Enchanted Eltham

Normally, the festive season doesn’t make you any lighter.

But that’s not the case at all over at Eltham Palace in South-East London. Because from the 2nd to the 30th of December, you’ll find the dazzling winter lights trail that is Enchanted Eltham back for another year, running a huge circuit through the 19 acre grounds surrounding the palace itself.

Eltham Palace, if you were wondering, is a kind of half-medieval castle, half-Art Deco country pile just past Greenwich, complete with an actual moat. So it’s already pretty enchanting. But for this annual spectacle, the gardens themselves are transformed with a huge trail that the showrunners estimate will take you about 1.5-2hrs to make your way around. And no surprise either, given that in previous years they’ve packed in holographic talking birds in ornate cages; glowing fountains in the ancient moat; tunnels and pathways of fairy lights; torchlit gardens; an actual maze of lights; a talking tree; and illuminated projections over the palace walls.

Jo Denison

Annnnd the grand finale at Enchanted Eltham? There’s a traditional fairground at the end, complete with mulled wine, mince pies, and a chance to toast your own marshmallows over an open fire.

After which you certainly won’t be any lighter.

NOTE: Enchanted Eltham runs from 2nd – 30th December 2022. You can find out more, and book your ticket (£15-19) right HERE.

Eltham Palace | Court Yard, SE9 5QE

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