After dark trail
Our festive Light Trail returns in 2026 to illuminate the castle and its grounds, bigger and more spectacular than ever! This year, enjoy brand-new installations and thousands of shimmering lights spread across the castle grounds.
As dusk arrives, immerse yourself in breath-taking surroundings brought to life by larger-than-life illuminations. Wander through beautiful gardens adorned with twinkling trees and mesmerising projections lighting up the night sky.
One of the top Christmas events in the UK!
Each year we welcome one and all to come and spend time under the starry night sky and dazzling Christmas lights to spark imagination and festive cheer at this time of year.
Located in Warwickshire and close to Birmingham, you don’t want to miss this rare opportunity to see Warwick Castle in the evening. As the trail glistens and glows, you’re sure to see the castle and its grounds in a different light.
Watching the winter sun set beneath the walls of Warwick Castle is one of the most enchanting sights you will see. The night sky is filled with an array of twinkling lights. From a Nutcracker inspired entrance to displays of dancing light on the castle walls, there is something for the entire family, young and old alike. With a fully accessible route, you won’t want to miss the best Christmas experience in the Midlands.
From
£17
- An illuminated magical light trail through the castle grounds and gardens
- Access to the light trail route
- 45-minute light trail experience
- Access to Light Trail only
From
£27
- An illuminated magical light trail through the castle grounds and gardens
- Access to the light trail route
- 45-minute light trail experience
- Includes a Castle entry ticket to enjoy daytime access to the Castle between 10am - 4pm. Last entry at 3pm.
Calling all Passholders
Tickets for Christmas at the Castle are now live for you to book - don't forget to pre-book your free passholder reservation for entry. We can’t wait to welcome you to this wonderfully festive event!
We had a really magical experience, the light trail itself was incredible with plenty of photo opportunities along the way. It's always a pleasure to visit Warwick Castle as staff are always polite and welcoming and the facilities are spotless. We will definitely be returning next Christmas.
Light Trail FAQ's
You can visit the Light Trail without castle entry by booking a Light Trail only ticket on the Warwick Castle website.
To upgrade your ticket to include access to the castle during opening hours (10am – 4pm), you can pre-book a combined daytime castle & evening Light Trail ticket.
Light Trail tickets can be booked online through the Warwick Castle website. You will have a choice of a daytime castle & evening Light Trail ticket or just an evening Light Trail ticket.
The daytime castle and evening Light Trail ticket allows you to visit the castle and grounds during the hours of 10am-4pm. The evening Light Trail timeslots then start from 4.30pm.
You will need to select either of these options from the bottom of the Christmas web page. You will be asked to select a visit date and Light Trail timeslot at the time of booking. These tickets will not be available for on the day purchase.
The Light Trail is very popular, so we’ll be unable to change your time slot on the day if you arrive late.
Yes, you will be able to add on both types of tickets when purchasing your Light Trail tickets with no charge.
For a carer ticket, you must provide proof of disability on the night (this can be a DLA or PIP letter, Blue Badge, or letter of diagnosis from your GP.) If you have any accessibility questions relating to the Light Trail or require any further help, please feel free to email us at: customer.information@warwick-castle.com
Yes, Platinum and Gold Merlin Annual Passholders can purchase a ticket with a 20% discount by booking on the Warwick Castle website and selecting "Festive Light Trail - Annual Passholder". You will be asked to enter your Annual Pass ID number at the time of booking and will need to show your Annual Pass to gain entry to the castle on the day of your visit.
Please note that this offer is not available to Local Passholders or Essential Passholders.
Passholder tickets are subject to availability and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
You will receive a confirmation email with a unique barcode per ticket booked, which will be scanned by a member of staff on arrival at the Light Trail entrance.
You can bring this email as confirmation on your phone, tablet, printed or add to the Warwick Castle app for easier access.
Please check your spam mailbox as our email may have gone there. Not there? Please email our customer service team on customer.information@warwick-castle.com and we will assist you.
Yes, you can book a Light Trail only ticket on the Warwick Castle website.
Subject to the number of visitors, you can explore the Christmas Light Trail as many times as you like!
Yes of course! Look out for the photo opportunities around the trail to show you the best views. Take as many pictures as you would like and share them on social media using the #ChristmasattheCastle.
Unfortunately, guests cannot set up a picnic within the grounds of the Light Trail. Guests will be able to purchase food and drink during the Light Trail.
Please note we accept card payments only.
The Light Trail is situated outdoors so please wear suitable warm winter clothes and practical shoes as the surfaces may be muddy or uneven.
The trail takes approximately 45 minutes however you’re more than welcome to take your time and go around as many times as you wish.
The Light Trail is suitable for buggies, feel free to take them with you on your experience, but please note some areas are on grass. We do not have a suitable place to leave your buggy - should you choose not to bring it with you, we advise you leave it in your car.
The Light Trail is fully accessible, however some areas have steep slopes, grassy areas, tight corners and dark areas. Should you require assistance, please speak to a member of staff.
Please see our directions & parking page here for more information. Evening parking charges apply.
For ease, we recommend you purchase your evening parking ticket via the app before you leave us.
There are designated bays closer to the castle entrance for Blue Badge holders in both the Stables Car Park and the Stratford Road Car Park. Evening parking charges apply.
For ease, we recommend you purchase your evening parking ticket via the app before you leave us.
No, the Light Trail is family-friendly and a magical experience for all. However, please be advised that there may be areas of low lighting.
There will be areas of the trail which may affect guests with Photo Sensitive Epilepsy. Please speak to a member of staff if this affects you.
With the exception of assistance dogs, we do not allow any pets on-site.
You are welcome to bring a torch, however, all of our paths are lit.
No, this is a set route with a specific path for your safety. We ask all guests to keep to the paths marked.
You can explore our Winter Food Market and Ice Rink viewing area before or after your Light Trail time slot.
If you wish to visit the castle, you will need to have pre-booked a daytime castle & evening Light Trail ticket. Castle opening hours are 10am-4pm.
No, we are a smoke free site.
Please arrive 5 minutes before your timeslot. If you are parking in our Stratford Road car park, please allow an extra 15/20 minutes.
Tickets can be purchased online in advance or on-the-day. We recommend booking in advance to secure your ticket.
Toilets are available at the start and along the trail.
We will make every effort to accommodate you should you miss your time slot. However, we can't guarantee entry due to popular demand. Please speak to a member of staff when you arrive.
