Experience the Magic of AGLOW - Christmas Light Trail in Bishop Auckland

Kelly

AGLOW at Auckland Castle should be on everyone's to do list this Christmas!

(ad) We were invited to the preview night for Auckland Castle's spectacular new light trail. We absolutely loved it. It was fantastic! Really well planned out and theres loads to see, we only spotted one area that could have been used better unlike some recent light trails that has huge gaps inbetween displays, this light trail is just so much better. I would say it is one of the best we have been too. We went as a family, the boys all came with us and they said it was much better than they expected. It isnt the cheapest but it is 100% worth it as a treat, please remember though, you don't need to spend money to have a great festive season and there are plenty of free and cheap options available ( look out for my upcoming post on this topic)

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What you can expect.

'O CHRISTMAS TREE'

Absolutely huge Christmas tree, the biggest in the North of England, standing at 30 metres tall with over 750 metres of fairy lights.

TUNNEL OF LOVE/Light ( Some confusion on what its called depending on who you speak to or what you read)

The longest outdoor light tunnel in the country, over 100 metres long. It is mesmerising.

SON ET LUMIÈRE

A captivating light show projected onto Auckland Castle. We absolutely loved this segment. Make sure you stay to see most of it. The little mice are adorable.

PLAYING WITH FIRE

If you need warming up you will love the illuminations with real fire.

DANCING FOUNTAINS

The river is absolutely stunning with a fountain.

SANTA'S VILLAGE

See Santa and his mischievous Elves in Santa's village we thought the Santa was amazing and the elves were very entertaining! Younger kids will love this bit. You can also find the fairground rides, food and drink and some seating along with fire pits to keep warm.

Good to know

🎄Dogs allowed on leads but it will be busy, so please keep this in mind especially if you have a small dog as its dark in some areas. ( your dog is a trip hazard!) If you do take a dog, there are no loud bangs or anything so they should be fine.

🎄Wear wellies/walking boots as it is very muddy and slippy

🎄Some areas may be a struggle for those with mobility issues or flimsy pushchairs due to the mud and some areas being a bit steep

🎄Food and drink is available onsite. If you are in the area we reccomend Fifteas vintage tearoom

🎄Parking is in the town centre, we never have any issues parking.

🎄AGLOW is open now until New Year's Eve and you do need to prebook.

In response to a few comments and messages we recieved on socials...

I completely understand that this is not the cheapest of events (£59.50-66.50 for a family of 4). My personal opinion is that if you take your time, make sure you take in all the light installations and stop for the entertainment in Santa's village, then it is worth it, as a treat.

I will also reiterate that, due to the nature of the venue, the majority of the trail is not suitable for wheelchair users or pushchairs with small wheels.

Also, if you plan on using the toilets, take a torch!

The only negatives for us were:

The toilets - not enough of them and really they need some kind of lighting as a portaloo in the pitch black is not fun at all especially if you are a small child or disabled. You can use the toilets in The Auckland Tower which is the main entrance.

The matting on the floor especially around Santa's village. This is a major trip hazard so please please watch where you are walking as some of the panels were sticking up and pretty close to the fire pit too. I understand the floor is muddy but I would hate to see someone get hurt.