Luminate has returned to Margam Country Park this winter and it is bigger and more magical than we expected.
The light trail opened this week in Port Talbot and, having never been before, we booked an early evening slot to see what all the fuss was about.
We only recently visited the park for its Scream Time Halloween trail and left saying how incredible the grounds would look lit up for Christmas. Turns out we were right, although any comparison between the two events stops there.
Luminate transforms the park in a completely different way. It does not feel like a rehashed version of the Halloween event with more fairy lights. It is a full transformation of the space.
The grounds are already stunning, but darkness makes them feel almost otherworldly. The trail begins by heading left toward the Orangery where the trees are washed in colour and projectors add life to the walls and walkways.
Monuments across the park are lit up and there are several immersive moments, including a spectacular fairy garden filled with tiny houses and glowing creatures, and a giant light-up piano that you can actually play.
There is also a Make a Wish wall where you can write your own message and add it to the display.
One of the standout features this year is a field of illuminated roses that have been brought over from the King’s estate at Sandringham. There are thousands of them and they shift colour in time with music. The display is huge and feels like the main centrepiece of the trail.
Further along, a narrated version of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas plays as you walk, while twinkling fireflies guide you through the trees.
The castle itself becomes one giant moving projection which is worth stopping to watch for a while. It feels like each section is designed to surprise you and the route opens up parts of the park that aren’t typically accessible during other events.
One of the most memorable moments came when we walked down the steps from the castle. The lighting is arranged so that you are completely surrounded by colour and movement, almost like stepping into your own stage performance. It feels theatrical and dramatic, with the lights following your path as if you are the main character in the story. It was our favourite part of the entire trail and a real standout moment that will stick with us.
There are food stops along the way, including mulled wine stands and fire pits where you can toast marshmallows.
When you reach the top of the trail, the courtyard offers hot chocolates, pizza, burgers and waffle sticks.
We would have liked to see more hot drink options spaced throughout the route, especially on a freezing night. We visited under an ice weather warning and even with hats and gloves, it was cold.
In terms of logistics, parking was straightforward and despite cars filling the main car park, the trail itself felt calm and uncrowded. We booked a 6pm slot and never felt rushed or pushed along. The relaxed pace worked well as there is a lot to take in.
The trail is designed to be accessible with wide paths and ramps to help prams and wheelchairs navigate the site. There is one slightly steep section but overall it feels thoughtfully planned. There are also dedicated dates for SEN-friendly sessions and dog-friendly evenings, which make the event more inclusive.
Final verdict: we were impressed. The lighting is imaginative and varied, the space feels well used and the atmosphere is peaceful rather than chaotic. It offers a very different vibe to Halloween at Margam, opening up the park in a more magical way rather than theatrical. We left feeling like we had discovered the venue in a new light, quite literally.
If you are looking for a winter evening out in the run-up to Christmas, this is well worth booking. Wrap up warm, take your time and enjoy it.
Luminate runs at Margam Country Park until 31 December 2025. If you want to see it for yourself, you can book tickets online through the official site: https://luminate.live/events/
