FIRST LOOK: Christmas At Belton 2023 is sparkling new spectacular
and live on Freeview channel 276
Christmas At Belton is back – bigger, brighter and better than ever with a brand new mile-long outdoor illuminated trail, creating a dazzling winter wonderland in the grounds of the National Trust’s beautiful Belton House, in Lincolnshire.
BUY TICKETS: The mesmerising outdoor trail is open, on selected nights, from tonight, Friday, November 24, until New Year’s Eve – find out more and get tickets at christmasatbelton.seetickets.com.
Showstoppers this year include the Flower Lawn opener, in the Dutch Gardens, filled with larger-than-life flowers.
Jigantics, set up by artist Jig Cochrane in 2007, has also produced another large-scale illuminated flower sculpture along the trail, the spectacular Gladioli Tunnel.
Another new installation is the magical Fire Garden with Lantern Trees, by Australian-based lighting designers Mandylights.
ArtAV’s Rainbow Trees and Star Arch Walk are also new at Belton this year, as is Sense Effects’ Water Fountain Show, a stunning combination of light and water which dances in the air in time to music.
North Devon artist Woody Fox’s creation Storybook made from wicker uses colour, fabrics and recycled materials to create large figures which feature in four of the best-loved children’s tales – Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Jack and the Beanstalk, Little Red Riding Hood and Three Little Pigs.
A sparkling flock of jolly robins – Il sentiero dei pettirossi, by Cristina Ottonello – is made from thousands of sequins, is a breathtaking finale – along witth returning favourite, including the towering Christmas Cathedral – an Instagram selfie-favourite.
The immersive after-dark experience includes more than a million twinkling lights, colourful trees, larger-than-life illuminations and even a magical glimpse of Father Christmas.
The lights are choreographed to a soundtrack of much-loved seasonal music, transforming Belton’s majestic gardens into a winter wonderland.
It is open on selected evening time slots and organisers have urged visitors to book now to guarantee popular early evening and weekend entry times which sell fast.
Firmly positioned within the UK’s seasonal calendar, Christmas at Belton promises an unforgettable time with friends and family, providing a special way to celebrate the festive season with an unmissable outdoor experience.
The accessible trail is designed for visitors of all ages.
As visitors journey under the stars they can also grab seasonal snacks and drinks – separate charges apply – with spiced winter warmers, hot chocolate to toasted marshmallows available from hand-picked street food vendors, who bring an indulgent twist to tempting treats on offer.
Christmas at Belton is brought by Sony Music Limited in partnership with the National Trust and the trail is created by Culture Creative.
Cared for by the National Trust, Belton House is within the top 100 most visited attractions in the country. Built for Sir John Brownlow in the 1680s, it sits in a 1300-acre deer park and has all the design features of a classic English country home.
The estate also includes a café, indoor play area, gift and second-hand book shops, and Lincolnshire’s largest outdoor adventure playground.
Matthew Findlay, Head of UK Trails for Sony Music/Raymond Gubbay Ltd, said: “We were thrilled with the fantastic response from visitors who enjoyed the trail last Christmas and our planning and preparation for 2023 is well underway. Look out for some sparkling new innovations and installations this year.”
Belton’s general manager Ian Cooper said: “Our magical trail is a firm family favourite and the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit. Why not start your festive season in style and be one of the first to see our fantastic new installations for 2023?”
November dates still have availability for off-peak time slots, in which adult tickets are just £15 and £10 for children aged 3-16. Infants aged 2 and under go free.
A family ticket during off-peak times is fantastic value at only £47. Off-peak slots start as early as 6pm on some evenings – visit the website for full details (see below).
Off-peak tickets are perfect for families with older children and for loved ones and friends who can enjoy the beautiful installations and choreographed soundtrack on a slightly quieter mid-evening trail.
Standard tickets are also excellent value at £21.50 for adults and £15 for children and those time slots begin as early as 5.15pm on selected dates, after the peak time slots have passed. National Trust members can also park for free if tickets are booked before the day of their visit.
The immersive trail is an unmissable festive experience and this year sees a host of new surprises.
Firmly positioned within the UK’s seasonal calendar, Christmas at Belton has everything you need for an unforgettable time with friends and family, providing a special way to celebrate the festive season with an unmissable outdoor experience. The accessible trail is designed for visitors of all ages.
Enjoy a magical glimpse of Father Christmas as you wander through the winter wonderland and grab a seasonal snack from one of the hand-picked street food vendors who bring an indulgent twist to tempting treats. Complete your walk under the stars with a perfectly festive *spiced winter warmer, hot chocolate or toasted marshmallow and share it with someone special.
*Separate charges apply
What: Christmas at Belton - The after-dark illuminated trail through festive gardens
When: From 24 November to 31 December. Open from 4.30pm, last entry 8pm and closes at 10pm.
Closed: Nov 27-30; Dec 4-7, 11-13, 25.
Admission: Limited capacity with timed entry, early booking advised. Advanced From: Adult £21.50, Child £15, Family £70 (2 adults & 2 children). Free entry for carers and children aged 2 & under. Parking £8 per car. Free for National Trust members when booked in advance.
Address: Belton House, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG32 2LW
LINKS:
Tickets for Christmas At Belton: christmasatbelton.seetickets.com
Belton House website: nationaltrust.org.uk/beltonhouse
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BeltonHouseNT