Frequently Asked Questions
Some of the most common questions we get asked about the Enchanted Gardens Light Trail.
How do I buy tickets?
Tickets are available through online purchase only. Tickets are available here: Enchanted Gardens Light Trail Tickets
Tickets to the light trail can only be bought through the Town Gardens website and are not allowed to be sold or bought by third parties.
Are dogs allowed?
Unfortunately due to the nature of the park and trail, only service dogs are allowed in the park during the hours of the trail.
Are there flashing lights?
There will be lighting sequences created within the lighting design that will have some flashing lights contained within them. However, these will not be strobe lighting. We have worked along guidelines on photosensitive epilepsy and are adhering to the industry standard of synchronising effects and locking the sequences to ensure that lights do not operate at more than 5 flashes per second.
For those more susceptible to strobe lighting, we will be running a accessible quiet night on Monday 11th December.
Are there accessible toilets on route?
We will have accessible toilets at the trail. If you need any assistance on the trail, please ask a member of staff who will be happy to help.
If you are visiting on one our accessible quiet night on Monday 11th December, we will have a RevoLootion toilet on site – The mobile toilet with hoist and changing table will be on site for this event. Please bring your own sling if you wish to use the hoist – www.revolootion.org.uk.Will there be food & drink stalls?
We are working in partnership with the Friends of Old Town and the Old Town Business Association to deliver an exciting new food & beverage area located around the Bandstand.
How long is the trail?
The trail is approximately 1.5km and we anticipate your time with us to be around 45-60 minutes, however you are welcome to take your time and stay as long as you like. We just ask you arrive at your booked session on time.
Do you have any quiet sessions?
Our accessible quiet night will take place on Monday 11th December.
This evening is suited for those with additional needs, who will benefit from a quieter experience, with reduced crowds. We will have a RevoLootion toilet on site – The mobile toilet with hoist and changing table will be on site for this event. Please bring your own sling if you wish to use the hoist – www.revolootion.org.uk.
How many PA tickets can I obtain?
Carers can claim one free ticket per fully priced ticket bought
For proof of disability, please bring a form of identification that could include one of the following:
- Entitlement to Disability Living Allowance for children under 16 or DLA / Personal Independent Payments (PIP) for those aged 16-64, either in the form of a letter stating that the benefit has been awarded, or the actual Allowance Book.
- Attendance Allowance or Carer’s Allowance letter of award.
- Incapacity Benefit books, or a letter notifying the recipient that the benefit has been awarded Incapacity Benefit or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
- A valid Blue Badge.
- In the case of visual impairment, a registration card known as the BD8 or a Certificate of Visual Impairment (CVI).
- A local authority registration document which is local to the attraction where it is being submitted.
- A recognised Assistance Dog ID Card.
- Credibility’s Access Card.
Is there Blue Badge parking?
For Blue Badge parking, we will be working with Lethbridge School SN1 4BY, who have kindly offered to open their car park during the hours of the event. Please note that spaces are limited, to secure your spot, please email office@southswindon-pc.gov.uk.
Is the route wheelchair accessible?
The paths through the light trail will be accessible to wheelchair users. However, Whilst every effort is made to make the trail fully accessible, by its very nature it will on occasion cover some difficult terrain with a number of varying gradients.
What impact does the trail have on public access to the park?
The light trail has limited impact on the normal public access to the park. Town Gardens will remain open for public use as normal between the hours of 7.30am – 4.00pm. At 4.00pm the Gardens will close and reopen at 5.00pm for those wishing to attend the event.
Where is the nearest car park?
We are working with the Rotary Club of Old Town to provide the car park at The Commonweal School and Sixth Form. The parking fee is £2 and all monies raised donated towards Prospect Hospice.
The car park is located at The Commonweal School and Sixth Form, The Mall, SN1 4JE.
Please note the car park will not be available on Tuesday 5th December, Friday 8th December, Tuesday 12th December and Thursday 14th December.The nearest pay and display car park is the Bath Road Car Park, SN1 3LS.
Other pay and display car parks nearby include, Prospect Place SN1 3LJ, Britannia Place SN1 4BS and The Planks SN3 1SE.We kindly ask ticket-holders to not park in the residents spaces around the park.
What is the last entry time for the light trail?
The last entry time for the light trail is 7pm on Monday-Thursday and 7:30pm on Friday-Sunday. After this ticket-holders will not be permitted to enter.
Can I take photos and videos?
We encourage you to take photos on your visit and share them on social media with #EnchantedGardens2023 and tagging @southswindonparish. Photography groups / students / hobbyists are encouraged to visit the event during quieter periods to allow additional time within the event and avoid crowds. Please note that the use of tripods is not allowed where the pathways are narrow. Please note drones are not permitted.
Ticket refunds
Please be sure that you have chosen the right date and time slot at the time of making your booking, as South Swindon Parish Council are not able to offer exchanges or refunds once tickets have been purchased.
We are also not able to offer refunds/duplicates on unwanted/lost tickets.
If the Enchanted Gardens Light Trail is for any reason cancelled, you will be notified and offered an alternative date, if available, or a refund.
What do I need to wear?
This is an outdoor event and there is very limited shelter. Please make sure you wear appropriate warm, waterproof clothing and footwear. Lighting may be low level in parts of the grounds, so you may wish to bring a torch.
What time does the trail shut?
The trail will shut promptly at 8pm Monday-Thursday and 8:30pm Friday-Sunday.