Nineteen of the best light trails include The Festival of Light at Longleat in Wiltshire and Christmas at Kew, London, according to The Times.
“There’s something magical about the UK in winter — the scent of mulled wine, the crunch of frost underfoot and, above all, the glow of twinkling lights cutting through the long nights,” they said.
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“Across the country, gardens, castles and parklands are transformed into glittering wonderlands where tunnels of colour, laser-lit trees and lantern trails bring festive cheer to even the chilliest evenings.”
The light trails offer a ‘perfect reason to wrap up warm and head outdoors’, The Times said, and suggested pairing the visit with ‘a cosy stay nearby to let the season shine a little brighter’.
One light trail from Northumberland made the list.
The Winter Lights at the Alnwick Garden and Lilidorei came in fourth place in The Times’ best light trails in the UK.
Within the Alnwick Garden, Lilidorei is a ‘magical, mysterious village full of play’, according to Visit Northumberland, and is the world’s largest play structure.
The light trail in The Alnwick Garden is an immersive experience of light and sound with installations, while guests can also see the lights around Lilidorei on their trip.
According to Lilidorei’s website, this year is ‘bigger and better than ever with new installations set to a brand new soundtrack’.
The Times said: “Head to one of England’s finest landscaped parks this winter and among the rose gardens, treehouses and cherry orchards you’ll find all sorts of monumental light installations, including one that lights up the Oldest Tree, a gnarled sycamore more than 200 years old that has survived being struck by lightning twice.
“Also included is entry to the fairy-themed Lilidorei, touted as the world’s largest play structure.
“Continue the festivities later at the Tempus in Charlton Hall Estate, ten minutes away by car, which has a pop-up alpine tepee with Christmas-themed street food and drinks, and is also a short drive from Beadnell beach.”
Also featured were Lincoln Castle Illuminated, Lincolnshire, Starry Nights at Beecraigs Country Park, West Lothian, and Christmas at Westonbirt, Gloucestershire.
