Christmas light trails present a timely boost to physical and mental health at what is often a stressful time of the year.

With 15 trails to choose from across the UK, families, friends and loved ones can enjoy the Great Outdoors at a selection of beautiful and historic locations during the festive period.

Matt Findlay, Sony Music's Head of UK Trails, said: “Heading outside into the natural world to one of our spectacular trails provides a welcome fix of winter wellbeing.

“Exercise is not always easy to do during the long, dark months but this is a great way of upping your steps and raising your heart rate, whilst marvelling at the beauty and artistry of the trails.”

Each magical trail showcases the natural and unique environment of its individual location. The curated trails feature installations from internationally and locally renowned artists and soundtracks include classical and contemporary festive favourites that will move you as you walk through millions of twinkling lights.

Matt added: “Being outdoors can have a positive effect on anxiety, depression and clarity for the brain and our Christmas trails are a highly sensory, immersive experience from which family and friends of all ages can benefit.”

There are three new trails for 2022 - at Leeds Castle, Kent, Roundhay Park, Leeds and Hatfield Park, Hertfordshire.

Almost all the 15 trails run until the New Year, presenting the ideal opportunity to wrap up warm and walk off the Christmas turkey in a stunning setting. Visit mychristmastrails.co.uk to book tickets.

 

SOUTH & SOUTH WEST

CHRISTMAS AT BLENHEIM PALACE, Oxon: 18 Nov 2022 - 2 Jan 2023 

The Kingdom of The Snow Queen will be re-imagined within Britain's Greatest Palace. New for 2022, explore the Palace rooms, each one exquisitely transformed and filled with hidden surprises - discover the glistening Land of Snowflakes filled with a silvery frost-covered forest and venture into the wintry Kingdom of Ice adorned with larger-than-life shimmering crystals.

The Illuminated Christmas Trail is firmly positioned as one of the highlights of the UK festive calendar. Wander the Palace's picture-perfect gardens filled with Christmas cheer as more than a million lights and seasonal sounds fill the air. 

Christmas Market: The traditional wooden chalets will be showcasing a range of festive treats from designer-makers and artisan food and drink producers. It will run from Friday 18 November to Sunday 18 December. 

Admission: Combined tickets from: Adult £57, Combined adult £57, Combined concession £55.50

Combined child £36.50, Combined family £166
                     Free entry to Christmas Market. Parking charges apply after 10.00am.

Website:     christmasatblenheim.seetickets.com

Address:     Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire. OX20 1UL 

 

CHRISTMAS AT STOURHEAD, Wilts: 25 Nov 2022 – 1 Jan 2023

Stourhead is a Palladian house and garden described as a 'living work of art'. The curated trail features the stunning Christmas Cathedral, in which more than a thousand pea lights will be woven into the forest landscape. Marvel at the 'Sea of Light', neon stars wrapping trees and a brilliant nova, providing plenty of selfie moments along the way.

Admission:      Advanced From: Adult £21.50, Child £15 (Age 3-16); Family £71 (2 adults + 2 children) Parking £8 per car. Free for National Trust members when booked in advance.

Website:          christmasatstourhead.seetickets.com

Address:          Stourhead, Mere, Wiltshire, BA12 6SH 

 

CHRISTMAS AT KINGSTON LACY, Dorset: 2 – 24 Dec 2022

The grounds of this elegant country mansion will be transformed into a winter wonderland once again this year. The family friendly trail, featuring curated illuminations set to a soundtrack of Christmas music, will illuminate the beautiful garden.

Admission:      Advanced From: Adult £19.50, Child £14, Family £65 (2 adults & 2 children). 
Free entry for carers and children aged 2 & under.

Parking £8 per car. Free for National Trust members when booked in advance.

Website:          christmasatkingstonlacy.seetickets.com

Address:          Kingston Lacy, Wimborne Minster, Dorset BH21 4EA

 

SOUTH EAST

NEW FOR 2O22 CHRISTMAS AT HATFIELD PARK, Herts: 25 Nov 2022 – 31 Dec

Just 20 minutes on the train from Kings Cross station, this historic National Trust property was built by Robert Cecil, in the grounds where Queen Elizabeth I spent much of her childhood. Jacobean Hatfield Park is home to centuries of historical treasures, 42 acres of beautiful gardens and parkland which will be transformed into a winter wonderland.

Admission:      Advanced From: Adult £24, Child £17 (Age 3-16); Family £78 (2 adults + 2 children) Parking £6.  Must be booked in advance.

Website:          christmasathatfieldpark.seetickets.com

Address:          Hatfield Park, Hatfield, AL9 5HX

 

NEW FOR 2O22 CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AT LEEDS CASTLE, Kent: 25 Nov 2022 – 1 Jan 2023

Be transported into a winter wonderland in this unique landscape, leading up to the stunning moated castle.  Among iconic and award-winning light installations there will be three remarkable works from French artists Tilt, including oversized lampshade clusters and chandeliers. Walk under giant baubles and beneath beautifully illuminated trees to a soundtrack that will transport you to 'Christmas' in an instant. 

