Longleat Festival Of Light & Winchester Christmas Market 2023

Itinerary

Day 1

Join your coach at your convenient local pick-up point, and head for Longleat. The coach will take you through Lion Country, Tiger Territory and Big Game Park to name a few. After the safari you will have free time to enjoy the main square and the magnificent Festival of Light. Various places are available serving snacks, meals and hot and cold drinks.

Late afternoon / early evening we will head for our relaxing overnight hotel stay which will be on a bed & breakfast basis.

Day 2

After a hearty breakfast, say farewell to your hotel and head to the medieval city of Winchester to enjoy the wonderful Christmas Market. Set in a wonderful location in the historic grounds of the stunning cathedral, discover handpicked exhibitors in pretty wooden chalets offering excellent quality specialist goods and festive treats. Have time at leisure to wander the city, explore the market and enjoy a festive bite to eat at one of the many stalls, cafes or restaurants on offer. Rejoin your coach later this afternoon to relax and think about your wonderful trip (and lovely purchases) as you head home.

Longleat Festival of Light

INCLUDED Visitor DestinationThe UK’s original, biggest and most exciting lantern festival, is returning to Longleat.

The Festival of Light at Longleat theme for 2023 will display iconic scenes from much-loved tales and it promises to be as extraordinary as ever. Rediscover the stories that shaped our childhood and make your own magical moments as Longleat presents Treasured Tales: The Festival of Light 2023. Step straight into the pages of your favourite books amongst new displays including iconic scenes from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Cinderella, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and The Wizard of Oz. These gems of storytelling have always sparkled, but this winter Longleat is bringing the shine – with spectacular life-size lanterns to discover all set in over 30 acres of splendid ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped grounds. Prepare to be amazed as the winter sun sets and Longleat transforms into a breath-taking illuminated world.

Britain's biggest singing Christmas tree is also back! Marvel at the 20 metre tall tree as it sings your favourite carols for a spectacular display of light, including flurries of snow!

Continue the adventure with the popular animal attractions. It may be getting chilly outside but you can still enjoy the immersive six-and-a-half-mile Safari Drive-through. Not all of the residents are fans of wintry Wiltshire weather, however. If it’s considerably cold or wildly wet some of the furry, feathery and scaly friends might be hard to spot or even choose to stay warm and cosy inside.

* Please note tickets do not include the Santa train or entry into Longleat House. A guided tour of the house can be purchased on the day via guest services.

Winchester Christmas Market

INCLUDED Visitor DestinationFrom its relatively modest beginnings, the Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market now attracts visitors from around the globe each year and has achieved a reputation as being amongst the very best in Europe. Within the stunning surroundings of the Cathedral’s historic Inner and Outer Close you’ll find over 100 attractive wooden chalets brimming with goodies. The stallholders are individually selected by the Cathedral’s in-house team to ensure superior quality, uniqueness and that a wide range of products are available. There’s a strong emphasis on British and artisan amongst the stallholders. Look out for Hampshire’s finest cheese and sourdough toasties – these alone are reason to return regularly! With the dramatic medieval architecture as a backdrop, it’s an idyllic setting at any time of day, but it really comes into its own after twilight when the Cathedral is lit up and a warm glow radiates from the market stalls. 

Tour includes

• 1 night's hotel with breakfast
• Visit to Longleat for the Festival of Light
• Visit to Winchester with plenty of free time
• Direct Coach Travel
• Net Zero Carbon Offset Certificate

* Please note Longleat ticket does not include entry into the house or the Santa Train Back to top

Accommodation

Leonardo Hotel Swindon Swindon, Wiltshire

Leonardo Hotel Swindon is a 4* hotel located 5-10 walk to the city's many bars and restaurants. The moment you walk through the door you will feel at home and relaxed with the hotel offering stylish and spacious bedrooms, in-house bar and restaurant. Bedrooms come with Flat screen TV with Freeview, air-con, hair dryer and Tea and coffee refreshment dock. There is a lift to all floors and free WiFi throughout the hotel.

For more information, click here for the hotel website (opens in a new window). Hotel formerly known as Jurys Inn, rebranded November 2022 Back to top