ILLUMINATE will transport you on a magical journey of colour, light and sound to bring festive awe and wonder to Hestercombe Gardens.

This light event gives people far and wide a chance to see Hestercombe Gardens "come to life" during the Christmas period.

"Well-behaved dogs" are welcome to the illuminated trail, which is self-led, following a marked and lit route.

When is it on?:

Illuminate is showing for 29 nights between November 21 and December 30, 2024.

Limited capacity slots are available at 15-minute intervals from 4:30pm to 8:00pm (last entry).

The site will close at 9:15pm, to ensure that the last visitors enjoy walking the route.

Parking:

Free parking is available every day on-site at Hestercombe Gardens across two gravel car parks.

Approximately 100 vehicles can fit in the car parks, with disabled parking spaces available.

How much are tickets:

All tickets are valid for a specific fifteen-minute slot on a specific day and are non-refundable.

Tickets are transferable up until October 31, 2024. After October 31, 2024, tickets cannot be transferred to another day, time or person.

Pricing:

  • Adult (PEAK tickets) £17.00
  • Child (PEAK tickets) £8.50
  • Adult (OFF-PEAK tickets) £15.00
  • Child (OFF-PEAK tickets) £7.50
  • Adult member £14.00 (November only)
  • Child member £6.50 (November only)
  • Child (under 2) FREE
  • Essential Companion / Carer FREE

Tickets for Illuminate are now on sale through www.hestercombe.com - find out more at www.hestercombe.com/illuminate.

Illuminate 2024 is expected to sell out for this year's event. (Image: Illuminate 2024)

READ MORE: Hestercombe, Somerset Christmas market was a huge success

READ MORE: Illuminate pictures and video of Hestercombe's light show

Illuminate Dinners:

'Illuminate Dinners' allows visitors to enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal prior to walking Illuminate at Hestercombe Gardens.

A special two-course meal is served at 6pm (arrive for 5:45pm), allowing you and your party to eat and then enjoy Illuminate afterwards at your leisure.

Note that the last entry for Illuminate Dinners is 8pm and dinner tickets include entry to Illuminate.

Pricing starts at £22.50 for children and £45 for adults, members also get a discount on tickets.

Remaining space for Illuminate Dinners:

  • November 29 (FULLY BOOKED)
  • November 30 (FULLY BOOKED)
  • December 6 (FULLY BOOKED)
  • December 7 (FULLY BOOKED)
  • December 13 (FULLY BOOKED)
  • December 14 (FULLY BOOKED)
  • December 20 (4 Spaces Available)
  • December 21 (4 Spaces Available)

The Bampfylde Hall will also be open for hot food, snacks, cakes and drinks throughout the evening.

Additional assistance:

An Essential Companion ticket is available for guests who require additional assistance at this year's Illuminate 2024.

This ticket is provided with the understanding that the essential companion is willing and able to assist the access customer throughout their entire stay at the event. 

People attending on an essential companion ticket must be attending with a qualifying visitor who has a valid event ticket already purchased and should be over the age of 18 unless otherwise agreed with the Ticket Office Team.

Contact info@hestercombe.com if you need to discuss your access needs further.

"This experience is approximately the same walking distance (taking approximately 30 to 45 minutes to complete the whole route) as the sold-out 2023 event, but even more packed with show-stopping sights and sounds to wow the entire family," said one of the Illuminate 2024 organisers. 

"The Illuminate route is wheelchair-friendly, however, if you are a wheelchair user and wish to visit Illuminate, please call our Visitor Reception if you have any questions before booking a ticket.

"Prepare to be awe-inspired at our beautiful gardens as they come to life this Christmas."