Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum

We love exploring new places especially when it means getting outdoors and into the fresh air so when Westonbirt Arboretum invited us to walk along their Enchanted Christmas 1mile light trail, we couldn't wait. Westonbirt Arboretum is located in beautiful Tetbury and was around a 1hr drive from Cardiff and was really easy to find, plus there is plenty of free parking on site.

The light trail was Westonbirt was voted number 1 last year as being Britains favourite Christmas light display so booking for this event is absolutely essential and for good reason. There is also a fairly small but perfectly formed Christmas market which we wandered around before heading to the trail.

There are a couple of traditional rides including a Ferris wheel and a Carousel my boys really enjoyed as well as a hook a duck, roasted chestnut stand, marshmallows, crepes as well as plenty of savoury food stands from german sausages, falafel. As it's pretty chilly outdoors there is a warm indoor seating tent which also has an array of local produces including fudge and wooden craft decorations while you can sit and enjoy a hot chocolate or some mulled wine. It's really nice and relaxed and very festive without feeling over the top and capturing that traditional essence of Christmas which is what we love.

After we explored the Christmas market we made our way to the Light trail, The great thing about the trail is that to ensure that there are no issues with overcrowing and so everyone can fully enjoy the experience they have timed entry and once you're on the trail you can take your time.  

You are very quickly transported into a world of colour and sound as you enter the trail and my boys where mesmerised from start to finish. The talking tree and the forest Eleves were both a big hit as well as the drumming tree which offered an interactive feature for kids to drum and change the colours of the trees. 

As I said the trail is about 1 mile long although there is a halfway point which has toilets and offers up some refreshments in the form of Hot chocolate, doughnuts, mince pies or a little tipple, I went for the Mulled Cider which warmed me right up. The second half offers more beautiful light displays with mists that make you feel like your under the sea and large lanterns hanging from trees. There is also a Santa landing station which again allows kids to get involved and press the big red button for somewhat of a surprise.

If you have been good this year you will also come across the Big Man himself alongside some mischievous Elves and there is a chance to have some small interactions with him although its not a grotto and there is a fair distance between the trail and Santa it's still a lovely moment for kids to ask some questions. 

There are also a few added extras such as a foam "snow" machine and a heat sensor screen which are really fun for kids but saying that the trail is really perfect for all ages and adults will enjoy and appreciate the beauty of it just as much as children.

We all thoroughly enjoyed it and despite it being an illuminated light train it wasn't too loud or overstimulating but rather a display of the connection between nature and Christmas festivities and embracing the forest and getting outdoors. 

The Enchanted Christmas trail is also fully accessible for wheelchairs, mobility scooters and push-chairs. I would also recommend wrapping up well as the temperature has really dropped and you want to allocate at least around 45mins to an hour to complete the trail which is all outside. We highly recommend this light trail, we loved it and felt it was a great way to celebrate the festive season.  

*I was provided tickets to the Enchanted Christmas in exchange for an honest review