Light Up Hillier Gardens

FAQs

Can I arrive by bus?

Bus 66 Winchester – Romsey – please check your bus times before you attend the event.

Can I arrive by train?

The nearest station is Romsey (2 miles away) reachable by bus. Winchester Station also has public transport links to the Gardens. For train times and tickets see the National Rail Enquiries website.

How long is the light up trail?

The light trail is approximately 1 mile long and you should expect your entire journey to take 45-60 minutes to fully appreciate it. Joy Village is halfway round and has a selection of delicious takeaway street food and festive drinks on sale which may extend your stay with us.

What are your opening and closing times?

Access to the light trail is by pre-booked time slots, starting at 4.30pm. You have a 15-minute window from the time slot you have booked to start the trail. The last booking is at 7.45pm and the trail will close when the last person has exited, no later than at 9.30pm.

Where does the light trail start and finish?

The light trail begins and finishes just beyond the Visitor Centre where you will be guided by a trail of lights to begin your walk.

What should I wear?

As it’s winter and quite possibly cold and wet at times as well as slippery underfoot, we advise warm and waterproof clothing and suitable footwear. For your own comfort we advise not to bring large bags. You are welcome to bring a torch.

Are dogs allowed?

Only registered assistance dogs are permitted.

Can I take photographs and videos?

Yes, you are welcome to take photographs during Lightup Hillier Gardens and share on social media. Please use #LightupHillierGardens #lightuptrails. If you have a media enquiry or are a professional photographer, we ask you please contact hello@lightuptrails.com to seek authorisation for your visit.

Can I bring my drone?

Drones are not permitted.

Is the trail accessible for wheelchair users and pushchairs?

The trail uses the Gardens’ existing all-ability path network which is hard standing all the way except; the initial path over the bridge and the catering village is gravel. We have installed several cable ramps along our route and whilst care has been taken to ensure the route is accessible, due to the temporary nature of the event, some wheelchair users may find the cable ramps more difficult. There is a declining gradient going down to the pond towards the Himalayan valley and another incline back up to the Visitors Centre at the end of the trail. The route is suitable for fold-down wheelchairs and pushchairs. Light Up Trails are committed to working with those with accessibility needs to improve for future events. Do email before your visit if you have any concerns to hello@lightuptrails.com We regret the hire of mobility scooters and special assistance for those with accessibility needs is not available. The trail is approximately one mile in length and if you find walking or being outside challenging then this may not be the trail for you, as it will take at least 45 minutes, maybe more. If you have special assistance needs, please carefully consider whether you can get around unaided or bring a carer for support. Shooting sticks are permissible. Please ensure you wear appropriate winter clothing and footwear. There is limited bench seating on the route. Outdoor and Indoor seating is available in catering village.

Are there Facilities?

Accessible toilets and baby changing facilities are located on the trail. They are clearly marked, and our stewards can direct you. First Aiders are available on site.

Is the Light Up Trail dark or covered?

In some areas the lighting will be low level so you can enjoy the light art experience. You are welcome to bring along a torch. The trail is not covered and the weather may be inclement.

Will there be strobe lighting?

Whilst no single source of lighting regularly strobes at high frequency, the volume of light fixtures in some areas could raise the frequency of light flashes and strobing across multiple sources to a level where it may be considered unsafe for people who are affected by photo-sensitive epilepsy.

What impact does the event have on normal public access to the gardens?

We are pleased to say that hosting Light Up Hillier Gardens has limited impact on normal public access to the Gardens. The Gardens are open until 4:00pm during the period of the light trail. The area used by the trail and shown in the map below is open for normal public access between 9am and 4pm. For general enquiries about the gardens contact Sir Harold Hillier Gardens visitor services team between the hours of 10-4pm only. Please be advised Sir Harold Hillier Gardens are not the organisers of this event and the usual terms and conditions and complaints procedure for Sir Harold Hillier Gardens do not apply. Please refer to the terms and conditions of entry to Light Up Cancellation, exchange and refund policy

Need more answers? Head to our FAQ page

Frequently Asked Questions

Returning in 2023

Time to get Excited

What’s In Store For You?

Hog Roast

Burgers

German Sausage

Crepes & Churros

Merchandise Store

Light Up Trails Bar

Pricing

Peak : 4:30pm - 6:15pm

Off-Peak : 6:30pm - 8:00pm

Ticket Price Breakdown

Where to find us

Parking

FAQs

Returning in 2023

Light up Hillier Gardens

Time to get Excited

What’s In Store For You?

Hog Roast

Burgers

German Sausage

Crepes & Churros

Merchandise Store

Light Up Trails Bar

Pricing

Peak : 4:30pm - 6:15pm

Off-Peak : 6:30pm - 8:00pm

Ticket Price Breakdown

Where to find us

Parking

FAQs

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