The Christmas light trail at Missenden Abbey is still relatively new, and I hadn’t originally planned to do a review this year. We have already done a couple of light trails this year (although I genuinely don’t think you can do too many!!) and the website made me question if it was good value for money or not. I’d put a post out on the Facebook page and the feedback had been positive but ultimately we’d decided to wait until next year. Then they got in touch and invited us down to do a review, so last night we went along to see it for ourselves. Missenden Abbey is based in Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire.
We were kindly invited to attend the Christmas light trail at Missenden Abbey but they did not see this review prior to publication and had no input into its contents.
You’re greeted with a complimentary hot chocolate (with all the toppings) and mini mince pie. Always a winner in my book! The trail starts around the side of the house. Apparently the beginning was different originally but they kept losing people!
How long does the Christmas light trail at Missenden Abbey take?
I’m going to start with this question, because it’s actually what put me off of visiting this year! The website says the trail takes 20-30 minutes to do. It took us 29 minutes to complete one circuit. This included brief stops along the way to play on the interactive dance floor (the kids not me!), swings and take some photos. We could very easily have stayed for longer at all of these areas but it was raining on the day that we visited so we didn’t linger.
Although the trail is “only” 20-30 minutes long almost the entire of this length has lights along it. There are very small gaps (literally of a few meters) where there aren’t any lights. That cannot be said for any of the other trails that we have done this year. Just for comparison we have visited Waddesdon Manor, Blenheim Palace and Silverstone Lap of Lights in the last month. They have packed a lot into a small space. Wherever you look you can see more lights off in the distance. It was clear that they’ve thought a lot about how to make the most out of the space they’re using.
What is the Christmas light trail at Missenden Abbey like?
Firstly it’s incredibly festive! I’d say that’s a given, but actually it isn’t. We’ve been to some Christmas light trails where the lights themselves didn’t have a particularly Christmas-y theme. I want to say it’s a bit like a winter wonderland walk through, but done with lights. Or an incredibly impressive front garden display, but that REALLY doesn’t do it justice and it’s so much more professional than that. That makes it sound crap and it’s not. What I mean is that it feels cosy and intimate and relaxed and just… really nice. It felt calmer and less pressured than Blenheim or Waddesdon. There’s no crowds shoving you along to the next installation, which is always a good thing.
Also the length worked really well. You can quite easily go round the trail again if you want to make the most of it. It’s great for little legs. You’re not stuck on a 90 minute trail with a tired toddler with no chance of an early exit. You can also stop for a break along the way. I’ve already mentioned the interactive dance floor, which the kids flipping loved!
But there’s also these swings. I’ll admit when the kids first ran off and sat in them I was mortified. I had visions of them breaking a major light installation and then being frog marched off the premises and placed on some kind of blogger blacklist. It turns out that these are actually swings that the kids can sit on and this review of the Christmas light trail at Missenden Abbey isn’t the last one I’ll every be allowed to write! Phew!
How noisy / bright is it?
One thing that struck me about the Christmas light trail at Missenden Abbey is that is might actually be one of the best ones for those who struggle with too much noise or sensory input. Although they have music playing, it’s not blaring and doesn’t feel obtrusive.
They’ve also struck the right balance with the lights. There’s plenty of light to see your way around easily, but nothing blindingly bright.
My favourite bits
I really liked the whole thing to be honest, and that genuinely surprised me. When we were first invited to do the review, Missenden Abbey were very keen to highlight that their Christmas light trail wasn’t on the same scale as the other “big house” ones locally. I kind of went into it expecting something mediocre. Turns out it really wasn’t that at all! The massive heart means I now have a lovely, moonpig ready photo of Hubby and I.
In front of the grotto there’s also a lovely valley that looks like it’s filled with glow worms. Everyone was really taken with that. Plus there’s a huge door to the elf workshop in there!
Our Christmas Light Trail at Missenden Abbey Review
I’m going to give Hubby the last word on this review of the Christmas light trail at Missenden Abbey. When I first talked about it he didn’t want to go. He’d done Blenheim so what was the point? To be fair Biggest Child was a bit reluctant when it started to rain on the way there. As we were walking out Hubby said he was really pleased we’d gone. It’s completely different in feel from the other trails, just more relaxed, even a little bit more fun in style. He was a convert, and so was Biggest Child.
Admission cost
Prices quoted are off-peak / peak and correct at the time of publication. Adults £15/£17 Children (3-12 years) £7/£9. (2 and under go free). NOTE – the path is made from gravel and apparently it’s practically impossible to get a buggy through! Tickets can be pre-booked via their website.
Parking / How to get there
Parking – Free, on-site
Address – London Road, Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire. HP16 0BD
Toilets
On-site
Food
There’s a food truck on-site.
Looking for other Christmas ideas?
Have a look at the Free Time with the Kids Christmas pages. There’s what’s on guides for Bucks, Beds, Oxon & Herts. You’ll also find more reviews of festive activities like these. Plus there’s plenty of things to keep the kids entertained.
Hi, I’m Vicky. My husband and I live in Aylesbury with our three children; a 14 year old son, an 12 year old son and a 6 year old daughter. I (mostly) love spending time together as a family. We visit all kinds of places and we’re quite happy to drive a fair distance for a decent day out. A few years ago I decided to set up Free Time with the Kids as a way to share our experiences of these family days out.
You’ll find the essential information you need to know before your visit that can be surprisingly hard to find out. Where do I park? How much will it cost me to get in? Are there any discounts available? Are there loos? Can I take a picnic or get food? My aim is to be your go-to guide for all your free and cheap family days out across Bucks, Beds, Oxon, Herts & slightly beyond. I really hope you find the reviews helpful. If there’s anywhere that you’d recommend please get in touch contact@freetimewiththekids.com or get in touch via Facebook
