If you thought last year’s Lanterns of the Wild at Twycross Zoo was impressive, wait until you see what’s in store for 2026! We visited the brand-new light trail this evening, and I honestly didn’t think they would manage to make it even better than last year. But somehow, they have!
Thousands of handcrafted lanterns transform Twycross Zoo after dark, creating a spectacular illuminated trail packed with colour, incredible detail and plenty of surprises.
There are 10 themed zones to explore, including a stunning journey through India, underwater worlds, frozen landscapes and the return of the much-loved Gruffalo Woods. There’s also a very special new arrival for 2026, with Stick Man joining the trail for the first time.
The new trail is approximately one mile long, follows a one-way route and took us around two hours to explore from arrival to the end.
My personal highlight? India Illuminated. Absolutely stunning!
If you’re looking for things to do in the Midlands this winter, here’s our honest review of Lanterns of the Wild at Twycross Zoo, including what to expect, the best bits, ticket prices, food and drink, accessibility and everything you need to know before booking.
Our review of Lanterns of the Wild 2026
Having visited Lanterns of the Wild last year, I was really looking forward to seeing what Twycross Zoo had planned for 2026.
I thought it would be difficult to beat last year’s event, but the new trail genuinely exceeded my expectations.
Bigger, brighter and packed with thousands of handcrafted lanterns, there’s so much to look at. What really stood out was the attention to detail. The displays are incredibly colourful, with intricate designs and some seriously impressive installations.
Every time you turn a corner and enter a new theme, you can’t help but have a “wow” moment. I think we smiled all the way around.
The trail is approximately one mile long and follows a one-way system, so it’s easy to navigate without having to worry about finding your way around.
We spent around two hours at the event from the moment we arrived to finishing the trail. That gave us plenty of time to stop, admire the displays and take photographs without feeling rushed.
I thought the length was just right. Long enough to feel like a proper evening out, but not so long that it became tiring.
There were no disappointments for us. If anything, I came away even more impressed than I expected to be.
India Illuminated: Our favourite part of the light trail
If I had to choose one highlight, it would have to be India Illuminated.
The colours, the scale and the incredible detail make this one of the most beautiful sections of the entire trail. So cleverly created.
It’s one of those areas where you find yourself stopping to take everything in, because there’s so much to look at. The lantern palace was so beautiful to see. Be sure to stop and look back at the palace as you leave that section – it was definitely my favourite zone of the evening.
Explore 10 spectacular illuminated zones
One of the best things about Lanterns of the Wild is the variety. This year’s trail features 10 themed zones, each bringing a different landscape or world to life through illuminated displays.
The 10 zones are:
1. Kingdoms of Africa
2. Lost Worlds of South America
3. The Frozen Lands
4. Asian Jungle
5. Garden of Wonders
6. The Great American Frontier
7. India Illuminated
8. The Gruffalo Woods
9. Underwater Odyssey
10. Coral Cave
From colourful underwater scenes to spectacular animal-inspired displays, there’s plenty to discover along the way.
The craftsmanship is what makes the trail particularly impressive. Take your time as you walk through each area because there’s often more to see than you first notice.
Little ones will be happy to know that the popular Gruffalo Woods has returned, bringing together some of the best-loved characters from the books by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
You’ll find illuminated characters from The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child, with Stick Man joining them for the first time.
It’s a lovely addition for families, particularly younger children who will enjoy spotting familiar faces from their favourite stories.
A trail within the trail: Reverse the Red
There’s an extra activity to look out for as you explore Lanterns of the Wild.
Hidden throughout the trail are 12 animal stories as part of the Reverse the Red conservation initiative.
Look out for the red-lit information boards to discover the stories of critically endangered animals and find out why they need our help.
The challenge is to count how many of the animals are critically endangered.
Once you’ve completed your search, head to the gift shop to collect your Reverse the Red sticker.
It’s a lovely way to add an interactive element to the evening and encourage children to learn more about endangered wildlife and conservation.
Food and drink at Lanterns of the Wild
New for 2026 is the Food & Drink Village, situated just outside the zoo entrance.
It’s a welcome addition, giving visitors somewhere to grab something to eat or drink before or after exploring the illuminated trail.
You’ll also find food and drink stops along the route, so there’s no need to wait until the end if you fancy a snack.
Food options include:
– Smash burgers
– Loaded fries
– Burritos and tacos
– Churros
– Cookies and doughnuts
– Pick ‘n’ mix sweets
– Drinks and other sweet treats
If you’d prefer something more relaxed, there’s also the option of a sit-down meal at The View.
Whether you’re after a quick bite, something sweet or a proper meal, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Take a ride on the 30-metre-high observation wheel
Want to see the Twycross Zoo light trail from above?
There’s a 30-metre-high observation wheel, offering the opportunity to take in the illuminated displays from a completely different perspective.
Climb aboard and enjoy views across the glowing lanterns, seeing the trail sparkle from above.
It’s another way to make your evening extra special.
Is Lanterns of the Wild suitable for children?
Yes! With colourful displays, animal-inspired lanterns, familiar storybook characters and the Reverse the Red activity, there’s plenty to keep children entertained.
The one-mile route is a manageable length for a family evening out, and we spent around two hours exploring.
There are also opportunities to stop for food, enjoy the observation wheel and take photographs along the way.
Younger children will particularly enjoy the Gruffalo Woods and spotting Stick Man.
SEN-friendly evenings at Twycross Zoo
Twycross Zoo is introducing dedicated SEN-Friendly Evenings for Lanterns of the Wild, designed with families of children and adults with special educational needs and disabilities in mind.
