of light’, neon stars wrapping trees and stunning Super Nova. Pause to reflect on the mesmerizing, flickering flames in the fire garden, enjoy the largerthan-life light installations and don’t forget to wave at Father Christmas along the way.
3. The City of Stars, Salisbury
Experience an authentically English Christmas in Salisbury this year with their brand-new City of Stars display! Brand-new ‘stellar’ art installations will populate the magical medieval streets, with interactive, community and light-based projects alike. With many ways to explore the City of Stars including a festive stroll down historic streets, following a trail of sculpture and light, and stargazing from the top of the iconic Cathedral spire at twilight. There has never been a better time to visit the beautiful city of Salisbury where tradition meets innovation this Christmas time.
4. Bath Christmas Market
From Thursday 23 November to Sunday 10 December 2023, the picturesque streets of Bath will be transformed into a magical, festive experience like no other. Featuring over 160 twinkling chalets entwining some of the city’s most iconic monuments, a plethora of food and beverage stalls and a light display that will transport you to another word, it’s definitely one to add to your Great West Way bucket list this Christmas.
5. Windsor Great Park Illuminated
Embark on a journey to Windsor and enjoy a family-fun evening as the Great Park lights up for the festive season. With a generous sparkle of new installations and a sprinkling of favourites returning, this year’s Windsor Great Park Illuminated promises to be more magical than ever. Explore a range of glistening displays and light installations as you follow a path through woodland awash with colour, mythical creatures, sparkles of fireflies and dancing fairies all around! Marvel at the flood-lit fountains and glimmering reflections at the lake before enjoying a selection of treats by one of the fire pits.
6. After-dark Illuminated Trail at Blenheim Palace
Located within easy reach of the Great West Way, Blenheim Palace offers the perfect Christmas treat with this year’s After-Dark Illuminated Trail. Discover heart-shaped arches glittering in the moonlight, glowing tunnels filled with stars and an 8-metre sphere filled with over 20,000 moving LEDs, as well as the return of the ever-popular dancing reflections in the colourful Cascades and magical Lakeside walk.
Click here to book experiences!
