Christmas at Kew Gardens 2015

On 27th December, my husband and I visited Kew Gardens in order to experience Christmas at Kew‘s seasonal illuminations. 

Once again, the beautiful gardens at Kew have been given a festive makeover with a mile-long illuminated path that winds its way past the Choir of the Holly Bushes, a scented Fire Garden, colourful lanterns and dancing fountains, not to mention the illumination of the magnificient and iconic Palm House.

There are a lot of additional extras such as marshmallow roasting pits, food stalls and mulled wine – perfect for children and adults alike.

One thing I should mention is that the food stalls at the end of the trail are limited. We saw signs for food approximately half way around the trail and should have looked at that stage for more options.

Christmas at Kew is open daily from 5pm to 10pm between 25 November 2015 to 2 January 2016. Tickets cost £18 per adult and £12 per child between 4-16 years of age (with a £2 discount if booked in advance) or £55 for a family of 2 adults, 2 children (£48 if booked in advance). Under 4’s and carers get free entry.

I particularly enjoyed the Choir of the Holly Bushes and the illuminated flower garden, both of which had a distinctly ‘Alice in Wonderland’ type feeling.

Overall, this really was a beautiful, magical experience and I am glad we decided to pay a visit.

Of note, I think this event is much more child-friendly than Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland. There crowds are smaller, there are fewer tacky stalls/rides and a lot less alcohol, although this is obviously balanced by the entry fee.

(Apologies for the poor photographs – I received a new mobile phone for Christmas and I am still getting to grips with the camera!)