Spectacle of Light Returns to Sudeley Castle with Alice in Wonderland Theme
Sudeley Castle's spectacular winter light trail returns for its eleventh year with a magical new theme inspired by Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
Running on selected evenings from Fri 20 Nov – Wed 30 Dec 2026, Spectacle of Light will transform Sudeley Castle's award-winning gardens with magnificent illuminations, immersive storytelling, live characters and a host of new installations.
Visitors will follow the White Rabbit through the gardens, meeting familiar faces from Wonderland along the way including the mysterious March Hare, eccentric Mad Hatter, TweedleDum and TweedleDee and, of course, the Queen of Hearts.
Step into Wonderland at Sudeley Castle
An illuminated archway will beckon visitors into Wonderland, with Sudeley Castle providing the backdrop to the Queen of Hearts' kingdom.
The castle façade will come alive with projections, while a giant chessboard takes over the Mulberry Lawn and the mysterious Smoking Keyhole invites visitors to discover what lies beyond.
Familiar scenes from Lewis Carroll's much-loved story will unfold along the trail, from the Mad Hatter's tea party to the Queen of Hearts berating the Knave of Hearts as royal gardeners frantically paint the white roses red. In the Secret Garden, dreamlike clouds will create an ethereal setting, while Alice encounters the grinning Cheshire Cat nestled among the branches of the magnificent cedar tree.
Festive food and drink along the trail
Visitors can keep warm during their journey through Wonderland with a selection of festive drinks including spiced mulled wine and sprinkled hot chocolate. Hot food will also be available, including fresh fluffy doughnuts from the Castle Terrace. Nic Beeby, Founder of Spectacle of Light, said:
“We're delighted to immerse visitors this year in the magical world of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Sudeley Castle's beautifully curated gardens provide the perfect setting for the story, transporting guests straight into Wonderland and introducing them to some of its most iconic characters.” He added: “This year's trail will capture the imagination of visitors of all ages, with surprises waiting to be discovered around every corner.”
Spectacle of Light 2026 dates and tickets
Spectacle of Light takes place on selected evenings from Fri 20 Nov – Wed 30 Dec 2026.
November dates are 20 – 22 and 27 – 29 Nov, with December dates on 4 – 6, 10 – 13, 16 – 23 and 27 – 30 Dec.
The family-friendly trail opens from 4.45pm, with timed entry slots running until 7.15pm. A typical visit takes approximately 60 – 75 minutes, although visitors are welcome to stay longer.
BOOK ONLINE & SAVE 10%
Tickets start from £22.50 for adults, £14.40 for children and £63 for a family.
Advance tickets offer 10% off regular ticket prices until 31 Oct 2026.
Tickets must be purchased in advance and are not available to buy at Sudeley Castle.
They can be booked online, by calling the Everyman Theatre Box Office on 01242 705555 or in person at the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham.
Only assistance dogs are permitted at Spectacle of Light.
> Discover Spectacle of Light at Sudeley Castle
Explore Gloucestershire
24 September 2026
This article was edited using AI from supplied press material.
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