Everyone loves a winter light trail and this one is well worth the visit.
Luminate at Birmingham Botanical Gardens has officially opened for Christmas and it’s promising an almost mile-long interactive light trail for all ages.
It was a chilly afternoon when I opted to experience the Edgbaston light trail for the first time.
I was bundled up in my woolly scarf, gloves, and waterproof coat as I walked through the gardens’ entrance and was greeted by a large Luminate sign, perfect for a photo opportunity.
TREE OF LIFE: Beautiful lights showed the connections trees have with the ground and space around them. (Image: Newsquest)
The path then takes visitors around a one-way system through the gardens which I was happy to see was wheelchair-friendly with no steps and small ramps to aid over electrical wires.
My plus one for the evening was registered disabled and suffers severely from joint inflammation – but she found the mile-long trail doable at an easy walking pace.
The trail does have its slopes which is something to be aware of.
We were both linked arm in arm when we went down our first slope, through a light tunnel, and into fairy land.
Light tunnels led the way through different sections of the display. (Image: Newsquest)
Glow-in-the-dark butterflies flew among the plants, Tinkerbell danced from cage to cage, and disco balls lit up ponds in the new world we had entered.
We also joined several others in making our own special wish at the garden’s Make A Wish fence, hoping it will one day come true.
I was impressed by the number of interactive displays and found myself, despite being 25, fully engaged and wanting to try each one.
MAGICAL: Tinkerbell was spotted in a cage in fairy land. (Image: Newsquest)
My favourite experience from the evening was warming my hands by an open fire and toasting some rather large marshmallows.
Mulled wine and apple juice were available to buy during the trail, along with crepes and churros, which were taken advantage of.
Overall, Luminate was well worth the trip.
If you’re looking for a new light display or fancy an evening outside in what is usually a dark season, then Luminate at Birmingham Botanical Gardens is for you.
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