Trees, ponds and forest floors will be brought to life with hundreds of glowing lanterns and torches of fire. Many of these lanterns have been made by local school children and volunteers.
Become part of the living trail as you pick up a lantern at the beginning of your journey.
Glimpse the tallest living Christmas tree in the UK, and experience the evocative sounds of the nocturnal world.
The lantern trail
Starting the trail
This year the lantern trail starts from the Visitors Centre, with lantern-making and delicious food from the Stables and Carriage Ring at the end of the trail.
Avenue of ancient oaks
Starting from the Visitors Centre, you’ll wind your way down through an avenue of ancient oaks to be greeted by the calls of glowing native owls high up in the trees.
Figures on the Mansion pond
Arising from the shadowy waters are giant figures intricately woven from willow – appearing to walk on the water.
Crackling cascades of fire
A torrent of fire will surge down towards Black Pond, filling the water with glittering light. A gentle soundscape will make you feel you have stepped into another world.
Winter Garden comes alive
This beautifully immersive area, planted this year with 33,000 plants, will be brought to life with torches of fire and winter lanterns.
Please note: Your journey will start immediately on arrival. There will be snacks, refreshments and toilets available at the start of your journey. At the end of your trail you’ll reach the Carriage Ring brimming with food stalls. A menu will also be available in the Stables restaurant (see below).
Lantern making
Get creative in the warm and cosy Mansion. Children will enjoy unleashing their creativity by making their very own festive lantern to take home and hang on the Christmas tree.
Cost: £4
Keep the chills at bay with some delicious food and beverages.
The Stables restaurant will have an array of tempting dishes on the menu, including hearty winter fare plus a freshly cooked children’s menu that you can enjoy AFTER your trail.
Outside, the Carriage Ring will be a festive hub of delicious food and drink stalls. You can indulge in mulled wine, cider, hot chocolate and roasted chestnuts.
Toasting marshmallows over our giant fire pits will make your evening a unique experience.
Christmas shopping
Inside the Visitor Centre you’ll find the Wakehurst gift shop, offering a fabulous range of products.
This will include homeware, gardening gifts, Kew gin and the fabulous sparkling wine produced for Kew by Bolney Wine Estate.
