Luminate: Ashton Court - Bristol Winter Light Trail

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Book Luminate tickets & enjoy Bristol’s best winter light trail at Ashton Court Estate

  • Experience the best Christmas light trail in Bristol
  • Wander through 1.6km of glowing woodland paths and open parkland
  • Enjoy a captivating soundtrack that brings the trail to life
  • Discover brand-new installations for 2025, including a laser and searchlight show across the Ashton Court vista
  • Say hello to the magical “Hello Tree” - a glowing, talking tree that responds to visitors
  • Step across glowing stepping stones and explore hidden corners of the estate
  • Toast marshmallows over fire pits and sip mulled wine under the stars
  • Indulge in festive food and drinks from local vendors in the courtyard
  • A magical Christmas tradition for all ages, from toddlers to grandparents
  • Dog-friendly nights and sensory-friendly sessions available - see More Info below!

Please note: All tickets must be pre-booked online. No gate payments will be accepted.

Visit Luminate, one of the best Christmas events 2025 in Bristol for families

Dates: Friday 28th November - Sunday 28th December 2025
Time: Entry slots available from 4:30pm to 8pm
Duration: Approx. 60–90 minutes
Age Restrictions: Suitable for all ages - children aged 2 and under go free
Location: Ashton Court Estate, Long Ashton, Bristol BS41 9JN
Tickets include: Access to the full light trail, interactive installations, and courtyard food & drink area

What’s On at Luminate in Bristol?

Experience the magic of Christmas as Luminate returns to Ashton Court Estate in Bristol for 2025. This mile-long illuminated trail winds through ancient woodland and landscaped parkland, brought to life with dazzling lights, immersive soundscapes, and interactive features - perfect for families, couples, and festive explorers.

Step into a world of enchantment this festive season as Luminate transforms Bristol’s historic Ashton Court into a breathtaking after-dark experience. Get ready for a festive evening filled with light, music, and wonder:

New for 2025: A spectacular laser and searchlight show across the Ashton Court vista
Historic Setting: Held at the iconic Ashton Court Estate, overlooking the city of Bristol
Immersive Light Trail: A 1.6km illuminated journey through woodland paths and open parkland
Interactive Fun: Light beam games and “I’m All Lit Up” display, The magical “Wish Wall” - one lucky visitor’s wish will come true
Festive Food & Drink: Mulled wine, hot chocolate, and marshmallows toasted over fire pits, plus gourmet street food
Dog-Friendly Nights: Select evenings where furry friends are welcome - see 'More Info' below
Sensory-Friendly Sessions: Reduced volume and capacity on special dates for guests with additional sensory needs - see 'More Info' below

Things to see on the Winter Light Trail in Ashton Court Estate:

  • “Hello Tree” and Moon Over Pond
  • Glowing stepping stones and illuminated waterfall
  • Fire tree, light tunnel, and “I Wish For…” wall
  • Seasonal soundtrack throughout the trail
  • Food stalls, drinks, and fire pits for marshmallow toasting

Book your Luminate Ashton Court tickets today and experience Bristol’s most family-friendly Christmas event. Tickets delivered instantly via email & SMS.

Location

Ashton Court Estate

Long Ashton,
Bristol,
BS41 9JN
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How to find us

On-site parking is available for the Luminate event at Ashton Court and must be booked in advance alongside entry tickets. The cost is £6 per vehicle. To ensure smooth traffic flow throughout the evening, parking will be carefully managed across two designated on-site car parks and the nearby University car park.

Please note: Blue Badge parking is limited and will be allocated between Church Lodge Car Park and Ashton Court Car Park, depending on the selected timeslot. Church Lodge Car Park is approximately 350 metres from the trail entrance. Blue Badge spaces are not available at the University car park.

Facilities
  • Dog-friendly (See 'More Info' for specific details)
  • Sensory-friendly sessions (See 'More Info' for specific details)
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Toilets
  • Food and drink
  • Onsite stewards
  • Paid parking
More Info
Luminate in Bristol: Dog-Friendly Dates

Due to popular demand, Luminate will once again welcome dogs on a select number of special evenings. Visitors can bring their four-legged companions on the following dates:

  • 4th, 8th, 11th, 15th, 18th, 22nd and 26th December 2025

Dogs are only permitted at Luminate on select, designated dates. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors, the following guidelines must be followed:

  • Each dog must be supervised and controlled by a responsible adult at all times. A maximum of two dogs per adult is allowed.
  • Dogs must remain on the marked footpath throughout the trail.
  • All dogs must be kept on a short lead; extendable leads are not permitted.
  • Dogs must never be left unattended.
  • Any dog displaying aggressive behaviour toward people or other dogs will not be allowed to continue on the trail.
  • Luminate reserves the right to refuse entry or request the removal of any disruptive or misbehaving dogs to protect the safety and enjoyment of all guests.
  • Owners are expected to clean up after their pets using the bins provided.

Please note: Luminate features flashing lights, smoke effects, music, and large crowds. If a dog is likely to feel anxious, distressed, or behave aggressively in such an environment, it is recommended they remain at home.

XL Bully Dogs and Banned Breeds: XL Bully Dogs and any banned or dangerous breeds are not permitted at Luminate. Entry will be denied to anyone attempting to bring these breeds on site.

