As the sun sets on crisp autumn days, venture to Slimbridge Wetland Centre to witness the natural wetland landscape in a entirely new light this October, with the launch of the Mystical Marsh Lantern Experience.
Go on a journey through the centre's grounds and encounter larger-than-life birds, luminous bugs and even interactive bat puppets! All crafted and hand painted by The Lantern Company.
Offering an escape from the usual ghouls and goblins of Halloween fame, the lantern trail begins with an opening weekend on Friday 17 and Saturday 18 October, continuing throughout the October half term school holiday from Friday 24 October until Saturday 1 November 2025 – and it's a perfect alternative for those who love the 'super natural' but without the spook.
The adventure begins with a walk through a spellbinding spiders web and a swoop through a glowing firefly tunnel, before the trail invites visitors to spot enormous glow-in-the-dark insects, owls, mice and a kingfisher.
Experts will be on hand along the way to help track down the bat puppets, as well as using a bat detector to catch a glimpse of the real thing in the wild.
And make sure to pay a visit to the friendly marsh witch, where you can cast your own wish in her magical cauldron.
Visitors will also have chance to create their own lanterns for an extra £3.50 per person.
Plus, there's street food being served up at the Kingfisher Kitchen until 8pm each night, with the option to toast marshmallows on a firepit for another £3.50 per person.
For those who would benefit from a less intense sensory experience, Slimbridge Wetland Centre is hosting SEN sessions, during which the lighting is softer with quieter music and actors adopting a more gentle approach for families.
For more information on the Mystical Marsh Lantern Experience at Slimbridge Wetland Centre, visit wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/slimbridge and to book tickets, visit tickets.wwt.org.uk/event-tickets.
