RHS Glow: The Bridgewater Garden lit up for Christmas

In Brief.

Having almost frozen to death at the corresponding activity at Dunham Massey two years previously, courage was finally plucked up to attend another Christmas event with lights in a garden. This time there was a named storm coming in, so it was somewhat wet and windy, if a further reminder was required that booking ahead for outdoor events near Manchester in December is taking a risk! However, the event itself was pleasant enough, involving following a set route that meanders through and around the walled garden, past colourfully illuminated plants, trees and buildings.

Hedgehogs out at night.

What's Here?

The Bridgewater Garden is a Royal Horticultural Society garden, opened in 2021, in the grounds of the long demolished Worsley New Hall. The site includes a walled garden, a Chinese garden and some woodland walks, accessed by way of a grand Welcome Building with shops, a cafe and a Garden Centre.

The pond in the Paradise Garden

Now, the Bridgewater Garden is not my favourite; the walled garden can seem a bit anaemic, the woodland walks a bit tame, and the Chinese Garden a work in progress. However, the Glow treatment was a success (if we ignore the weather). The lighting seemed to bring the landscape to life, working both at a distance and close-up. The approach contrasts with that of Dunham Massey, where there are a series of installations; RHS Glow is more low-key - the garden is illuminated but not so much added to.  This resulted in a collection of pleasant views as well as individual plants that stood out, and as it is less crowded and half the price of Dunham Massey the overall experience seemed both civilised and something of a bargain.

Practicalities.

Distance from Manchester Town Hall: 8 miles

Drive Time: 25 minutes.

Price: $$ (tickets to be purchased before visiting); around half the cost of the corresponding activity at Dunham Massey.

Parking: Free onsite parking

Food and Drink: There were several eating opportunities associated with Glow. The main cafe was serving  warming pies and mash (I had a welcome cheese and onion pie), and in the garden there is mulled wine, pizzas and hot drinks.

Retail therapy: The Visitor Centre has a souvenir shop with a variety of RHS products, local foodstuffs, books and household items. Quite a lot of this is Christmas themed in December.

Child Friendly: The play area in the woods isn't part of the Glow route.  However, there were lots of babies in the cafe, so this is clearly popular with new parents.

Toilets: Yes - in the visitor centre and near the walled garden.

Do it justice in: 1 hour.

Inside-Outside: 10:90

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