A new after-dark experience is lighting up Edwardian gardens at the National Trust's Polesden Lacey, after a hugely successful opening night last week.

The stunning estate deep in the Surrey countryside will be encompassed in autumnal gold over the next two weeks, for the first-ever IGNITE trail held at the stunning property near Dorking. 

Visitors receive handheld lanterns for the first part of trail, so they can walk through the darkness, lighting up their magical meander through tree-lined avenues.

As twilight falls, the IGNITE magic begins. Expect the unexpected, with glimpses of fairies that could be dancing in lanterns, playful top hats and teapots as you stroll through an enchanting landscape. Within this fiery interpretation of flora and fantasy, set to an atmospheric soundscape, there are moments of playful discovery and reflection. 

New Trail Highlights:

Fire: Lit by hand held lanterns, wander between flickering flames and majestic trees – from one amazing space to another, spot fire breathing dragons, a river of flames and fire balls.

Lights: Wander through the Tunnel of light, this majestic tunnel, adorned with over 100,000 pea-lights and almost 50 metres long, is stunning to look at from a distance or to immerse yourself within, making it an Instagram showstopper. Feel dwarfed by the majesty of nature passing giant Badgers, Robins and other woodland wildlife sculpted in willow, and see the house illuminated as you've never seen it before.

Polesden Lacey was once home to the famous Edwardian hostess Margaret Greville, who entertained royalty and the celebrities of her time. 

Katherine Mills, National Trust General Manager for Polesden Lacey, said: “We're so excited to welcome visitors to Polesden Lacey for this enchanting trail this autumn. It is the first time we've hosted something like this at Polesden Lacey and we're thrilled with how the gardens are illuminated in such a magical way.” 

The trail has been specially designed for visitors of all ages to enjoy.

• All images are from the 2021 trail and should be credited as follows: Photos by Richard Haughton © Sony Music

IGNITE trails are brought to you by Sony Music and hosted by the National Trust.  The trail is created by Culture Creative.

What:               IGNITE at Polesden Lacey – A trail of light, fantasy and fire
When:              Open until 7 November 2021

Visit website for opening times.

Time slots vary, visit ignitetrails.co.uk/polesdenlacey for info

Why Visit:        Discover a magical trail for all the family set within the beautiful

Edwardian gardens of Polesden Lacey

Admission:      Advanced From: Adult £15, Child £10.00, Family £45 (2 adults & 2 children). 
Free entry for carers and children aged 2 & under.
Parking £7.00 per car and free for National Trust members

Website:          nationaltrust.org.uk/polesden-lacey-ignite| #igniteatPolesdenLacey
Address:          Polesden Lacey, Great Bookham, near Dorking, Surrey, RH5 6BD 

For more information please contact:

Matt Dixon | matt@flamingo-marketing.co.uk | T: 01637 808220

Notes to Editors

• For full pricing details and booking please visit:
  • https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/polesden-lacey-ignite
• IGNITE Polesden Lacey has been awarded the 'We're Good to Go' industry-standard mark, in recognition that government and industry COVID-19 guidelines are being followed by the organisation, and processes are in place to maintain cleanliness and aid social/physical distancing.
• For information about COVID19 and booking tickets with confidence visit: https://ignitetrails.co.uk

About Polesden Lacey

Polesden Lacey, nestled in the Surrey Hills, is your space to enjoy. A place of contrasts with both a touch of Edwardian elegance, muddy countryside walks and lots to explore. The formal gardens offer colour and fragrance throughout the year, from the walled Rose Garden in summer to the Graham Stuart Thomas designed Winter Garden during colder months. There are natural play areas, trails for families and picnic spots. Discover world-renowned collections of maiolica and Dutch Old Masters in the 19th-century house. (Opening times vary). Normal entry to the house and gardens is by pre-booked ticket www.nationaltrust.org.uk/polesdenlacey

About the National Trust

The National Trust is a conservation charity founded in 1895 by three people, Octavia Hill, Sir Robert Hunter and Hardwicke Rawnsley who saw the importance of the nation's heritage and open spaces, and wanted to preserve them for everyone to enjoy. This year, the charity celebrates its 125th anniversary, and these values are still at the heart of everything it does. 

To help mark this significant moment in its history, the Trust has committed to achieving carbon net zero emissions by 2030, and establishing 20 million trees to help tackle climate change, creating green corridors for people and nature near towns and cities, running a year-long campaign to connect people with nature and continuing investment in arts and heritage.

Ensuring everyone who visits feels welcome, and more people can access its places continues to be another key aspect of the charity's work.

Entirely independent of Government, the National Trust looks after more than 250,000 hectares of countryside, 780 miles of coastline and hundreds of special places across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The National Trust receives more than 26.9 million visits each year to the places it cares for that have an entry fee, and an estimated 100 million visits to the outdoor places looked after by the charity. Together with 5.9 million members and more than 65,000 volunteers, they help to support the conservation charity in its work to care for nature, beauty, history.  For everyone, for ever.