RENOWNED the world over for its collections of trees and rare plants, Sir Harold Hillier Gardens will be seen in an exciting new light this Christmas as the attraction throws open its gates after dark for a festive outdoor light art trail.

Created by Light Up Trails, the innovative Hampshire-based designers who specialise in bringing magic in light to inspirational places, Light Up Sir Harold Hillier Gardens promises a mile-long immersive experience with a series of art installations by some of Europe's most in-demand light artists and designers.

What's more, there will be a delicious array of amazing street food and festive drinks on offer at the gardens, near Romsey. 

ALSO READ: Five great autumn walks in the New Forest and Hampshire

The installations are still being made, but Light Up Trails have revealed that Jermyn's House will be illuminated by a sea of tulips in LED lights in front and an animated Christmas story will be projected onto the walls of the house.

Elsewhere, the famous pond at the Gardens will become the backdrop for a hypnotic show of moving lights and mirror and the Himalayan Valley has been chosen as the site of a breath-taking panorama telling the story of the four seasons in light.

The light trail begins with Remembrance, which is followed by the shimmering star field of light and the stunning Joy installation. Other highlights include Rhizome with its light up stepping stones in the trees, the illuminated butterflies that make up Flutter, and Christmas Tree Lane in which the pine trees are lit up in an awe-inspiring rainbow of colours.

Daily Echo:

As the trail draws to a close there will be a magical field of illuminated hand-painted flowers on glow balls.

Light Up Trails co-director Lucinda Croft told the Daily Echo: "People haven't been in the gardens at night in the winter months so the light trail will be a very special new experience - it will be absolutely beautiful with the lights accentuating the landscape.

The trail will run after dark from Thursday November 24 to Saturday December 31 with tickets priced from £22 for adults, £15 for children or £70 for a family ticket. 

Book now at lightuptrails.com

 

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