A Day Out at Glow Wild Wakehurst 2020

Each year, we make an effort to go to at least one lantern or light themed event. They pop up around the wintertime, showcasing the best versions of lights! This year, things were a little different, but we did end up finding a light event in our tier, with plenty of precautions, that we could go to! That event, as you probably have guessed, is Glow Wild at Wakehurst.

Upon entering Wakehurst, we followed the signs to the start of the walk. There were plenty of staff dotting around reminding people to wear masks, socially distance, and keep moving throughout the walk. Even though Glow Wild is an outdoor event, it’s one that does require masks, which is always nice. At the main start of the walk, there are a few little treat stalls – selling muffins, coffees, and hot chocolates. We didn’t purchase anything here, but joined the line to start the walk! After picking out a lantern to carry with us, we started along the trail.

Glow Wild had a lot of different lanterns lighting the trail, mostly taking from nature. There were beautiful lanterns that look like foxes, mushrooms, squirrels, badgers and various other animals and plants. Large flower seeds light the trail itself, keeping everyone moving forward, while colorful lanterns hang from trees, looking like nests. There are various speakers, playing soft music, bird noises and the sounds of bees to enhance the lanterns themselves. Following the walk around the area, there are several places you can stop to take photos, as well as ample opportunity to keep distance between everyone.

One of the big stand outs for me, during this event, were the various pieces around water. One of the massive lakes had fire all around it, with giant cranes and stars on the water around it. In the background, you could see Wakehurst Palace – which had a projection on it that cycled through mushrooms and colorful images. Another area, above a big oval pond, had glowing dandelion wisps, glittering and reflecting in the water. These areas were lovely – seeing the light dance on the water is truly an amazing site. There was another small area dancing with fire, but most of the lights were in lanterns.

Another major feature of Glow Wild is the previously mentioned Wakehurst Palace, which you do end up walking quite close too. There are lots of mushrooms around it, and you can continue to see all of the different projections as they phase in and out. There is a massive Christmas tree next to the house, which fits in with the holiday and just looks amazing. There are a few different sheets that have projections within the walk – of an owl moving around and bending through the animated trees.

Following the owl theme, there is an area on the walk that have four large owls, clearly having a meeting, which has audio, bringing their little meeting to life. These owls are made of twisted bits of trees and vines, which look really amazing when paired with the rainbow lights that are projected on them.

At the end of the walk, you can place your lantern in a large bucket and then explore a few more stalls. One of these sold hot food – mainly chips, nachos, and these turkey/stuffing/cranberry burgers. Another sells luxury hot chocolate and another marshmallows that you can then toast over one of their little fires. There is no place to really eat outside, but we did pick up a burger each, which were warm and just okay. It’s not really a place you go for to eat the food, to be honest! There is a small picture area on the way out too, next to a wooden, woven deer, as well as another view of the giant Christmas tree.

We really enjoyed our time at Glow Wild, though it was a little cold, we had a wonderful time walking around and seeing all of the lights. The event felt very safe, there were several bits of the walk where we were completely alone for it, and when we did see other people, it was never that many. The entire event is outdoors, which is a big plus and probably why it’s been able to remain open. We just wish we could have gotten a magnet for our fridge!

This post is a part of our Blogmas series, with each and every post being about Christmas or Winter.