Take a walk in these winter wonderlands
AWINTER visit to gardens can make for an exhilarating experience through the holiday period. Aim for a sunny day, wrap up well against the December chill, don some comfy shoes and you’re all set!
Our great gardens realise they need to attract visitors throughout the year and lay on a host of attractions to counteract all our joyous eating and drinking.
And it’s not only the obvious beauty of scenic gardens during the day.
Our long winter evenings can be enhanced by visiting and enjoying some of the many gardens across the UK that are lit up for the Christmas period.
Every year, the Royal
Botanic Gardens in Kew,
South West London, does a spectacular Christmas display, where guests get to explore the gardens at night via an illuminated trail featuring more than a million festive lights.
This event is always booked out well in advance but there are lots of others nationwide – ones where you can soak up the atmosphere in beautiful gardens with an enchanting experience of light and colour while enjoying a mince pie and glass of mulled wine. Here’s a taster of some of what’s available...
ELTHAM PALACE AND GARDENS
THE grounds of London’s Eltham Palace are transformed into an illuminated world at Christmas.
Follow the trail as you step through tunnels and pathways of twinkling lights. The ancient moat comes to life with fountains that rise and fall to music – lose yourself in a captivating miniature maze of light.
Wander along the mirror ball alley as they shimmer in the moonlight and see beams of light criss-crossing through the night sky.
EDEN PROJECT
FESTIVAL OF CHRISTMAS
BE ENTERTAINED by a joyful chorus of some of Cornwall’s finest musicians – a cast of 21 will be playing festive sets in the magical Mediterranean Biome on the evenings Eden is open late.
Wander through the beautifully lit site after dark, through a spectacular Avenue of Lights and see giant willow lantern creatures light up.
Enjoy a glass of mulled wine around a huge Christmas tree where a brass band plays seasonal favourites.
If you’re feeling energetic, take a spin on the ice rink.
Eden Project, Cornwall, PL24 2SG (edenproject.com).
RHS WISLEY
THE RHS flagship garden at Wisley puts on an annual after-dark display, but this is heavily booked in advance.
However, you can still enjoy the seasonal fun during the day in the glasshouse and view a display of festive plants and magical animals with a hint of steampunk.
Watch the enchanted poinsettia production line grow these colourful Christmas flowers.
TATTON PARK
THERE’S lots on at Tatton – enjoy a traditional afternoon tea in the former head gardener’s cottage, carol singing in the atmospheric stableyard or orchestras and brass bands entertaining in the grand Tenants’ Hall.
Or take the kids on a magical sweetie trail through woodland where they’ll enter the witch’s gingerbread house.
Tatton Park, Cheshire, WA16 6QN, (tattonpark.org.uk).
DYFFRYN GARDENS
SEE 12 alternative Christmas trees decorated to tell a different part of Dyffryn’s story. From suspended parrots and feathers to heaps of coal and a flower tree, these are decorations with a difference.
Visit from 4pm to see an illuminated garden trail highlighting some of the most beautiful trees.
Bring a torch and wrap up warm as you and your family discover something new around every corner.
WESTONBIRT ARBORETUM ENCHANTED CHRISTMAS
THE fairies have been up to mischief at Westonbirt Arboretum this winter, casting spells over the trees to transform it into an enchanted wood.
Wind your way through the trees to discover an entrancing wonderland of light and magic, meeting woodland characters along the way.
Soak up seasonal cheer in the Christmas village by creating some arts and crafts with the family, exploring the festive market stalls and warming up with a cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine.
Westonbirt Arboretum, Tetbury, Gloucestershires, GL8 8QS (forestryengland.uk).