As part of their Christmas celebrations, Kew Gardens are running their annual spectacular Winter Lights trail through the gardens from 15 November 2023 to 7 January 2024. I am intending to go on Wednesday 22 November arriving for the 6pm time slot. Anyone who would like to join me would be very welcome. I went to this trail last year and can thoroughly recommend it.

You will need to buy your own ticket. If the 6pm time slot is sold out you could try and book for the 6.20 slot. The cost is £22.50 (off peak charge) Plus £2.50 transaction fee. You can protect your ticket against illness or accident for £1.65. It also protects against transport disruption, not known about at the time of booking. To buy tickets go to https://www.kew.org/kew-gardens/whats-on/christmas. There you will find all the information you need. You should note that there are no refunds for bad weather unless the event is cancelled because of safety concerns.

If you are joining me make sure you pick the 6pm time slot (if it’s still available) and if, like me, you are coming by public transport also pick the Elizabeth Gate as your entry point. If coming by car you can reserve a space when you purchase your ticket in Kew’s Ferry Lane Car Park. There are also spaces at the National Archives Car Park. Your entry point would be the Brentford Gate. For those who haven’t been there, Kew Gardens is easy to reach by train from East Croydon via Clapham Junction to Kew Bridge Station, from where it’s an 8-10 minute walk to the gardens.

The trail is approximately 3 km and takes up to 2 hours to walk through. Once you are inside the gardens you can spend as long as you like, although there is a one way system.There are stalls along the way selling food and hot drinks. The cafe by the Victoria Gate will also be open. The trail is described on the website as follows

It’s a botanical world brimming with seasonal cheer as twinkling lights and seasonal sounds fill the air.

Discover glittering tunnels of light, dancing lakeside reflections and trees drenched in jewel-like colour.

For a moment of reflection, pause at mesmerising flickering flames in the fire garden, wander beneath larger-than-life illuminations and don’t forget to glimpse Father Christmas along the way.

Please let me know if you would like to join me – It’s best that you buy your ticket(s) as soon as possible since this event is very popular. Depending on the interest I will send out details later of meeting times at either East Croydon or the Elizabeth Gate.