In partnership with
Hestercombe Gardens
Illuminate will transport you on a magical journey of colour, light and sound to bring festive awe and wonder to Hestercombe’s gardens for all of the family.
For 2023, the Hestercombe spectacular Illuminate returns, even bigger and brighter than the sell-out 2022 event. With beautiful new dynamic water fountain shows and music along route for the very first time, experience Hestercombe's historic gardens as never before.
The natural features and views of Hestercombe’s Landscape Garden come to life at night, with spotlights, lit trees and coloured paths drawing you up towards the Great Cascade, down past stunning fountains in the Pear Pond and through a 'Christmas tree' grove below the Formal Garden, before finishing with a show-stopping display in front of Hestercombe House.
Perfect for the whole family to experience together, from November 23rd, Illuminate will be lighting up Hestercombe’s gardens in a way never seen before, with fairly light trees, pixel swirls, stars, floodlights, spotlights, festoons and colour all creating a sense of Christmas wonder.
While you walk Hestercombe’s trails look out for a spectacular web of fairy lights enveloping the tree canopy, a dazzling new water fountain show set to music, spotlights beaming across the valley reflecting lights on to the water below, a grove of thirty stunning festive trees in the orchard and a show-stopping finale lighting up the front of historic Hestercombe House. Building on one of the highlights of last year, The Great Cascade, waterfalls and ponds will be lit to bring the gardens alive.
This stunning experience is approximately the same walking distance as the sold-out 2022 event, but even more packed with show-stopping sights, selfie opportunities and sounds to wow the entire family. Prepare to be awe-inspired as Hesterccombe’s beautiful gardens as they come to life this Christmas.
As a dog-friendly site, why not bring your four-legged friend on a short lead to enjoy the Christmas spectacle too?
Once you’ve walked up an appetite, warm yourself with some delicious, crumbly mince pies, piping hot chocolate, mulled wine, and other seasonal treats to end the trail in Hestercombe’s Bampfylde Hall.
Tickets for Illuminate are selling fast so make sure you get yours sooner rather than later to secure your preferred time and date. On sale now through the Hestercombe website you can book through hestercombe.com/whats-on/christmas-illuminations.
Prices are as follows: Adults £16, children aged four to 15 £8, children aged under four are free, Family Saver 1 (1 adult and up to 3 children) £24, Family Saver 2 (2 adults and up to 3 children) £40, wheelchair users are half price, and admission for a Tramper user is half price, please call before making a booking on 01823 413923.
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