Devon


<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="1000" height="1333" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/letitglow-glow.jpg" alt="RHS Let it Glow illumination at RHS Glow 2025 at RHS Garden Rosemoor Devon " class="wp-image-82216" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/letitglow-glow.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/letitglow-glow-600x800.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/letitglow-glow-750x1000.jpg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/letitglow-glow-768x1024.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Pop the Christmas bangers in the CD player and set the satnav for a twilight date with <a href="https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/rosemoor/whats-on/rosemoor-glow" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RHS Glow </a>at Rosemoor, Great Torrington. On selected dates from Fri 21 Nov &#8211; 30 December, its 65 manicured acres have been transformed with winter illuminations created by lighting wizards, SLX, into a magical wonderland of atmospheric light and sound installations. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/Glow-at-Rosemoor-2025_Press-rosem1125-53-1000x667.jpg" alt="review of Christmas illuminations at RHS Glow 2025 at RHS Garden Rosemoor Devon " class="wp-image-82228" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/Glow-at-Rosemoor-2025_Press-rosem1125-53-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/Glow-at-Rosemoor-2025_Press-rosem1125-53-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/Glow-at-Rosemoor-2025_Press-rosem1125-53-768x513.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/Glow-at-Rosemoor-2025_Press-rosem1125-53.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Happily for seasoned RHS Glow Rosemoor fans (this is their 9th year), every winter the route weaves a subtly different route through the landscape. For 2025, there are seven new light installations to spot, including the newly refreshed Winter Garden by Jo Thompson and a mass of reed-like lights in the Stream Field which are really novel. Incredibly, the music here has been composed (by composer Alex H Duncan) from the vibrations captured vibrations from a crab apple tree. </p>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/Glow-at-Rosemoor-2025_Press-rosem1125-129-1000x667.jpg" alt="review of RHS Glow 2025  at RHS Garden Rosemoor Devon " class="wp-image-82217" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/Glow-at-Rosemoor-2025_Press-rosem1125-129-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/Glow-at-Rosemoor-2025_Press-rosem1125-129-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/Glow-at-Rosemoor-2025_Press-rosem1125-129-768x513.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/Glow-at-Rosemoor-2025_Press-rosem1125-129.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit RHS/Mark Bolton </figcaption></figure>



<p>Think magical multi-coloured fairyland crossed with Hollywood film set for a (non-scary) alien invasion. The sparkle at RHS Glow is on a huge scale, from the vast lawns and lake, grazing the bark of the tree trunks and to the tops of the tallest branches. The winding, very accessible, path takes you from scene set to scene set, each one with a different look and sound. A twinkly white potager compete with fairytale thatched cottage; a close encounter style landing pad for space ships over a lawn; a mist-filled grotto with waterfall.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1183" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/rhsglow-lake.jpeg" alt="Lake lit up with winter illuminations ar at RHSGlow 2025 " class="wp-image-82240" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/rhsglow-lake.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/rhsglow-lake-676x800.jpeg 676w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/rhsglow-lake-845x1000.jpeg 845w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/rhsglow-lake-768x909.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The finale of soaring trees, lit with rainbow colours reflected in the the lake, is super atmospheric and all to a thumping tribal soundtrack &#8211; like fireworks without the bangs and booms.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/Glow-at-Rosemoor-2025_rosem1125-98-1000x667.jpg" alt="review of RHS Glow 2025 at RHS Garden Rosemoor Devon with storm damaged tree trunk lit up" class="wp-image-82219" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/Glow-at-Rosemoor-2025_rosem1125-98-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/Glow-at-Rosemoor-2025_rosem1125-98-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/Glow-at-Rosemoor-2025_rosem1125-98-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/Glow-at-Rosemoor-2025_rosem1125-98.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The crab apple vibrations set to music was a brilliant new highlight. Centred around the trunk of Storm Daragh-damaged tree and lit like an angry red volcano, it was magical to think we were eavesdropping on the internal flow of a tree!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1233" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/rhsglow-candycanes.jpeg" alt="candy canes lights RHS Glow 2025 at RHS Garden Rosemoor Devon " class="wp-image-82238" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/rhsglow-candycanes.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/rhsglow-candycanes-649x800.jpeg 649w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/rhsglow-candycanes-811x1000.jpeg 811w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/rhsglow-candycanes-768x947.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Other highlights included the giant Christmas tree, the topiary walk of candy canes, the disco globes glistening way up high to a soundtrack of Christmas Fantasia &#8211; and guessing the Steven Spielberg-style tunes &#8211; and the mulled wine, of course. </p>



<p>This year, the lights seemed to reach higher into the velvet night sky than ever, it was very transporting. And at points even quite moving, although maybe that was just the mulled wine.</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="1000" height="1135" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/muddyed-rhsglow2025.jpeg" alt="Muddy Devon editor with mulled winr at RHS Glow 2025" class="wp-image-82232" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/muddyed-rhsglow2025.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/muddyed-rhsglow2025-705x800.jpeg 705w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/muddyed-rhsglow2025-881x1000.jpeg 881w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/muddyed-rhsglow2025-768x872.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>No need to eat before you arrive as the choice is as plentiful as the season. Choose from a two-course <a href="https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/rosemoor/food-drink/glow?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_1763985024_b2ab9177daee2646a73f93731a4811dd" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Glow Simple Supper</a> of a hearty meat or vegan pie in the twinkly Garden Restaurant (or Afternoon Tea) followed by a really special cream-filled apple chou buns or melt-in-the-mouth brownie &#8211; with a Frobishers juice or glass of Christmas cheer. </p>



