Light Trails are becoming a popular start to the Christmas Festivities, creating a timeless experience, with tunnels of light, glow trails and captivating light trail installations.
On Friday evening we went along to Helmingham Hall Illuminated Garden Trail, its was our first time of visiting, and we discovered a magical world of light, colour and sound, we loved exploring the grounds of Helmingham Hall adorned with thousands of lights transforming the gardens into an enchanted winter wonderland, a perfect start to the festive season.
The team at Helmingham have been working really hard to make this year bigger and better than ever with spectacular new light displays, fabulous lighting elements to create a mesmerising mile of beauty, and they do it all by themselves, from original concepts through to installation.
Along this year’s trail you can cross Helmingham Hall’s famous drawbridge (pulled up every night since 1510) and warm up with a complimentary mulled wine within the courtyard steeped in over 500 years of historic charm.
Where Is Helmingham Hall Illuminated Garden Trail?
Located within Helmingham Estate, you will find the Helmingham Hall Gardens
Helmingham Hall Gardens Location : Helmingham Hall, Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 6EF
Where Can I Park For Illuminated Garden Trail Helmingham Hall?
Parking is free whilst visiting for the illuminated trail, as you drive into the estate, follow the directional signage and the stewards will direct you into the designated Car Parking, its a short walk to the start of the trail.
How To Book Helmingham Hall Illuminated Garden Trail Tickets
Helmingham Hall Illuminated Garden Trail opens on Thursday 16th November 2023 and runs nightly until Sunday 17th December 2023.
Tickets must be purchased in advance online, the first entry time is 4.30pm and sessions are every 15 minutes. The last entry on Monday – Thursday is 7:45pm, the last entry on a Friday and Saturday is 9:00pm and the last entry on a Sunday is 8:00pm.
Ticket Prices For Helmingham Hall Illuminated Garden Trail 2023
Adults: £22.00, Children aged 3 – 15: £11.00 (under 3’s go free but still require a ticket) and Family Ticket (2 adults, 2 children): £55.00.
How Far is Helmingham Hall Illuminated Garden Trail?
The trail starts adjacent to Wrights cafe, and .will take approximately one hour to complete.
Is The Trail Suitable for Wheelchairs?
Due to the nature of the Grade 1 Listed gardens and two sets of steps, there is an alternate route for wheelchair users.
A guide will be on hand to offer assistance and direct wheelchair users along the trail – please telephone 01473 890799 or email [email protected] to book a guide.
What Can I Expect at Helmingham Hall Illuminated Garden Trail?
Its an unmissable event, full of magical sights on dark winter nights, as well as beautiful light installations, you get a glimpse of years of historical charm, a tunnel of light, with various stops for photo opportunities, a fairy garden and lots of enchanting moments to capture with all of the family.
Stunning displays of Lit Christmas Tree and Christmas Lights, ambient music and a magical illuminated light trail.
If you look closely into the adjoining fields you may spot some Fallow and Red Deer, which are part of the herd that are at Helmingham, a beautiful park
But the best part for us, was that it is totally dog friendly, which meant that Belle and Bree could enjoy the evening out with us, and they both definitely enjoyed the fuss and strokes from everyone they met.
Although they were unsure of the lion statue just after the first photo opp, especially when it gave a gentle roar!! This was met with some very excitable barking in return!
Before your entry or after you have completed the trail you can spend some time browsing the Stables Shops where you will be able to find lots of wonderful gifts and festive treats!
Food and Drink at Helmingham Hall Illuminated Garden Trail
Wright’s Café will be serving delicious fayre as well as some special festive food, I can recommend a warm cup of hot chocolate, it was delicious!
Halfway round the trail, as you cross the drawbridge, the adults can grab a complimentary cup of mulled wine in the courtyard, and browse the pop up stalls.
Continue through the gardens absorbing the magical sights and sounds, and gather around a fire pit to toast marshmallows for s’mores (the s’mores packs can be purchased for £2.50), there are also a number of food and drink outlets serving hot street food, hot drinks and festive alcoholic treats.
A stunning light trail in a beautiful setting that is truly inclusive for all family members, all of the children and dogs loved the trail, so if you are looking for a top magical illuminated trail in Suffolk, this is the one!
There are some beautiful Illuminated trails across the UK, as well as Santa Trains and Santas Grottos.