If you and your kids enjoyed the night-time illuminated walks before Christmas at Syon House and Kew Gardens, then you’ll like the Magical Lantern Festival at Chiswick House and Park.
Getting there
Getting there was not trivial. The organisers had advised that there was no car parking. So we took the mainline train to Chiswick station and whilst it is only a 10 minute walk to the park, the nearest entrances were closed and we had to walk right round the periphery of the park. It took 25 minutes at a rapid pace so will take longer if you have small folk in tow. Alternatively, it’s around a 20 minute walk to tube stations at Gunnersbury or Turnham Green.
Arrival
You arrive into some large Chinese-themed illuminated features and through huge lit arches. There’s a plastic walkway over the grass as protection against mud but it’s still a bit slippery.
We spoke to a kind steward who let us move through the barriers to the end of the trail – we needed the loos. And we were hungry so we got some jerk chicken and chicken curry and ate it in a large marquee with lots of others and admired the bright red London telephone boxes in there. Thus fortified we returned to the start.
Here there’s a ticket box, monkey merchandise and loos (if only we’d known!) and also huts selling venison burgers and churros with chocolate. Once our tickets were scanned, we were directed back on ourselves to start the trail.
Prettily lit trails
We passed through a stone archway and along a narrow path with an adjacent hedge with nets of bright, twinkly lights. It sure felt magical. Then we walked along a corridor with hundreds of lotus flower shaped lanterns above us – swaying gently in the high winds and driving rain.
Out into the open and the first big scene is in a dip, around a large pond and it’s really festive. A feast for the eyes. Lots of people were standing around taking photos and lots of excited kids stood against the railings taking it all in.
And then on the trail again amongst trees with dripping light effects and some covered in bundles of blue lights. Every now and again there was another display – swans, monkeys, peacocks and elephants featured. Then we arrived at a T junction.
Field of animals
In front of us was a vast parade of lit animals. A large group of pandas at the front but giraffes, antelopes, kangaroos and all manner of other creatures spreading out into the distance. It really was quite a spectacle. The trail continued around them and past the tip of the ornamental lake. We also saw some real swans who must have wondered what was going on.
Lakeside walk
The trail, which was bumpy with stones and rather slippery at the edges, continued along the lake. We had to watch our feet on some occasions where the lighting was poor (I suggest you take a torch). We past more fabulous arches on one side with various animal scenes on the other.
I liked the flamingos but the kids seemed to like the bee parade best.
They had to gaze across the water to see the mice and duck lights. We played spot the penguin too. The group of brightly coloured jelly-fish drew lots of admiration.
Through more tunnels and winding paths – it really was quite an adventure. Past more concessions selling hot chocolate and another selling marshmallows that you could then toast over carefully contained fires. Large golden orbs and all manner of flowers were here. The trees contained swathes of blur stars. Huge golden sphinxes guarded an entrance.
We passed a corner – not far from the café (which was open and doing a thriving trade in the rain) – were the lights were off. It was a shame as there were some fun-filled displays here for the kids. We walked past and then returned when a cheer alerted us to the lights turning on. Cinderella and her prince and pumpkin carriage as well as some beautifully lit Chinese buildings were amongst the delights.
Central feature
Through another stone gateway and we emerged into a huge central area with dozens of impressive scenes. After chatting to some neighbours we bumped into, we made a bee-line for the massive dragon which was well back from the fences. Some of the walk ways here had been cordoned off which meant the numerous displays had to be viewed from afar - but it was impressive.
Finally we made our way back along the trail – admiring more floral displays and a gaining a distant glimpse of the illuminated pagoda. It had taken us an hour to walk around although we had moved swiftly because of the rain so you could easily spend more time if the weather was better. Finally we reached the area where we had started and then made our way home.
The event runs until 6th March – www.magiclantern.uk
