Essex


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where">WHAT? WHERE?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1001" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/RHS-Hyde-Hall-Glow.jpg" alt="RHS Gardens Glow at RHS Hyde Hall" class="wp-image-26605" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/RHS-Hyde-Hall-Glow.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/RHS-Hyde-Hall-Glow-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/RHS-Hyde-Hall-Glow-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/RHS-Hyde-Hall-Glow-768x513.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Winter illuminations have become something of a tradition in recent years, along with panto and breakfasts with Santa. If you’ve not already added it to your festive family tradition list then book tickets to<a href="https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/hyde-hall/whats-on/hyde-hall-glow?utm_source=muddystilettos&amp;utm_medium=ad-rhs&amp;utm_campaign=glowmuddystilettos&amp;utm_content=hydehall-image-glowmuddystilettos" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> RHS Glow at Hyde Hall </a>– we promise you’ll be converted! The gardens awash with vibrant colour, along with atmospheric music really does make for an enchanting experience, for kids and adults alike. You can catch <a href="https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/hyde-hall/whats-on/hyde-hall-glow?utm_source=muddystilettos&amp;utm_medium=ad-rhs&amp;utm_campaign=glowmuddystilettos&amp;utm_content=hydehall-image-glowmuddystilettos&amp;sv_campaign_id=78888&amp;sv_tax1=affiliate&amp;sv_tax2=323607&amp;sv_tax3=Skimlinks&amp;sv_tax4=muddystilettos.co.uk&amp;sv_affiliate_id=78888&amp;awc=2273_1764079089_563ef60cd3ec023897be4ff7728cdd82https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/hyde-hall/whats-on/hyde-hall-glow?utm_source=muddystilettos&amp;utm_medium=ad-rhs&amp;utm_campaign=glowmuddystilettos&amp;utm_content=hydehall-image-glowmuddystilettos" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Glow</a> on selected dates from<strong> 21 – 29 Nov</strong>, 5pm – 9pm (last entry 7pm) and selected dates from<strong> 3 – 27 Dec</strong>, 4.30pm – 9pm (last entry 7pm).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/Web-Use-Hyde_Hall_Glow_2024_Lifestyle_Shoot_Jim_Holden_Dec_2023_144.jpg" alt="RHS Gardens Glow at RHS Hyde Hall" class="wp-image-26618" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/Web-Use-Hyde_Hall_Glow_2024_Lifestyle_Shoot_Jim_Holden_Dec_2023_144.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/Web-Use-Hyde_Hall_Glow_2024_Lifestyle_Shoot_Jim_Holden_Dec_2023_144-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/Web-Use-Hyde_Hall_Glow_2024_Lifestyle_Shoot_Jim_Holden_Dec_2023_144-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/Web-Use-Hyde_Hall_Glow_2024_Lifestyle_Shoot_Jim_Holden_Dec_2023_144-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>You know you&#8217;ve picked a good one when the kids run in shouting &#8216;this is amaaazing&#8217;! And are still shouting it when you leave. As soon as you set foot inside the gardens the lights begin with the sycamore sculpture, set against the backdrop of an avenue of light. The winding trail through the Australia and New Zealand Garden is just the warm up and as you near the top and get a glimpse of Clover Hill you start to get an idea of how vast the light show is.</p>



