Yorkshire


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="1024" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/11/20251118_171810-768x1024.jpg" alt="glow" class="wp-image-6178" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/11/20251118_171810-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/11/20251118_171810-225x300.jpg 225w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/11/20251118_171810.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure>



<p>RHS Glow 2025 has had a total revamp, so much so that even seasoned visitors will find themselves wide-eyed at the surprises in store. Familiar landscapes have been transformed with bold beams of colour and soft glows, turning every corner into a new festive stage. One minute you’re beneath a canopy of fairy-lit branches, the next you’re staring across a lawn shimmering in jewel tones. The big finish? Sweeping views over Queen Mother’s Lake, where the reflections multiply the magic.</p>



<p>We went to check it out before it officially opened to the public. Here’s what to expect &#8211;&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="960" height="682" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/11/486962407_1042181787935154_1573457280348713094_n-3.jpg" alt="glow" class="wp-image-6179" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/11/486962407_1042181787935154_1573457280348713094_n-3.jpg 960w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/11/486962407_1042181787935154_1573457280348713094_n-3-300x213.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/11/486962407_1042181787935154_1573457280348713094_n-3-768x546.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fun-for-all-the-fam">FUN FOR ALL THE FAM</h2>



<p>There really is a little something for everyone here. Well, all apart from furry friends, but you can always pick them up a gift to take home in the shop afterwards. Grown ups will love seeing the award-winning gardens brought to life in a new light (literally) with stunning sounds that will have you forgetting all about that Christmas to-do list. There’s plenty for the kids to throw themselves into as well. From the giant interactive piano that invites you to run up a merry tune to the illuminated&nbsp;Libellule dragonflies&nbsp;swooping across the gardens and glowing snowballs dangling from the trees, it’s fun in technicolour.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sounscapes">SOUNSCAPES</h2>



<p>RHS Glow have always curated a sublime sensory experience, but this year it seems to have been upped to the next level. Wandering around the decked out grounds of RHS Harlow Carr is akin to a symphony show now. And it’s all thanks to&nbsp;<em>Octave</em>, the interactive sound-and-light installation, which pulses in rhythm and melody, turning the gardens into a living, glowing soundscape. Kids will love dashing about to see what changes, while grown-ups can soak up the artistry (or sneak in a slow dance under the fairy lights). It’s playful, immersive and a serious crowd-pleaser.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/10/Web-Use-RHSHarlowCarr_Glow-2024_November_Josh-Kemp-Smith_112-1-2.jpg" alt="glow" class="wp-image-5706" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/10/Web-Use-RHSHarlowCarr_Glow-2024_November_Josh-Kemp-Smith_112-1-2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/10/Web-Use-RHSHarlowCarr_Glow-2024_November_Josh-Kemp-Smith_112-1-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/10/Web-Use-RHSHarlowCarr_Glow-2024_November_Josh-Kemp-Smith_112-1-2-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insta-shots">INSTA SHOTS</h2>



<p>RHS Glow have really thought through some truly Insta-worthy shots along the trail. If the amazing array of dazzling lights weren’t enough to fill up your camera roll, then the&nbsp;fairy light filled tunnels and glittering trees strung with shiny disco balls are sure to do the trick. But it doesn’t stop there. Oh no, there’s true frame worthy showstoppers every step of the way. From the multi-coloured angel wings to the giant star you can stand in and even the fully lit frame the whole family can gather in by the lake – there’s photo opps around every corner, and we’re here for it.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-foodie-finds">FOODIE FINDS</h2>



<p>With the opening of the Harrogate Arms this year, the food and drink offering extends to more than just Bettys hut halfway round (although we do love that). There’ all the Christmas classics from the likes of marshmallow toasting, mulled wine, bratwurst and more. It’s a feast for the senses. Then there’s Bettys serving up a tasty menu of all their beloved classics of sweet treats, hot chocolates and more. You could even make a proper outing of it and dine in their Harlow Café before heading off round the trail. Delicious.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="1024" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/11/20251118_172814-768x1024.jpg" alt="glow" class="wp-image-6180" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/11/20251118_172814-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/11/20251118_172814-225x300.jpg 225w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/11/20251118_172814.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gifting-galore">GIFTING GALORE</h2>



