Reviewed by Emma Booth

Thursday evening I visited the Light Up Trail at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens with my family, it is just outside of Romsey. The evening was cold and crisp but the sky was clear. We had to park across the road from the entrance but they had arranged for someone to be there to stop the traffic to allow us to cross the road safely.

As we made our way to the entrance there were a great many people waiting to enter, but we needn’t have worried as entry was swift and straightforward, it was well organised. Once inside the sound of Christmas music filled the air and magical lights lit up all around us. We couldn’t help but start to feel Christmassy already.

We made our way in to the start of the walk. Near the beginning there were several opportunities to take some lovely family photos so we took advantage of this. Apparently the walk is about a mile long with all the food stalls about halfway round.

As we made our way round the first half of the trail it was obvious that this trail was of a much higher quality than other trails I have visited in the past. As music played and the lights projected onto the trees we made a slow walk round taking in all the sights and sounds which were on offer. The huge patch of tulips which spread before us was a stunning and magical sight!

The food area offered a wide variety of food ranging from burgers, fish and chips to churros and fruit crumble. We all found something we liked to eat and managed to find some seating inside. What I hadn’t realised was that there was extra seating just a little way through the inside area and it was empty!

In my opinion the second half of the trail was even more magical than the first with the lights across the pond and the sound of the little waterfall, it was just perfect! The kids all enjoyed the musical piano which was lit up and we spent quite a lot of time there.

The entire walk was a hard standing path so there was no mud at all and we were all fine in trainers. It was a nice easy walk with a small hill towards the end. I suppose we spent a good couple of hours on this illuminated trail as we were really enjoying our time in the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens.

It was well worth the hour’s drive from our home and it was a great to get out in the fresh air for an evening. Everywhere was so very well-lit we didn’t need a torch at all!

The trail is running from now up until the 1st of January with the prices starting from £12.50 for a child and £20 an adult with a slightly cheaper family ticket available.  We would definitely love to come back again next year as we had a great evening and the kids thoroughly enjoyed themselves!

Rating: 5/5
Sir Harold Hillier Gardens
Hampshire
SO51 0QA

https://www.lightuptrails.com/events/light-up-hillier-gardens

Running from now until the 1st January

Prices £12.50 for children and £20 Adults

‍