It has been quite a few weeks of Bristol firsts for us lately. After experiencing the Christmas shows at the Bristol Old Vic and Tobacco Factory, we finally ticked Westonbirt Arboretum on the to do list.
Planted during the mid 19th century, the arboretum has been described as one of the finest tree collections in the world.
We were invited by Co-wheels, the social enterprise car club that provides low emission, hybrid and electric cars, to one of the attraction’s popular Enchanted Christmas evenings. We of course accepted the offer straight away!
With our little one and two friends visiting for the weekend, we joined the Co Wheels car in Cotham and spent a fun 45 minutes travelling to Westonbirt entertained by some Christmas tunes.
It was a wet and windy evening but that just added to the winter atmosphere as we set off on the festive trail through the woods.
We didn’t know what to expect from the event but were blown away by the spectacle of huge trees lit by coloured lights. Around every corner was a new surprise; fairies hidden inside bushes, the Gruffalo posing for photographs, disco balls turning forest clearings into nightclubs and bubbles fired out of branches.
The lights created an almost spooky atmosphere at times and as you can see below, our photographs look like a modern art installation and intricate etchings.
Our little one (and I have to admit us adults too) was very entertained by one of the final sections which featured Christmas tree lights activated by sound. Several very loud shouts of ‘MERRY CHRISTMAS’ followed!
At the end of the Christmassy stroll we joined some other bloggers for a picnic. Being French, Nina couldn’t help but comment that an outdoor feast on a cold and wet winter night was a very British thing to do! Saying that though, she seemed to be enjoying her al fresco mulled wine.
Once we’d eaten all the mince pies, ginger cake and toffee apples, we jumped back in the Co Wheels car. After another 45 minutes of Slade, Wizzard and East 17, we arrived back in Bristol and took our friends for dinner at the Bristol legend that is Atomic Burger.
It truly was an Enchanted Christmas!
