Illuminated Garden Trail 2025
14th November to 19th December 2025
The Illuminated Garden Trail is returning for 2025, and it’s going to be better than ever!
Experience the magic of winter
14th November to 19th December 2025
Wander through the historic gardens transformed by a spectacular display of light, colour, and sound, with new installations for this year. The trail takes you across the historic drawbridge, through glowing walkways, and past flickering fire pits—perfect for toasting marshmallows. Enjoy festive street food and drink, browse for unique gifts in the Stable Shops, and warm up with a complimentary mulled wine.
The trail is open Thursday to Sunday throughout November, and every day in December until the 19th.
Please scroll down for FAQs regarding the Illuminated Garden Trail.
- Please dress warmly, wear sturdy footwear, and bring a torch as some areas may be darker
- Well-behaved dogs on short leads are welcome!
- Food & drink is available
- The gardens are wheelchair accessible, with an alternative route for steps and assistance available upon request
- Parking is free in our car park
- Discount vouchers and Historic House memberships are not valid for this event
Want early access to our event tickets?
Our Annual Membership gives you access to our Gardens,
all year long plus benefits with our events and at Wright’s Café.
It’s the perfect gift for horticulturalists too!
Yes, tickets must be booked in advance. There will be no tickets available on the gate. You’re welcome to visit the Café and Stable Shops during the evening without a trail ticket, but garden access requires a valid trail ticket.
Yes, well-behaved dogs on short leads are very welcome. Please clean up after them.
No discounts or memberships (including HHA) are accepted for this event.
While some areas include steps, an alternative accessible route is available for wheelchair users. To arrange assistance, please contact 01473 890799 or email events@helmingham.com
Yes. To book a carer ticket, please follow the standard booking process and select the number of individual tickets required (please note: family tickets cannot be used in these transactions). Once booked, please email info@helmingham.com with proof of carer status and we will refund the cost of the carer ticket. Please also note that requests for carer ticket refunds, including the provision of supporting documentation must be sent over within a week of booking your tickets.
Please wear warm clothing and sturdy footwear. Paths can be uneven or slippery in places. A torch is also recommended for darker areas of the trail.
You’ll find hot food and drink stalls along the trail—including s’mores kits for marshmallow toasting!
Yes, there is ample free parking on site.
While tickets are non-refundable, you can use the ‘Manage my Booking’ option on your confirmation email up to 7 days before your event date (subject to availability). We are unable to swap tickets for other dates outside of this.
No, just show your barcode on a mobile device at the entrance. Be sure to download it in advance, as signal on site can be patchy.
