Make this festive season the best one yet by visiting these spectacular festive properties.
Here is a selection of the best country Christmas light displays and gardens to visit this Christmas
Syon Park's Enchanted Woodland, Syon House, Brentford
15th November - 1st December
At Christmas, Syon House, the London home of the Duke of Northumberland and his family, transforms into an enchanted wonderland. Inspired by the collection of over 400 rare and beautiful tree specimens in the historic garden, the enchanting illuminated trail winds around the ornamental lake and through a beautiful arboretum. Find out more at the enchantedwoodland.com.
More festive content:
- Britain's best Christmas markets
- Britain's best festive ice skating rinks
- Britain's quirky Christmas traditions
Winter Light at Waddeson, Buckinghamshire
16th November - 5th January
Waddeson Manor is a sight to behold at Christmas as the gardens get dressed up for the festive season. The Manor Illuminations will see vivid coloured light bring the distinctive manor architecture to life, while the Aviary garden light trail will have sparkling glitter balls and neons at every step. Behind the stables, giant LED baubles make the perfect festive photo opportunity, and round the corner, dozens of light orbs will fill the space from floor to ceiling. Find out more on Winter light at Waddeston National Trust page.
Christmas at Dunham Massey, Altrincham, Greater Manchester
22 November - 30 December 2019
As darkness falls over Dunham Massey, an ancient deer park and old national trust property, Christmas comes to life. The winter trail, a magical illuminated lights trail, will lead you through the historical gardens where you will find glittering deer and a tunnel of light. You can even toast marshmallows around the fire pit with a mulled cider, mulled wine or hot chocolate in hand. Families should keep their eyes peeled for Father Christmas, plus explore the Victorian carousel and helter-skelter. National Trust members will also receive free car parking this year, find out more via the National Trust.
Enchanted Saltram, Devon
22nd November - 11th December
After dusk, follow an illuminated lights trail through the secret gardens of Saltram House, a national trust property with an elegant Georgian façade built around a much earlier home. The trail will lead you inside the treasure rooms in the house where you'll hear fairytales and get in the festive spirit. Find out more on Enchanted Saltram.
Christmas at Kew, Kew Gardens, Richmond
22 November 2018 to 5 January 2019
There’s magic in the air at Kew this winter. From the end of November to the beginning of January, London’s Royal Botanic Gardens invite guests to an enchanting evening of lights, food and vintage fairground rides. Walk the one-mile sparkling trail – illuminated by more than a million lights – past kaleidoscopic projections, giant baubles and singing trees, before joining Santa and his elves at the North Pole village. www.kew.org
Illuminated winter wonderland, Blenheim Palace
23 November 2018 - 1 January 2019
Take a stroll along the Christmas Trail in the stunning gardens of Blenheim Palace. The trail has been transformed into an illuminated festive wonderland, complete with a Tunnel of Light that twinkles with over 100,000 pea lights. Gather the family to explore the trail, hear stories and festive yarns, all set in the backdrop of this magnificent location. It even has a scented fire garden! www.blenheimpalace.com/christmas
Dunster by Candlelight, Somerset
6th - 7th December
High on a hill in north-east Exmoor, medieval Dunster Castle glows above lantern-lit houses, music-filled streets and bustling gift shops. It’s a magical scene best enjoyed after a winter walk. Find more information on dunsterbycandlelight.co.uk
Winter Lights at Corfe Castle, Dorset
14th - 29th December
Explore the stunning, thousand year old Corfe Castle in a new light this December. In this festive month, the whole castle will be illuminated by beacons and lanterns - you can wander round with a mulled wine, make a special Christmas wish at the wishing bridge or head inside to take advantage of the warming fire. Just remember to wrap up warm and wear appropriate, sturdy footwear. Find out more through The National Trust.