Christmas lights may be a little dimmer this year, as we all try to head off big bills, but the festive season wouldn’t be complete without a bit of sparkle and shine.
And there’s plenty of that in Sussex.
In the past we’ve revelled at Brighton’s Burning of the Clocks procession, enjoyed a weird and wonderful sound and light show at Southover Grange in Lewes and witnessed the spectacular moon over the lake at Leonardslee Gardens.
This year we walked back in time on the illuminated 1066 trail at Battle Abbey, and immersed ourselves in the light spectrum of Glow Wild at Wakehurst – a truly magical experience.
Running on selected evenings from 24 November through to 1 January 2023, the gardens are transformed by lanterns, lights, soundscapes, artworks and flaming torches on a brand-new route which draws you ever deeper into the wildness.
Even if you’re a regular visitor to Wakehurst, prepare to be amazed and even a little disorientated as the subtly lit rainbow path leads you on.
That’s what makes Glow Wild so special – it’s not just glittery tinsel and sparkling lights. The displays draw on Wakehurst’s unique character as a botanic garden with over 500 acres of plants from across the globe.
What to see at Glow Wild 2022
First, collect a colourful lantern at the start of your adventure. This is one of the most delightful aspects of Glow Wild – bobbing lanterns strung out along the path make you feel part of the trail as you discover ever-more enchanting displays on a route that takes about an hour to complete.
There are so many beautiful and imaginative things to see, smell and hear that it’s hard to pick out the best.
I loved the British birds in the open-air aviary, with sun kissed clouds dancing above my head. Standing still and listening to the calls, cries and twittering of finches, robins, woodpeckers and more it felt, despite the cold, like a summer morning in the wood.
And do stay to watch the peacock dance!
Judging by the comments around us, the gigantic, illuminated insects were a huge hit with the young ones. Giant bees hover over flowers, a dung beetle rolls a sparkling ball of poop and the millipede clitters and clatters.
A field of over 300 flaming torches dazzles in the night while above, giant raindrops threaten to douse the flames.
The woodland scene is all peace and tranquillity under a crescent moon, while a tunnel of glimmering greenery surrounds you with the textures, sounds and smells of moss and lichen.
If you’re lucky enough to be there on a clear night, the stars add an extra dimension to the fascinating light show that uses the trees of Wakehurst as its backdrop. Not so lucky with the weather? Well, wind-tossed branches will bring this display to new, stormier levels.
Stand awhile at the Black Pond for a truly immersive experience. Bioluminescent strands snake across the surface and soft harmonies fill the air, so seductive I found myself humming along.
Mansion Pond in front of the house is a symphony of light with flowers up to 4 metres wide floating on the surface, drawing passing butterflies towards their glowing display.
Pork Belly couldn’t tear himself away, until I mentioned there was a firepit and marshmallows for toasting ahead!
Leaving my lantern at the foot of the UK’s tallest living Christmas tree – 37 metres high, dazzling with 1,800 energy-saving bulbs – I was greeted by the welcome aroma of roasting spuds, hot dogs (all with vegan options) mulled wine, hot chocolate and the yummy marshmallows I’d promised Pork Belly, all for sale from neat wooden huts.
Don’t miss the family-friendly entertainment at the end of the trail from the Glow Wild Storytellers. We were last home, and the light-strewn couple treated us to an epic fantasy poem around the dying embers of the firepit – a beautiful end to a magical evening.
Visiting Glow Wild at Wakehurst
Entry slots are timed every 20 minutes on selected evenings between 4.30 and 8pm.
You can take your time, but the gardens close at 10pm
They run special adult-only events for romantics and some quiet sessions.
Prices from £17 for adults, £11 for children, with discounts for Wakehurst and Kew members.
A family ticket is £53 for 2 adults and 2 children, but under 4s go free.
For details and tickets, see the Kew Glow Wild website
2023 will be the tenth anniversary of Glow Wild, and they’ve already begun planning.
Early Bird tickets with a saving of 10% will go on sale from 3 January 2023 until Valentine’s Day, so Book Early!
Accessibility at Glow Wild
The trail is just over one mile long. It is fully accessible and can be viewed from hard standing and the flat gravel paths, which are suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Be aware there are some slopes and not all paths are concrete or even.
Wheelchairs are available to borrow on a first come, first served basis. Two mobility scooters are available per evening and must be booked in advance by calling 01444 894067.
Only registered disability assistance dogs are allowed.
There will be a limited number of quiet session tickets which are suitable for visitors with hidden disabilities, such as autism, to make for a more comfortable visit whilst still enjoying the sensory elements of Glow Wild. Check their website for details.
Getting to Wakehurst
If you’re coming by car, Wakehurst is north of Haywards Heath on the B2028
Car parking is free.
For rail travellers, there’s a shuttle bus from Haywards Heath
Not near Wakehurst?
There are loads of amazing light shows across the country in the run-up to Christmas.
There are over 1 million twinkling lights at Edinburgh Botanic Gardens, and many of the UK’s stately homes and parks have immense displays this year.
Lightopia has events in London, Manchester and Alton Towers.
Lightup Trails have similar events throughout the UK.
So where will you get your fix of festive sparkle in 2022?
Photos copyright ©rosemaryandporkbelly. Additional images courtesy of Wakehurst Kew
Where to next?
• Wakehurst, a wild and wonderful botanic garden
• Beautiful garden at Leonardslee
• 9 best Christmas markets in the UK