Wiltshire is a wonderful place to visit all year round, and during the festive season, our incredible corner of the world comes alive with a sprinkle of magic and endless Christmas cheer. Visitors can explore enchanting gardens lit up by spectacular light displays, discover unique gems at Christmas markets, and indulge in a panto or the theater. There’s so much here for the whole family to get involved in during the most wonderful time of the year. We’ve put together some of our favourite family activities taking place in Wiltshire this festive season, so keep reading to discover more…

Top 5 Fun Festive Days Out in Wiltshire

1. Longleat Festival of Lights (selected dates from 11^th November – 7^th January)

Head to Longleat to experience their magical Festival of Light this year. This awe-inspiring festival returns with more life-size lanterns than ever before and an iconic Winter Safari. Discover brand new, show stopping scenes from treasured children’s tales, including The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, Cinderella, The Wizard of Oz, Winnie the Pooh, and many more. A phenomenal light show also brings the historic building’s façade to life – it’s a real sight to behold!

Did you know that guests staying at Beeches Farmhouse will receive an exclusive discount to Longleat’s Festival of Light? Click here to find out more.

Distance from Beeches Farmhouse: 30-minute drive

2. Bath Christmas Market (23^rd November – 10^th December)

The sensational Bath Christmas Market is returning for the first time in two years, just in time to celebrate its 20^th anniversary! The picturesque streets of Bath will be transformed into a magical, festive experience like no other, featuring 200 twinkling chalets entwining some of the city’s most iconic monuments. There will be stalls showcasing artisan jewellers, cheesemongers, homeware, and personalised presents – you couldn’t ask for more! You can also tie in a visit to Bath Abbey to see the Shoppers’ Carols on 25^th November, 2^nd December and 9^th December – everyone is welcome!

Find out more about getting to Bath Christmas Market on our website.

Distance from Beeches Farmhouse: 15-minute train journey to Bath from Bradford on Avon

3. Christmas at Stourhead (1^st – 31^st December)

Embark on an after-dark, illuminated trail through the beautiful gardens of Stourhead, as their magnificent light trail returns for 2023. Venture through sparkling tunnels, encounter giant baubles, marvel at glistening trees drenched in jewel-like colours, and don’t forget to keep an eye out for Father Christmas along the way! The trail takes around 90 minutes to complete, and you’ll need to wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the cold weather. You can even complete your walk under the stars with a spiced winter warmer, a hot chocolate, or some toasted marshmallows!

Distance from Beeches Farmhouse: 40-minute drive

4. Sleeping Beauty & A Christmas Carol at Bath Theatre Royal

One of Bath’s greatest assets is the stunning Bath Theatre Royal, and this year their festive offering is truly unmissable for theatre lovers. From Sunday 3^rd – Monday 18^th December, encounter the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future with Charles Dickens’ classic tale A Christmas Carol. Or, if panto is more your style (oh, yes it is!), gather the family together for barrels of laughter with Sleeping Beauty from Thursday 7^th December – Sunday 7^th January.

Distance from Beeches Farmhouse: 15-minute train journey to Bath from Bradford on Avon

5. Bath Rugby v Harlequins at The Recreation Ground (23^rd December)

A fantastic day out in the centre of Bath for all sports lovers is a trip to The Recreation Ground to see Bath’s sensational rugby team prove why they’re one of the country’s top teams. On Saturday 23^rd December, Bath Rugby will be coming head-to-head with Twickenham’s Harlequins for a nail-biting game you won’t want to miss. The ground is in a great city-centre location, just a short five-minute walk from the Roman Baths, so you can easily tie in lots of other activities in the centre of Bath before the match.

Distance from Beeches Farmhouse: 15-minute train journey to Bath from Bradford on Avon

Fabulous Festive Escapes at Beeches Farmhouse

Are you searching for the perfect accommodation to enjoy a Wiltshire wonderland during the festive season? Our luxurious cottages boast cosy log fires and comfortable furniture, so you can watch the flames flicker away as you spend quality time with your loved ones this Christmas. Our accommodation is also dog-friendly, so your pooch is more than welcome to join the party! Whether you’re planning a small family getaway or a large group gathering, our cottages can sleep anywhere up to 10 people. We can welcome groups of up to 30 people, spread across each of our different accommodations with luxury en-suite rooms available in addition to our beautiful cottages.

We currently have very limited availability for Christmas stays from 22^nd December and New Year’s stays from 30^th December. Or why not make the most of those luxuriously long days between Christmas and New Year with a 3-night stay from 27^th December? Book your unforgettable festive escape at Beeches Farmhouse today!