Surrey


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where"><strong>WHAT? WHERE?</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/12/RHS-Wisley-Glow-2023-AE-44.jpeg" alt="The light trail show at RHS Wisley Glow 2023 near Woking in Surrey. " class="wp-image-50928" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/12/RHS-Wisley-Glow-2023-AE-44.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/12/RHS-Wisley-Glow-2023-AE-44-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/12/RHS-Wisley-Glow-2023-AE-44-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/12/RHS-Wisley-Glow-2023-AE-44-400x267.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/12/RHS-Wisley-Glow-2023-AE-44-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/12/RHS-Wisley-Glow-2023-AE-44-788x525.jpeg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The cooler nights might be kicking in, but it&#8217;s time to ditch the duvet and say au revoir to Netflix for a night of sparkle and light in the fresh air. The after-dark event is a popular one on the Wisley calendar &#8211; with tickets always selling out fast. So take that&#8217;s your cue, people &#8211; book now! </p>



<p><a href="https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley/whats-on/glow-at-wisley" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RHS Glow</a> is a magical sensory circular walk that shows the award-winning RHS gardens in a whole new light. You&#8217;ll see twinkling trails and colourful displays illuminating trees and winter blooms. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe"><strong>THE VIBE</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/12/RHS-Wisley-Glow-2023-AE-24.jpeg" alt="The light trail show at RHS Wisley Glow 2023 near Woking in Surrey." class="wp-image-50924" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/12/RHS-Wisley-Glow-2023-AE-24.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/12/RHS-Wisley-Glow-2023-AE-24-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/12/RHS-Wisley-Glow-2023-AE-24-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/12/RHS-Wisley-Glow-2023-AE-24-400x267.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/12/RHS-Wisley-Glow-2023-AE-24-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/12/RHS-Wisley-Glow-2023-AE-24-788x525.jpeg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Watts up? Well it’s only a legion of dazzlingly cool illuminations sparkling up the place. The light show begins before you&#8217;re even inside the RHS gardens with the wintery outlines of leaf-less trees uplit in hues of blues and purples (particularly beautiful when they&#8217;re also encrusted in frost) and topiary mounds awash with nets of warm amber light.</p>



<p>Once inside, the trail sets off from the Village Square where chalets offer hot snacks and drinks (more on that later). Head towards Seven Acres where there&#8217;s a striking display of illuminated wicker alliums and globes ablaze with a rich orange light.</p>



<p>The trail winds and weaves throughout the Wisley gardens offering up a feast of phosphorescence &#8211; from big beamers flashing in time to natty tunes to illuminated walk-through installations with an ever-changing kaleidoscope of colours. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/12/RHS-Wisley-Glow-2023-AE-88.jpeg" alt="The light trail show at RHS Wisley Glow 2023 near Woking in Surrey." class="wp-image-50931" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/12/RHS-Wisley-Glow-2023-AE-88.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/12/RHS-Wisley-Glow-2023-AE-88-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/12/RHS-Wisley-Glow-2023-AE-88-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/12/RHS-Wisley-Glow-2023-AE-88-400x300.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/12/RHS-Wisley-Glow-2023-AE-88-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/12/RHS-Wisley-Glow-2023-AE-88-700x525.jpeg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The Glasshouse offers a welcome blast of tropical heat with a fun Christmas beach theme, and through the other side the Glasshouse Lake sparkles with disco balls and gleaming rays of light that cycle through the colour wheel in time to jazzy songs. </p>



<p>It&#8217;s a magical sensory experience with something a little different at each turn &#8211; fields of fire, glowing trees and then a stunning haze of purple lighting up Wisteria Walk. </p>



<p>The grand finale is a fire and water display synced to music at the Laboratory lake. It&#8217;s dramatic and a fit ending to a beautiful trail.</p>



