Christmas at Cowdray is revealed as darkness falls from December 1st to December 31st, 2022, with time slots every 15 minutes from 4:15pm. Last ticket entry 7:30m.
All ticket prices include See Tickets Booking Fee. Parking is not included in the ticket price and reserved parking in our designated car parks is optional.
Please see FAQs about Parking here.
Santa’s Grotto is located next to the Cowdray Ruins and the entrance is from the Walled Garden. If you are visiting the light trail, we recommend that you see Santa at the end of your trail. The reindeer are located behind the ruins. If you have booked Santa’s Grotto and not the light trail, you must use the walled garden entrance by Cowdray Ruins and we recommend you use the public North car park.
Christmas at Cowdray is a spectacular, magical, mile long interactive, outdoor light and sound trail that takes place on the Cowdray Estate. You will see a series of carefully designed light and sound installations, as you follow the path through the woods, ending up in the walled garden next to the Cowdray Ruins. This year, in addition to the light trail we have added a Santa’s Grotto. The entrance to the indoor Santa’s Grotto is located by the Cowdray Ruins and walled garden.
Christmas at Cowdray is a spectacular, magical, mile long interactive, outdoor light and sound trail that takes place on the Cowdray Estate. You will see a series of carefully designed light and sound installations, as you follow the path through the woods, ending up in the walled garden next to the Cowdray Ruins. This year, in addition to the light trail we have added a Santa’s Grotto. The entrance to the indoor Santa’s Grotto is located by the Cowdray Ruins and walled garden.
Dogs are allowed on the light up trail providing they are always on a lead, and you pick up any dog mess. Please be aware the event attracts lots of people and this combined with electricity cables and loudspeakers at doggy level can make it dangerous for your furry friends.
The entirety of the light up trail is outdoors and contains some small climbs and small descents. Please wear suitable outdoor footwear for the Great British winter weather. We reserve the right to refuse inappropriately clothed patrons’ access to the trail. White designer trainers are not advised. Wellies and winter boots are highly recommended.
In some areas the lighting will be low level so you can enjoy the light art experience. You are welcome to bring along a torch in case of an emergency. The trail is not covered and the weather maybe inclement. Please wear appropriate clothing for the British winter weather.
Toilets are available along the Light Up Trail
The light trail begins in Cowdray woods by the black lake. To access the trail, we recommend you park in the farm shop car park and walk alongside the polo fields track. Our stewards will guide you. You will wander through the woods and come out by the Walled Garden, and finish by Cowdray Ruins.
Access to the light trail is by pre-booked time slots, with the final access 15 minutes after the time slot booked. The trail will close 90 minutes after the final trail start time.
Drones are not permitted.
The light up trail is approximately 1 mile long and you should expect your journey to take 60 to 90 minutes to fully appreciate it. Joy Village also has a selection of delicious festive treats on sale which may extend your stay with us.
Accessible toilets are located on the Light Up Trail. They are clearly marked, and our stewards can direct you. First Aid is on site but please ensure you bring all medication and a trained carer to administer it.
Yes, you are welcome to photograph the light up trail and share on social media. Please use #ChristmasatCowdray #lightuptrails