About

Christmas at Stourhead 2026

Christmas at Stourhead returns to Wiltshire for 2026, transforming the world-famous National Trust landscape into a spectacular after-dark Christmas light trail from Friday 27 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027.

Set against the backdrop of Stourhead’s Palladian house and beautiful landscape gardens near Mere, the illuminated trail offers a magical festive experience for families, friends and couples looking for Christmas events in Wiltshire and the South West.

Visitors can follow a brand-new trail through the historic grounds, discovering dazzling light installations, immersive seasonal sounds and colourful displays along the way. Highlights for 2026 include the much-loved Christmas Cathedral, the mesmerising Fire Garden, whimsical Willow Hives, the sparkling Sea of Light and a futuristic Laser Garden.

There will also be the chance to catch a glimpse of Father Christmas along the trail, adding an extra touch of festive magic for younger visitors.

Seasonal food and drink will be available to purchase throughout the experience, including warming hot chocolate, mulled wine and a selection of festive treats. Separate charges apply for food and drink.

The circular trail begins near the Stourhead car park before winding through the walled garden, towards the house and into the landscape garden, finishing by the lakeside. The route is approximately 1.8km long and visitors should allow around 90 minutes to complete the experience.

Located near Mere in Wiltshire, Stourhead is within reach of Bath, Bristol, Salisbury and the wider South West, making Christmas at Stourhead a memorable option for a festive day out or winter evening trip.

Ticket Information

Christmas at Stourhead operates with limited capacity and timed entry, so advance booking is recommended, particularly for popular weekend and early-evening sessions.

2026 ticket prices include:

• Adult tickets - from £18 off-peak, with peak tickets up to £26.50

• Child tickets - from £13 off-peak, with peak tickets up to £19.50

• A £1 booking fee per ticket applies, excluding parking tickets

• Group bookings of 15+ adults can receive a 10% discount, subject to the organiser's terms

National Trust members must still purchase admission tickets for Christmas at Stourhead as the illuminated trail takes place outside normal opening hours and is operated separately. National Trust members can receive free event parking when this is booked at least 24 hours in advance alongside trail tickets and valid membership is shown on arrival.

Parking is limited and must be booked in advance. Blue Badge parking is available and should also be selected when booking.

Anytime Tickets are also available, allowing visitors to enter between the first and last entry times on their selected date rather than choosing an individual time slot. Parking is not included with an Anytime Ticket and must be booked separately.

Book tickets for Christmas at Stourhead 2026

Christmas at Stourhead FAQs

When is Christmas at Stourhead 2026?
Christmas at Stourhead runs from 27 November 2026 until 3 January 2027. Opening and entry times vary by date, so visitors should check their selected session when booking.

Where is Christmas at Stourhead?
The event takes place at Stourhead, near Mere, Wiltshire, BA12 6SH. The estate is signposted from the A303 and B3092.

How long does the Christmas at Stourhead trail take?
The trail is approximately 1.8km long and takes around 90 minutes to complete at a regular walking pace.

Is Christmas at Stourhead suitable for children?
Yes. The illuminated trail is designed as a festive experience for visitors of all ages, with Father Christmas appearing along the trail. Father Christmas does not offer individual meet-and-greet sessions.

Is Christmas at Stourhead accessible?
The trail has been designed to be as accessible as possible within the natural landscape. However, it includes hard-standing and loose gravel paths, gradual and steeper slopes and potentially uneven surfaces. Manual wheelchair users and visitors using lower-powered mobility scooters may find some inclines challenging. Accessible toilets are available.

A limited number of mobility vehicles are available to hire in advance from Stourhead.

Are there quieter sessions?
Yes. Quieter Access sessions are scheduled for Sunday 29 November at 4pm and Thursday 3 December at 4pm. These sessions have a reduced capacity and begin at twilight before the main trail opens, providing a calmer experience with fewer visitors.

Can dogs visit Christmas at Stourhead?
Only guide dogs and registered assistance dogs are permitted on the Christmas trail. Other dogs are not allowed.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Christmas at Stourhead is an outdoor event and normally continues in wet and cold weather. Visitors are advised to wear suitable outdoor clothing and footwear. If conditions present a safety risk and the event needs to be cancelled, the organiser states that a decision will be made by 2pm on the day and ticket holders will be contacted.

Is parking available?
Yes, but parking is limited and must be booked in advance alongside admission tickets. National Trust members can receive free parking when booked at least 24 hours in advance and will need to show valid membership.

Can visitors buy food and drink?
Yes. Seasonal food and drink will be available to purchase, including festive treats and warming drinks. Food vendors are card-only and separate charges apply.

Can visitors take photographs?
Yes. Personal photography is permitted and visitors are welcome to share photographs from the trail. Commercial photography requires prior written permission.

What should visitors wear?
As the entire trail takes place outdoors, visitors should wear warm, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear suitable for winter paths. Some areas of the trail have deliberately low lighting.

Are there flashing lights?
Some installations may feature flashing, flickering and patterned lighting effects, lasers and potentially strobe sequences. Visitors with sensitivities are advised to contact Stourhead before booking.

When should visitors arrive?
Visitors are advised to arrive approximately 10-15 minutes before their booked trail time.

Do tickets need to be printed?
No. E-tickets can be displayed on a mobile phone, although visitors are advised to download them before arriving as mobile signal can be limited at Stourhead.

Are tickets refundable?
Tickets are generally non-refundable. Exchanges may be possible through the Ticketek UK app, subject to availability, but exchanges are not available within 24 hours of the booked visit.