Cornwall


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/11/Heligan-Press-Images-1-1000x667.jpg" alt="Heligan Light Trail" class="wp-image-39271" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/11/Heligan-Press-Images-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/11/Heligan-Press-Images-1-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/11/Heligan-Press-Images-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/11/Heligan-Press-Images-1.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Heligan Light Trail</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where">WHAT? WHERE?</h2>



<p>Back again for 2025, the new winter&#8217;s magic light trail at <a href="https://www.heligan.com/events/events-at-heligan/heligan-night-garden/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Heligan Night Garden</a> has become an institution in the Cornish festive calendar. A real crowd-pleasing favourite for Christmas lights in Cornwall. Once again Muddy was delighted to be able to walk the new magical route ahead of opening night on the 15 November. But with purse strings as tight as ever this year, the question I&#8217;ve been asked most is if you&#8217;ve been before, is it worth going again?  </p>



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<iframe loading="lazy" title="Heligan Night Garden 2025" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/1126164430?dnt=1&amp;app_id=122963" width="500" height="281" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin"></iframe>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE</h2>



<p>The beautiful Heligan Light trail builds on the routes of previous years, taking a new route through the extensive gardens and woodlands &#8211; and has two awesome new installations included in new locations too. The 2025 route is around a mile long (slightly shorter for the accessible route) which is long enough to feel like you&#8217;ve got a decent return on your entrance price, but short enough that it is not actually too far for little legs. As a rough guide, expect it to take around 90 minutes to walk, but also add time for eating, drinking and interacting with the new installations.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2025/11/Heligan-Press-Images-Squid-Soup-1000x667.jpg" alt="Christmas Lights Cornwall Heligan Light Trail Squid Soup new installation" class="wp-image-39272" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2025/11/Heligan-Press-Images-Squid-Soup-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2025/11/Heligan-Press-Images-Squid-Soup-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2025/11/Heligan-Press-Images-Squid-Soup-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2025/11/Heligan-Press-Images-Squid-Soup.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Heligan Light Trail new installation by Squid Soup</figcaption></figure>



<p>Familiar (lantern) friends are still there, from the robin at the front, to the bee and owl in new settings. Don&#8217;t worry, the mushrooms and woodland animals are all there too, in mostly new locations, and once again, it really did feel like a new journey this year. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/11/Heligan-Owl-Lights-Trail-2024-RB-image-1000x667.jpg" alt="owl lantern at Heligan Lights Trail 2024 RB image" class="wp-image-35467" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/11/Heligan-Owl-Lights-Trail-2024-RB-image-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/11/Heligan-Owl-Lights-Trail-2024-RB-image-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/11/Heligan-Owl-Lights-Trail-2024-RB-image-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/11/Heligan-Owl-Lights-Trail-2024-RB-image.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">In 2024, the owl was overlooking the barns, but he is in a new tree location for 2025</figcaption></figure>



<p>The <a href="https://www.squidsoup.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Liverpool Lantern</a> company’s illuminated installations at Heligan holds up a nocturnal magnifying glass to the often-overlooked wonders and beauty of nature on our doorstep and there&#8217;s plenty of new things to admire too. I don&#8217;t want to spoil the surprises, but among the new things to discover are two new light / music installation from <a href="https://www.squidsoup.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Squid Soup</a>. I would definitely allow more time to explore than the suggested one hour to walk the route, especially if you want to pause at any point to enjoy a drink, eat any food, or write a letter to santa. We arrived at 6.30pm and didn&#8217;t leave until after 9pm, and could have spent longer too if we&#8217;d had it! </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-child-friendly">CHILD-FRIENDLY?</h2>



