Five awesome winter activities across the network

It’s time to dig out your woolly hat and warmest mittens, because these delightful winter events across the network are the perfect excuse to get out and about during November and December. Book your GWR train tickets in advance for the best deals.

Southbank Centre Winter Festival

Southbank, London
Untill 5 January
Forget your bah humbugs, the annual Southbank Centre Winter Festival is sure to spread cheer to even the grumpiest of Londoners. Is it a tourist trap? Most certainly. Will it be busy? Without a doubt. But for anyone who relishes the romance of the winter months, this riverside venue makes for the perfect mid-week and weekend potter. Expect mulled wine and seasonal treats aplenty, not to mention a glittering programme of festive shows, family fun, music and entertainment.
Tickets: Free to attend.
southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/festivals-series/winter

Victorian Christmas Festival

Portsmouth
29, 30 November and 1 December
The circus is rolling into town at this year’s magical Victorian Christmas Festival in Portsmouth. Boasting fun workshops, incredible fire breathers, astounding acrobats and epic sideshow entertainment, visitors will discover plenty of brilliant festive activities, including a gorgeous Christmas market and a green Father Christmas!
Tickets: This is a ticketed event with adult tickets starting at £15.50 per person.
historicdockyard.co.uk/christmas

Enchanted Woodland

Syon Park, London
Until 1 December (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays)
See London’s Syon Park in a whole new light as the enchanted woodland event returns this winter. Set in the grounds of the 16th century Syon House, the event sees visitors follow a magical trail of mesmerising lights through 600-year-old gardens towards the spectacular Great Conservatory, where further wonders await.
Tickets: Adults – £10 Fridays, £12 Saturdays and Sundays; children – £5; family tickets available.
enchantedwoodland.com

Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland

City Hall Lawns, Cardiff
Until 5 January
Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland is back and this year they’re promising to trump all other wonderlands with their amazing new ice rink feature – the Alpine Ice Trail. The trail offers visitors an open-air ice-skating experience so that they can explore the majority of the site without taking their skates off. In addition, there will also be lots of live-entertainment and a super funfair.
Tickets: Buy tickets online – details TBC.
cardiffswinterwonderland.com

Illuminated Light Trail

Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
22 November – 1 January
Be dazzled by the beauty of Blenheim Palace during the festive season, with its towering Tunnel of Light (boasting over 100,000 twinkling pea-lights), woodland laser garden, scented fire garden and a breath-taking light show in the water terrace. Complete your experience with a warming mulled wine or hot chocolate – bliss.
Tickets: Adult tickets from £18.
blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/events/illuminated-christmas-trail