After dark trail
Our festive Light Trail returns in 2024 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 iconic castle grounds.
As dusk arrives, immerse yourself in breathtaking surroundings brought to life by larger-than-life illuminations. Wander through beautiful gardens adorned with twinkling trees and mesmerizing projections lighting up the night sky. Whether you're young or young at heart, our 2024 Castle Light Trail promises to capture the true magic of Christmas like never before.
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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.
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Sensory Friendly version is available!
On Monday 9th December 2024, our autism-friendly evening, there will be no flashing lights and the music and sound effects will be lowered and have been adapted to make you feel comfortable. There will be no roaming characters on these evenings.
On other nights, there will be flashing lights and music.
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Light Trail Map 2024
Click the button below to view and download the 2024 Light Trail map.
Sensory Light Trail Map 2024
Click the button below to view and download the 2024 sensory Light Trail map.
Light trail Social/Sensory story
To help you prepare for your light trail experience, please download our Light trail Social/Sensory story.
Calling all Annual 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!
From
£22
-
Before you enjoy the light trail from 4:30pm onwards.
- Buy in advance & save
- Pre-book online to guarantee entry
- Upgrade your daytime castle entry to include ice skating or evening light trail
From
£33
Limited Availability
- Access the Castle and grounds between 10 am and 4pm
- Includes Stories with Santa
- Pre-book online to guarantee entry
- Upgrade your daytime castle entry to include ice skating or evening light trail
From
£17.50
- An illuminated magical light trail through the castle grounds and gardens
- Access to the light trail route
- 45-minute light trail experience
- Feast on festive food from the Christmas market stalls
From
£11
- Access to the ice rink on the east front
- 45-minutes ice skating slot
- Glide around our ice rink within the castle grounds
From per person
£50
- An unforgettable overnight stay within the castle grounds
- Additional evening entertainment in the Knight's Village
- Elf wake-up call
From
£29.50
- An illuminated magical light trail through the castle grounds and gardens
- Access to the light trail route
- 45-minute light trail experience
From
£29.50
- Autism friendly evenings
- Daytime entry to the Castle and Grounds
- An illuminated magical light trail through the castle grounds and gardens
- 45-minute light trail experience
- Feast on festive food from the Christmas market stalls
From
£17.50
- Autism friendly evenings
- An illuminated magical light trail through the castle grounds and gardens
- 45-minute light trail experience
- Feast on festive food from the Christmas market stalls
- Feast on festive food from the Christmas market stalls
- Access to Light Trail only
Sensory Light Trail FAQs
Send a quick mail to Accessibility@warwick-castle.com. We will send you our Christmas at the castle Social Story here This will show you what to expect when you arrive.
We will also send you a sensory map, where you can see short videos of parts of the trail and hear some of the sounds and music.
On our dedicated Autism friendly evenings, there will be no flashing lights and the music and sound effects will be lowered and have been adapted to make you feel comfortable. There will be no roaming characters on these evenings.
On other nights, there will be flashing lights and music.
There will be breakout spaces along the trail for anyone who needs a quiet space. We will also be able to loan you sensory packs which may help. These contain ear defenders and lots of sensory and fidget toys.
There will be lots of staff members along the trail who are trained to help you.
Yes there might be a queue at the very beginning of your time slot, but if you don’t want to join it, you don’t have to. You may prefer to chill out on a bench, or visit the Christmas market. Just begin the trail when you feel ready
Our admissions staff, light trail marshals and first aiders. Have all been trained to use sensory picture cards to help us communicate.
On some nights there will be carol singers at points along the trail. If you would prefer not to be approached, please speak to a member of staff at the light trail entrance. However, If you are approached either you or a companion should simply raise a hand and the performer will not approach you.
Simply send a mail to accessibility@warwick-castle.com and we will send you a complete printer friendly accessible map on our website. Don’t worry if you don’t have a printer, you will also be able to request a paper copy of the map when you arrive.
There are two routes you can choose, one is the main route and the second is a shorter route marked in red on the route map
If you feel that you need to leave early, then simply speak to a member of our light trail staff who will happily guide you to the closest exit.
Don’t worry Benches are placed along the length of the trail, there are break out spaces and even a place to sit and have a drink and a snack.
We have created an accessible booking process to help you make your booking, we have also created some simple instructions to help guide you as you make your booking.
Yes, you will find an option for complimentary carer tickets on the booking page.
Please note that you will be asked for evidence that you need a carer when you arrive at the castle. Please see examples of acceptable proof below. Should your evidence not appear on this list, please contact accessibility@warwick-castle.com
Documentation Required
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.