Luminate Bristol: Sensory-Friendly Sessions

Luminate in Bristol offers dedicated sensory-friendly sessions to support guests with additional sensory needs. These sessions are scheduled for:

  • Tuesday 9th December 2025 at 16:30

During these times, visitors can expect:

  • Reduced trail capacity for a calmer environment
  • Lower audio volume for the first two hours
  • A more relaxed and less crowded experience

These sessions received overwhelmingly positive feedback in previous years and are designed to enhance comfort and enjoyment for those who may find busy or high-sensory environments challenging.

All stewards are trained to assist guests and recognise the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower symbol, should anyone in the party choose to wear it. Luminate also reminds visitors that not all disabilities are visible and encourages anyone needing support to speak with a team member on the night.

Ticket prices for sensory-friendly sessions remain the same as standard nights, and entry is open to all. The light displays are unchanged, with only volume and capacity adjusted.

Where can I buy tickets for Luminate in Bristol?

You can get cheapest ticket for Luminate at Ashton Court on Lovetovisit.com. Lovetovisit guarantees price match or better, so you always know you'll get the best price.

Is Luminate Light Trail at Ashton Court wheelchair accessible?

For guests with mobility challenges or elderly visitors, the Luminate trail at Ashton Court Estate may present some difficulties. It is strongly recommended that individuals bring their own mobility aids if there are concerns about completing the trail comfortably.

  • Please note that wheelchairs and mobility scooters are not available for hire on site.

The car park, including designated disabled parking bays, is situated approximately 300 metres from both the start and end points of the trail. The trail itself spans around 1.6 kilometres and has been designed to be as accessible as possible within the natural woodland environment. However, the entire route is outdoors, uncovered, and follows woodland paths that may become muddy and uneven in certain areas, particularly during adverse weather conditions.

When is Luminate Ashton Court?

Luminate in Bristol will be taking place from 28th November until 28th December 2025. Entry times are from 4:30pm until 8pm each day. 

Are there any health and safety rules that I should know about for Luminate Bristol?

In order to ensure your own safety and enjoyment (and the safety of other visitors and staff), all visitors must remain on the clearly marked trail at all times.

  • All children and vulnerable adults must be closely supervised at all times.
  • Luminate takes place in the winter, after dark in a country estate setting. All areas other than the clearly defined trail will have potential trip hazards and risks to health and safety, which may be difficult to see during the time that Luminate is operational, so please stay on the path at all times and adhere to any instructions/advice given by stewarding staff.
  • Conditions on the trail will be continually monitored by the onsite team, but all visitors are reminded that the event takes place in an outside, country setting over winter after dark. So please exercise caution when attending and supervise children and vulnerable adults at all times.
  • Some of the lighting installations are interactive, so you can enjoy some light play throughout your journey. All such installations will be easily identifiable and will have stewards stationed close-by to guide you with what to do. For your own safety and enjoyment, please do not touch any other lights/electrical installations and ensure children and vulnerable adults are supervised at all times.
What should I wear to Luminate Ashton Court?

Luminate takes place outdoors, during the winter after dark.

  • Luminate will go ahead whatever the weather.
  • Therefore it may be cold, dark and on rainy days, wet!
  • Please wrap up warmly & wear appropriate outdoor clothing and footwear suitable for winter weather.
Is the trail at Luminate Ashton Court dark or covered?

In many areas, the lighting will be low level as part of the experience.

  • Visitors are encouraged to bring along a torch but to only use this if necessary.
  • Please ensure that children and vulnerable adults are supervised at all times.
  • All of the trail is outside and is not under-cover.
  • All visitors are reminded that this is an outdoor event, taking place in the winter and the weather may well be inclement. Please wrap up warm and wear appropriate outdoor winter clothing and appropriate footwear.
  • For your own safety and enjoyment, please at all times remain on the clearly marked trail.
Is there food and drink at Luminate's winter light trail in Bristol?

Visitors to Luminate can look forward to a selection of delicious festive treats and drinks during their visit. While full details will be announced soon, guests can expect seasonal favourites such as hot chocolate, tea, coffee, mulled wine, and marshmallows toasted over the fire pit. Guests are welcome to bring their own marshmallows, but should remember to bring skewers as well.

Please note: No outside alcohol is permitted. Anyone found with alcohol brought from outside will be asked to leave the event, and refunds will not be issued.

Will Santa Claus be at Luminate's Light Trail?

Unfortunately, this is the busiest time of year for Santa so he won't be making an appearance at Luminate's Light Trails - he has sprinkled some festive joy across the event though, so you can enjoy an enchanting experience with your family. 

What age is Luminate in Bristol suitable for?

Luminate is suitable for all ages - from toddlers to grandparents, everyone can enjoy the magic of the illuminated trail. It’s also a popular choice for couples looking for a romantic evening (with over 30 proposals at past events!), making it perfect for date nights, girls’ nights out, or even a unique office Christmas celebration.

What do family tickets for Luminate include?

A family ticket includes entry for 2 adults and up to 2 children aged 3 to 15.

  • Children aged 2 and under can attend for free and don’t require a ticket.
  • To access the family ticket offer, all four tickets must be purchased together in a single transaction.
  • Please note that once booked, family tickets cannot be divided or used separately.

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