From new outdoor trails to themed displays and beautiful decorations, we’ve got your festive season covered with this selection of ideas.
Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
This year’s theme is Neverland® featuring beautifully decorated State Rooms and a new illuminated outdoor trail. Groups can create the ideal festive itinerary, making a day out of their visit to Oxfordshire starting with brunch followed by exploring the palace, park and gardens. They can also book a Christmas-themed afternoon tea or a two/three course lunch with the option to hire a private function room for group catering.
Groups of 15 or more who book in advance receive a discount and coach parking is available.
Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens, Sussex
Set to be bigger, better and even more magical than before, Leonardslee Lights runs from 22nd November until 30th December. Groups of 15 or more save money on tickets and can enjoy the welcome area with festive food, drink, funfair rides and more, before or after the trail in Sussex.
Enjoy the serenity of the award-winning woodland gardens or join one of its seasonal workshops. Its annual winter trail features thousands of twinkling lights and lanterns which transform the gardens with light, sound and colour.
Leeds Castle, Kent
It’s all about the Nutcracker at Leeds Castle this year with towering soldiers, shimmering snowflakes and elegant ballerinas. Admire the magical set designs reminiscent of Clara’s magical journey, from the grand ballroom of the Sugar Plum Fairy to the Land of Sweets. Live characters (weekends and school holidays) inspired by the classic tale can bring the story to life for guests.
Even better, groups are invited to enjoy a Nutcracker-themed afternoon tea or opt for a traditional Christmas lunch in the Castle View restaurant.
Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire
Described as a ‘festive extravaganza’, Waddesdon will once again feature dazzling light displays, gardens aglow and lavishly decorated interiors from 15th November until 5th January. This year groups can journey through the pages of Sleeping Beauty, reimagined in some of the manor’s grandest rooms.
Highlights this year include interior decorations by Jane Le Bon, a spectacular dragon sculpture by paper artist Andy Singleton and a large installation by theatre designer Tom Piper, the person behind the Tower of London’s poppy display. Outside, see the spectacular landscape brought to life with mesmerizing installations in the gardens alongside bespoke projections on the manor’s façade.
Chester Zoo
Lanterns & Light returns to the Cheshire attraction this year inviting groups to journey through illuminating lands with glowing animal puppets and beautiful lanterns along the way.
There will also be festive fairground rides and Christmas food markets, as well as the chance to meet Father Christmas. It opens on Friday 15th November 2024 and runs on selected dates until Wednesday 1st January 2025 with special prices available to groups.
Westonbirt Arboretum, Gloucestershire
Forestry England, which manages the beautiful Westonbirt, The National Arboretum in Gloucestershire, has announced a new illuminated trail from 29th November until 31st December.
Groups can discover luminous birds delicately suspended in the air, colourful neon trees, huge glowing stars, a sparkling tunnel of light and a forest filled with seasonal colour. There is a group rate of 10% off tickets for 15+ adults when purchased via Ticketek.
West Midlands Safari Park
Santa Safari is returning this year with festive surprises and new activities for 2024. The park will transform into an enchanting Winter Wonderland, where a sprinkling of snow will be forecast every day for guests to enjoy.
Groups can explore the four-mile Safari Drive where they can meet the park’s residents, as well as the rest of the Safari Walk for wildlife trails and more. Those of ten or more can save 50% on Santa Safari.
Sandringham Estate, Norfolk
Running from 21st November until 24th December, groups can enjoy a stroll under the stars beneath illuminated historic trees, or indulge in festive food and drinks from Sandringham Courtyard. The Vintage Fair will also return for 2024 in the Royal Parkland – groups must book tickets for the Vintage Fair when they purchase Light Trail tickets.
Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland
Described as the largest indoor festive experience in the North East, Christmas Kingdom runs from mid-November until early January. Experience the transformed state rooms with displays created by acclaimed theatrical designer Charlotte Lloyd Webber and her team.
The 2024 theme is A Christmas Through Time - take a magical journey through the story of Christmas, from its earliest traditions and legends through to retro inspired festive traditions. Entry is included with general admission tickets in which group rates apply.
Shakespeare’s Birthplace Trust, Stratford-upon-Avon
Groups are invited to step back in time and immerse themselves in the traditions of a Tudor and Jacobean Christmas at the historic house in Stratford-upon-Avon. Explore the start of Shakespeare’s story under the magic of candlelight as your guide takes you on a journey through history.
You’ll also discover the symbolic meanings behind the decorations in their homes and find out what ingredients went into a traditional mince pie. Groups can book on selected days from 29th November until 14th December.
