The Enchanted Woodland

About

Syon House dates back to the sixteenth century and has been the London home of the Duke of Northumberland and his family since the reign of Elizabeth I. It's a magnificent house with fine Robert Adam interiors, and an extensive art collection. However, this event is very much about what happens outside.

So how best to describe The Enchanted Woodland at Syon Park? Well, it all began in the summer of 2005 when it seemed a good idea to celebrate the trees in the historic arboretum of Syon House. We've got something over 400 species including many rare and unusual trees from all around the world and we really wanted to find a way to celebrate our arboretum. The idea we came up with was to create an illuminated trail in the autumn, when leaves have fallen and winter silhouettes are appearing. That year we had a few hundred people a night and a pretty basic event. Thirteen years later we're going from strength to strength, are visited by thousands each night, and are being copied by gardens and arboreta far and wide!

The Enchanted Woodland is all about the trees, but it also includes projections onto the east façade of Syon House, music, smoke and a spectacular laser display in the Great Conservatory. Our biggest strength is probably the sheer dedication and commitment of our team who make the event happen on top of their day jobs, and put their lives on hold for a month to make it happen. This means that a visitor can stop a steward and ask about the trees and they'll probably find themselves talking to a gardener! We've got a fantastic collection of trees to play with, and a unique set of historic buildings, but our proudest boast is that we are the friendliest event around!

Come along and see it for yourself - if it's still a success after sixteen years it must be worth seeing!