<p>To keep you mitts warm en route, you&#8217;ll find a horse box offering mulled wine, whipped cream topped hot chocolates and cakes, as well as a neon-lit waffle van.  </p>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="667" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/Glow-at-Rosemoor-2025_Press-rosem1125-134-667x1000.jpg" alt="hare sculpture at The Winter Sculpture Exhibition at RHS Glow at RHS Garden Rosemoor Devon 2025" class="wp-image-82221" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/Glow-at-Rosemoor-2025_Press-rosem1125-134-667x1000.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/Glow-at-Rosemoor-2025_Press-rosem1125-134-534x800.jpg 534w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/Glow-at-Rosemoor-2025_Press-rosem1125-134-768x1151.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/Glow-at-Rosemoor-2025_Press-rosem1125-134.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 667px) 100vw, 667px" /></figure>



<p>The Winter Sculpture Exhibition always runs alongside Glow (until 31 Jan 2026) so if you want some professional lighting ideas for your Henry Moore, here&#8217;s your place. Of course, you may prefer to see the 100 or so sculptures, made from ceramics, stone, bronze, wood, glass and recycled tools, by day as to be honest, I was so busy gawping at the lights I didn&#8217;t spot many.</p>



<p>It&#8217;s not just the RHS shop that&#8217;s open late. Tick some presents off the list at The Magic of Christmas Craft Fair is on 28-29 November and 6 December. Options ranged from ceramics (I bought the sweetest little tree dec from North Devon ceramist Blu Bleu), to scarves, stationery, jewellery and art. It was both well curated and supporting local.</p>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/livingxmastree-glow.jpg" alt="Living Christmas tree at RHS Glow 2025 at RHS Garden Rosemoor Devon " class="wp-image-82224" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/livingxmastree-glow.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/livingxmastree-glow-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/livingxmastree-glow-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/livingxmastree-glow-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>For me, one of the joys of Glow is the sound of kids&#8217; chat and laughter ringing out across the parkland. It&#8217;s <em>totally</em> one for families, and the most memorable festive family photos you could hope for, thanks to regular selfie-spots. Plus, there&#8217;s a kids&#8217; menu in the Garden Restaurant for a tenner, and and under 5s go free.</p>



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



<p>Very, the paths are traversable, there are plenty of seating stops and you can hire trampers. It&#8217;s well sign-posted and there are plenty fo helpful stewards en route, who even sorted the answer to a debate over the soundtrack by the disco globes (Christmas Fantasia, if you want to know). I felt the route had fewer pinch points this year too.</p>



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



<p>Only registered assistance dogs. If you want to take the pooch on another day, Rosemoor have extended their trail of daytime dog-friendly openings on Mon-Weds until March 2026.</p>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1195" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/rhsglow-bamboo.jpeg" alt="bamboo at RHS Glow at RHS RHS Garden Rosemoor Devon " class="wp-image-82234" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/rhsglow-bamboo.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/rhsglow-bamboo-669x800.jpeg 669w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/rhsglow-bamboo-837x1000.jpeg 837w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/rhsglow-bamboo-768x918.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Easily Devon&#8217;s best winter illuminations, not least because RHS Glow is about more than just the lighting &#8211; it&#8217;s about the landscape. For gardeners, it&#8217;s a chance to see the nobbly oaks, gleaming bamboo and bauble-like berries in a whole new, well, light. The garden room-style layout and arboretum lends itself to the magic and even if you know Rosemoor well, Glow delivers the unexpected.</p>



<p><strong>Good for</strong>: a magical, easy-going 1-2 hour walk to add to the Christmas cross-generational family tradition; a wellbeing spirit-lifter; good photographers (and the not-so-good) &#8211; the lights are very photogenic; Christmas shopping, including the fir tree (and some fabulous hellebores); a festive dinner date. </p>



<p><strong>Not for</strong>: these are winter illuminations, so not just for Christmas; lates &#8211; last entry is 7.15pm; dogs, except assistance dogs; Humbugs.</p>



<p><strong>The damage</strong>: <span data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">RHS members get discounted tickets</span>. <span>Non-members from £16.25pp/kids £8.75, under 5s free. RHS members £9.75/kids £5.25/unders 5s free, including garden entry.</span> Glow Simple Supper £20pp for two courses.</p>



<p><span><strong><em><a href="https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/rosemoor/whats-on/rosemoor-glow" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RHS Glow at Rosemoor&nbsp;</a></em></strong><i style="font-weight: bold">runs until 30 Dec 2025 on </i><span style="font-weight: 600"><i>selected</i></span><i style="font-weight: bold">  dates, booking advised. &nbsp;Magic of Christmas Food and Craft Fairs Fri &#8211; Sun 21 – 23 &amp; 28 – 30 Nov, Sat 6 – Sun 7 Dec</i></span> <em><strong>at </strong></em><strong><em>RHS Garden Rosemoor, Great Torrington, Devon EX38 8PH; Tel 01805 624067</em></strong>.</p>


Review: RHS Glow at Rosemoor, Great Torrington

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