My kids can walk for miles when there’s a fun trail to follow and even better if there’s a chance of a hot chocolate and treat at the end. They’re a great way to get out for a family walk and easy for social distancing so I’ve pulled together a list of great festive family trails in Oxfordshire and nearby.
Christmas Light Trail at Cogges Manor Farm (Witney)
Explore Cogges in Witney as you’ve never seen it before with their evening illuminated Christmas Light Trail for 2021. Running every Fri, Sat & Sun until 19th December. Only £5 but you do need to book your time slot in advance.
Charity Christmas Trail at Rectory Farm (Stanton St John, near Oxford)
Raising money for the Helen & Douglas House, this is an easy 30-40 minute trail around the grounds of Rectory Farm. Don’t forget your wellies as it’s pretty muddy which my little ones loved. Not suitable for pushchairs but they do have a great cafe open to sit in or takeaway and great hot chocolate. Rectory Farm is closed on Mondays. No need to book and no fixed price, just pop a donation in the box inside the shop at the end of the trail.
Reindeer Trail at Bunkers Hill Garden Centre (Bunkers Hill, near Kidlington)
Father Christmas’ reindeers are hiding around the magically star-lit nursery, and there is a prize and certificate for every child who can seek out Rudolf and his friends then work out the magical word. Open 9am to 8pm so bring a torch if you’re arriving after dark. Slots must be booked ahead and last for 30 minutes. Minimum £2 per person donated to charity.
Christmas Woodland Trail & Event at the Old Shed (Charlbury)
The Old Shed in Charlbury have a special weekend planned on 18th & 19th December with an Illuminated Woodland Trail, Live Music, Food & Drink, Christmas Market and Children’s Activities.
They will also have their regular daytime trail running with through the winter period, with dates still to be confirmed.
Kidlington Christmas Light Trail (Kidlington)
A fun festive fundraiser for North Kidlington School. The trail also includes a bonus snowman hunt trail.
Waterperry Gardens Reindeer Trail (Waterperry)
I’ve always enjoyed the trails at Waterperry Gardens and they’re back for winter with a reindeer trail. Help Rudolph find his friends who are lost all around the gardens and collect a Christmas prize! £3.00 per child (children must be accompanied by an adult for whom the garden entrance fee applies)
Percy the Park Keeper trail & illuminated woodland walk at Basildon Park (Lower Basildon, nr Goring & Pangbourne)
Embark on Percy the Park Keeper’s winter wander trail at Basildon Park. Join in the fun with Percy and his animal friends and give nature a helping hand. The Illuminated Wintry Woodland next to the Stableyard takes a space full of shadow and mystery throughout the Autumn months, and transforms it into a space of Winter hope and reflection. Not to mention, a fantastic festive photo opportunity!
Kidlington Christmas Light Trail
Pick up your trail map for £1 and see how many of the festive lit up houses you can spot around Kidlington. All proceeds go to support fundraising for a library at North Kidlington School.
After such a brilliant event last year, Thame Primary Schools are once again running a Thame Window Wanderland! The streets will be transformed into a magical outdoor gallery for all to enjoy –brightening the evenings in the run up to Christmas.
If you’re looking for more of a big Christmas illuminated experience, check out the Christmas light trail guide.
https://redkitedays.co.uk/event/christmas-lights-trails-oxfordshire-berkshire-buckinghamshire-gloucestershire/
