Last Updated on December 16, 2022 by Suzy McCullough
Yorkshire Wildlife Park’s Winter Illuminations have been taking place for a few years now. There are over 2,400 metres of illuminated trails with giant hand-crafted lanterns and many twinkling lights to light your way. The illuminations usually start in late November and finish in mid-January.
Tickets for the illuminations do not include day entry to the wildlife park although you can upgrade your ticket to include day entry. To visit you book a time slot for entry to the trail so if you do visit for the day you need to exit and then reenter later. There is plenty to do in the Hive while you wait including a possible visit to Evolution for something to eat.
We managed to visit during an extremely cold spell so it was lovely to see two of their indoor food and drink venues open along the way. I must admit we stopped inside both of them to warm up.
The trail is honestly one of the best I’ve ever seen. It was different to others that we’ve been to as the lights were mostly giant lanterns rather than colourful light displays. There are some sections without lanterns due to the layout of the park but it was such a long trail it was quite nice to have the route broken up, so to speak.
Many of their lanterns are based on animals and attractions within the wildlife park. Many of their animals also have a lantern within the trail. This, in a way, took away a lot of the festive aspect of a light trail but with it being on until mid-January it makes it more an enjoyable winter event rather than being specifically ‘festive’. Lights are pretty much synonymous with Christmas anyway.
Even their long bridge was lit up.
There were strings of lights to light the way along many parts of the trail.
You will also find a mini-fair halfway around. There were three rides and each was priced around £3-3.50. We headed inside their big tent here for a delicious mulled wine which was only £4.
The section after their fair was my favourite and it was certainly the area with the most lanterns. This was themed on the dinosaurs that they now have at the park. It really is amazing how the lanterns are made as they really do look good.
Although the trail is mostly lanterns they also had a tunnel of lights that changed colour with the music.
There were still plenty more lanterns to see although on your return there is a very long walk without much to see. You later rejoin the trail and head back around the opposite side of the lake. Here there were a few more lanterns and a small light show on the lake.
It was nice to see their new dinosaur area all lit up. It was really atmospheric as they were also still moving and making sounds. We were super cold by now though so had to miss most of this area out but you could have easily spent another 10-15 minutes (or more) exploring this area.
We were there for 2 hours which included two relatively short stops for drinks and a warm-up. This is certainly the longest light trail we’ve ever been to and it was certainly worth the money. It isn’t cheap by any means but if you visit you will understand why.
Important Information
Address: Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Hurst Ln, Doncaster, DN9 3HQ
Car parking at Yorkshire Wildlife Park – There is a huge free car park which is a few minutes walk from the entrance. Please allow yourselves a few minutes extra to walk.
Ticket Prices – Adults £22, children aged 3-15 £19, under 3s are free.
Food and drink options – There are a number of places open where you can purchase food and drinks.
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