FESTIVE SPIRIT Twinkling evenings presented by My Christmas Trails
This year, My Christmas Trails (mychristmastrails.co.uk) will produce and present 14 illuminated trails at some of the UK’s best-loved locations, including National Trust properties and woodland managed by Forestry England, in partnership with Sony Music. With a festive feel, they’re an opportunity to revel in together time with family and friends as you discover glittering tunnels of light, dancing lakeside reflections and trees drenched in jewel-like colours. Here are our top eight.
hBedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, Kent
Selected dates from November 19 – January 3, 2022
There’s lots to do at Bedgebury, from cycling to the popular Go Ape trail – but the winter offers an opportunity to see it in an entirely new light. forestryengland.uk/christmasat bedgebury
Wimpole Estate, Cambridgeshire
From November 26, 2021 – January 2, 2022
As well as the illuminations, there’s also a nature trail, Percy the Park Keeper’s winter wander, for younger children to enjoy at Wimpole before night falls. christmasatwimpole.seetickets.com
hDunham Massey, Greater Manchester
From November 19, 2021 – January 2, 2022
Don your wellies and head to Dunham Massey to explore the home to two ancient families, the Booths and the Greys, in illuminated glory. christmasatdunhammassey.seetickets. com
Kingston Lacy, Dorset
From December 3-5 and 8, 2021 – January 2, 2022
The elegant country mansion Kingston Lacy, near Wimborne Minster, is a favourite for a winter family outing. christmasatkingstonlacy. seetickets.com
Killerton, Devon From November 26, 2021 – January 2, 2022
An after dark illuminated trail will be bringing festive sparkle to the garden at Killerton, near Exeter. A magical trail, featuring spectacular lighting set to a soundtrack of favourite seasonal tunes, will transform the estate’s landscaped grounds and garden. Visitors will walk through sparkling tunnels of light, walk under giant baubles and beneath trees drenched in jewel-like colour.
Money raised through the trail at 18th-century Killerton will fund conservation work to keep it sparkling forever. christmasatkillerton.seetickets.com
Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, Northern Ireland December 3, 2021 – January 2, 2022 (excluding December 6, 7 and 25)
There are 100 acres of stunning gardens in the grounds of Northern Ireland’s only royal residence, where the Queen and other members of the Royal family stay when they visit. And this year, for the first time, an illuminated trail complete with flickering fire garden will capture the imaginations of visitors to this politically significant country house in County Down.
After a star-lit walk, visitors can enjoy a spiced winter warmer, hot chocolate or some toasted marshmallows. hrp.org.uk/hillsborough-castle
Temple Newsam, Leeds November 26, 2021 – January 2, 2022
What better way to explore this Tudor-Jacobean house with grounds landscaped by Capability Brown than with a spiced winter warmer in hand? christmasattemplenewsam.seetickets. com
gRoyal Botanic Gardens Kew, London
November 17, 2021 – January 9, 2022 A botanical world of tranquil plant life, illuminated with seasonal cheer. 50,000 living plants are to be found at this Unesco World Heritage Site. The Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh will also be lit up this year. christmasatkew.seetickets.com