Our Dog-friendly Guide to Christmas Light Trails
If you’re planning a magical festive outing but don’t want to leave your four-legged friend at home, a growing number of Christmas light trails across the country now welcome dogs.
Some even offer dog-specific evenings, so you can enjoy the light trails with your dog, knowing they are welcomed with open arms.
Dog Friendly Retreats have gathered some of the best dog-friendly Christmas light experiences across the UK, complete with dates, ticket prices, dog policies, and parking information.
Yorkshire Trails
Ingleborough Estate Nature Trail, Yorkshire Dales
This charming festive trail guides visitors along the Ingleborough Estate Nature Trail towards Ingleborough Cave, where families can stroll through the illuminated cavern and enjoy Santa’s grotto, as well as a Christmas barbecue at the entrance. Dogs are welcome on leads throughout the trail, making it a delightful winter walk for the whole family. Well worth the visit if you are in Yorkshire with your dog this December.
Dates: 6th – 23rd December
Ticket prices:
- Infant (0–18 months): £5
- Child: £20.50
- Student: £15.00
- Adult: £17.50
- Senior Citizen (65+): £15.00
Dog rules: Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times and are not allowed inside Ingleborough Cave itself for safety and welfare reasons.
Parking & access: The car park is located 1.23 miles from the trail, which means access to the cave is on foot; a small charge supports trail maintenance. The trail is well-maintained and suitable for all ages; however, you should allow at least 30 minutes for the walk.
Greater Manchester Trails
Land of Lights at Gulliver’s World
This spectacular lantern festival offers dedicated dog-friendly nights, allowing you and your furry friend to wander through glowing installations every Sunday and Wednesday. Water bowls and waste bins are provided along the route.
Dates: 23rd November – 28th February, with dog-friendly nights every Wednesday and Sunday.
Ticket prices:
- Adult (16–99+): from £14.25
- Child (3–15): from £14.25
- Free infant ticket (0–2yrs) at checkout
- Life Saver: from £12.50
- Concession: from £7.12
- Group x1: from £12.47
Dog rules: Dogs are not permitted in indoor dining areas or the animal barn, and must be kept on a short lead during your visit.
Parking & access: Free on-site parking available.
Northern Lights Trail at Heaton Park
Heaton Park’s Northern Lights Trail is beautifully illuminated and dog-friendly, provided pets are comfortable in busy settings with music, fire and crowds. The Northern lights Trail offers visitors an immersive experience, suitable for all ages. There are 14 zones with food and drink stations located along the way.
Dates: 20th November – 31st December
Ticket prices:
- Super Off Peak: Adult £15 | Child £5
- Off Peak: Adult £19.50 | Child £13.95
- Standard: Adult £21.50 | Child £14.95
- Peak: Adult £23.95 | Child £16.50
Dog rules: Dogs must be on a lead and used to crowds, loud noises, and fire effects.
Parking & access: On-site parking must be booked in advance and visitors should be aware that parking is around a 5 – 10 minute walk to the trail entrance.
Lancashire Trails
The Most Wonderful Rhyme of the Year, Lytham Hall
While not a dedicated light trail, Lytham Hall’s grounds are transformed into a festive destination perfect for a seasonal dog walk. The mix of woodland, parkland and open spaces makes it a scenic spot for dogs on leads. Visitors can expect a beautifully lit trail featuring festive scenes, interactive areas, and glowing lights throughout the grounds.
Dates: 25th November – 4th January, open daily (except Mondays), There is no booking required during the daytime, however booking is required for each time slot available on the evenings at 5pm, 5:30pm, 6pm, 6:30pm or 7pm.
Ticket prices:
- Between £8.50 – £15
Dog rules: Dogs must be kept on leads at all times, including barn, courtyard and tea room areas.
Parking & access: There is paid on-site parking available; visitors need to pay at the parking terminal on entry.
Worcestershire Trails
Winter Glow, Worcestershire
Winter Glow offers designated ‘Santa Paws’ days, plus multiple dog-friendly days across December where dogs are welcome on the light trail, in the food court, café and bar. Winter Glow is famous in the UK for getting visitors into the festive spirit with its spectacular light shows and experiences for all the family to enjoy. Dogs must be added to ‘Santa Paws’ booking by adding an ‘additional dog’ ticket, there is no additional charge for dogs visiting the Light Trail, it’s simply so staff can know how many to expect.
Dates: Specific dog-friendly days include, 21st & 22nd of November and on the 15th, 16th, 17th and 18th of December.