These sessions offer a quieter, more relaxed experience, with thoughtful adjustments to help visitors feel welcome, comfortable and safe while exploring the trail.
The dedicated dates are:
– Thursday 26 November 2026
– Thursday 10 December 2026
– Friday 15 January 2027
These sessions are particularly worth considering for families who would benefit from a less busy experience.
Essential Companion tickets and accessibility
Twycross Zoo offers free Essential Companion tickets to visitors who hold a Nimbus Access Card with a +1 or +2 symbol.
If you don’t already have an Access Card, there is also a free registration process specifically for Twycross Zoo visitors, known as a Digital Access Pass.
This allows you to share your access requirements in advance. If Nimbus Disability confirms that your requirements include a +1 or +2 entitlement, you’ll be able to add an Essential Companion ticket to your booking.
You’ll need to show a valid Access Card or Digital Access Pass displaying the relevant entitlement to the Welcome Team on arrival. Otherwise, the full admission price will apply to companions.
Lanterns of the Wild Twycross Zoo ticket prices 2026/27
Tickets are available across three different price bands, depending on the date you choose.
Adult tickets (18+)
– Off-peak (purple): £19
– Peak (pink): £24
– Super peak (blue): £26
Child tickets (3–17 years)
– Off-peak (purple): £13.75
– Peak (pink): £17.50
– Super peak (blue): £19
Infants (2 years and under): Free.
The booking calendar uses different colours to identify the price bands, so check the date you’re interested in before booking.
VIP Anytime Entry tickets
If you fancy making your evening extra special, VIP tickets are also available.
VIP tickets include:
– Anytime entry
– Fast-track entry
– Access to an exclusive VIP area
– Light wands for children
– Marshmallows for everyone
– VIP lanyard
– Premium parking
VIP ticket prices:
– Adult VIP (18+): £46
– Child VIP (3–17): £39
– Infants (2 and under): Free.
Please note that VIP tickets are for the Lanterns of the Wild evening event only and do not include daytime admission to Twycross Zoo.
Zoo Plus and Pass Plus members save 20%
If you hold a Zoo Plus or Pass Plus membership, you can receive 20% off Lanterns of the Wild tickets.
Simply log in to your Twycross Zoo account to access the discounted ticket prices.
Parking at Twycross Zoo
Parking costs £4 per vehicle.
Annual Pass Plus and Conservation Members receive free parking, but must register their vehicle in advance to avoid receiving a parking fine.
You can also pay for parking on the day.
Lanterns of the Wild: Dates and visitor information
Here’s a quick summary of everything you need to plan your visit.
Event| Lanterns of the Wild
Location| Twycross Zoo, Warwickshire
Dates| 6 November 2026 – 21 February 2027
Trail length| Approximately 1 mile
Time needed| Allow around 2 hours
Themed zones| 10
Adult tickets| From £19
Child tickets| From £13.75
Infants| Free (2 and under)
Parking| £4 per vehicle
SEN evenings| 26 November, 10 December 2026 and 15 January 2027
Member discount| 20% for Zoo Plus and Pass Plus
Tickets can be booked through the Twycross Zoo website: https://twycrosszoo.org/lanterns-of-the-wild/
Frequently asked questions about Lanterns of the Wild
How long does Lanterns of the Wild at Twycross Zoo take?
We spent approximately two hours at Lanterns of the Wild, from arrival to finishing the trail. This included time to stop and enjoy the displays and take photographs.
How long is the Lanterns of the Wild trail?
The illuminated trail is approximately one mile long and follows a one-way route through Twycross Zoo.
Is Lanterns of the Wild worth visiting?
We thought it was fantastic! Having visited last year, we were really impressed by how much the trail had changed. The 2026 displays are bigger, brighter and incredibly detailed. India Illuminated was our personal highlight.
How much are Lanterns of the Wild tickets?
Adult tickets start at £19, with children’s tickets starting at £13.75. Prices vary depending on the date, with peak and super peak tickets costing more. Children aged two and under enter free.
Is there food at Lanterns of the Wild?
Yes. There is a new Food & Drink Village outside the zoo entrance, additional food stops along the trail and a sit-down dining option at The View.
Can you see Stick Man at Lanterns of the Wild?
Yes! Stick Man is a new addition for 2026 and can be found in the Gruffalo Woods alongside characters from The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child.
Are there SEN-friendly sessions at Lanterns of the Wild?
Yes. Twycross Zoo is hosting dedicated SEN-Friendly Evenings on 26 November 2026, 10 December 2026 and 15 January 2027, offering a quieter and more relaxed experience.
When does Lanterns of the Wild finish?
Lanterns of the Wild runs from 6 November 2026 until 21 February 2027.
Our verdict: Is Lanterns of the Wild at Twycross Zoo worth visiting?
Without a doubt! It gets a full 5 stars from us.
I genuinely thought last year’s Lanterns of the Wild would be difficult to beat, but the 2026 trail exceeded my expectations.
The colours, the craftsmanship and the incredible attention to detail make this a really special evening out. India Illuminated was my absolute favourite, although there was plenty to enjoy throughout the mile-long route.
I also thought the length was spot on. Two hours gave us plenty of time to explore without feeling as though we’d been walking for miles.
If you love a good light trail, are looking for things to do with the family in the Midlands or simply fancy something a little different this winter, I’d definitely recommend adding Lanterns of the Wild to your list.
Small House Big Trips verdict: Approved!
Lanterns of the Wild is running at Twycross Zoo until 21 February 2027.