An illuminated Christmas trail for all the family

There are just over two weeks to go until the stunning new illuminated Christmas trail is unveiled at Beaulieu. Preparations are underway for the week-long installation, which will see over 1 million lights artfully placed throughout the grounds of the New Forest attraction.

From 23 November – 24 December Beaulieu will, for the very first time, be transformed with over 11 individual installations in a mile-long shimmering festive trail. A series of light features will lead from a scented Fire Garden highlighting the spiritual tranquillity of Beaulieu Abbey to a bright, bold projection show on the backdrop of Palace House. The tree-lined Mill Pond Walk along the banks of the Beaulieu River and National Motor Museum building will be festooned with festive lights.

Specialists Culture Creative will bring Christmas at Beaulieu to life, led by Director Zoe Bottrell who has worked on many successful illuminated trails, including Christmas at Kew and Christmas at Blenheim. Zoe said: “The nature of the installation we would put inside the abbey and the serenity of the fire garden is naturally different to the bright lighting show on the front of Palace House. The clever bit is how we connect those rooms and create that magic.”

There is something for everyone as the illuminated path winds its way through the grounds in a magical evening experience. Visitors will be greeted by the sights and sounds of Christmas as they wander beneath tree canopies awash with seasonal colour.

Discover the flickering flames of the scented Fire Garden and make a Christmas wish at the Wishing Tree. Visitors will marvel at the Tunnel of Light festooned by a canopy of over 100,000 twinkling pea-lights. Watch as beams of light dance in time to much-loved Christmas classics and glimpse Father Christmas and his elves who will be greeting visitors from the roof of Beaulieu's veteran bus.

Along the Icicle Walk, larger-than-life gleaming shards will guide visitors towards the Meadow of Light where thousands of fibre optic lights sway in unison. There are hidden surprises too – watch out for frosty snowflakes, shimmering stars and gigantic baubles where least expected.

A fabulous finale is waiting at the end of the trail – mesmerising voices of giant Singing Trees can be heard in the distance. Rising high into the night sky visitors will finish the breath-taking trail with a cheerful Christmas blast of colour and light.

Visitors can complete their stroll under the stars with spiced cider*, mulled wine* or hot chocolate* while the aroma of roasting chestnuts fills the air. Toast marshmallows* at one of the fire pits, ride the vintage Carousel* or Ferris Wheel* and enjoy other traditional fare before picking up a Christmas gift or two at Beaulieu's shop*.

What: Christmas at Beaulieu, the magical, after-dark, illuminated trail
When: From 23 November – 24 December 2018
Why Visit: Discover a new Christmas light trail set within the beautiful landscape of Beaulieu, New Forest created for all the family to enjoy.
Admission:  Advanced From: Adult £14.50, Child £8.00, Family £40.00 under 5's & carers free
Website: beaulieu.co.uk/christmas

Beaulieu, New Forest, Hampshire SO42 7ZN

#christmasatbeaulieu

ENDS

For more information please contact:

Melodie Manners | melodie@flamingo-marketing.co.uk | 01637 873379 or 07815 709548

Notes to Editors

• For full pricing details and booking please visit beaulieu.co.uk/christmas
• *Additional charges apply
• The illuminated Christmas Trail is open on selected dates
• For information on all Illuminated Trails visit: mychristmastrails.co.uk

About Beaulieu

Beaulieu, in the New Forest, is home to the National Motor Museum housing a collection of over 250 stunning vehicles from every motoring era. Daytime visitors to Beaulieu can also explore Palace House, home of the Montagu family since 1538 and see the 13th century Beaulieu Abbey, once home to the Cistercian monks. beaulieu.co.uk

About Raymond Gubbay Ltd

Founded in 1966, Raymond Gubbay Ltd is recognised as being at the forefront for promoting and producing popular classical music, opera, ballet and events worldwide. Raymond Gubbay Limited, in partnership with world class venues, including Beaulieu Motor Museum, Blenheim Palace, Forestry Commission England, National Trust and Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, produce Christmas light trails around the country, and in Europe. Additionally, the company regularly presents over 500 concerts annually. raymondgubbay.co.uk

About Culture Creative

The design team behind this festive lighting display, which takes its inspiration from Beaulieu's serene grounds, gardens and heritage, is Culture Creative, who have previously worked with English Heritage, the National Trust, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Forestry Commission and the National Trust for Scotland.  For more information about Culture Creative please see their website culturecreative.co.uk