A couple of years ago I visited the Christmas light trail at RHS garden Wisley.  They don’t have one this year, but there are some gardens around the country that do so I thought you might like to make a visit if you’re lucky enough to live nearby…

1.  Kew Gardens Illuminated Light Trail

Kew Gardens this year have developed an illuminated trail with outdoor event producers, Culture Creative.  The route takes you through the heart of the gardens where you’ll encounter light, sound, performance and interactive installations.

The trail is open from Thursday to Sunday until 4th January 2014 but it’s also open on Monday 23rd December.  Full details and timings can be found on the Kew Gardens website.

2. Garden lights at Standen Manor in West Sussex

The light trail at Standen runs every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 4.30-7pm until 22nd December. Thousands of lights and glittering decorations can be enjoyed to the music of Tchaikovsky’s ‘Nutcracker’.

More details can be found on the National Trust website.

3. Winter light at Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire

This exhibition of light marks the British artist, Bruce Munro’s first solo exhibition of a large-scale exterior work in the UK.

It presents six large-scale sculptural installations and is open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 3-8pm until 29th December.  There are other Christmas events on there too and full details can be found on the Waddesdon Manor Website.

4. Westonbirt Arboretum Illuminated Trail in Gloucestershire

The illuminated trail at Westonbirt Arboretum is open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings from 5-8.30pm until 22nd December.  It’s a one mile trail highlighting the striking features of the trees which are illuminated against the winter night sky.

Full details of timings and how to book can be found on the Westonbirt website.

5. Stockeld Park Illuminated Enchanted Forest, West Yorkshire

The Illuminated Enchanted Forest at Stockeld Park near Wetherby in West Yorkshire is part of The Christmas Adventure.  It’s on until 6th January and open until 8.30pm in the evening except Christmas Eve when it shuts at 7pm.  More details can be found on the Stockeld Park website.

Images: Mark Pickthall for The National Trust, Country Life, The National Trust, The Powerline (Entertainments) Ltd, Stockeld Park

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