Glow Wild at Wakehurst 2026

Overview

When: Selected evenings, 26 November 2026 - 2 January 2027. Entry slots from 4pm (Relaxed Sessions at 4pm), with the last slot between 7.45pm and 8.15pm depending on the date (7pm on Christmas Eve).

Now in its 13th year, Glow Wild leads visitors on an after-dark journey through Wakehurst's 535-acre wild botanic garden, lit by more than 2,000 handcrafted lanterns. The 2026 trail explores uncharted waters, underwater worlds and frozen polar landscapes.

Highlights

• 2,000+ handcrafted lanterns
• 13th year of Glow Wild
• Relaxed Sessions available
• Under 4s go free

What to expect

A woodland lantern trail with more than 2,000 handcrafted lanterns, themed around oceans, underwater worlds and polar landscapes.

Who it's for

Families and anyone who loves a gentler, crafted lantern trail — Relaxed Sessions are available for visitors who prefer a quieter visit.

Getting there

Wakehurst is near Ardingly, around 10 minutes by road from Haywards Heath station and about 30 minutes from Brighton and Gatwick.

Planning tips

Glow Wild runs on 31 non-consecutive nights: 26-29 Nov, 2-6 Dec, 9-24 Dec and 27 Dec - 2 Jan. Daytime Wakehurst tickets are not valid for Glow Wild.

FAQ

When is Glow Wild 2026?

Glow Wild runs on 31 selected evenings from Thursday 26 November 2026 to Saturday 2 January 2027 at Kew Wakehurst in West Sussex.

Do I need to book Glow Wild tickets in advance?

Yes — pre-booking is essential, and daytime Wakehurst tickets cannot be upgraded to Glow Wild.