LET THERE BE LIGHTS

Start your Christmas with festive sparkle at one of these illuminated trails across the UK

- Samantha Wostear

BEST FOR: A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve's Port Lympne Illuminated, Kent Now until January 3, 2026 PORT Lympne Hotel & Reserve has launched its first light trail, transforming the park's 600-acre landscape into a mesmerising nighttime spectacle. The trail features stunning installations, water shows and animal holograms.

A high-energy fairy disco pulses with synchronised light, sound and smoke bubbles, while immersive snow scenes create a winter wonderland. In the shadows, hyper-realistic holographic tigers prowl just a stone's throw away from Santa's Grotto, where children can visit the big man himself and his elves to receive a gift. Snack on homemade food and jump aboard one of a sprinkling of fairground rides.

There is also an overnight option, where guests have full access to the Reserve and are invited to explore the secret after-dark world.

● Adults £22, 3 to 15-year-olds £14, under 3s free, family tickets available; overnight stays from £169; visit portlympneilluminated.​com

BEST FOR: FAIRYTALE MAGIC Neverland at Kenwood House, London Now until January 3, 2026 THIS winter the historic grounds of Kenwood House on Hampstead Heath have been reimagined as an immersive outdoor light trail inspired by JM Barrie's timeless tale of Peter Pan - the UK's first Neverland path.

Visitors are invited to follow Tinker Bell's fairy dust line from the rooftops of London to the heart of Neverland - soaring through the Darling family home, past a glowing Big Ben, and into a wondrous world where magic and adventure captures the imagination of all.

From the Lost Boys' secret hideout to the eerie glowing Skull Rock and Captain Hook's iconic pirate ship, this all-new trail blends spectacular lighting, immersive storytelling and an atmospheric soundscape to bring Barrie's world vividly to life.