Let the festivities begin - Christmas officially arrives at Warwick Castle

Christmas has officially arrived at Warwick Castle.

Despite Warwickshire currently being in tier 3 Covid restrictions, the team at the castle have been able to continue to host some of their Christmas offerings.

Although the castle can't host indoor events right now there are still festive activities available - including a new light trail.

The Courier was invited along for a special sneak peek at the activities at castle on Friday evening (December 4) and despite rain in the evening, it is safe to say if you were not feeling festive before - you will after your visit to the castle.

As you enter the grounds you cannot help but be drawn to the light display and ice rink on the East Front of the Castle.

Back after its popular debut last year, the ice rink will be a firm favourite for visitors aged three and above. Even if the weather is a bit dreary a session on the rink is a sure way to brighten the mood.

Moving from the ice rink, visitors are then greeted by a selection of winter stalls selling a range of items, including season gifts and food and drink.

If you were stuck on ideas for Christmas presents this year, this could very well be your solution!

Walking to the top of the market area, you then come to the entrance of the light trail.

When the castle first announced the new activity for 2020, it was hard not to be intrigued by what this would entail and it did not disappoint.

Visitors start by following a glowing path of lanterns in front of the East Front and are led through the grounds by a 'festive poem of hope'.

Featuring a mix of creative multi-coloured lights, projections and installations, the light trail really does bring the castle to life after dark.

It's safe to say this trail will be a highlight for visitors and certainly makes the perfect backdrop for those Christmas photos - there are even designated 'selfie' spots along the trail.

Warwick Castle is set to host the festive events up to January 17.

The Winter Market is free to visit and open to all - not just castle ticket-holders and will be open daily from 10am to 8pm.

Anyone looking to visit the castle should pre-book tickets.

The castle will be operating the Christmas attractions with time slots and capacity limits and there will also be temperature checks done on arrival. There will are also several hand sanitising stations around the grounds.

As Warwickshire is currently under Tier 3 restrictions (pending review on December 16), the Castle is recommending that all guests check the government regulations for travel applicable to their own area before visiting.

Any guests unable to travel are able to make use of the Castle’s flexible booking policy, offering straightforward rebooking or refunds.

To book go to: www.warwick-castle.com