Admission:      Advanced From: Adult £21.50, Child £15 (Age 3-16); Family £70 (2 adults + 2 children) Parking £6.  Must be booked in advance.

Website:          christmasatleedscastle.seetickets.com

Address:          Leeds Castle, Broomfield, Maidstone ME17 1RG

 

CHRISTMAS AT BEDGEBURY, Kent: 18 Nov 2022 – 2 Jan 2023

See the trees as you've never seen them before in the National Pinetum and Forest at beautiful Bedgebury this Christmas. Installations designed by a range of international artists portray the pinetum in a majestic light, beneath unique canopies drenched in seasonal colour and inspired by the landscape to create a festive adventure for all the family.

Admission:      Advanced Admission Tickets: Adult £21.50, Child £14.50 (Age 3-16); Family £69 (2 adults + 2 children) Friends of Bedgebury Pinetum members receive £1.50 per person discount (max 6 people). Parking £8.  Must be booked in advance.

Website:          christmasatbedgebury.seetickets.com
Address:          Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest, Goudhurst, Kent. TN17 2SJ

 

CHRISTMAS AT KEW, London: 16 Nov 2022 – 8 Jan 2023

A botanical world filled with seasonal cheer. Christmas at Kew is now firmly established as one of the UK's leading Christmas experiences. The magical trail will light up Kew Gardens as you've never seen before, making the perfect festive winter evening.

Enjoy the annual after-dark festivities with family and friends, as you discover sparkling tunnels of light, dancing waterside reflections, glitter balls and trees drenched in jewel-like colour on your way to the panoramic Palm House light display. Pause at the mesmerising flickering flames in the fire garden and don't forget to glimpse Father Christmas along the way.

Admission:      Advanced From: Adult off peak £21.50, Peak £28 Child £18 (Age 4-15); Family £82 (2 adults + 2 children)

Website:          kew.org/kew-gardens/whats-on/christmas

Address:          Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, London, TW9 3AE

 

EAST of ENGLAND

CHRISTMAS AT BELTON, Lincs:  24 Nov 2022 – 1 Jan 2023

National Trust's beautiful Belton House in Lincolnshire is getting ready to welcome back its glittering Illuminated Trail with a brand-new route. Get your Christmas sparkle on, and be surrounded by over a million twinkling lights, colourful trees and amazing illuminated installations.

The lights are choreographed to a soundtrack of much-loved seasonal music, transforming Belton's majestic gardens into a winter wonderland. There are picture perfect colour-changing spheres, a Sea of Light, a sparkling rose garden and stars leading to larger-than-life mistletoe – all of which provide plenty of selfie moments around the two-kilometre trail.

Admission:      Advanced From: Adult £21.50, Child £15, Family £71 (2 adults & 2 children). 
Free entry for carers and children aged 2 & under.

Parking £8 per car. Free for National Trust members when booked in advance.

Website:          christmasatbelton.seetickets.com
Address:          Belton House, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG32 2LW

 

CHRISTMAS AT WIMPOLE, Royston: 25 Nov 2022 – 1 Jan 2023

Following the success of its first year, the Christmas trail at Wimpole will return once again to see the grounds transformed into a winter wonderland with a new route. You will discover sparkling tunnels of light, walk under giant baubles and beneath trees illuminated in Christmas colours.

Curated installations include a new green laser garden, the romantic Heart Arch, Snowflake Park and the Instagram favourite Christmas Cathedral.  Pause at the mesmerising flickering flames in the fire garden and don't forget to glimpse Father Christmas along the way.

Admission:      Advanced From: Adult £19, Child £14.50, Family £64 (2 adults & 2 children). 
Free entry for carers and children aged 2 & under.

Parking £8 per car.

Website:          Christmasatwimpole.seetickets.com

Address:          Wimpole Estate, Arrington, Royston SG8 0BW

 

NORTH of ENGLAND

CHRISTMAS AT GIBSIDE, Tyne & Wear: 1 Dec 2022 – 1 Jan 2023

Following the success of its first-year, tickets are on sale for the Christmas trail at the National Trust's Gibside estate, near Gateshead. Featuring larger than life illuminations choreographed to a much-loved seasonal soundtrack the family friendly trail returns to the Georgian garden this winter.

Installations include artists work such as The Pealit Tree, Sea of Light and Snowflake Park, which shimmers in the light and takes on different colours.

Admission:      Advanced From: Adult £19.50, Child £14, Family £64 (2 adults & 2 children).  Free entry for carers and children aged 2 & under.

Parking: £8

Website:          christmasatgibside.seetickets.com

Address:          Gibside, near Rowlands Gill, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear NE16 6BG

 

NEW FOR 2O22 CHRISTMAS AT ROUNDHAY PARK, Leeds: 8 Dec 2022 – 1 Jan 2023

A brand-new Christmas trail featuring larger than life illuminations and much-loved seasonal music, will light up Roundhay Park in Leeds, one of the biggest city parks in Europe. Enjoy illuminated pieces that include oversized Lilies, enchanting snowdrop, colourful Neon Tree and mesmerising fire garden.

