Ruskin Mill Trust Students Enjoy Magical Visit to Trentham’s Winter Light Trail  

The visit included a meet and greet with Santa.

On Wednesday 3 December, students from Ruskin Mill Trust enjoyed a festive and fully immersive day out at Trentham’s Winter Light Trail, an experience organised in partnership with Trentham and WePop. The visit offered a rare opportunity for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities to explore the gardens at their own pace while taking in the sights, sounds and sensations of the season. 

The day began with a special meeting with Santa Claus, where each young person had time to chat, ask questions and share their excitement for Christmas. Staff said the visit set a positive tone for the rest of the trip, helping students feel settled, included and ready to explore everything the trail had to offer. 

After meeting Santa, the group made their way into the illuminated gardens. They followed the mile-long trail at their own pace, stopping to enjoy glowing installations, shifting colours and the atmospheric soundscapes that run throughout the route. Many students were drawn to the interactive elements, taking time to touch, explore and respond to the displays in their own way. 

They later visited the children’s funfair, where rides and games gave students the chance to build confidence and enjoy the lively, friendly atmosphere. A marshmallow toasting stop provided a quieter moment, bringing everyone together around the fire to relax, warm up and enjoy a shared treat before continuing their journey through the gardens. 

The Winter Light Trail, which returned to Trentham for Christmas 2025, brings a brand new illuminated route to Trentham Gardens. Visitors can enjoy over a mile of fresh twists and turns, never-before-seen displays, new soundscapes and interactive installations designed to delight families and spark wonder in children. 

Ruskin Mill Trust is a long-standing registered charity delivering education and care for children, young people and adults with learning differences and difficulties across England, Wales and Scotland. For nearly forty years, the Trust has offered a holistic, research-led approach using Practical Skills Therapeutic Education. This method is delivered through its schools, colleges and post-formal education provisions, all built around individual timetables that support each learner’s educational, therapeutic and developmental journey. 

Paul Deakin, Senior Fundraiser at Ruskin Mill Trust, said: “Days like this matter. Watching our young people enjoy the lights, the activities and the magic of the season reminds us why we do what we do. Experiences that spark joy and confidence stay with them for a long time, and we are grateful to Trentham and WePop for helping make that happen.” 

Trentham’s Winter Light Trail runs until Sunday 4 January – https://trentham.co.uk/events/winter-light-trail/