SOME ENCHANTED EVENINGS !
Illuminated Gardens and Floodlit Gardens 2007

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19 October to November 4 2007 - Enchanted Forest - Perthshire
The focus of this year’s event will be ‘Creation’, with spectacular lighting effects being used to illustrate the earth’s history from its early volcanic state, the Ice Age and the Jurassic era right through to modern times.
On arrival visitors will follow an illuminated pathway through Faskally woods, where the sound and lighting will be themed to represent the earth’s original magma state. Arriving at a special lochside viewing area, visitors will be treated to a spectacular 10 minute choreographed sound and light show which, with the help of high level aerial lighting effects, coloured water jets and smoke, will gradually see a scene of turmoil develop and the loch turn into a bubbling cauldron!  Following the explosive start, more subdued lighting effects will follow, giving the impression of the earth as a blank canvas ripe for development, with greens and yellows becoming the predominant colours as the foliage and natural structure are highlighted. The finale of the show will see the loch take on the appearance of a modern day cityscape, with a series of artificial structures being created via solid blocks of light around the loch’s perimeter.
Tickets, which must be booked in advance, go on sale on 13th July from Ticketmaster, Tel. 0844 847 1544, or online at www.ticketmaster.co.uk, priced £9.50 (Adults),  £4.50 (Children under 15), £8.50 (Concessions). Children under 5 admitted free. No car parking will be available at Faskally on performance nights, however ticket prices include a return bus shuttle service from Fishers Hotel in Pitlochry.    
For further information visit www.enchantedforest.org.uk.

A range of other events will run alongside The Enchanted Forest in Pitlochry this Autumn, including ghost tours, storytelling, musicians, street entertainers and a special Hallowe’en Marquee. For more information go to www.pitlochryautumnfestival.co.uk.

Walsall Arboretum Illuminations - Details awaited

19 -  28 October 2007 -  Enchanted Garden,  Brodsworth Hall,  South Yorkshire
A sublime night-time experience. The magnificently restored Victorian Gardens are illuminated to become a place of wonder and enchantment. This garden walk will delight young and old alike as the garden features are bathed with colourful light, with a surprise around every corner. 
The shop will be open and refreshments available on these special evening openings. Please note there is no access to the Hall itself.
Times 6.30 - 9.
Pre-booking recommended - Tel 0870 333 1183

20 October - 27th January - The Enchanted Wood, The Christmas Adventure,  Stockeld Park, Yorkshire. The Christmas Adventure
Situated near Harrogate and Leeds is a mixture of theatre and fantasy. The Enchanted Wood is illuminated with a host of superb lighting effects. As you walk round you will come across illuminated creatures of the forest, as well as stunning tableaux and enchanted figures.
Also outdoor skating rink, nordic ski trail, snowflake maze, Santas grotto and Christmas shop.
Times see The Christmas Adventure

22 October 2007  onwards - Darkest Muncaster - Be Enlightened - Muncaster Castle - Cumbria.
'Darkest Muncaster - Be Enlightened' is a stimulating brand new concept which transforms Muncaster's famous gardens into an experience which will tingle your senses and entertain the entire family! For full list of times and dates visit.
http://www.muncaster.co.uk/web2006/darkestmuncaster/dm.html 
Times - Oct 22nd - 28th & 31st - Every Saturday & Sunday in November & December
extra dates 26th - 28th December. Cafe open serving meals until 8pm. Opening Times 2007/8
dusk - 9pm (last entries 8pm)

26 October – Wednesday 31 October 2007 - The Illuminated Garden, Killerton - (National Trust) - Devon
Killerton’s renowned hillside garden will be spectacularly lit at night revealing its glorious autumnal colour Enjoy a walk around Killerton’s special garden at night and see the rare tree collection and many unusual exotic plants in a whole new light!
On Saturday 27 and Wednesday 31 October there will be special Hallowe’en nights in the illuminated garden, suitable for all the family. Discover the spooks, witches, werewolfs, zombies and ghouls that lurk in Killerton’s garden at night! Christina Le Fley, House Steward at Killerton and event organiser, commented: ‘These evenings are always enormously popular. Visitors have great fun walking around the illuminated garden and finding the creatures of the night that are lurking there. We try to make the night entertaining without being too scary for little ones (or anyone who scares easily!). The National Trust staff and volunteers really enjoy spending the evening dressed up, hiding in the garden scaring people!’
Times - The Illuminated Garden at Killerton is open Friday 26 – Wednesday 31 October; Fri 26 & Sat 27 Oct 7–9pm, Sun 28 – Wed 31 Oct 6–8pm. NT member: adult £2, child £1, family £5; non-member: adult £4, child £2, family £10. Times 6 - 9pm. 

