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Winter Lights at Anglesey Abbey

bursts of yellow lights against dark background
bursts of yellow lights against dark background | © National Trust Images / Justin Minns

Our biggest annual fundraiser of the year returns. On weekends from Friday 17 November to Sunday 10 December we invite you to join us for an enchanting, magical celebration of the natural world. An alternative to traditional Christmas experiences ‘Nature by Night, Nature by Light’ is a beautiful, sensory after-dark journey that brings the gardens of Anglesey Abbey to life in all their wonder.

Book your 2023 tickets

Tickets are now on sale for Winter Lights at Anglesey Abbey 2023. Secure your tickets today to avoid disappointment.

Entertainment for the whole family

Experience the gardens at Anglesey Abbey after dark with a stunning light display.

When walking the grounds, get close to winter wildlife as you encounter the mesmerising metalwork sculptures created by renowned artist Jeni Cairns. These exquisite creations, featuring an owl, fox and deer, appear throughout the gardens and are set to come to life through the gentle glimpses of light that surround them.

To celebrate Anglesey Abbey’s extensive snowdrop collection, experience a magical moment where delicate white flowers will be nestled amongst the gardens, handcrafted using repurposed milk bottles by a team of volunteers, reminding visitors of the beauty that can emerge from the simplest of materials.

And venture into the heart of history as Anglesey Abbey unveils its ‘Field to Flour’ story, a short film that will be projected onto the working 18th-century watermill. Created by a team of volunteer millers, the film uses greenscreen technology to paint a vivid narrative of the journey from field to flour, capturing every essence of the milling process. This new projection promises to be a highlight of the Winter Lights event.

Live music

There’s something for everyone to enjoy with live music from Cambridge Jazz Festival in the Courtyard and Cambridge Folk Festival in the Orchard every night.

Foodie favourites

Local favourites catering at the event this year include: Caffe Mobile, Pull me Cheri, Vegeteria and Waffle & Co.

Treat yourself and your friends or family to something warm and tasty. There'll be scrumptious waffles, with sweet, savoury and gluten free options available, as well as wraps, and plenty of hot chocolate.

With vegan and vegetarian Mediterranean snacks, mulled wine and warm sausage rolls, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

All the food trucks will be waiting for you in the Orchard, about halfway along the route.

About Jeni Cairns

Alongside a variety of artists and performers we’re working with Jeni Cairns, an award-winning artist and garden designer living in rural Cambridgeshire. Her work covers a wide variety of mediums and disciplines including metal work such as welding and oxy acetylene cutting, which has been seen in previous years at Winter Lights, as well as painting, collage, sculpture, drawing, garden design and planting. ​Her awards include Gold and Best Summer Garden at RHS Hampton Court 2014 and Gold and Best in Show in the RHS Hampton 2016 show.

Essential information

Winter Lights at Anglesey Abbey 2023 will run on weekends from 17 November to 10 December.

Tickets are allocated by staggered trail start times and digital or printed tickets are accepted.

The trail is approximately one and a half miles long and we recommend allowing between one and two hours for your visit.

Food and drink is available from a range of talented independent street food vendors in the Orchard which is about half way along the route. Separate charges apply for all food and drink.

The event takes place entirely outdoors and appropriate clothing and footwear is essential.

Car parking is available onsite for Winter Lights ticket holders and is included in the ticket price.

Multicoloured tree lit up at night
Multicoloured tree lit up at night | © National Trust Images / Justin Minns

Access information

Please click here to see the detailed event access statement

The route is approximately 1½ miles long with mainly hard paths and undulating terrain. Electric scooter and wheelchair users are welcome to bring their access aids. We have a limited number of access aids available to hire each night, to find out more and book please call 01223 810080 or email angleseyabbey@nationaltrust.org.uk

If you require one or two carers or companions to accompany you to the event, their entry is free. Please ensure you include a free ticket for each carer or companion at the point of booking.

Ticket prices

Adult: £20
Child (5-17years): £15.50
Family (1 adult, 2 children): £47
Family (2 adults, 2 children): £66
Under 5years and Carers: free

Join us as a Winter Lights Event Volunteer

Winter Lights is our biggest fundraising event of the year, and we need your help. If you fancy joining the Winter Lights events team as a volunteer then find out more here:

Image shows the trees in the garden at Saltram illuminated by colourful lights as part of a Christmas lights event

Book your tickets for Winter Lights at Anglesey Abbey

Surround yourself with sparkle on this magical, after-dark illuminated trail.

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