Admission:      Advanced From: Adult £19.50, Child £15 (Age 3-16); Family £70 (2 adults + 2 children) No car parking on site

Website:          christmas@roundhaypark.seetickets.com

Address:          Roundhay Park, Mansion Ln, Roundhay, Leeds LS8 2HH

 

CHRISTMAS AT DUNHAM MASSEY, Cheshire: 18 November 2022 – 2 January 2023

Discover new immersive installations as the magical winter trail is set to be bigger and better than ever at the Georgian house and gardens at Dunham Massey. As well as new lights and music there is a new route, food, drink and fairground rides so it's never the same twice. This trail is now firmly established in the UK's Christmas calendar and sells out each year, so early booking is advised to avoid disappointment.

Admission:      Limited availability, therefore early booking is advised.

Advanced Admission Tickets From: Adult £22.50, Child £14.50 (Age 3-16); Family £50-£72 (1 or 2 adults + 2 children) Parking £8. Free for NT Members.  Must be booked in advance.

Website:          christmas@dunhammassey.seetickets.com

Address:          Dunham Massey, Altrincham, Cheshire WA14 4SJ

 

CHRISTMAS AT DELAMERE FOREST, Cheshire: 25 November – 31 December 2023

Following the success of the first Christmas at Delamere Forest, tickets are now on sale for the second illuminated trail at Forestry England's great estate so more visitors can see the forest in a different light.  Chandelier dancefloors, Firework trees and 42-metre tunnel of neon lights Triangulate are just some of the installations you can expect at this winter wonderland.

Admission:      Advanced From: Adult £21, Child £14, Family £67 (2 adults & 2 children). 
Free entry for carers and children aged 2 & under

Parking £8 per car.

Website:          christmas@delemereforest.seetickets.com

Address:          Delamere Forest, Linmere, Delamere, Northwich, Cheshire, CW8 2HZ

 

SCOTLAND

CHRISTMAS AT THE BOTANICS, Edinburgh: 17 November 2022 – 30 December 2022

Firmly established as unmissable within Scotland's winter calendar, over a million twinkling lights and seasonal sounds will fill the air with festive fun at Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh. Returning favourites include Christmas Cathedral and Fire Garden but there is a new route and new light works and installations to ensure and the experience is truly unique. Look out for Inverleith House cast in a new light.

Admission:      Advanced From: Adult £21.50, Child £15, Family £70 (2 adults & 2 children). 
Free entry for carers and infants aged 3 & under

No parking at this site

Website:          rbge.org.uk/christmas

Address:          Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, East Gate, Arboretum Place, EH3 5LP

 

NORTHERN IRELAND

CHRISTMAS AT HILLSBOROUGH CASTLE & GARDENS, Belfast: 1 Dec 2022 – 1 January 2023

A stunning illuminated Christmas trail will return to bring festive sparkle to Belfast this year. The magical after-dark trail at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, featuring spectacular lighting and enchanting visitors with much loved seasonal music, the trail will once again transform the Estate's beautifully landscaped grounds but with a new route up to the castle. 

Wander beneath unique tree canopies drenched in Christmas colour, surrounded by giant baubles, glowing spiral trees, glittering snowflakes, and clusters of trees wrapped in ever-changing neon ribbons. Pause for a while at the Fire Garden, aglow with hundreds of flickering flames, and marvel as light bounces around this captivating garden.

Admission:      Advanced From: Adult £22, Child £15, Family £71 (2 adults & 2 children). 
Free entry for carers and children aged 2 & under

No parking at this venue

Website:          christmasathillsborough.seetickets.com

Address:          Hillsborough Castle and Gardens,The Square, Hillsborough BT26 6GT

 

My Christmas Trails are brought to you by Sony Music, working with venue partners to transform heritage landscapes into magical winter wonderlands.

Trails are created by Culture Creative.

For more information please contact: Matt Dixon | matt@flamingo-marketing.co.uk | T: 01637 808220

 

 

About RGL (Raymond Gubbay Limited – a division of Sony Music)

RGL/Sony Music has been delivering hugely successful illuminated trails for almost ten years. Each trail is carefully designed to showcase the natural and unique environment of its iconic setting. There are currently over 30 trails across the UK, Europe, USA, and Australia within the Christmas, Halloween, IGNITE and Lightscape portfolios.

The chosen partners for national and international heritage and prestigious venues include: Blenheim Palace; The National Trust; Forestry England; Historic Royal Palaces; The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh; Leeds Castle Botanic Gardens, Chicago, USA and Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne, Australia.

mychristmastrails.co.uk | FB @mychristmastrails | Twitter @mychristmastrails

 

 

About Culture Creative
Culture Creative is a creative project and production management company based in the North East of England. The Company works across a wide-range of cultural fields including art, sport, heritage, tourism, festivals and events, developing projects from concept to delivery. Since 2013 Culture Creative has worked closely with Sony Music to create illuminated trails in various venues across the UK and overseas. 

www.culturecreative.co.uk | FB @culturecreativeltd | Twitter @CCLCreative | Instagram @culturecreativeltd