Christmas at Westonbirt

Transforming the National Arboretum in Gloucestershire into a glowing trail of lights and lasers is an annual event, but this year the organisers have excelled themselves this time.

Visitors are promised an exciting line-up of new and returning features for the illuminated trail, promising magical moments for visitors of all ages; and that’s true because everyone will delight at wandering along the route where an elaborate display is spotted around every bend.

The theme this year takes inspiration from nature, embracing the beauty of the natural world, including wildlife, woodland and the changing seasons.

Your kids will enjoy keeping their eyes peeled for the oversized wicker woodland animals, including a squirrel, hedgehog and owl.

There were so many highlights for us: ten neon bird boxes cast colourful glows among the trees, five heart-shaped arches standing more than 12 feet high, a fire garden of 154 candles and 150 flame bulbs plus the 90-foot Winter Cathedral, a tunnel of brilliant lights marking the entrance to the trail.

But, for us, it was difficult to beat the amazing laser displays or, according to the Arboretum’s marketing info, “dazzling firework trees”.

Along the trail, music helps create a wonderful atmosphere while refreshment stalls, selling everything from hot dogs to marshmallows are found on the trail and at the entrance; there’s even a funfair, too.

Westonbirt Arboretum, comprising 600 acres and 17 miles of tracks (of course, the winter wonderland trail is much shorter, so don’t worry), is, according to the hosts, “a magical seasonal experience that celebrates nature at its most enchanging”.

Well, we couldn’t agree more – this is a festive experience you won’t want to miss.