The 12 Best Festive Lighting Experiences on South West 660

Here is our guide to the 12 Best Festive Lighting Experiences on South West 660. Increasingly, some of the towns and villages on the 660 mile long route are putting on fantastic illuminated spectacles, with the Harbour Lights in Mousehole (Section 8 of South West 660) going back as far as 1963!

So check out these 12 great events, and book yourselves into one of the many gorgeous accommodations from our partners.

Please use the links provided for details on dates, opening hours and (where applicable) tickets.

Section 1: Sandbanks to Weymouth

• From Saturday December 3, go and enjoy the Swanage Railway Steam and Lights. The steam locomotive and carriages will be covered with brightly coloured lights while the cosy steam-heated carriage interiors will be festively decorated for the one-hour evening round trip passing the historic ruins of Corfe Castle. http://www.swanagerailway.co.uk/

Section 2: Weymouth to Lyme Regis

• From 25 November – 8 January, check out Illuminate at Abbotsbury: an outdoor winter enchanted lights display within the Gardens. Colourful lights transform and illuminate our Subtropical 18th century gardens and create a wonderful winters trail in the dark.  Journey through the heart of the Gardens, in this years extended route and experience the rare plants and trees in spectacular colour which highlights the forms, shapes and textures. abbotsburytickets.co.uk/events/illuminate/
• Until January 1^st: the Christmas Lights at Lyme Regis aren’t just totally enchanting, they also offer you the ultimate opportunity to do some truly individual shopping for unique presents, from one of the many Indie shops in this beautiful coastal town on the borders of Dorset and Devon, lymechristmaslights.co.uk

Section 3: Lyme Regis to Exeter

• 9 to 18 December sees the return of Connaught @ Christmas, in Sidmouth. a truly magical experience this Christmas. This creative illuminated trail through the gardens high on the clifftops is filled with joy, wonder and a few surprises too. It’s the perfect start to your Christmas celebrations this year. You can also visit the free undercover Christmas Food & Craft Village where you’ll be tempted by delicious food, mouth-watering drinks and an array of crafty Christmas gift ideas from high quality local makers. connaught-at-christmas.co.uk

Section 4: Exeter to Dartmouth

• From December 1, head to Powderham Castle for Christmas at the Castle. A magical mix of Christmassy experiences, lots of lights, a grotto, carols, and food and drink, Great event for the entire family. powderham.co.uk/events/view/christmas-at-the-castle-2
• From 25 November – 30 December, the Christmas Train of Lights runs between Paignton and Kingswear/Dartmouth. The multi award-winning Christmas experience and the UK’s first steam train of lights! The Christmas Train of Lights is now the must-see event in the South West festive calendar. dartmouthrailriver.co.uk/

Section 6: Plymouth to St Austell

• From 2 – 30 December, the wonderful Eden Project is hosting Christmas at the Eden Project. Go and celebrate Christmas as only the Eden Project can, with an all-new immersive music and light experience. edenproject.com/visit/whats-on/christmas-at-the-eden-project

Section 7: St Austell to Penzance

• Selected dates in December: Head to the Heligan Night Garden and become immersed in an enchanting lantern experience, set amidst the atmospheric Lost Gardens. Journey through the magical garden trail, exploring woodlands and gardens beautifully lit with installations and lanterns. Discover breath-taking displays of fauna and flora as we celebrate the characters of our community, all illuminated within Heligan’s much-loved and iconic locations.  http://www.heligan.com/events/

Section 8: Penzance to St Ives

• 12 December to January 6 sees the return of the Mousehole Harbour Lights! The annual Christmas lights that adorn the village of Mousehole, Cornwall.  Started in 1963, the Mousehole Harbour Lights are switched on each December, illuminating the village and harbour. A tradition which started as far back as 1963 mouseholelights.org.uk

Section 10: Padstow – Clovelly

• On Sunday December 4, the Christmas lights turn on is a magical time in Clovelly.  Starting at 4 pm in the afternoon, a local brass band leads the procession down to the harbour, with festive Christmas carols sung along the way. clovelly.co.uk/event/christmas-lights-in-aid-of-the-r-n-l-i

Section 12: Lynton – Watchet

• Friday 2^nd and Saturday 3^rd of December see the return of the magical Dunster by Candlelight, when this remarkably preserved medieval village turns its back on the present and lights its streets with lanterns and where possible candles in the houses.  The whole place is alive with music and entertainment. dunsterbycandlelight.co.uk