How to Find the Best Light Shows in the UK

Best Light Shows in the UK

If you're looking for the best light show in the UK, you might be overwhelmed by the many options available. There are dozens of winter light festivals and illuminated trails across the country, each offering a unique and dazzling experience. How do you choose the one that suits your needs and preferences?

To help you out, I've compiled a list of some of the best light shows in the UK that are perfect for light lovers. These are spectacular and beautiful light shows, guaranteed to dazzle you with their festive displays and magical atmospheres.

Here are the top picks:

- Enchant Christmas at Kew Gardens: This is a must-see event for anyone who loves lights and nature. Kew Gardens is a stunning botanical garden that hosts one of the most popular light shows in the UK. The theme for 2023 is “The Enchantment of Christmas,” and it will feature over 1 million lights that create a fairy-tale-like experience. You will see glowing trees, sparkling tunnels, and dazzling sculptures as you walk through the gardens.

- Glow at RHS Wisley: This is another fantastic option for garden lovers. RHS Wisley is a gorgeous garden that is lit up with over a million lights during the winter months. You will be amazed by the variety of light displays, from giant flowers to glowing animals. You can also enjoy a Christmas market that sells local crafts and treats.

- Luminate at Alton Towers: This is a perfect choice for thrill-seekers and families. Alton Towers is a famous theme park that turns into a winter wonderland during the festive season. Luminate features over 4,000 illuminations that create a magical mood. You can also enjoy rides and attractions that are open throughout the winter, such as roller coasters, water slides, and ice skating.

- Christmas at Blenheim Palace: This is a spectacular event for history and culture lovers. Blenheim Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is the birthplace of Winston Churchill. It hosts a magnificent Christmas light show that covers over 20 acres of gardens. The show features over 70,000 lights and includes a stunning projection mapping display on the palace walls.

Glow 2022 at the RHS Wisley Gardens, Working, Surrey

Check out my video about the RHS Glow below

- Love Light, Norwich: This biennial festival transforms the city's landmarks into artworks, with projections, parades and performances on the theme of love and belonging. You can see Cupid on the castle, neon swirls on the cathedral, and a glowing octopus and jellyfish procession. This is a great option for a romantic getaway or a family-friendly adventure.

-Nymans, West Sussex: This National Trust property offers a family-friendly light trail that takes about an hour to wander through, featuring fantastical creatures, lantern-hung walkways and firelit lawns. The grounds and formal gardens of the mock medieval mansion are full of interest even in winter, with mossy tree roots, tall lime avenues and conical conifers.

- Spectra Festival of Light, Aberdeen: This festival celebrates Scotland's Year of Stories with new commissions that illuminate the city centre with lines and images from Scottish prose and poetry. You can admire the soaring facades and gothic gables of Marischal College, the world's second-largest granite building, as well as other light-formed artworks in Marischal Square and the surrounding streets. You can also visit the Aberdeen art gallery, which is open until late. This is a good choice for culture lovers and literary enthusiasts.

- Glow at RHS Garden Hyde Hall, a stunning horticultural destination in Chelmsford, Essex, is another spectacular light show hosted by The Royal Horticultural Society, featuring dazzling displays of colour and sound. Visitors can explore the illuminated gardens, enjoy festive food and drink, and shop for unique gifts at the RHS shop. RHS Glow is a magical experience for all ages and a perfect way to celebrate the season.

RHS Glow at Hyde Hall Gardens, my photographic art on tapestry:

And there are many more facinating winter festivals in the UK to discover, such as:

- Roundhay Park, Leeds: This newcomer promises wild wicker sculptures, spectacular light and music installations, and a flickering fire garden, all set against the lush, rolling landscapes of one of Europe's biggest parks. You can also enjoy rum-infused hot chocolate or spicy mulled wine along the way. This is a fun option for thrill seekers and park lovers.

- Botanic Garden of Wales, Carmarthenshire: This mile-long trail features giant glitterballs, thousands of fairy lights and interactive light play, with twinkling and syncopated lights set to ambient music. You can also marvel at the illuminated roses that fade and brighten in time to music in the Rose Garden. This is a charming option for flower fans and families.

- Leeds Castle, Kent: This new event showcases more than 1m lights and lasers, along with giant baubles and a fire garden. You can also see three spectacular illuminated installations by French art studio Tilt and listen to a Christmassy soundtrack along the trail. This is a majestic option for castle lovers and festive fans.

- Winchester Cathedralhosts several events, including the Moon Medley, Crown and Coronation, Star of Wonder, and Lantern Parade. The festival will feature music and dance under the moon, immersive light and sound shows, and uplifting journeys through the cathedral. The lantern parade will take place on November 24, 2023, with music and carols. The event, free and open to all, involves lantern-carrying participants in the cathedral, followed by a parade through the city centre, accompanied by music and carols. The dates and times are subject to change.

My shorts "Glow at Dark", the light show in Southend on Sea:

RHS Glow digtal art from Hyde Hall Gardens on wall art, tote bag & beach towel