Ticket prices:
- Adult: £12.50 – £24.95
- Child (11–16): £6.50 – £12.95
- Child (3–10): £6.50 – £12.95
- Under 3s: Free
Dog rules: Dogs are only permitted on ‘Santa Paws’ designated days and must be on short leads at all times. Waste bins and water bowls are located across the trail. Dogs are not permitted on the ice rink or fairground rides.
Parking & access: Parking for the Winter Glow event at the Three Counties Showground in Worcestershire is free of charge. There is a mix of tarmac and temporary tracked paths, suitable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
Cornwall & Devon Trails
Christmas at the Castle, Powderham Castle
Powderham Castle offers a cosy festive experience with choir performances by castle staff, workshops and beautifully decorated interiors in the castle itself. Dogs on leads are welcome inside the buildings and throughout the grounds, making this an enjoyable option as there is something for the whole family to enjoy. It’s well worth an evening out with your dog in Devon. Need somewhere to stay nearby? Check out our range of dog friendly cottages in Devon.
Dates: 6th – 7th December, 10am – 4pm (last entry 3pm).
Ticket prices:
- Adult: from £14
- Child: from £8.60
- Under 5s: free
- Senior: from £12.70
- Student: from £12.70
- Family 1 Adult: from £22.60
- Family 2 Adults: from £36.60
Dog rules: All dogs on leads are welcome inside the castle and around the grounds. Take care for small spaces and crowds during your visit.
Parking & access: There is free parking available in the main car park on Castle Drive, however, be aware that there is a 2.1m height restriction for vehicles if you are planning on travelling in a motorhome or larger vehicle.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Night Garden
Heligan’s Night Garden is an enchanting after-dark experience where dogs are welcome on outdoor trails, though the atmosphere can be busy and dark. This mesmerising garden is covered with installations and lanterns across the award-winning 200-acre wildlife estate. Known as one of Cornwall’s top Christmas events, this is one attraction you won’t want to miss this Christmas. Need somewhere to stay nearby? Take a look at our dog friendly accommodation in Cornwall.
Dates: 21st November – 3rd January on selected days only.
Ticket prices:
- Adult: £22.50
- Child (3–16): £13.50
- Child (0–2): Free
- Student: £20
- Blue Light Holder/Guest: £18 | Child Guest £9
Dog rules: Dogs can visit the garden on a lead and owners should be aware of crowds and flashing lights.
Parking & access: Parking is available on-site, evening parking costs £2.50 (5:30 – 11pm) and there is an overflow car park if required. There are also limited free spaces for Blue Badge, local pass holders and members.
Eden Project, Christmas Lights
Dogs are welcome at one of the UK’s most visited and adored outdoor site. The Eden Project lights up at Christmas for a stunning spectacle across the ground and in the dome’s themselves. Dogs are allowed on all outdoor paths and grounds during Christmas light evenings, though they cannot enter the indoor Biomes.
Dates: Selected days: 21st November – 4th January
Ticket prices:
- £5.50 per person (age 5+)
Dog rules: Must be kept on a lead and are not permitted inside Biomes or children’s play areas. There are drinking stations, dog ice cream and waste bins available across the site.
Parking & access: There is ample free parking located on-site, including EV bays.
Lincolnshire Trails
Christmas at Belton, National Trust Site
The majestic ground of Belton is transformed into a winter wonderland during the festive season. Belton’s illuminated trail is now dog-friendly and welcomes dogs on short leads across most areas of this magical festive route.
Dates: 21st November – 31st December
Ticket prices:
- Adult Off Peak: from £16
- Child (3–16): from £12
- Infant (0–2): free (ticket required)
- Family (2 adults, 2 children): £52
- Carer: free
Dog rules: Well-behaved dogs on short leads are welcome.
Parking & access: Parking must be booked in advance of visiting the site and there will be charges that apply. National Trust members receive free parking, but only if they have pre-booked.
Lincoln Castle Illuminated
Lincoln Castle hosts special dog-friendly evenings each year, giving owners the chance to enjoy the historic grounds lit up in festive colour. The festive spectacular features a wall walk, snow scene, illuminations, and food and drink stations.
Dates: Specific dog-friendly evenings are on Wednesdays, 26th November, 3rd December, 10th December, and 17th December.
Ticket prices:
- Adult: £12
- Concession: £11
- Child: £7
- Under 5s: free
- Family tickets range from £16–£38
Dog rules: Dogs are only allowed at the Christmas trail during designated dog-friendly evenings.
