Twinkle twinkle! 10 best light trails in Sussex and beyond
Shine bright sister at one of these illuminated winter walks where you’ll see the stunning Sussex landscape in a whole new light. Just remember to wrap up and dine out on toasted marshmallows and mulled cider – what could be better?
EAST SUSSEX
Steamlights, Bluebell Railway, Sheffield Park, 15 Nov – 30 Dec
All aboard! While technically not your standard light trail – this is all about chugging your way through the winter landscape on a steam train draped in thousands of colourful lights. Perfect on the wetter and colder nights, as you’re sheltered from the elements. Best of all, Santa will be there to meet the kids and pose for photos.
Brighton Lights, One Garden Brighton, Stamer Park, 7 and 8 and 11-23 Dec
One Garden Brighton (please take a bow) in Stanmer Park know exactly what is required in the city in December and for the second year now, the stunning gardens will be transformed at nightfall into winter light experience. You can stroll through the illuminations and fully immerse yourself into the light experience with live music, street food, market stalls with Christmas goods and dancing.
Burning of the clocks, Brighton, 21 Dec
For one night only, ever year in Brighton a stunning light show parades through the centre of the city to mark the shortest day of the year. Funded by Arts Council England local creatives design and make paper and willow lanterns in a variety of creations from dragons to flowers though a procession down the Lanes. Things culminate on the beach with music, a festival atmosphere and a bonfire where the lanterns are safely burnt representing the turning of a new year and a time for reflection.
Illuminated Abbey, Battle Abbey, Battle, 3-8 Dec
Wrap up warm for an visual exploration around the abbey grounds in a way you’ve never seen before. This English Heritage property tells the 1066 story with dramatic illuminations and even characters from the past – as if you were living in winter in 1066. The ruins are lit up in all colours of the rainbow ensuring you’ll get that perfect pic for Insta. Just be sure to have a hot chocolate of mulled wine to make it even more magical.
WEST SUSSEX
Glow Wild, Wakehurst, Haywards Heath, 28 Nov – 1 Jan
It’s back… with bells on. The transfixing light trail, Glow Wild returns to Wakehurst’s wild gardens for another awe-inspiring light-themed trail over the Christmas period. It’ll be an illuminated installation of over 1,000 hand crafted lanterns and bespoke art work including a giant owl soaring about the glittering lawns below to a dragon and floating water display – there’s something to capture everyone’s interest and imagination.
Leonardslee Lights, Horsham, selected dates 22 Nov – 30 Dec
Walk through the beautiful grounds of Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens as they come to life with spellbinding illuminations, large scale projections, music and theatrical performances. It’s truly dramatic with the large expanses of water. Be warned though, the path is not particularly flat so you may have some uphill and downhill climbs but nothing too strenuous.
Christmas Light Festival, Tulleys Farm, Crawley, 28 Nov – 23 Dec
Brand spanking new for this year, the farm hosts their very own magical Christmas experience with street theatre, festive fun and of course, a stunning light display. There’ll be twinkling lights for couples to hold hands under, an enchanted forest and lake of wishes to ensure your Christmas dreams come true, or at least hope that they do. There’s even an ice show to truly transport you into a winter wonderland.
FURTHER AFIELD
Christmas at Bedgebury, Goudhurst, Kent, 15 Nov – 1 Jan
Just over the border, is Bedgebury Pinetum and Forest that’s hosting a magical spectacle of light. We’re talking a sparkling flock of jolly robins, giant luminous seed pods floating high into the night sky, neon gallopers peeping out behind trees and sparkling tunnels of light.
Christmas lights experience, Hever Castle, Edenbridge, Kent, 22 Nov – 3 Jan
If you’re up for a longer stomp, try Hever’s after-dark Christmas Light Trail which takes approx 1.5 hours to see the Castle’s much-loved landmarks lit up. Wrap up warm, enjoy a walk under the stars and witness the enchantment of the Castle, gardens and lake festooned with fabulous colours and twinkling lights.
Enlightened at Staunton Farm, Havant, Hampshire, 6 -24 Dec
Just under a 30minute drive from Chichester lies Staunton Farm who are hosting Enlightened for another year. You can really lose yourself in this Insta-worthy installation from the specialist trail makers. Yes, everything from twinkling tunnels, glistening fairies, enchanted woodlands, atmospheric music and an illuminate maze.
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