We love a trip to see Christmas lights. Last year we booked to visit Christmas at Kew but it sadly got cancelled due to the pandemic. So we were excited to re-book and go this year. Kew Gardens is a wonderful place to visit any season and we were lucky to visit Kew Gardens last March.
Light installations and trails are becoming increasingly popular. Last year we enjoyed the lights around Wembley Park Christmas lights and drove around the track at Silverstone. Experiences are popping up all over the country and make a welcome outdoor activity!
Christmas at Kew
Christmas at Kew is a magical light trail across Kew Gardens, making the perfect festive winter evening event. We drove to Kew and paid for parking, so entered via the Brentford Gate entrance. We found the one-way trail really easy to follow, with Kew Gardens staff sign-posting the way.
The trail is approximately 2.6km long and takes an estimated 75 minutes to walk – although it actually took us twice as long! Our favourite part was easily the amazing light tunnel which was pretty popular with people taking selfies.
The installations by different artists were along the whole route and they were all completely different.
The trail was brilliant for kids and they enjoyed the different lights and music.
There was a longer light and music show projected on the largest of the glass houses and it covered the lake it front of it.
There were plenty of food and drink stalls and we enjoyed amazing chips, churros and roasted marshmallows in the fire pits (also a fun way to keep warm!). We indulged in a glass of mulled wine too, just to warm us up.
Most parts of the trail were quite quiet but some bits were busy and it was difficult to move freely. The lights were amazing and we were lucky with dry weather and clear skies.
I really loved the lights over the bridge but it seemed everyone else did too. The reflection in the water was beautiful (but just look how busy it was!).
I should also mention the small fairground which we found. There were some traditional fairground rides such as the helter skelter, swingboats and carousel and you purchase tokens to go on them. My daughter loved the helter skelter (my husband not so much).
Christmas at Kew runs from Wednesday 17th November 2021 to Sunday 9th January 2022
Entrances at Victoria Gate, Brentford Gate and Lion Gate, Kew Gardens
More information can be found on their website
You may be interested in other winter light trails:
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