Helmingham Hall near Stowmarket will open Illuminated Garden Trail in November 2023

There is not long to wait until a historic Suffolk estate, with links to the royal family, lights up its gardens for its annual illumination trail.

The Helmingham Hall Illuminated Garden Trail 2023 opens to the public on November 16 – with the event running until December 17.

Visitors to the ‘enchanting’ event near Stowmarket, will see the gardens of Helmingham Hall transformed into a ‘captivating winter wonderland’.

As well as following a trail lined with thousands of twinkling lights, guests will get to warm up with a complimentary mulled wine, or non alcoholic alternative.

Families will also be able to toast marshmallows around a fire pit.

Courtyard shops will be open for Christmas shoppers to pick up some gifts and Wright’s Café will be serving toasties and festive treats.

There will also be a refreshment stop along the way selling; street food and hot drinks.

Entry times are available in 15-minute intervals starting from 4:30pm and the closing times for entry vary throughout the week: 7:45pm from Monday to Thursday, 9:00pm on Friday and Saturday, and 8:00pm on Sundays.

All tickets must be purchased in advance on the Helmingham Hall website, as there will be no on-the-gate ticket sales.

For those who choose to book early, discounted advance tickets will be available until 23:59 on November 8, 2023.

The Helmingham Hall estate is owned by the Tollemache family and was built in 1480.

King Charles III and his mother Queen Elizabeth II have both visited the estate in a personal and professional capacity. Following in the footsteps of Queen Elizabeth I.