Glow at RHS Hyde Hall runs on selected dates from 26 November to 30 December 2026, 4.30pm to 9pm, from £12 an adult. Winter garden hours and prices too.

Glow, the winter light trail at RHS Garden Hyde Hall in Rettendon, runs on selected dates from Thursday 26 November to Wednesday 30 December 2026. Tickets are on sale now, from £12 for an adult, and everyone needs one, RHS members and under fives included.

The quick answer

  • Glow 2026: selected dates, 26 November to 30 December, 4.30pm to 9pm, last entry 7.15pm.
  • Adults from £12 off peak, £18.50 standard. Children aged 5 to 16 from £7.50. Under fives are free but still need a ticket.
  • The garden itself opens 10am to 4pm from 1 November, with last entry at 3pm. It closes on Christmas Day.

Glow ticket prices

The RHS has added off peak tickets this year, which it says are cheaper than last year’s prices and are available on selected dates only (RHS Hyde Hall, Glow).

Ticket Off peak Standard
Adult, non-member £12 £18.50
Child 5 to 16, non-member £7.50 £11.25
Adult, RHS member or member’s family guest £8.50 £12
Child 5 to 16, RHS member price £4.75 £6.50
Under 5 Free Free

Members pay less because their membership already covers garden entry. They still have to book.

How Glow works

  • Pre-booked tickets only. The RHS says all visitors need one, including members, guests of members, carers and under fives.
  • Timed entry. You can arrive at any point in your booked slot and stay as long as you like until closing.
  • Bring your booking reference, and your membership card if you have one.
  • A flat route is available.
  • No dogs, except registered assistance dogs.

The RHS says this year’s route is new and runs in a different direction, reaching parts of the garden it has not lit before. It starts with reed lights in the Birch Grove and includes illuminated willow sculptures.

The SEN night

Sunday 29 November is a relaxed night for visitors with additional sensory needs. The RHS says it will have lower visitor numbers, minimal noise and fewer sensory distractions. Accompanying carers go free.

Booking enquiries go to hydehallglow@rhs.org.uk or 01245 402100.

Winter opening hours

The garden changes to winter hours on 1 November (RHS Hyde Hall, plan your visit).

To 31 October 1 November to February
Garden 10am to 6pm, last entry 5pm 10am to 4pm, last entry 3pm
Garden centre, Monday to Saturday 9.30am to 6pm 9.30am to 4.30pm
Garden centre, Sunday 11am to 5pm 10am to 4pm

The garden and the garden centre are both closed on Christmas Day.

Daytime admission

Ticket Price
Adult, booked online, Saver £13.60
Adult, booked online, Off-peak £15.70
Adult, on the day £18.40
Child 5 to 16 £6
Under 5 Free
RHS members, plus one adult guest or two children Free

The £13.60 Saver price applies on weekdays from October to March. The RHS excludes half term, 26 to 30 October, and both Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Weekends from October to March are Off-peak (RHS Hyde Hall, visiting the garden).

Anyone receiving Universal Credit, Pension Credit or Employment and Support Allowance can visit for £1, with up to five people in their party. You book ahead and show proof on arrival.

Before Christmas: half term

The garden’s Halloween programme runs from 24 October to 1 November, with a spooky plants trail, Zoolab animal sessions and craft workshops. The details are on our October half term page.

Getting there

Hyde Hall’s sat nav postcode is CM3 8ET and its address is Rettendon, Chelmsford. Check our roadworks and travel page before an evening visit. If you are combining it with a trip into the city, tariffs are on our parking in Chelmsford page.

The other light trail

Chelmsford has a second trail this winter. Enlightened at Hylands runs from 27 November to 2 January, and its dates and prices are on our Hylands Christmas light trail page.

What is still to be confirmed

The RHS publishes Glow as “selected dates” without listing them on the event page. The exact nights, and which are off peak, show only in the booking calendar. We will check on Monday 2 November and add the list of dates and any that have sold out.

Sources