Syon Park’s Enchanted Woodland

Things to do, Walks and tours
4 out of 5 stars
(14user reviews)
(© Nina Bailey)
1/10
© Nina BaileyThe Enchanted Woodland at Syon Park
(© Clare Forster)
2/10
© Clare Forster
(Enigma Media Solutions)
3/10
Enigma Media Solutions
(© Simon Hadleigh-Sparks)
4/10
© Simon Hadleigh-Sparks
5/10
Syon Park's Enchanted Woodland
(© Simon Hadleigh-Sparks)
6/10
© Simon Hadleigh-Sparks
(© Culture Creative)
7/10
© Culture Creative
8/10
(Photographer:Experience Seminars)
9/10
Photographer:Experience Seminars
10/10

Time Out says

If you go down to the woods today you’re sure of a dazzling surprise. For the fourteenth year, Syon Park's 600-year-old woodland garden will be transformed by beautiful illuminations. Follow a glistening trail past luminous sculptures, glowing candles and laser shows around an ornamental lake, through a historic arboretum to the spectacular Great Conservatory, which will be lit up with tutti-frutti hues. It's almost always a sell-out, so book in advance.

Find more festive fun with our guide to Christmas in London

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Event website: http://www.enchantedwoodland.com/

Users say (14)

4 out of 5 stars

Average User Rating

3.8 / 5

Rating Breakdown

  • 5 star:7
  • 4 star:3
  • 3 star:0
  • 2 star:2
  • 1 star:2
LiveReviews|14
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1 of 1 found helpful

Disappointing experience overall. There is nothing enchanting about lighting up trees without thinking of the walk-through experience as a whole, which seemed disparate and lacklustre. Small displays beneath trees - made of animal or fairy figurines and clearly aimed at very small children - made the event seem tacky and cheap. The route through the park was cordoned off with rope, red and white plastic tape and the occasional metal barrier - again, magical it ain't. Two music displays along the route seemed random and didn't really embed well into the whole woodland. What's more, the sheer amount of people (and children and buggies) along the route would have destroyed any magic there could have been. Can't admire a beautifully lit old tree swaying in the wind with a parent screaming directly into your ears. Not worth the £12 entry.

1 of 1 found helpful

It's a far cry from the days (WW2) when after school in Isleworth our small gang would 'bunk' over the wall down by the river where the timber barges came in and get nabbed by a couple of coppers on the lookout for birds nest egg snatchers.  Time moves on.

1 of 1 found helpful

Beautiful evening out. Low key and relaxed, but fun, a night walk through the Arboretum of Syon House, which is illuminated for the occasion, ending at the spectacular Great Conservatory. Not expensive, no pressure. I never miss it!


We went to Syon Park on possibly the wettest Saturday evening all year and were quite disappointed with the event.

Last year we went to Kew Gardens for their Christmas experience and it was far, far better in all respects.  My advice is to spend a little more and have a better time at Kew!


Disappointing event, totally packed with people, queues everywhere. Lights were patchy and lack lustre and there was no access to the interesting sections like the lit up bridges. Children had been excited to get there but it was a let down and not worth the ticket price in our opinion. Rip off 'kids' hotdogs' that turned out to be a small square of sausage and bread for £2 each. Traffic around the event was terrible we queued for over half an hour to even get out of the place. Won't be going again sorry 😐


We were all really excited to come to Syon Park last night, but sadly this enchanted woods event was a let down. The start was ok...but then there were metres of nothing until the next lit up trees or mirrors dotted around. It would have been pretty if it was just anybody's garden, but for a grand place like Syon Park, it really was not great. We were a family of six. Our youngest (age 7) was more interested in the low flying planes that passed over to get to the airport and the rest of us couldn't wait to get to the end and even took a short cut with a quarter of a mile to go to enter the old building that was beautifully lit up. That was the best part as the young children all gathered in a group moving around and trying to grab at the strobe light beams.We wouldn't go again or even recommend it...but the hot chocolate and cake was lovely at the start.

Tastemaker

I don't know why this amazing family friendly attraction isn't open for longer in the year.

Doors are open between 5-8pm so plenty of time to go around before children's bedtimes. The route is one way and easy to follow. Although it is only about a mile long the course takes about an hour to complete because you need to stop and admire the different amazing displays.

A lot of effort has clearly been put into the installations with the inclusion of glitterballs, sculptures, smoke and music to enhance the effect of the lights to really create a sense of joy and wonderment which culminates in an explosion of lights and music in the conservatory.

This is such an enjoyable event for a reasonable price, that I will definitely be back next year.

Tastemaker

I had a really magical time at Syon Park Enchanted Woodland.


Held annually in South West London in the months leading up to Christmas, the Enchanted Woodland is a great place to get into the festive mood. You’ll see an ordinary looking woodland transformed into a spectacular setting with trees and bushes illuminated by a vibrant array of colours.  


What I, and I guess, most people love most about the Enchanted Woodland is the spectacular light show at the end in this 600-year old estate’s greenhouse. It’s truly spectacular!


It is far to reach, but persevere and you and your family (or even your date?) will be in for a magical/romantic treat. Tickets are priced at £9 for adults but the trail is long so you’ll get a lot for your money. Wear comfy walking shoes as conditions are rocky underfoot (you’re out in the woods after all!) and warm clothes as the conditions can get cold.


It’s a great fun night out for everyone and for any occasion, and I would recommend this to anyone thinking about visiting.

Tastemaker

There isn’t a lot to do after 5pm in the winter. That’s why Syon Park’s event is such a great idea.


Wrap up warm and come enjoy the scenery. It’s incredible how a few lights here and there can transform the place. The trees look completely different, the water starts to glitter and the marble statues get that allure of grandeur. It feels magical and would nearly make you believe in fairies again…


At the end of the walk you can warm up at one of the food stalls, serving anything from burgers to tea and cake. An enjoyable stroll for kids and grown-ups alike.

Tastemaker

My friends and I had a lovely early evening at the Enchanted Woodland.  Walking through the park at night time is absolutely magical. The trail leads you to a fairy tales world where colored lights reflect themselves against the trees. I would recommend you to wear warm clothes and waterproof shoes as the trail can be bit muddy. If you are an amateur photographer and you're looking for quirky spots to take pics, feel free to bring your reflexes and tripods. 

tastemaker

Truly an enchanting experience! Walking around the park makes you feel like you are a part of fairy tale. There is a lot of couples and families with children, but don't feel strange if you are just someone, who doesnt let their inner kid die and enjoys a little bit of magic in their lives!

Piece of advice- you might want to bring proffesional camera to take better pictures of the woodland.. and wear wellies because it gets quite muddy during this time of the year.


My son and (prospective) daughter-in-law took my husband and I there and it was very enjoyable. A nice bracing walk in the grounds and a steak dinner in one of the local eateries in this lovely part of London.

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