Let there be light!
You’ll be glad of the long, dark nights with our ultimate guide to illuminated trails, events and lit-up art installations for all the family, by Madeleine Howell
As the nights draw in, we all need a bit of light. Joyfully, numerous attractions are stepping up their illuminated offerings a notch or two, putting on magical light shows and phantasmagoric experiences to lift the spirits.
Some are even extending schedules: Waddesdon Manor in Aylesbury, for example, is putting on a Winter Light trail running from early November up until the end of January 2022, adding sparkle to a customarily dreary month. Given that so many venues and heritage sites have lost out on footfall of late, it’s hoped this year’s dazzling displays will lure visitors in the bleaker months.
“Not only do light trails provide muchneeded cheer, but every event also provides valuable income, helping to keep gardens and parks special for generations to come,” according to Katherine Hamlett, the National Trust’s project manager for winter illuminations.
At Wakehurst, Kew’s wild botanical gardens in Sussex, there will even be feasting to accompany this year’s hand-crafted lantern and light projection trail, Glow Wild. The Elizabethan Mansion is set to be transformed into a “winter lodge”, with four delicious courses followed by nightcaps to round off the adventures of a cold winter’s night. Royal residences, including Sandringham in Norfolk and Hillsborough Castle and Gardens in Northern Ireland, will also host illuminated trails this year.
Of course, illuminations have long been a celebrated tradition. Artists have been fascinated by the magical, visceral power of projected light and shadow, wondering at the marvel of human perception since before the time of Leonardo da Vinci’s interest in the camera obscura (light art, or luminism, is a visual
art form in which light itself is the medium of expression). But there is perhaps no town more synonymous with light shows as we know them today than Blackpool, where the streets were first lit up 142 years ago. It’s well worth a visit this year to see it in all its gaudy glory.
As the legend goes, in 1879, Blackpool Council spent £5,000 on an electric street lighting experiment, with eight lamps on 60ft poles along the seafront. The “artificial sunshine” was met with wonder and visitors flocked to the resort in awe. In 1912, Blackpool went bigger, decorating the promenade with 10,000 lights to mark a visit from Princess Louise, and were displayed again the following year.
The illuminations were put on hold when the First World War broke out, but started up again properly in the 1950s and have continued to light up the town ever since. Now the Blackpool Illuminations attract more than three million visitors each year, usually between the end of August to the beginning of November.
In 2020, for the first time in history, they shone throughout the festive season, until January. This year, once again, “the greatest free light show on Earth” is to be extended by two months in the hope of providing a boost to the resort’s tourism season. “Blackpool’s back,” declares Mark Smith of Number One South Beach, the boutique hotel I stayed at in order to admire the illuminations.
If Lancashire is too far then, happily, illuminated events abound across the UK. If you’ve not already booked tickets (do hurry!), here’s our guide to the most bewitching light shows this winter...
ILLUMINATED RIVER, LONDON
Permanent installation
At 3.2 miles in length, Illuminated River spans from London Bridge to Lambeth Bridge, making it the longest public art commission in the world. This long-term, environmentally conscious art installation transforms the Thames at night with an orchestrated series of light works spanning nine bridges. The subtle sequences of LED light symbolically unify the bridges, inspired by the history of the river and the heritage of its architecture. Completed in April 2021 and expected to last for at least 10 years, it was designed by New Yorkbased artist Leo Villareal, known for Bay Lights, which was installed on the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge in 2013.
Free admission; illuminatedriver.london
WADDESDON MANOR, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
January 6 – 23, 2022
The Winter Light trail at Waddesdon, the manor built for entertaining by the Rothschild family, sees the Pleasure Grounds transformed. Expect glowing rose gardens, ethereally-lit tree canopies and sequenced projections on the Manor’s facade set to music. A highlight is an exhibition of light works by Leo Villareal, celebrating the completion of the Illuminated River project in London (backed by the Rothschilds, among other philanthropists). For the first time ever, this year the maze-like parterre will be illuminated.
Adult admission from £13.20, depending on dates; themed winter light dinners and packages, including a stay at the Five Arrows Hotel coaching inn, are also available; waddesdon.org.uk
ILLUMINATE LIGHT FESTIVAL, PLYMOUTH
November 15 – 28, 2021
This annual event returns to Plymouth’s historic Royal William Yard, having been cancelled last year. Usually, Royal William Yard is packed with 50,000 visitors; this year, an extended twoweek programme of light art will be spread across a wider area, including the Market Hall in Devonport. Works will explore the climate crisis and respond to Cop26. With a greater focus on commissioning work by British creatives and local artists, there are activities for all to participate in.
