I get a little tired of hearing “Christmas is for Children’. Surely Christmas, a time for sharing and goodwill is for everyone, no matter their background and beliefs?
Walsall Illuminations and Severn Valley Railway at Christmas were my Christmas highlights as a child. But what is there for adults that doesn’t include mistletoe or alcohol?
Christmas at Kew Gardens has the answer; a one mile trail of illuminations befitting the world’s most famous botanic garden. The effects are enough to give any grown person Christmas filled shivers; the displays are well constructed, elegant and at times simply beautiful. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is in Richmond on the outskirts of London, is one of the most amazing gardens in the world.
What I particularly liked about Christmas at Kew is that they have timed tickets, meaning space is provided for everyone to enjoy the delights, be them light displays set to music, illuminated installation, Actors in character, a visit to Santa’s grotto or some of the best marshmallows I have ever tasted.
Some may perceive the £15 entry ticket to be on the steep side but Kew at Christmas is significantly larger than Syon Palace which charges £9 and seems to be a little more special somehow. In total, I spent 4 hours on the 1 mile trail as I ended up going round twice!
Christmas at Kew Information:
Event date: 26 November 2014 to 3 January 2015, 5pm to 10pm
Event details: 5pm to 10pm (Closed on 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 24 and 25 December 2014). Timed entrance between 5pm and 8.15pm.
Venue: Main entrance – Victoria Gate. Tickets with pre-paid parking – entrance at Brentford Gate. Entry price excludes Santa’s Snowflake Grotto and rides. The White Peaks area and Brentford exit gate will close from 9.30pm.
