Hoghton Tower Preservation Trust Ticket Portal

Date: From Friday 12th February 2027 - Sunday 21st February 2027

Time: 4:00pm - 7:15pm 

Under 3's go free and do not require a ticket.  

As Winter relinquishes its icy grip and fades away, it is replaced by the hopeful hints of Spring, the promise of light, warmth and renewal. 

Awakening is a light trail set in the splendour of Hoghton Tower, a completely unique, atmospheric experience that celebrates the coming of Spring and the return of the light.

The light trail is inspired by Imbolc, an ancient festival that marks the midpoint between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. It celebrates the slow return of the light as the nights begin to shorten and the days begin to lengthen. 

The historic grounds of this nearly 500 year old manor house will be completely transformed with an immersive blend of fire, dazzling light installations and immersive soundscapes. Join us on this after-dark experience to experience Hoghton Tower as never seen before.

Your journey will begin in the moonlit winter night, draw your scarf tightly around you as hear the gentle sound of snow crunching and owls hooting in the distance. Make your way along the trail as the chill of the winter gives way to glowing seeds, ferns and shoots. The very earth will seems to shake itself from its slumber as the darkness gives way to the light, and Spring thoroughly takes hold in this atmospheric and tranquil experience. 

Our Light Trail invites you to experience gradual return of hope, light and warmth in a completely unique and immersive way. 
 

FAQ's:

General Information:

• What is the Awakening Light Trail?
  It is an immersive light trail experience. Explore the grounds of Hoghton Tower in a one of a kind experience as the nearly 500 year old manor house is transformed with dazzling light installations, immersive soundscapes for a truly spellbinding evening. Themed around 'Imbolc', the Awakening honours the coming of the Spring and the fading of Winter, envoking feelings of hope, life and warmth for the coming year. 
   
• Where is the event held?
  The Light Trail is held in the grounds of Hoghton Tower, Blackburn Old Rd, Hoghton, Preston PR5 0SH.
   
• When is the light trail open?
  The event runs every evening from the 12th of February until the 21st February. Please check the booking calendar for available dates and times. 
   
• How long does the experience take?
  We recommend about 45-60 minutes to enjoy the Light Trail at your own pace. Beginning as soon as you exit the car park, the circular trail takes you up and around the grounds of Hoghton Tower, up through to the Wilderness, Rose and Ramparts garden and exiting around the side of the tower. 
   
• Is the event suitable for children?
  Yes. The event is suitable for all ages, from toddlers to grandparents. Children must be supervised at all times. 

Tickets and Entry:

• Do I need to print my ticket?
  No. A digital copy on your mobile device will be fine or just give your name to one of the ticket stewards to check.  
   
• What if I'm running late for my slot?
  Please try to arrive for the start of the time slot you have booked. We will do our best to accomodate any late arrivals subject to availabilty, but entry cannot be guaranteed outside your allotted time. 
   
• Can I buy tickets on the day?
  We strongly advise booking in advance as dates often sell out. Limited walk-up availability may be offered, but cannot be guaranteed.
   
• Are tickets refundable or transferable?
  All bookings are non-refundable and non-transferrable, please check the details carefully and ensure that you can commit to the date and time before you complete your booking as regrettably, we are unable to accommodate any changes once your booking is finalised.

  If we have to cancel your booking for any reason, you will be offered a full refund or the opportunity to transfer your ticket to an alternative session (subject to availability).

Access & Facilities:

• Is the trail accessible for wheelchair or pushchair users?
  Due to the historic nature of the site, there are many uneven surfaces and changes in level. 

  Access to the Gardens is via a steep, uneven pathway. Each of the gardens is flat and has a designated path. Garden paths consist of sand, shale or gravel depending on the area.

  The Wilderness Lawn then leads into the Rose Garden via a small step. This in turn leads to the Ramparts Garden, which is a sunken lawn accessed by several steep stone steps without a handrail. Within this garden, there is a small turret which can be accessed via stone steps without a handrail. We regret that it is not possible to place ramps in the garden so we do not recommend the Light Trail for wheelchairs or pushchairs. 
  
  Click here to visit our website for more details on facilities and access. 

• Are there toilets on-site?
  Yes. Toilet facilities are provided onsite. Access to toilets in the house, and adjacent to the tearoom, is either via two flights of external courtyard steps without handrails or a single flight of narrow steeper steps with a handrail. Once inside the building there is one small step and a narrow doorway, leading to the toilets.
  There is one disabled toilet facility in the cobbled Outer Courtyard which can be accessed via a small ramp and also portaloos at certain intervals along the light trail. 

• Is parking available?
  Yes, free parking is available on-site. We will have parking attendents each evening who will direct you to the most suitable parking place. We recommend arriving early to allow time for parking at peak times as the drive can get quite busy. 

Food & Drink:

• Can I get food and drink at the event?
  Yes! On the trail there will a dedicated drinks van available and a marshmallow roasting station where you can toast your own marshmallow! 
  The tearoom will be open during the evenings, but will only be accessible at the end of the trail due to the circular route of the walk. 
   
• Can I bring my own food?
  We kindly ask that only food and drink purchased on-site be consumed at the event.  

Other Information: 

• Is the event outdoors?
  Yes, the light trail is an outdoor event. Please make sure you wear suitable footwear and dress appropriately for the weather. 
   
• Can I bring my dog? 
  Yes! Well-behaved dogs are allowed in the gardens where the light trail takes place, and in the courtyards. We do kindly ask that all dogs are kept on a short lead and under control at all times. 
   
• Will the event go ahead in bad weather?
  Yes, the light trail will go ahead in most weather conditions. In the unlikely event that we have to cancel due to severe weather and safety concerns, we will contact all ticket-holders directly.
   
• Can I took photographs and videos? 
  Yes! Photos and videos for personal use are encouraged! However, professional or commercial photography needs prior permission. 
   
• Can I go around again?
  Unfortunately not, your ticket is only valid for one experience and operated on a time-slot basis. 
   
• Is there anything else I should know? 
  Remember to bring your sense of adventure, dress appropriately for the weather and get ready for a spellbinding and magical experience in the stunning surroundings of our historic Hoghton Tower!