National Trust- Christmas at Killerton, Devon Illuminations Review

Reviewed by Charlotte Gatehouse

We have just returned home from a magical evening. I have been a member of National Trust for a few years now and we regularly visit beautiful Killerton, Devon so I was delighted to be able to attend their illuminated Christmas trail with my family.

We arrived after dark and were excited to get going, the air was cold so we wrapped up warm. On the entrance we were greeted by a wall of twinkly lights with Christmas tree walk through, Santa Claus was welcoming guests and chatted to the children and a few metres further up was a marshmallow stand (£1.50 each) we all toasted our marshmallows over an open fire pit-salted caramel flavour for my husband and I and candy floss flavour for my daughter, delicious and I was loving the atmosphere already.

Lampposts shining snowflakes and other Christmassy shapes onto the pavement lit up the way up to the main house which was glowing purple and showered with stars. Up past the house the light displays step it up a notch, we walked through a path of glowing white roses, through a tunnel of twinkly lights admired the fire display sculpture and the beautiful twisty shapes of the trees, there were installations hanging from the trees and around the bridge but our favourite was an area that featured green laser lights and smoke with some twinkling music, my 6 year old was enchanted and kept saying ‘we are in a magical land’ and our baby was just loving watching the lights as all babies do and was really engaged with the surroundings. Another favourite was the neon light up tree which was just spectacular and reminded me of something from Alice in Wonderland. The trail finishes up with some lovely wicker animals that are lit up.

It really was a sight to behold and exceeded all my expectations, my words cannot really do the experience justice nor in fact do pictures as the music at some of the displays create such a wonderful festive atmosphere although I have to say there are so many wonderful photo opportunities. I would recommend that everyone go and see for themselves.

The trail runs after dark starting from 4.30pm till 8pm. Tickets are sent electronically in advance by email and can be printed at home or shown on your device, all very straight forward and organised. I also appreciated that I received an email a few days before attending with directions and instructions on arrival as well as informing that card payments were taken instead of cash.

On arrival the carpark was well manned with attendants and we were easily directed to a space a short walk from the start of the trail. Parking is free for National Trust Members and £8 for non-members (this can be purchased alongside tickets online). Toilets were available on arrival and well maintained. The trail at Killerton is quite hilly and has gravel paths, although completely doable it can take some effort with a pushchair or wheelchair.

Now the not so small issue of the ticket price £18 for adults and £13 for children (or family ticket £60-2 adults and 2 children) sadly I think this will have priced a lot of families out of being able to attend and the lack of concessions for members of the National Trust is disappointing. However you are paying for the experience and I was not disappointed, the event is put on by an external company and is well organised and a spectacular sight and feast for the senses. The trail lasted for around 90 minutes and there were food and drink vendors for refreshments as well as the usual National Trust cafe.

I will be recommending the event to anyone that can afford to go. We all loved it, my daughter was buzzing with excitement all the way home and said she would be dreaming about it tonight and I have to say that I feel the same.

Rating: 5/5

Tickets: £18 adults/£13 children

Tickets can be purchased here.