How often can you take your kids for a walk outdoors at night? Well, we had this magical experience following a circular mile-long trail at the Glow Wild lantern festival at Wakehurst Place in West Sussex. Near the start of the trail we were given a lantern to carry with us during our walk. Only one lantern per family so, of course, there was a bit of twilight squabbling over who’s turn it was to carry it.
Wakehurst Place is known as ‘Kew in the country’ – a National Trust site managed by Kew Gardens. The 465 acres country estate includes formal gardens, woodlands and a nature reserve.
Thousands of lanterns, their shapes inspired by seeds, lit our way.
We passed lanterns floating in the mansion pond near the estate’s Elizabethan manor. Moon and stars reflected in the water as we followed the illuminated route around Wakehurst’s gardens.
A field lit up with a spiral ring of burning torches. A formal courtyard garden with lantern sculptures and another filled with more flaming torches.
Then near the end of our walk we began glimpsing Britain’s largest living Christmas tree – a Giant Redwood next to Wakehurst’s Elizabethan mansion. The lights had been turned on during our walk.
I had bundled my two children up in winter gear but we were lucky as the skies were clear. Still we rewarded ourselves with hot chocolates (for the kids and my husband) and a mulled wine (for me) in the outdoor café next to the Christmas tree. I managed to get tickets for this year’s family-friendly Glow Wild lantern festival before they sold out.
Next year I’ll definitely be pre-booking tickets again for the next annual winter after-dark festival at Wakehurst Place as it really was rather spectacular – even sometimes surreal.
So stunning! You’ve managed to capture the lanterns beautifully. Looks like a really magical evening x
That looks amazing and beautiful! What a wonderful walk that must have been, stunning!
This is beautiful! Would have loved to see this in person. Absolutely stunning and magical.
Stopping by from PoCoLo
Alex – Funky Jungle
I dont know how to even describe how pretty awesome this is! I can only imagine the warmth that the lights gave you and your family! The pretty designs and the nice glow. Amazing. Just amazing. =) #pocolo
That looks absolutely amazing, the colours and the designs are spectacular, what a fabulous event to visit.
Those lanterns are just gorgeous – what beautiful photos. I love the Christmas tree too – so huge! 🙂
This is amazing, using lights so simple but so effective. Love all of the different lantern shapes #CountryKids
Oh my goodness! These photos gave me complete and utter goosebumps. So beautiful. What a stunning place to go. Thank you for linking to #PoCoLo 🙂 x
Wow, it looks absolutely stunning. And something a bit different. Such a treat to be out in the evening for children.
Amazing photos too.
Kriss this is amazing! If I lived anywhere close I would love to take my gang, it looks absolutely spectacular lit up. I’ve never seen such a wonderful light display. No wonder you will be booking again for next year. thank you for sharing with me on Country Kids
Thanks Fiona – I was quite taken aback by how amazing the lights were on the route.
This looks magical-we used to have a couple of these kind of activities nearby but over the years they’ve stopped and it’s such a shame. My two would love this kind of thing. Great images too.
Wow, that looks amazing, I wish there was something near to us like that (although I have just had a quick look to see how far away we are). #countrykids
Wow this looks absolutely amazing!! What a wonderful, magical experience for you guys!!
That looks absolutely stunning, totally magical #CountryKids
It really was quite a magical after-dark walk!
This looks so beautiful! It reminds me of Tom Bawcock’s Eve in Mousehole, Cornwall (although that is on a smaller scale)! Beautiful photos! #pocolo
Thank you Molly. It was amazing – I’m not sure who enjoyed it more – me or the kids!