If your December evenings could use a bit of sparkle, one of the south of England's most atmospheric light festivals is worth a spot in the diary. Glow Wild is the winter light trail at Wakehurst, Kew's sprawling wild botanic garden in West Sussex, where the woodlands, meadows and lake get dressed up in thousands of lights after dark each festive season.

The trail typically runs from late November through early January, on timed evening entry slots so the paths never feel crushed. Visitors wander a roughly mile-long route past illuminated installations, glowing seasonal sculptures and light-draped trees, with the unusual backdrop of a working botanical garden rather than a stately home. Wakehurst is home to the Millennium Seed Bank, and the trail often leans into its nature credentials — expect lanterns and light displays themed around plants, seeds and wildlife rather than generic festive bling.

Practically speaking, tickets need booking in advance and popular dates, especially the run-up to Christmas and any weekend near New Year, sell out early. Evening sessions get chilly, so wrap up properly and wear shoes that can handle damp woodland paths. There are usually food and drink stops on site — mulled wine, hot chocolate and the like — and the trail is pitched at families as well as adults wanting a date-night-style winter walk.

Wakehurst itself sits near the village of Ardingly in Sussex, around 40 minutes by car from London via the M23, and roughly half an hour from Brighton. If you're driving down from the capital, you could pair it with a daytime stroll at the garden before your evening slot — your ticket typically includes daytime entry, so making a day of it is easy.

Why should a traveller care? Because it's a genuinely well-done winter light trail in a landscape that's beautiful even without the lights, and it's far more of a countryside escape than the London seasonal lights crammed into city parks. If you're in the south east between Christmas and New Year looking for something festive to do, this fills the gap nicely — just book ahead and dress for the cold.

Details like exact dates, prices and ticket releases for the coming season are confirmed by the organisers each autumn, so check the official Wakehurst site before planning your visit.

Story brought to you via Secret London.