Luminate's light trail has a new location for 2024. At Arley Hall & Gardens just outside Northwich in Cheshire.
I was so excited about this location as i personally love Arley Hall, but be aware this is only in their woodland (where their Harry Potter experience was) and does not incorporate the hall or gardens sadly.
Having said that, luminate as a company who know how to do a fabulous light trail. It is a mesmerizing mile long trail, filled with stunning lighting elements and fabulous interactive light play that will have both children and adults having fun, all set to music.
Top Info
📅 29th Nov – 31st Dec
⏰ 4.30pm - 8pm start
🥾 Wear boots as its muddy!
🕘 Takes 60 -90 mins
🐕 Dog only allowed on 2nd & 9th Dec
♿ Path is flat but muddy so wheelchairs may struggle
🍟 Hot Food Stalls at the start/end
🍷 Mulled Wine & marshmellows half way round
🎸 Play in a Band and control the music
✨ Find the lit up swing
✨ Write a Christmas wish and hang it on the "Make a Wish" wall.
🧚♀ Spot real fairies in the magical fairy garden
⭐ No traditional festive' decorations
🌲 Father Christmas will not be there
💰 Ticket prices vary depending what day you go. Start from £10
Book Here https://luminate.live/arley-hall
Not Overly Christmas themed
There are a few things which make Luminate stand out from other light trails. The fact it isn't overly Christmassy. Its full of beautiful lights, making the woodland looks stunning and there is music to suit the installations how ever there aren't any over the top Christmas themes. Also there isn't a Santa to meet along the trail which can be a good thing! (As sometimes he's everywhere!!!)
Interactive lights
The other stand out thing about Luminate is how the lights are interactive. There are lit up stepping stones that change colour when walked on. Lit up swings which make for a lovely photo and are just fun to sit in. An interactive band where you are the performer and can control the music of each instrument. This one was great and the girls spent ages having a go on this.
My favourite
My favourite installation that really made me go WOW was the massive disco ball. This reflected literally thousands of flecks of light all over the floor and into the trees. It was both beautiful and mesmerizing. It almost made you feel like you were falling.
The Paths
The path is a clearly marked route through the woodland
Even though the paths are wide and flat they were very muddy, especially as the event has only just opened so wellies would be the best foot ware.
Food & Drink
The start/finish area has some tasty hot food and drinks for before or after the trail. Included in the options was hotdog, loaded fries, donuts, waffle pops and a bar. There is also a tipi tent providing covered seating and the floor here has extra matting. On the route you will find mulled wine and marshmallows for toasting on fire pits. You can also bring your own marshmallows which helps keep the cost of your evening down.
Our Verdict
The girls really enjoyed finding lots of interactive features on the trail. They always like it when a trail has something new that they haven't seen before. Luminate definitely has something different about it and if you want a festive evening out with family and friends but isnt in your face Christmas then this is the perfeft trail for that. It is a beautiful trail which really incorporates the natural woodland and turns it into something extraordinary.
Press Visit Nov 2024
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