<p>You&#8217;ll be dazzled by the disco balls hanging in the Queen Mother&#8217;s Garden, perfect excuse for a little dance in the moonlight as the colours skip across the pathways. The neon tree is another highlight, with shocking colours jolting across the bare branches, a bit like it has been hit by a rainbow lightening bolt!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1001" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/Web-Use-GLOW_RHS_Hyde_Hall_2024_-018.jpg" alt="RHS Gardens Glow at RHS Hyde Hall" class="wp-image-26620" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/Web-Use-GLOW_RHS_Hyde_Hall_2024_-018.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/Web-Use-GLOW_RHS_Hyde_Hall_2024_-018-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/Web-Use-GLOW_RHS_Hyde_Hall_2024_-018-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/Web-Use-GLOW_RHS_Hyde_Hall_2024_-018-768x513.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The Robinson Garden has been included this year – as you trip trap over the bridge you can get a close look at the new mycelium installation. With 2,500 shimmering fibres it represents the hidden networks of fungi beneath our feet, and is truly mesmerising. Stick around a while at the pond and see the lights move in time to the music – the view from the other side is spectacular too so don&#8217;t be tempted to bypass.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1001" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/Web-Use-GLOW_RHS_Hyde_Hall_2024_-132.jpg" alt="RHS Gardens Glow at RHS Hyde Hall" class="wp-image-26619" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/Web-Use-GLOW_RHS_Hyde_Hall_2024_-132.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/Web-Use-GLOW_RHS_Hyde_Hall_2024_-132-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/Web-Use-GLOW_RHS_Hyde_Hall_2024_-132-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/Web-Use-GLOW_RHS_Hyde_Hall_2024_-132-768x513.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>After reaching the top of the hill we were a little sad that it was time to descend, but it wasn&#8217;t over yet – little did we know the best was yet to come. Pause for photos in the glittering tunnel of lights and watch as the large balls on the hillside change colours – for something that looks so simple it&#8217;s surprisingly difficult to tear your eyes away!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/IMG_9980.jpg" alt="RHS Gardens Glow at RHS Hyde Hall" class="wp-image-26615" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/IMG_9980.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/IMG_9980-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/IMG_9980-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/IMG_9980-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>As we wandered back down the hill, we were glad we took a moment to look back up – it’s absolutely breathtaking and makes for a stunning backdrop for a family photo (family Christmas card in the making!).</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/IMG_0012-2.jpg" alt="RHS Gardens Glow at RHS Hyde Hall" class="wp-image-26609" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/IMG_0012-2.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/IMG_0012-2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/IMG_0012-2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/IMG_0012-2-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The Winter Gardens is also a hit as you near the end – seeing the willow sculptures come alive with light and colour is awesome and a memory we&#8217;ll take home with us.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-amp-quaff">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="999" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/food-cabins-at-hyde-hall-glow-copy.jpg" alt="RHS Gardens Glow at RHS Hyde Hall" class="wp-image-26628" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/food-cabins-at-hyde-hall-glow-copy.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/food-cabins-at-hyde-hall-glow-copy-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/food-cabins-at-hyde-hall-glow-copy-1000x666.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/food-cabins-at-hyde-hall-glow-copy-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>This is a heads up – do not eat before you arrive, because you will feel like you&#8217;ve missed out if you don&#8217;t indulge in what&#8217;s on offer. And there is some crackers on offer. Beef burger with smoked bacon, brie, cranberry and crispy onions sound good? Or warm German potato salad with cabbage and pickles? That&#8217;s just two of the plates you can enjoy at The Gardener&#8217;s Rest Restaurant. Or thaw out frozen fingers with a spiced mulled apple or a mulled wine. It smelled seriously festive, and this is the place to stop if you prefer a nice sit down in the warmth while you&#8217;re eating (a good call if you have older rellies with you, as there&#8217;s less places to sit at the next stop). If by some miracle you&#8217;re able to resist the tempting scents wafting from the top of the hill then you&#8217;ll have a second opportunity to eat at the Cabins by the Lake. Here you&#8217;ll find street food-style fare –&nbsp;we can recommend the Maple Dog from the Smashing Buns van –&nbsp;maple &amp; sriracha mayo with candied jalapẽnos is a winning combo! If you can squeeze anymore in, may we suggest a spiced apple crumble (highly recommended) and the waffle sticks were going down a storm, especially with the kids, as was the luxury hot chocolate. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-anything-else">ANYTHING ELSE?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="999" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/buying-christmas-decorations-at-rhs-garden-centre.jpg" alt="RHS Gardens Hyde hall" class="wp-image-26629" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/buying-christmas-decorations-at-rhs-garden-centre.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/buying-christmas-decorations-at-rhs-garden-centre-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/buying-christmas-decorations-at-rhs-garden-centre-1000x666.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/buying-christmas-decorations-at-rhs-garden-centre-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Be warned, you&#8217;ll be hard pressed to walk through the treasure trove of Christmas goodies in the garden centre without popping anything into your basket. Yes, you probably do need that festive plant for your table centrepiece. Plus the gorgeous glass baubles (you need a momento, right?). And those beautifully boxed mince pies will make the perfect hostess gift. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kid-friendly">KID-FRIENDLY?</h2>



