This gorgeous array of lights and visuals is enough to transport even the most irritated, stressed out Londoner to an enchanted realm of tranquillity. Should you visit west London’s Syon Park from Friday, November 11, you will be taken on a trail through the estate’s 600-year-old gardens, which have been spectacularly transformed in an Enchanted Woodland, showing the full spectrum of stunning colours.
The lights illuminate a mile-long path around the lake, ending at the magnificent Great Conservatory. It can take anywhere between thirty minutes and an hour to complete the trail – all depending how snap-happy you’re feeling (and just how chilly you get). If you do happen to select a particularly cold evening, there’s a flurry of food and drink on site to warm you up. Last year, you could feast on chips, bao buns, mulled wine, hot drinks, pizza, burgers, and churros to your heart’s content after a spectacular wander around the forest; and details on the food on offer this year is set to be announced shortly!.
All proceeds from the Enchanted Woodland are re-invested directly into the Gardens and Great Conservatory, for any necessary renovations and works. Over the last few years, proceeds from the Enchanted Forest has gone towards the specialist restoration of the historic stone vases on the terrace of The Great Conservatory; re-surfacing tarmac paths around the lake with a dressed gravel finish; installation of a new path from Queen’s Gate to Mercury Pool; and much more! Any profits from this November’s event will go directly towards more work on the beautiful attraction.
Enchanted Woodland is accessible for all, with a route friendly for wheelchair-users and pushchairs. This year, guests can also choose to attend one of the “Quiet Sessions”, which will be held on November 18 and 25 at 4:20 and 4:40pm. These sessions are reduced in capacity and are limited to 150 people and hope to open up the spectacular sights to more people with disabilities to enjoy the show in a less crowded environment alongside their friends and families. Plus, this year marks the third year of price freezing at Enchanted Woodlands, so the ticket won’t set you back more than it did in 2019!
Location: Syon Park, Brentford, TW8 8JF. Head to TfL and enter ‘Syon Park’ as your destination to find your best route.
Opening hours: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from November 11 to November 27. Doors open at 5.00pm and lights are off by 9.00pm (the latest slot to book is at 7.40pm). You’ll be asked to pick an entrance time when you book your ticket.
Price: Adult tickets cost £10 on Fridays, £15 on Saturdays, and £12.50 on Sundays. Children’s tickets cost £7.50 on each day.
More information: to book, head to the Enchanted Woodland website.