The countdown to Christmas has started and Belton House is getting ready to welcome back its glittering Illuminated Trail this year.

From November 25 to January 2, the National Trust property will be ablaze with Christmas sparkle.

Visitors will be surrounded by over a million twinkling lights, colourful trees and amazing illuminated installations, all choreographed to a soundtrack of much-loved seasonal music, transforming Belton's majestic gardens into a winter wonderland.

There will be picture perfect colour changing spheres, trees interwoven with neon light, an immersive triangular tunnel filled with colour changing hues, giant water lilies, singing trees and a tunnel of hearts leading to larger-than-life mistletoe, promising plenty of selfie moments along the way.

The National Trust says the trail highlights for 2021 include:

• Carol of the Bells – lighting up the night sky with colour changing spheres of light

• Triangulate Tunnel – walk through this triangular tunnel and immerse yourself in a sea of moving lights, colours and patterns that dance in time to the music

• Neon Tree – stand back and marvel at its branches interwoven with multicoloured neon lights The displays follow a partnership between Sony Music Ltd and the National Trust, with the tail created by Culture Creative. A National Trust spokesman said: "Independent street food vendors bring a delicious twist to tasty treats on offer. "Have yourself a holly, jolly Christmas and complete your walk under the stars with toasted marshmallows, a spiced winter warmer or hot chocolate shared with someone special. "Christmas at Belton provides a special way to celebrate the festive season with an unmissable outdoor experience. The trail is designed for visitors of all ages and is accessible to all to enjoy." For bookings, click on the link here.