<p>Definitely child-friendly – it takes around 60-90 minutes to walk around (depending on your speed and toilet-breaks), and the pathways are pushchair friendly. While to does feel pretty romantic strolling around the twinkling pathways, it&#8217;s not just for the adults – the kids were mesmerised as they followed the winding magical trail up onto the Hilltop – there were shouts of how amazing it was as they dashed from feature to feature. If they’ve visited RHS Hyde Hall during daylight hours before they’ll love the excitement of being there after dark (is there anything more exciting than being somewhere you&#8217;re not usually allowed?). </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accessibility">ACCESSIBILITY?</h2>



<p>While there are some slopes, there is a flat route available, and all pathways are paved and wheelchair-friendly.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dog-friendly">DOG-FRIENDLY?</h2>



<p>Dogs are a no-no at RHS Hyde Hall, accept for registered assistance dogs of course. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1001" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/Web-Use-GLOW_RHS_Hyde_Hall_2024_-102-1.jpg" alt="RHS Gardens Glow at RHS Hyde Hall" class="wp-image-26626" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/Web-Use-GLOW_RHS_Hyde_Hall_2024_-102-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/Web-Use-GLOW_RHS_Hyde_Hall_2024_-102-1-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/Web-Use-GLOW_RHS_Hyde_Hall_2024_-102-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/Web-Use-GLOW_RHS_Hyde_Hall_2024_-102-1-768x513.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



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



<p><strong>GOOD FOR:</strong> Anyone who needs to kickstart the festive feels – the jolly tunes, twinkling lights and festive flavours are guaranteed to fill you with Christmas spirit. Whether you&#8217;re on a date or with friends, child-free or have a rabble, this is a night out that will impress even the most bah humbug among you.</p>



<p><strong>NOT FOR:</strong> If you don&#8217;t like to leave home without your furry friend then this isn&#8217;t for you, no doggies allowed. </p>



<p><strong>THE DAMAGE:</strong> Adult entry is £17.25 and for children (5–16), its £9.25. Under 5&#8217;s free. Reasonable prices for such a enjoyable evening out. And don’t forget RHS Members enjoyed discounted ticket prices too! While food for a whole family might add up if you&#8217;re going for one of everything, what&#8217;s on offer is high-quality and seriously tasty, well worth every penny. Expect to pay around £9-£10 for a hot meal.</p>



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



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/hyde-hall/whats-on/hyde-hall-glow?utm_source=muddystilettos&amp;utm_medium=ad-rhs&amp;utm_campaign=glowmuddystilettos&amp;utm_content=hydehall-image-glowmuddystilettos" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RHS Glow at Hyde Hall 2025</a> is open on selected dates from 21 – 29 Nov, 5pm – 9pm (last entry 7pm) and selected dates from 3 – 27 Dec, 4.30pm – 9pm (last entry 7pm).</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>All tickets must be booked in advance.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>RHS Hyde Hall is located just outside the town of South Woodham Ferrers,  around 30 minutes from Chelmsford or Southend-on-Sea at Creephedge Lane, Rettendon, CM3 8ET.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>There is ample free, on-site parking.</li>
</ul>



<p><br></p>


Review: RHS Glow at Hyde Hall, Rettendon

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