Doc Martin star Martin Clunes to switch on lights at Enchanted Illuminations at Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens

October sees the return of the popular annual Enchanted Illuminations at Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens.

They are launched on October 12 with a charity preview night in aid of Weldmar Hospicecare when Doc Martin star and charity patron Martin Clunes will turn on the lights. This is an all-ticket event and is sold out.

From Thursday, October 13 visitors will be able to see the gardens bathed in colour from an array of floodlights and stroll pathways lit by candles.

For children, the atmosphere takes a spooky turn to mark Hallowe'en, with three Family Fright Nights.

The gardens open at 10am each day of the public event and stay open until 8.30pm, until October 30. The magic happens with the big switch-on at dusk each day. 

General Manager John Houston says: “The illuminations are timed to take full advantage of the stunning autumn colour, which the garden is famous for at this time of year. 

“Theatre lighting, using many different coloured beams, is used to enhance and highlight the foliage and create huge architectural shapes and shadows throughout the landscape. 

“An extra touch of magic is created by lining the pathways with candles in lanterns. These are strategically placed every 10 feet on the left hand side of the pathways, keeping them on the left will lead the visitor through the entire enchanted route.

“Features during the 40-minute walk include the lighted bridge, the bamboo tunnel, and stunning reflections in the ponds.”

Youngsters are urged to join in the fun in fancy dress for the Family Fright Nights on October 27, 28 and 29.

Free rides on a ghost train are included in the entry price. Witches set up a coven in the garden, zombies put on a dance display, a mysterious White Lady will haunt the lily ponds and a giant spider weaves a web in the Victorian walled garden. 

Face painting and scary scars, ghost stories and a chance to meet and hold tarantulas and snakes all add to the fearsome fun. 

John Houston adds: “Our Family Fright Nights are enormously scary and enormous fun. We are sure that this year they will be more terrifying than ever.”

The walk around the garden has a shorter route, which is suitable for wheelchairs. It is advisable to wear sensible footwear and bring a torch.

For further information and to buy tickets call the Abbotsbury Tourism office on 01305 871130 or visit www.abbotsburygardens.co.uk to make an online booking saving 20%. Or just turn up the night of your choice.