<p>Yes! So many things for the children to enjoy. The team at Heligan always does a great job of making the place feel beautifully festive. Alongside the lights and lanterns there is plenty of Christmas magic, with scenes that wouldn&#8217;t be out of place in a Dickens movie. Again, I don&#8217;t want to ruin any surprises, but your kids will love it. As we come into later December, this will come into its own for festive vibes!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2025/11/Marshmallows-Heligan-1000x667.jpg" alt="marshmallows at Heligan Night Garden" class="wp-image-39268" style="aspect-ratio:1.4992503748125936;width:640px;height:auto" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2025/11/Marshmallows-Heligan-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2025/11/Marshmallows-Heligan-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2025/11/Marshmallows-Heligan-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2025/11/Marshmallows-Heligan.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Marshmallows at Heligan Light Trail</figcaption></figure>



<p>Building on the success of last year with the barn being open, say hello to the donkeys and goats, and make time to pose in Santa&#8217;s sleigh. The trail also goes past the birds this year, so if your littlies love the animals, make sure you leave time to say hello to them all! </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-amp-quaff">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</h2>



<p>Along the way you&#8217;ll find new food offerings in three locations. We loved the tartiflette, £10, and the rotisserie chicken, £8 and chicken potatoes, £5 &#8211; although you could also choose a turkey ciabatta or soup). Also on offer are the popular crumble pots, £7, along with hot chocolates, £4.50, and mulled cider, £5.50, for a proper winter / Christmas vibe. New for 2025 is the pop-up Verdant in Residence Bar. Also included is a marshmallow to toast over one of the fire pits. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<p>Even if you&#8217;ve been before, this year really does add something new to the experience. Longer, a new route, new lanterns, two new impressive installations and new food offerings mean that it is a new experience. We loved it. It is still the highlight of my kid&#8217;s year, and they rated this year 10/10. &#8216;Amidst the crisp winter nights, the air is filled with spices, anticipation, and maybe even a sprinkling of snow…&#8217;</p>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong> Everyone! And not just for kids. From dogs to toddling tots, adults and the grandparents, it was a delight for all. It is a gentle undulating walk and there are accessible options too if you need. Even the simplest decorations like sparkling lights and a disco ball feel magical in these ancient woodlands and beautiful gardens, and it is gently festive without smacking you in the face with Christmas. A great family experience, but also lovely for adults too, or a group of mates, as there&#8217;s places to get drinks all the way round.</p>



<p><strong>Not for:&nbsp;</strong>It does feel like you need deep pockets, but also factor in that you could easily spend the whole evening enjoying the outside, with not a screen in sight, as a family, and that&#8217;s worth something too.</p>



<p><strong>The damage:</strong> Booking essential, and members and locals pass holders must also pay. This year prices are £22 adults / £13 children aged 3 &#8211; 17, with discounts for Members (£18 adults / £9 3 &#8211; 17), Locals pass holders (£20.50 adults / £12 3 &#8211; 17, under 3 free) and Blue Light Card holders for November dates only (£18 adults / guests £9 3 &#8211; 17, under 3 free).</p>



<p><em><strong><a href="https://www.heligan.com/events/events-at-heligan/heligan-night-garden/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Heligan Night Garden &#8211; A Magical Winter Experience</a>, Lost Gardens of Heligan, Pentewan, Sat 15 Nov &#8211; Sat 3 Jan</strong></em>PL26 6EN</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2025/11/Heligan-Lights-2025-Cornwall-1000x667.jpg" alt="Heligan Night Garden" class="wp-image-39260" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2025/11/Heligan-Lights-2025-Cornwall-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2025/11/Heligan-Lights-2025-Cornwall-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2025/11/Heligan-Lights-2025-Cornwall-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2025/11/Heligan-Lights-2025-Cornwall.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-mood-for-more">IN THE MOOD FOR MORE?</h2>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://cornwall.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/best-christmas-ice-rinks-cornwall/">Skates on! Local ice rinks in Cornwall and beyond</a></li>



<li><a href="https://cornwall.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/christmas-markets-cornwall/">Best Cornish Christmas markets near you this season</a></li>



<li><a href="https://cornwall.muddystilettos.co.uk/life/people/cornwall-christmas-fair-eden-project/">Muddy Meets: Kate Holborow and Jane Hartley, Cornwall Christmas Fair</a></li>
</ul>


First Look: Heligan Night Garden, winter’s magic light trail, Cornwall

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