- Light Trails
- All Ages
Christmas at Stourhead
Stourhead · Mere, Wiltshire · 27th November 2026 to 3rd January 2027
About this event
Christmas at Stourhead runs from 27 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, with timed entry slots between 16:30 and 19:00. The trail starts at Visitor Reception and follows about a mile of the famous landscape garden after dark, taking around 90 minutes at a regular walking pace.
The route is lit by light trail producers working with the National Trust and Sony Music, with immersive seasonal sounds along the way. Named moments include a playful Sea of Light, a Fire Garden and the Winter Cathedral, billed as the place for photos. Views across the illuminated garden take in the Pantheon above the lake.
Father Christmas can be spotted along the route. Food and drink stalls sit at the start and end of the trail, with hearty winter food, toasted marshmallows, hot chocolate, hot toddy and mulled wine, all charged separately. Meat-free and non-gluten options are available.
The event is outdoors in all weathers and some garden paths are steep in places, with path markers that can be strings of lights or short barriers. Limited seating is placed along the route and at the start and end. Two quieter sessions start at 16:00 on 29 November and 3 December, before the trail opens to everyone else, for people who would prefer fewer crowds.
Sea of Light, Fire Garden and Winter Cathedral
Three named moments mark the route: a playful Sea of Light, a Fire Garden for reflection and the Winter Cathedral, billed as the place for photos, all set to immersive seasonal sound.
The Pantheon across a lit lake
The mile-long route follows Stourhead's landscape garden after dark, with views across the illuminated garden to the Pantheon. Allow around 90 minutes, and pick an earlier slot if little legs tire quickly.
Quieter sessions before opening
On 29 November and 3 December a quieter session starts at 16:00, before the trail opens to the public, aimed at adults and young people who would rather walk the route with fewer people around them.
Plan your visit
Dates and times
27th November 2026 to 3rd January 2027
27 November 2026 to 3 January 2027
Entry slots 16:30 - 19:00
Timed entry, booking essential
Quiet sessions 16:00 on 29 November and 3 December
Last admission not publishedAges
All Ages
Getting there
By train: Gillingham 6½ miles; Bruton 7 miles
By bus: from Shaftesbury, alight Zeals, 1¼ miles
VIP Pass
Members save at selected Christmas days out
Frequently Asked Questions
Most asked questions relating to Christmas.
From Santa's grottos and magical light trails to winter farm parks, theme park celebrations and immersive festive experiences, the UK has plenty of Christmas days out for all ages. Our Christmas Events hub highlights the most popular and top-rated options to help you choose the perfect adventure.
