Glow at RHS Wisley

I recently got to see one of the Royal Horticultural Society’s Gardens in a new light at their preview of Glow at RHS Wisley. I love a scamper through a beautiful garden at any time of year, and Wisley is still surprisingly gorgeous with lots to see in the winter. However, Glow at RHS Wisley is something else – think Christmas lights on steroids, set amongst lush landscapes. I wandered through an enchanting trail of artistic illuminations, through the grounds and the glasshouse, ending at the Grade II listed laboratory building. This view at night was my absolute favourite – pictures further on…

Wisteria Walk

Follow me on the beautiful trail starting at the Wisteria Walk… I have to come back in the spring to see this in full bloom! If you’re as big a fan of Wisteria as I am, have you seen my favourite spots to find Wisteria in London?

The Glasshouse

At night the glasshouse glowed in a rainbow of colours, luring you in to see the festive displays inside. This year the glasshouse display is inspired by a 19th century poem, A visit from St Nicholas by Clement Clarke Moore. You can wander around a woodland glade, complete with poinsettia ‘trees’, ferns, red flowering azaleas and an abandoned sleigh. There’s a little challenge to find all the reindeer who escaped from the sleigh… 

It was so warm in the glasshouse that after spotting all the ‘escaped’ reindeer, including the adventurous one at the top of the waterfall, venturing back out into the crisp air was welcome for a change! We meandered along a fairy-lit path next to a lake, and under illuminated mistletoe arches.

Back on the trail… 

These gigantic flowers were so much fun and some of them were even interactive! Cue my inner child running wild… There were buttons you could press to change the colours. You can see more in the video below!

The Laboratory Building & Jellicoe Canal

Glow at RHS Wisley

The trail ends at the spectacular Laboratory building and Jellicoe Canal. I stood mesmerised watching the water lily lights casting rippling reflections for much too long! If you fancy escaping the city and seeing some different Christmas lights, I highly recommend Glow at RHS Wisley. You can pick up a hot chocolate or a cup of mulled wine from the café and enjoy the fresh air and fantastical flowers. Glow is on at Wisley until the 2nd of January 2019 and you can find out more and buy tickets here.