The clocks have gone forward, the nights have drawn in, and once again the grounds of an historic stately home will be tinged with magic.

For the ninth year running the gardens of Syon House - the home of the Duke of Northumberland - will be transformed on three consecutive weekends by thousands of colourful lights and displays for Enchanted Woodland 2014.

From humble beginnings in 2006 with static lights, muddy paths and a shed for a ticket office, the annual event has grown into a 'must see' spectacle of cutting edge lasers, smoke-breathing dragons and co-ordinated music.

The ticket office is still a shed however!

In previous years more than 14,000 people have been welcomed over the nine nights split across three weekends late November and early December.

Although it is often regarded as a Christmas event, Syon itself is keen to think of it as a celebration of trees and the coming winter.

Laser show inside the Great Conservatory for Enchanted Woodland at Syon Park

Organiser and head gardener Topher Martyn says: "We don’t have a grotto, a faux-German market, or funfair rides.  Instead we just let the lights, and the trees, speak for themselves."

The estate is tremendously proud of its trees and currently boasts of having 400 species from all around the world.

The grounds were laid out by the famous landscape architect Capability Brown in the mid 1700s and in 2016 the park will be looking forward to celebrating his tercentenary.

Mr Martyn added: "When we ask how people have heard about us, they chiefly say that they came in previous years or were told about it by a friend, so that all indicates that we’re doing something right!"

The organisers are keen to share your experience of visiting the woodland this year and have both a twitter feed (@enchantedsyon) and a Facebook page ( https://www.facebook.com/SyonEnchantedWoodland ) for guests to use.

Direct ticket sales are from https://wgc.digitickets.co.uk/category/810?branches.branchID=195 and any extra information is at www.enchantedwoodland.com

The event runs from November 21 - December 7 and is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 5pm-9pm with last entry at 8pm.

The Refectory in the Garden Centre will be open selling hot and cold drinks, including mulled wine, plus a BBQ. There are toilets at the beginning and end, but not along the route.

Tickets are £7 for adults and £3 for children (3-16), two years and under get in free.

getwestlondon is even running a competition to give away five family passes (worth £20 each) valid for the opening weekend.

Enter here.