It’s the time of year for light trails and Illuminating Ushaw is back to add some sparkle to Durham! This is the third time that the event has been brought to the grounds and gardens of Ushaw Historic House, promising to create a light and colour spectacle. But it’s the first time that it has led all the way into the incredible St. Cuthbert’s Chapel, which is a real sight to see.
But before I get too ahead of myself, let’s talk through all the things you need to know about this event and how you can visit.
What is Illuminating Ushaw?
Illuminating Ushaw is an enchanting light, colour and art trail that guides you around Ushaw Historic House & Gardens. Their gardens are filled with illuminations to create a winter wonderland that you don’t want to miss. The whole area is completely transformed, so much so that you might not be able to recognise it as you explore the magic of light in the dark.
For 2022, the theme is Land of Enchantment, so you can expect to see installations that celebrate the beauty of the natural world and those festive warm fuzzy feelings. This year also sees the addition of a new part to the trail. Illuminating Ushaw 2022 takes guests into the stunning St. Cuthbert’s Chapel to experience the building like never before. It’s incredibly atmospheric and unique, so it isn’t one to miss!
When is Illuminating Ushaw on ’til?
This event is running throughout weekends in December, starting Sat 3 and Sun 4, followed by Sat 10 and Sun 11, and finishing with Fri 16, Sat 17 and Sun 18. So there’s still plenty of time to go along and soak up some of the sparkle.
How can I get tickets?
Tickets to Illuminating Ushaw are available via the website, but be quick. They’re likely to sell fast! Tickets cost £12 per adult and £10 per child, but children under 2 can visit for free. The trail is also dog-friendly, however, dogs will not be allowed into the chapel or gift shop. The tickets include free parking, which you can access just opposite the entrance to Ushaw’s driveway (there will be people on hand to help guide you in).
Timeslots are available between 4:30-6:30pm, with Ushaw Historic House closing at 8pm. The suggested dwell time for the trail is around 1 hour, giving you plenty of time to explore, but there is no specific end time for your ticket.
Is the event accessible?
The trail follows paths around the grounds of Ushaw Historic House, so it’s wheelchair and buggy-friendly. Guide dogs are also permitted, and public toilets will be open throughout the event and are accessible via the East Wing Reception. While the trail itself is accessible, please be aware that the car park field can get pretty churned up and muddy. The stewards may allow wheelchairs to use the gravelled road entrance, but we saw people with pushchairs walking over the boggy grass, so this is something to consider. Choose your footwear carefully!
What can I see at Illuminating Ushaw?
Many of the artworks around the trail fit the Land of Enchantment theme, with the dome-shaped Catching Stars, filled with hundreds of suspended stars that were designed by children from local schools. There’s the large scale Ushaw Rabbit, created from metal and willow, and adapted from Ushaw’s heralidc crest. Winter in Bloom features triumphant, glowing flowers, waiting for the end of winter, and the Bauble Walk encourages you to find your inner child and get lost in the magic of colourful baubles guiding you down the path. You might even be able to see Santa gliding through the sky…
What else is there to do at the event?
As well as enjoying the walk around the trail, there are plenty of selfie points for you to stop and snap a photo. There is a part where you can sit below a tree and listen to some lovely live music, or venture into the chapel where you may be able to hear a choir. These bits of live music are the perfect opportunity to stop and just enjoy the atmosphere.
There are street food vans if you get peckish, which may vary by night due to availability, including crepes, Greek, hog roast and more. These vans take card payments only. The brand new gift shop will also be open, so if you need to do a bit of Christmas shopping, this is a great place to start.
Ushaw Historic House & Grounds is a registered independent charity that relies on donations and volunteers to help it continue to run as a cultural attraction. They have a range of family-friendly events on throughout the year and you can find out more on their website here. You can also find more info on donating, volunteering and memberships.
If you’re looking for a Durham light trail that the whole family will enjoy, Illuminating Ushaw is a great option. Will you be visiting?
I was gifted two tickets to Illuminating Ushaw in exchange for a blog post. All opinions are my own.