Sudeley Castle Spectacle of Light

We have lots of things we like to do as a family in the run up to Christmas. I love an illuminated trail. For me, wrapping up warm and enjoying a walk on a cold, dark evening makes the return to a snug home, lit with Christmas lights even cosier. We were invited to the Spectacle of Light at Sudeley Castle for it’s opening weekend yesterday. The weather was perfect – cold but dry. There was the possibility of snow that night, with a tiny dusting on the nearby hills. The scene was already set, but couldn’t really prepare us for just how stunning the event was going to be.

We hadn’t visited Sudeley Castle before. This illuminated trail took us around the castle grounds. The buildings and gardens were lit up with changing colours. The first part of the trail had a field of parasols, all lit in different colours. The luminous castle and trees acted as a stunning backdrop.

The trail threaded around the gardens and towards the chapel. The outside of the chapel was ablaze with colour, but as you drew closer, singing could be heard inside. The interior had been decorated to represent “The Four Seasons” – the Spring at the altar, and Winter towards the door. It was both beautiful and eerie.

Some of the pathways were lit with Moroccan lanterns, with beautifully intricate patterns. Their white light contrasted perfectly to the colourful buildings and trees.

Although it would be hard not to be entertained by the dazzling displays, there were plenty of little touches to entertain the girls. We felt that the “angel and devil” displays perfectly summed up Emily – who plays both parts very convincingly.

From the dungeons came a mysterious smoke and the occasional roar, within the gardens was a secret trail amidst a maze of hedges and a moving light and music display centred around a perfectly shaped tree.

It was evident that a lot of thought must have been put into the best way to have lit the event. The whole trail had a truly magical and mesmerising quality to it. There was a clever use of contrast between brilliant, bold coloured light and simple twinkling white lights. All of this just enhanced the beauty of Sudeley Castle and Gardens.

Towards the end of the trail, tall trees with lit with white light, shining at a huge glitter ball hung up high amongst the branches. I have never seen this done as magnificently as it was done here. It was breathtakingly beautiful. My photos just can’t do justice to how the tiny sparkles danced around the branches and upon the path.

We were blown away by the event. The Spectacle of Light trail took us about an hour to get round. There are paths all the way around, which make it suitable for pushchairs, but it is definitely worth wearing wellies or sensible shoes. There are a few stalls along the trail where you can buy hot drinks and snacks. I can whole-heartedly recommend a Bailey’s hot chocolate (which was sold from a “Gin Bar” van!) As I have previously said, we haven’t visited Sudeley Castle before, but will definitely be back next year to explore the castle and grounds during the day.

The Sudeley Castle Spectacle of Light runs until the 30th December on selected nights. Do check their website for the exact dates – and you can save 10% on tickets by booking online too!

Disclaimer: We were given a family ticket to the Spectacle of Light, but as always all thoughts and opinions are our own. We loved the event and thoroughly recommend a visit!