<p>The light show extravaganza is sure to be a whopping good time for all, and the little ones will love the rainbow hues and immersive displays popping up here, there and everywhere.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-amp-quaff"><strong>SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/12/RHS-Wisley-courtyard.jpg" alt="The courtyard at RHS Wisley near Woking in Surrey lit up at night." class="wp-image-50933" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/12/RHS-Wisley-courtyard.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/12/RHS-Wisley-courtyard-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/12/RHS-Wisley-courtyard-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/12/RHS-Wisley-courtyard-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/12/RHS-Wisley-courtyard-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The Village Square takes on a European market vibe with a wide range of food and drink available from the chalet huts. The trail starts and ends here &#8211; so it&#8217;s easy to grab a bite before or after your walk. There&#8217;s plenty on offer, from Mac ‘n’ Cheese, burgers and bratwurst sausages to kathi rolls,&nbsp;churros and doughnuts. Mulled wine and hot chocolate are also available. </p>



<p>For those seeking more than a snack, the Terrace Restaurant has a festive two&nbsp;or three-course menu, as well as a cracking cocktail list. It&#8217;s open from 4pm –&nbsp;8pm (last sitting 7pm).</p>



<p>The more casual Wisley Café is also open during Glow (until 9pm) offering hot drinks, including hot chocolate and mulled wine, soups, homemade sausage rolls, festive sandwiches and a range of Christmas cakes made in the the Wisley bakery.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kid-friendly"><strong>KID-FRIENDLY?&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/12/RHS-Wisley-Glow-2023-AE-36.jpeg" alt="The light trail show at RHS Wisley Glow 2023 near Woking in Surrey." class="wp-image-50926" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/12/RHS-Wisley-Glow-2023-AE-36.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/12/RHS-Wisley-Glow-2023-AE-36-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/12/RHS-Wisley-Glow-2023-AE-36-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/12/RHS-Wisley-Glow-2023-AE-36-400x267.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/12/RHS-Wisley-Glow-2023-AE-36-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/12/RHS-Wisley-Glow-2023-AE-36-788x525.jpeg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>There&#8217;s something about a constant array of changing lights that seems to make little legs forget they&#8217;re on a walk &#8211; so this is a great winter event for families. The trail takes about an hour, and is on paved pathways so it&#8217;s wheelchair and pushchair friendly.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-and-dogs-too"><strong>AND DOGS, TOO?</strong></h2>



<p>You&#8217;ll have to leave the four-legged furries at home as dog&#8217;s are not allowed at Wisley, with the exception of registered assistance dogs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disability-access"><strong>DISABILITY ACCESS</strong></h2>



<p>Access is excellent &#8211; the paved pathways mean that Wisley Glow is fully accessible. Wheelchair and mobility scooter hire is also available &#8211; it&#8217;s best to reserve one head of your visit.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict"><strong>THE MUDDY VERDICT</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1197" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/12/RHS-Wisley-Glow-2023-AE-09.jpeg" alt="The light trail show at RHS Wisley Glow 2023 near Woking in Surrey." class="wp-image-50923" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/12/RHS-Wisley-Glow-2023-AE-09.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/12/RHS-Wisley-Glow-2023-AE-09-800x638.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/12/RHS-Wisley-Glow-2023-AE-09-1000x798.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/12/RHS-Wisley-Glow-2023-AE-09-400x319.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/12/RHS-Wisley-Glow-2023-AE-09-768x613.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/12/RHS-Wisley-Glow-2023-AE-09-658x525.jpeg 658w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong> Mates, dates, and ok, the kids too (if you insist). Jokes – of course we do. The light show extravaganza is wonderfully fun and festive, and little ones will love the rainbow hues and immersive displays popping up here, there and everywhere. </p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong> Pooches aren&#8217;t permitted so they have to stay home, but unless you <em>really, really</em> don&#8217;t like being out on a wintery night, I don&#8217;t see why everyone wouldn&#8217;t love Wisley Glow.</p>



<p><strong>The damage:</strong> RHS member tickets are £10.45 for adults or family guest), children are £5.25. Non-members are £19.95 per adult and 12.95&nbsp; for children. All under fives are free.</p>



<p><em><a href="https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley/whats-on/glow-at-wisley">Wisley Glow</a> is on from 4pm til 9pm every day (except 24-26 Dec) until 2 Jan. Last entry to the garden is 7.30pm. All tickets must be booked in advance. </em></p>


Review: Glow at RHS Wisley Gardens

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