Christmas at Wimpole 2023: Mushrooms, crystals, giant stars, feathers and more to feature on illuminated trail

Stunning new installations will join this winter’s illuminated trail at the National Trust’s Wimpole Estate.

Sony Music’s illuminated Christmas at Wimpole trail is returning from Friday, November 24 to Sunday, December 31.

The route – now in its fourth year – will have many new features including the Mycelium Network, by Stevie Thompson of Custom Fibre Optics.

Stevie said: “Apart from being completely obsessed and passionate about fibre optic lighting, I’m also very interested and inspired by mushrooms too, with their magical and medicinal properties.

“So it was the perfect opportunity to collaborate both of my hobbies into a work of art.”

Among the host of other new installations is Crystal Garden, by Output Arts, comprising clusters of glowing shards which sparkle and shimmer to create an enchanting display.

There will also be a chance to glimpse Father Christmas along the trail.

The trail will be open from 4.30pm, last entry 8pm (7pm on December 24, 26, 30, 31). It will be closed on November 27, 28 and 29 and on December 4, 5 and 25.

The Wimpole Estate was bequeathed to the National Trust by Rudyard Kipling’s daughter in the 1970s.

Off-peak tickets are priced at £10 for children aged 3-16 and £15 for adults, or £48 for an off-peak family ticket for two adults and two children. Standard tickets are £14.50 for children, £19 for adults and £64 for a family, while peak tickets are £16 for children, £21.50 or adults and £72 for families. Entry is free for carers and infants aged two and under.

For more information, and to book a place, visit christmasatwimpole.co.uk,