ILLUMINATURE is open on Fridays to Sundays from 18th November 2022 until 8th January 2023 between 4.30 pm and 9.00 pm.
Tickets are available now.
Wrap up with your family and friends this winter and experience the wonder of wildlife at night. Come and spend quality time together as, hot chocolate in hand, you follow the twinkling lights and celebrate nature in an immersive light trail of glowing larger-than-life sculptures and stunning installations.
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Nestled in a scenic corner of London is a secret space full of wonderful wildlife – WWT London Wetland Centre has come alive by night and you are invited to discover its magic.
Here, you can get closer to nature as guided by larger-than-life illuminated sculptures, you embark on a glowing animal adventure. On the trail, you will meet giant light-up otters and explore the phases of the ever-watching moon in owl woods.
A real must are the night vision goggles through which you can discover what the wetland’s real-life inhabitants are getting up to. Can you spot our curious nēnē geese or dreaming ducks?
Children, and lots of adults too, will love to hop between giant interactive lily pads, beneath glowing fireflies, as you race your friends across the peculiar pond.
Head to the mystical marshland to start your illuminated bird spotting mission before diving into the fantastical forest full of mesmerizing neon birds.
At the end of this enchanting trail, you can take a peek into the real-life otters’ den for the chance to spot the furry family tucked up for bed. Finally, journey through the twinkling tundra tunnel and back out into the real world.
But before you head home, visit the Twilight Tweatery, where you can sit down, enjoy some delicious food and drink and savour the panoramic views of the reserve by night, bordered by the distant lights of London.
Hosted by WWT and Lumagica this magical experience invites all ages to spend an hour or two reconnecting with nature and enjoying London’s wetlands sparkling beneath the moonlight.
Following the success of last year, the trail has been extended with new installations and the addition of our Twilight Tweatery full of treats and space to stop and catch up with your loved ones.
Lisa Woodward, Centre Manager at London Wetland Centre, said:
“2022 will be ILLUMINATURE’s second year at WWT and we are very excited to showcase our amazing wildlife in a unique way, once again. Following last year’s success, the trail has new installations and the addition of the new Twilight Tweatery, with food and drink and fabulous views of the reserve at night.
“We hope to welcome both old and new faces into the Centre this year, create excitement surrounding the light trail and encourage visitors to learn more about how special the London Wetland Centre is and the importance of wetlands to our planet.”
John Arbon, the London Wetland Centre’s Living Collection and Grounds Manager added: “ILLUMINATURE is a fantastic event which was very well received by the visitors who came last year.
WWT
“I’m really excited that visitors will be able to see even more in 2022 as our new night vision goggles will give everyone the opportunity to gaze out over the reserve and observe the rich diversity of wildlife and see them in their natural habitat after night falls. Not everything goes straight to sleep. I believe that our visitors will find it fascinating to gaze into their private world in this very important, diverse reserve here at the London Wetland Centre.
“Importantly, we want people not just to have a magical evening on this wonderful light trail, but also to learn all about the wildlife on our doorsteps and the global importance that wetlands have, not just here in southwest London, but all over the world.”
This enchanting experience will have you glowing with animal magic this winter!
Visit the website for more information and to book.