<p>Struggling to get through your Christmas shopping list? Well don’t fret, RHS Glow have all your shopping needs covered with not one, but two shopping opportunities. Halfway round the trail you’ll find a charming giftshop full of original treasures from local artists. I fell head over heels for the homemade decorations and artwork – truly unique pieces that you actually want to have on display. At the end, you can access Harlow Carr’s amazing garden centre and giftshop packed to the rafters with pressies for all the family. If you can’t find something here, we don’t know where you will.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-muddy-verdict">MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<p><strong>GOOD FOR: </strong>The whole family &#8211; from babies in buggies to grandparents zooming about on mobility scooters &#8211; this is a great space for all. Especially is you&#8217;re searching for those feel-good festive feels. </p>



<p><strong>NOT FOR:</strong> Anyone who needs to take their furry friend along for an outing or is a bit of a Christmas grinch. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-1001-Light-trails-RHS-harlow-carr-glow-1024x683.jpg" alt="glow" class="wp-image-1145" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-1001-Light-trails-RHS-harlow-carr-glow-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-1001-Light-trails-RHS-harlow-carr-glow-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-1001-Light-trails-RHS-harlow-carr-glow-768x513.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/11/1500-x-1001-Light-trails-RHS-harlow-carr-glow.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-need-to-knows">NEED TO KNOWS</h2>



<p>Glow runs on selected dates,&nbsp;19 Nov – 23 Dec, 4.30pm – 8.30pm. Tickets are&nbsp;£17.25 for adults, £9.25 for children (5–16), under-5s free, with RHS Members enjoying discounted entry. Booking in advance is&nbsp;<em>essential</em>&nbsp;– this event sells out faster than pigs-in-blankets at Christmas dinner</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Dress code:&nbsp;</strong>Sparkly scarf optional, thermal socks essential. Yorkshire nights bite.</li>



<li><strong>Timing:</strong>&nbsp;Arrive early (4.30pm) for that magical twilight-to-dark transition, or later if you want the full “pitch black sparkle” effect.</li>



<li><strong>Photos:&nbsp;</strong>Switch your flash off – trust us, the lights do the work. Thaliana Bridge is&nbsp;<em>the</em>&nbsp;Instagram shot.</li>



<li><strong>Food strategy:&nbsp;</strong>Warm up with bratwurst and jacket potatoes at the Harrogate Arms, then stockpile Betty’s goodies for the car ride home.</li>



<li><strong>Parking:&nbsp;</strong>On-site at RHS Harlow Carr, but it fills up. Harrogate town centre is close if you fancy making a night of it with cocktails after. If you&#8217;re a local, walk up through Valley Gardens and the Pine Woods.</li>
</ul>



<p>Book your tickets quickly&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/harlow-carr/whats-on/harlow-carr-glow?utm_source=muddystilettos&amp;utm_medium=ad-rhs&amp;utm_campaign=glowmuddystilettos&amp;utm_content=harlowcarr-image-glowmuddystilettos" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>. Yorkshire winters are long, but Glow is fleeting – and a hundred times prettier than your neighbour’s inflatable Santa.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-mood-for-more">IN THE MOOD FOR MORE?</h2>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://yorkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/xmas/best-christmas-markets-near-me-yorkshire/">10 Christmas markets to tick off your list</a></li>



<li><a href="https://yorkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/xmas/first-look-harewoods-grand-christmas-ball/">First look: Harewood’s Grand Christmas Ball</a></li>



<li><a href="https://yorkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/">5 of the best Christmas ads for 2025</a></li>
</ul>


First look at RHS Harlow Carr’s spectacular light trail

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