Christmas at Kew Gardens
The seasonal illuminations lighting Kew Gardens after dark have been turned on. This new winter trail for 2015 is filled with magical moments to enjoy with friends and family. The one-mile sparkling path winds its way through the world-famous botanic gardens in a magical after-dark experience.
This is a delightful walk through part of the impressive gardens at Kew and the usual manic Xmas atmosphere is left far behind. Even with a big Friday night crowd the well thought out trail keeps people moving along and everyone gets a chance to pause and wonder.
The different segments are named and designed by various groups and some have been given a lot of thought. It’s always interesting what grabs a crowd’s attention; the fire garden is a sure winner with its wafts of frankincense and flicking real flame, but the gateway of hanging rope lights gently throbbing their way from pink to dark purple grabbed as much wide-eyed attention.
My personal favourite almost at the beginning of the trail is called The Choir of Holly Bushes, it’s ten great big holy bushes wrapped in pulsating LED coloured lights who all sing different harmonies which build up into a wonderfully cheery festive tune In Dulci Jubilo it surrounds you in the dark, full of lovely trembling musical cleverness just on the edge of familiarity and instills a sense of deep joy into the people wandering along. It’s the latest audio-visual installation from Ithaca Audio and Ithaca Visual. After I finished the trail I went back to listen to them some more, very simple, evocative and it left me very happy and feeling festive.
Here’s a taste of it
Alongside the trail are a few gentle kiosks for mulled wine and toasting marshmallow, bespoke ones of course, which were delicious and it ends with a pretty good fountain and lights show with a huge festive projection on the massive iconic Palm house to a melody of Carols, again on loop so everyone gets a go at the front. Wrap up warm, needless to say as this is an outdoors event and it can get cold but there’s a real charm to being under the stars with spiced cider, mulled wine or hot chocolate while the aroma of roasting chestnuts fills the air.
With a brief visit from Santa and his manic elves in the outdoor auditorium to delight the little ones, and older ones yet to grow up (and thankful for a sit down for ten minutes) and a vintage fun fair half way along the trail for folk to recharge and refresh, it’s a lovely alternative to the bustle of shopping and the pressure of preparing. There’s a range of lights, projections, fire lanterns, candles, LED, interactive fun bits and some of the huge impressive and rare trees are atmospherically lit so there’s plenty of interest and photo opportunities abound.
Fairly easy to get to from the south, change at Clapham Junction grab a train to Richmond, very short walk from the Overground Station; it’s worth the journey. It’s a well thought out planned walk, about a mile – with some occasion seating – with enough to delight everyone. You end up in the shop at Kew which is full of interesting plant related gifts and I left feeling like I’d had an interesting, informative and healthy alternative to the usual Christmas events.
More on getting to Kew Gardens here
Great fun for all types of families.
For more info or to book tickets see the Kew Gardens website.
Things to note
The trail is very popular and entry is by timed ticket, so you need to book well in advance to secure the date and entry time you want.
The trail opens at 5pm and closes at 10pm. You can choose from 8 entry times. Visits are timed at 30 minute intervals from 5pm until 8pm and the last visit starts at 8.15pm
- Event dates: Wednesday, November 25 – Saturday, January 2 (not open November 30 and December 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 24 and 25, 2015)
- Event times: 5pm–10pm — timed entrance between 5pm and 8.15pm
- Event entry: Main entrance at Victoria Gate. Tickets with prepaid parking — entrance at Brentford Gate
- Price: See ticket information. Entry price does not include rides