As National Trust members we were able to visit the Waddesdon Manor Winter Lights for free in January this year (2022). I’d never been before but had seen it advertised and thought we’d give it a try.
Waddesdon Manor really go all out at Christmas, decorating both inside the house and around the grounds. It is impressively stunning! Perhaps the most impressive is the illuminations on the manor house itself, which are set to music.
Through the woodland walk we found a trail of lanterns decorated by local school children, as well as woodland creatures and fairy lights. It’s a lovely walk and you can join a board walk which leads to the children’s play park. Be aware the board walk up is unfortunately not suitable for pushchairs. I really recommend putting on lots of layers to keep warm, welly boots and coats, especially visiting during the cold weather.
Around the rest of the grounds we found lots of wonderful light displays. My personal favourite was the tunnel of light, where you can get some great photos.
The kids absolutely loved the interactive drum lights. They were really fab!
We also liked watching the floating orbs changing colour. It’s surprisingly mesmerising!
The car park at Waddesdon is quite a long walk from the manor house itself so I would recommend booking a shuttle bus pass. There are plenty of toilet facilities and some vendors selling hot drinks and food.
Christmas at Waddesdon starts this year on Saturday 12th November 2022 and runs until Monday 2nd January 2023. The Waddesdon Manor Winter Lights will continue on weekends only until 22nd January 2023. It’s in January that the lights are usually free to visit for National Trust members, throughout November and December you will have to pay (although I can’t guarantee it will be the same this year, this is just based on last year). To find out more please visit the Waddesdon Manor website here: Waddesdon Manor Winter Lights
Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with Waddesdon Manor or the National Trust. We are paying members. All words, photos and opinions are that of my own.