Free admission; illuminate-festival.co.uk
ENCHANTED WOODLAND AT SYON PARK, LONDON
November 12 – 28, 2021
The capital’s last surviving ducal residence, Syon House is the London home of the Duke of Northumberland. The setting will host an Enchanted Woodland display in the grounds for the 14th time running. The 600-year-old gardens of the estate will be transformed by lights and music. The trail winds through the arboretum, concluding at the glass dome of the Great Conservatory.
Adult tickets £10; enchantedwoodland. com
GLOW WILD AT WAKEHURST, WEST SUSSEX
November 25, 2021 – January 2, 2022 Glow Wild at Wakehurst (Kew’s wild botanic garden in Sussex, home to over 500 biodiverse acres of plants) is this winter’s must-do. Featuring an enchanting lantern trail that weaves through the landscape, it explores the impact of the “anthropause” (the global slowing of human activity) on nature, featuring
new installations from award-winning artists, over 300 hand-crafted lanterns, and the UK’s tallest living Christmas tree (121ft). Reflecting on how nature blossomed over the past year, the exhibition is a reminder to “continue to tread lightly on the earth, allowing nature to unfurl around us”. Light artists Ithaca will transform Wakehurst’s Walled Garden into a tranquil Twilight Garden, while digital display artists from The Colour Project will explore the journey of seeds via an animated projection. Visitors can also enjoy a four-course feast in Wakehurst’s Elizabethan Mansion.
Adult tickets from £16 for non-Kew or Wakehurst members; kew.org /wakehurst
LUMIERE FESTIVAL, DURHAM
November 18-21, 2021
This light festival will illuminate the Unesco World Heritage Site of Durham’s city centre and beyond. The programme features 37 international artworks, brought to the public by art installation producers Artichoke (artichoke.uk.com). Medieval meets modern in Javier Riera’s Castle of Light, while Finnish artist Kari Kola lights up Finchale Priory with Solitude, accompanied by a soundscape composed by Sylvain Moreau. Elaine Buckholtz and Ian Winters’ A Telling of Light will transform the Penshaw Monument into a haunting Covid-19 memorial made up of projections of a single illuminated breath; Anthology – Into the Light will see the words of contemporary poets projected onto the castle.
Free admission; lumiere-festival.com
LEONARDSLEE ILLUMINATED, WEST SUSSEX
November 25, 2021 – December 22, 2021 These Grade I-listed gardens near Horsham are a sight to behold when awash with light, sound and colour. Featuring large-scale projections, music and theatrical performances, the centrepiece of this year’s Leonardslee Illuminated will be a giant illuminated Earth suspended over the lakes, its reflection cast across the still water (a spot where several prearranged marriage proposals are set to
take place). The 240-acre estate was established by the Loder family – great Victorian plant collectors – and boasts rare trees, a deer park, a colony of wallabies and an acclaimed rock garden. Expect to enjoy seasonal food and drink, a Christmas market and a marquee selling wines from Leonardslee’s sister estate, Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate in South Africa. Leonardslee House also has an eaterie: Restaurant Interlude. Head chef Jean Delport was awarded a Michelin star in 2019 – it serves a classic afternoon tea, as well as a tasting menu featuring ingredients grown on the estate.
Adult tickets from £18; leonardsleeilluminated.co.uk
ILLUMINATED ARBORETUM, STAFFORDSHIRE December 7 – 18, 2021
This kaleidoscopic illumination sees the 150-acre woodlands of the National Memorial Arboretum, a site of national remembrance, lit up in all their arboreal glory from 5pm until 8pm every day. While the arboretum is open to all yearround during the day (except Christmas Day), booking tickets in advance for the paid-for illuminated evenings is a must. Admission £11 for an off-peak adult ticket; thenma.org.uk
BOLESWORTH CASTLE, CHESHIRE
November 26 – December 24, 2021 For 30 sparkling nights, a 1.2-mile light trail will lure visitors to the lakeside at Grade II-listed Bolesworth, with the backdrop of the castle lit to spectacular effect. There’s reindeer to meet in the woods along the way, celebratory cocktails to sip at the Christmas Market
afterwards, and an ice-skating rink to extend the fun (tickets sold separately). Adult tickets £19; bolesworth.com
TWILIGHT AT HEVER CASTLE,
KENT
November 20, 2021 – January 3, 2022 The landmarks of 13th-century Hever Castle, once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, will be illuminated with glorious colour this winter, with this year’s glimmering light trail including areas of the grounds never previously lit. You can also book a combined castle and gardens ticket, and retreat inside from the cold to revel in traditionally decorated rooms, welcoming log fires and Christmas trees.
