This December why not step out of Oxfordshire and take a drive down to the world-famous National Arboretum at Westonbirt, near Tetbury in Gloucestershire. Managed by Forestry England, the arboretum which covers 600 acres, is home to five national collections and nearly 15,000 labelled specimen trees. Unlike other arboretums in the UK, Westonbirt is laid out according to aesthetic appeal rather than scientific or geographical criteria.
In the weeks leading up to Christmas, Westonbirt will be holding its popular Enchanted Christmas event but this year, it will be taking on an exciting new twist. This magical night-time trail was voted the best Christmas light display in the country in 2018 in a survey carried out by McCarthy and Stone. Now you will have the opportunity to experience the magic of the enchanted forest with its sparkling illuminations and lights twinkling in the branches.
The stunning illuminated trail through the woods has been created by the Arboretum working with SXS Events. Together they have created a new light display and trail with an ‘Enchanted’ theme for 2019. The event is suitable for all ages and will enthral your children as they experience the magical trail.
“The idea behind the trail this year is that Christmas fairies have been up to mischief in the Arboretum,” Head of Visitor Attraction at Westonbirt Arboretum, Paul Cody explains. “The fairies will be casting spells and transforming our Arboretum into an Enchanted Forest. Magical creatures, brought to life by the fairies’ enchantments will wander the trail, as well as Father Christmas dressed in traditional green.”
Your visit does not just include the Enchanted Trail as you can take part in a packed programme of activities, ideal for the whole family. These include family arts and crafts, listening to Christmas choirs and bands performing seasonal favourites, or warm up with a mug of mulled wine and festive food.