Christmas At Stourhead Review

Reviewed by Helen Osborne

Christmas at Stourhead is an annual event, which sees the gardens of Stourhead Estate, in Wiltshire festively illuminated. This year’s event runs between 25th November 2022 and 1st January 2023. Different trail times are bookable, with a limited capacity for each time slot meaning that there is better control of the number of people on site at any time, making it more enjoyable for everyone.

We were so excited to be given the opportunity to visit Christmas at Stourhead, particularly after several recommendations to visit the venue to see the illuminations in previous years. I have visited the venue before, a number of years ago, but only in the daylight. It is beautiful.

As a family of 2 adults and 2 young children, this time of year is particularly magical and Christmas at Stourhead was the perfect way to kick-start our Christmas festivities and it certainly didn’t disappoint.

Approximately a week before visiting, we received our e-tickets and information relating to our visit, such as the suitability of clothing and footwear for the time of year. We were also provided with general information relating to our journey to Stourhead and what we needed to have ready upon arrival. We were also provided with a copy of the trail map. This all helped us feel fully prepared for our visit and excited to get going!

The venue is as accessible as it can be, for those with disabilities, given the natural condition of the grounds. Some of the slopes are steeper than others and paths aren’t always even, so can be difficult to navigate in places. Only guide dogs and assistance dogs are allowed. The trail does includes some strobe lighting and due to the nature of the experience, in some areas, the lighting is low level and as such visitors are recommended to bring along a torch, just in case.

On 7th December 2022 there is a ‘quieter access’ session for adults and young people, which will be more relaxed as there will be limited capacity.

We arrived at 4.30pm, by car, just as dusk fell. Stourhead was easy to find and well sign-posted and staff were positioned to direct us into the car park. Parking was included with our ticket. (editor’s note – the reviewer was doing a review so their tickets were gifted to them) National Trust members get free parking, non-members pay £8. There are also designated blue badge spaces close to the entrance, but these need to be pre-booked also and cost £8 for non-members.

Our QR codes were scanned quickly and before we knew it, we were on the trail and we could immediately see the lights in full effect, as we crossed the illuminated bridge. There were 14 main illumination points along the one-way trail. These included Rainbow Trees, Merry & Bright, Night Skies and Tree Stars. However, the absolute stand-out illumination for us, was the ‘Sea of Light’, it was absolutely captivating, with different coloured LED balls illuminating in time to the music being played, like a wave of light. It was stunning. All of the illuminations were totally unique and added a different aspect to the experience. All of them were fantastic.

At no point did we feel over-crowded at any of the illuminations, and it was possible to take as long as we wanted at each point. We also liked the fact that there was a QR code on each of the name boards, enabling us to find out a bit more about the music being played and the creative thinking behind each display.

Part-way along the trail, there was a courtyard with several food stalls, 2 port-a-loo units, some festive animal statues and in the corner, we found Santa himself! This was a lovely added extra that we hadn’t been expecting and he was on great form, entertaining the passers-by.

In total, there were 8 separate independent food and drink spots positioned along the trail, offering a variety of delicious treats including macaroni cheese, burgers, chicken & fries, filled Yorkshire pudding wraps, artisan doughnuts, a selection of hot and cold drinks (including alcoholic beverages) and toasted marshmallows. Some offer kids portions too. Refreshments are not included in the ticket price. Our son is a big marshmallow fan, so we opted for a large marshmallow (£1.60 each) and there were 2 fire pits adjacent to the stall, which could be used to toast your own marshmallow. We also stopped off at the Temple of Refreshment, for a hot drink before our journey home. A tea and a latte cost £4.40.

There were 2 different sets of toilets – the main block, which were clean and well maintained, with everything we needed. Plus 2 port-a-loos in the courtyard, mid-way. Hand-washing facilities were available in these toilets, but there wasn’t anything to dry hands on, which made it a bit tricky.

The experience is suitable for any age, no matter how young or old, particularly if you believe in the magic of Christmas. As a family, we would certainly love to visit again and would recommend it to others, without a doubt. Although, the cost of the experience is at the top end of our budget.

To walk the whole trail took us approximately one and a half hours, including our marshmallow toasting stop off.

All of the staff we encountered were so friendly and were all in good spirits – from the point of arrival, to exiting the trail. One member of staff even offered to take a family photo of us, which was a lovely touch. Santa was a great character too!

Rating – 5/5

Price of tickets
National Trust Members: Adult + 1 parking space – £21.50, Child (3-16 yrs) – £15.00, Infant (0-2 yrs) – Free, Family (2 adults, 2 children)+ parking – £71.00
Non-members: Adult + 1 parking space – £29.50, Adult – £21.50, Child (3-16 yrs) – £15.00, Infant (0-2 yrs) – Free, Family (2 adults, 2 children) + parking – £79.00,

Tickets can be booked by visiting https://christmasatstourhead.seetickets.com/

Stourhead, Wiltshire, BA12 6SH