We recently Ran a preview of this years Light Trail through the grounds of Kenwood House in Hampstead and now that we have had the chance to get along here are our thoughts.
First off travel. If going by public transport do not go to Hampstead but instead take the Northern line to Archway and get a 210 bus up the hill to Compton Ave. This is a few yards away from the entrance to the event but there is then a short walk until the event gets under way fully. There are plenty of stewards around and the light trail is well signposted so no chance of getting lost in the dark.
The event itself starts with a pointed arch which leads into the cafe courtyard with both the cafe and some streetfood stalls. Fortify yourself with a mulled wine or hot chocolate before heading off into the trail.
The first thing you come across is a cottage liberally festooned with strings of lights. In the dark it takes on an otherworldly character.
Throughout the trail there is piped music which adds considerably to the atmosphere. Kenwood House is used as a back drop of projections and music on two sides and each one is different and the Christmas tree at the front is very impressive.
For me the lasers were particularly good and my daughter enjoyed the splashes of colour over her jacket.
There are lots of different things to look out for including foxes, badgers and rabbits amongst the bushes and a fierce looking owl up on a branch.
But a field of glowing LED sticks changing colours is definitely worth looking out for.
The highlight is the light tunnel close to the end which utilises some 30,000 bulbs and it’s great to be inside it as it seems to stretch on for a very long way.
Overall this is one of the best that we have visited in recent years and the clever combination of colour and sound obtained a big thumbs up from my daughter who was entranced throughout and I had to keep on calling her back as she went round looking for the next scene.
As previously advised this runs until Jan 1st