Tel - 01392 881345, 
killerton@nationaltrust.org.uk

23 November to 9 December 2007 - The Enchanted Woodland, Syon Park, London -

Syon Park's arboretum will be transformed into an ' Enchanted Woodland '. A blaze of coloured lights will capture the shapes and textures of the ancient trees with stunning illuminations. The garden walk is a celebration of autumn and it is recommended to wrap up warm as it will be frosty near the lake. There will be stalls selling traditional quality British refreshments. Further background on Syon Park at www.syonpark.co.uk .
Times - Admission is from 5pm. until 8pm. and tickets are £5 for adults and £2 for children from the age of 3 - 16 years. Further ticket information email info@syonpark.co.uk 
or telephone: 020 8560 0882.

November/December - Time of Gifts - Details awaited -  -  Eden Project - St Austell, Cornwall
Back again, including ice skating.

30 November - 16 December  2007 ( Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays ) - Dyffryn, Wales - Light up the Night - 
Enjoy a walk through the Arboretum and see the magnificent illuminated trees. Bring a torch.
Special Christmas Weekend events 15th to 17th December.
Times -  5.30 - 8.30 Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only.
Tel 02920 593328

1 - 16 December 2007 - Family Christmas Tree Trail and Lantern Lit Trail - 
Calke Abbey, Derbyshire
Follow the Christmas tree trail around the grounds and see the church decorated for Christmas.  Celebrating Christmas past and present, there will be traditional Victorian trees and more contemporary style trees to enjoy.  Try some tree dressing, children's craft activities and visit Father Christmas in his grotto. 
Follow the tree trail lit by festive lighting in the grounds of Calke Abbey.  A magical experience for all the family.  Enjoy a mulled wine and mince pie in the Restaurant and answer all those Christmas present problems in the shop.
£4 adult, £3 children, £15 family ticket, NT members free
Father Christmas' grotto £3 per child (includes present)
Times - Christmas Tree Trail -1st, 2nd, 8th, 9th, 15th, 16th December 11am - 3.30pm
Lantern Lit Tree Trail (dates as above) 4.30pm - 7pm

1 - 2 December 2007. " A Magical Christmas Wonderland " Highnam Court, Gloucestershire. 
The event is in aid of The Pied Piper Appeal and Cobalt Appeal Fund (two local charities). 
Times - Starts at 4.00pm and finishes at 7.00pm.

30 November – 23 December 2007, The Enchanted Christmas, Westonbirt Arboretum, Gloucestershire.

Take a walk through the famous Enchanted Wood.  See the beauty and wonder of the trees lit up at night.  The ‘must see’ event of the Christmas period. A magical atmosphere to be enjoyed by adults and children alike. Plus carol singing, Christmas carvery, roast chestnuts and mulled wine! For carvery details phone 01666  880220
Times  Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening 5 – 8.30pm (last entry at 7.30pm ) 

7 - 16 December 2007 - Spetchley Park Gardens, Worcestershire -  

The magnificent finale to the year. Spetchley is lit with hundreds of lights to guide you through the gardens.
Spetchley Park’s 2007 Illuminated Trail will be slightly different from last year, with new lighting effects and a different route. But the same aim for the Gardens to be transformed into a floodlit 'Winter Wonderland' for the delight and pleasure of our visitors is the same.
As you take a walk through the historic gardens of the Berkeley family you'll get into the Christmas spirit with the atmosphere and moods - plus Father Christmas will be making another visit.
The floodlit trail loops around the gardens, leading the visitor from one set piece to another and exploits the many different vistas and secret areas that Spetchley boasts. Those of you who are frequent visitors to the garden during the summer will find that in the dark of winter it will be a very new and exciting experience.
In addition to the trail there will be catering facilities on site providing hot food and drinks, which can be enjoyed both before and after your winter wander.
Times - The Trail opens at 16:30 and the last entry will be 19:45.
We regret no dogs are allowed apart from assistance dogs. Sensible winter footwear should be worn.
If you would like any further information then please phone 01453 810303, or email hb@spetchleygardens.co.uk

During the Autumn and winter some of our finest Gardens and Arboretums will be having Illuminated Trails which are likely to give stunning displays and a real treat to visitors of any age. We review them here, and give details of opening times, travel details.