Parking & access: There is no parking available on-site, however there are nearby pay-and-display options which include St Paul’s Lane, Castle Hill and Westgate. Larger car parks (e.g., Broadgate Multistorey) are also available or there is a free Park & Ride that operates Monday to Saturday from the nearby Waitrose.
Cumbria Trails
Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway, Tinsel Train
In the heart of the Lake District, a traditional railway hosts a number of Christmas events for the whole family. One of the most sought-after experiences is the ‘Tinsel Train’, which takes visitors through the stunning hills of Cumbria while being hosted by the festive crew onboard. This festive steam railway journey is dog-friendly, offering a nostalgic Christmas experience where dogs travel free.
Dates: 6th – 7th December, 13th – 14th December, and 20th – 21st December. The train departs at 10am, 11:30am, 1pm and 2:30pm.
Ticket prices:
- £125 per compartment (up to 4 people)
- Maximum 8 people; £30 per additional passenger
Dog rules: Dogs travel free and must not sit on the train seats.
Parking & access: Haverthwaite Station car park has 150 spaces available, so it is first-come, first-served. 2 hours in the car park is £2.50 and all day is £3.50.
Greater London Trails
Windsor Great Park Illuminated
A hugely popular event in Windsor sees crowds returning every year for the illuminations. The Windsor Great Park welcomes dogs in all sessions, complete with water stations and even a dog-friendly photo spot featuring angel wings to capture the memorable moment with your furry friend (if you can get them to sit still).
Dates: 14th November – 3rd January.
Ticket prices:
- Adult from £19.80
- Child from £12.10
- Family pass from £56.10
Dog rules: Dogs are welcome in all sessions, but they must be kept on a lead. They are well looked after, with treats and photo stations available.
Parking & access: Limited spaces are available on-site and must be purchased in advance of visiting.
Hertfordshire’s Biggest Christmas Light Trail, Ashridge House
Labelled as Hertfordshire’s Biggest Christmas Light Trail, Ashridge House offers dedicated dog-friendly nights every Wednesday and Thursday during their festive season, allowing dogs on the illuminated ground-breaking trail. Discover over 20 dazzling installations across the Grade 2 listed gardens, including a show-stopping 115ft observation wheel offering breathtaking views of the trail from above.
Dates: 27th November – 1st January. First entry from 4pm.
Ticket prices:
- Adult: £23.50
- Child (4–16): £14.40
- Senior (60+): £19.00
- Family of 4: £68
- Under 4s: free
Dog rules: Dog-friendly nights are Wednesdays & Thursdays only and dogs must be kept on a lead during their visit.
Parking & access: Free parking is available on-site for ticket holders.
Tulleys Christmas Light Festival
A lively, immersive trail, Tulleys Christmas Light Festival boasts one of the South East’s most spectacular scenes, which doesn’t just take you through the trail but allows you to get involved with it. Better yet, dogs are permitted, as long as they remain on a lead.
Dates: 28th November – 3rd January, 4pm – 8pm.
Ticket prices:
- Adult: £26.95
- Child (2–13): £21.95
- Apres Club Adult VIP: £46.95
- Apres Club Child VIP: £36.95
- Carer: Free
Dog rules: Dogs are welcome throughout the trail as long as they remain on a lead.
Parking & access: Free on-site parking is available; however, visitors should be aware that they might experience delays when exiting.
Wales Trails
Christmas at Bute Park, Cardiff
Since 2021, this magnificent event has been celebrated at Cardiff’s Bute Park, the dazzling light trail is dog-friendly and runs right through the festive season, though owners should be aware it can get very busy.
Dates: 21st November – 31st December.
Ticket prices:
- Super Off Peak: Adult £15 | Child £5
- Off Peak: Adult £20.25 | Child £14.50
- Standard: Adult £24.95 | Child £17.25
- Peak: Adult £25.95 | Child £17.50
Dog rules: Dogs on leads welcome; however, some areas may be unsuitable for nervous pets as crowds do gather for this event.
Parking & access: There is no on-site parking for this event; however, there are nearby city pay-and-display options available. Public transport is encouraged when attending Bute Park, to avoid traffic and congestion during peak periods.
Take Your Dog for Walkies on an Christmas Light Trail
Whichever festive trail you choose to enjoy with your four-legged friend, make sure to book your ticket ahead of time if required and double-check that you are definitely attending on a dog-friendly evening. During a busy Christmas period, what better way to get in the festive spirit than to have a relaxing stroll with your pet and look at the stunning lights while you do. And, if you want to stay over, check out our dazzling display of dog friendly retreats all over the UK.
