December is a great month for touring South West 660 if you wish to immerse yourself in everything Christmas. 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 10 great events, and book yourselves into one of the many gorgeous accommodations listed on www.southwest660.com/stay. Please use the links provided for details on dates, opening hours and (where applicable) tickets.
Section 2: Weymouth to Lyme Regis
- From 24 November – 31 December, 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/
Section 3: Lyme Regis to Exeter
- From 25 November: 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 4: Exeter to Dartmouth
- From November 27 – 31 December, 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. https://www.powderham.co.uk/events/view/christmas-at-the-castle-3
- From 24 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/tickets/christmas-train-of-lights
Section 6: Plymouth to St Austell
- From 1 – 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. https://www.edenproject.com/visit/whats-on/christmas-at-the-eden-project
Section 7: St Austell to Penzance
- 17 November – 2 January: 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. https://www.heligan.com/events/events-at-heligan/
Section 8: Penzance to St Ives
- 11 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 3, 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 11: Clovelly – Lynton
- 16 November – 30 December, RHS Glow 2023at Rosemoor, Great Torrington, North Devon. Tall trees, windy paths and lakes make a great setting for illuminations and this year the RHS gardens are promising their longest ever trail with an extended route, dazzling new light features and festive music. Pre-booking essential. https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/rosemoor/whats-on/rosemoor-glow
Section 12: Lynton – Watchet
- Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd 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