Adult tickets for the gardens only from £19; www.hevercastle.co.uk
HELMINGHAM HALL, SUFFOLK
November 19 – December 19, 2021 With entry slots from 4:30pm, the illuminated trail at Helmingham Hall near Stowmarket commences with the sight of the famous drawbridge and a complimentary mulled wine in the courtyard as you take in an atmosphere steeped in over 500 years of history. Continuing through the gardens, guests will gather around the fire pits for marshmallow toasting and s’mores, before browsing the Stables Shops and pop-up stalls.
Adult advance tickets from £13; helmingham.com
ENLIGHTENED
AT THE HYLANDS ESTATE, ESSEX
November 26, 2021 – January 2, 2022 Enlightened returns to the Hylands Estate near Chelmsford with more magical light installations for 2021, following the popularity of last year’s event crafted by Enlightened Moments (enlightenedmoments. co.uk). Hylands House is a Grade II*listed neo-classical villa within 574 acres of historic parkland, with several period garden styles to explore.
Adult tickets from £16; hylandsestate. co.uk
STOCKELD PARK, NORTH YORKSHIRE
November 20, 2021 – January 4, 2022 Dazzling light effects, a captivating soundscape and animated installations along almost a mile of ancient woodland make this twinkling wonderland near Wetherby and Harrogate an experience for all ages to enjoy. Tickets for the Nordic ski trail and iceskating rink can be bought separately, as can the opportunity to meet Santa. Illuminations only tickets from £14.50; stockeldpark.co.uk
WARWICK CASTLE, WARWICK
November 27, 2021 – January 3, 2022 The light trail at Warwick Castle is back, with thousands of sparkling lights and spectacular projections under the night sky. It’s a special way to explore the grounds of the motte and bailey castle, originally built by William the Conqueror in 1068. Separate tickets are available for 45-minute sessions on the open-air ice rink, which features a festive soundtrack.
Adult tickets for the 45-minute light trail from £14.50. Castle entry and light trail tickets start at £24.50; warwick-castle.com
THE LANTERNS AT CHESTER ZOO, CHESHIRE
November 12 – December 23, 2021 Illuminated performers and handcrafted zoo characters, including elephants and giraffes, come to life while the real animals are tucked up in bed during this special family-friendly outing full of wonder and surprise. Adult tickets £13; chesterzoo.org
LIGHT UP TRAILS AT COWDRAY
ESTATE, WEST SUSSEX November 24, 2021 – January 1, 2022 This year, Light Up Trails will present a mile-long light trail to illuminate the historic Cowdray Estate in the South
Downs National Park. Inspired by the theme of “joy”, light art showpieces include artist Benjamin Clegg’s surreal Rainbow in the Dark and Tudor Christmas, which will illuminate Cowdray’s ruins, once one of England’s most important early Tudor houses.
Other scenes will include an enchanting Star Drop Wood, a festive Snow Globe, and a Tree of Joy and Written in the Stars, which provides visitors with the opportunity to write personal illuminated messages. Light Up Trails founders Libby Battaglia and Lucinda Croft previously presented a light trail at the Wiston Estate in nearby Pulborough. “There’s something elemental about a light in the darkness that draws us to it,” says Libby. “On a dark night, the presence of light brings us together and makes us feel closer. In the hands of artists, that becomes a magical thing, showing us the way and reflecting our feelings and emotions.”
Adult tickets from £20; lightuptrails. com
IGNITE: FIRE AND FANTASY AT NYMANS, WEST SUSSEX
February 11 – March 6, 2022
One to book in advance, in case you haven’t had enough illuminated fun by the time February rolls around. The intimate gardens of Nymans, set around a romantic house and ruins, provide a quirky backdrop for this playful and fantastical family-friendly trail of light and soundscape put on by Ignite Trails (ignitetrails.co.uk). It’s a whimsical evening out to book for Valentine’s Day, in lieu of a restaurant. Adult trail entry for non-National Trust members from £16.50; nationaltrust. org.uk
IGNITE: FIRE AND FANTASY AT TYNTESFIELD, NORTH SOMERSET
February 4 – 20, 2022 Ignite’s after-dark experience is also coming to Tyntesfield near Bristol to brighten up the long February evenings at the stunning Victorian gothic mansion. Surrounded by heritage parkland, the spectacle features illuminated flora and fiery stars and spheres. Adult trail entry for non-National Trust members from £16.50; nationaltrust.org.uk