Kew Gardens, the Royal Botanical Gardens in the South-West of London, is a special place any time of the year, but at Christmastime it becomes a magical place.

When the sun goes down the garden transforms into a fairytale wonderland full of colour and twinkling lights, singing Christmas trees and festive fare. A walk along the one mile trail takes you through fields of coloured light bulbs swaying in the breeze and beautifully illuminated trees and temples to the Tunnel of Lights, made up of 60,000 LED lights; a scented Fire Garden, White Peaks with its vintage rides, Kew Karaoke at the Christmas Juke Box and the North Pole Village which is home to Santa and his elves.

Highlights for us were a visit to the Hive, Wolfgang Buttress’ 17 metre high and 40 tonnes heavy steel construction, symbolising a bee hive and, right at the end when you think it can’t get any better, the amazing and spellbinding light show with its dancing fountains and laser beams on the lake in front of the palm house. For me, on par with a firework, if not better and unlike a firework, you can watch it again and again and again!

Food and drink are catered for with seasonal treats like spiced cider, mulled wine & hot chocolate and hog roast & sausages, as well as mince pies, gingerbread men and even gourmet marshmallows you can roast over an open fire. And don’t forget to visit the marvellous gift shop for some last minute Christmas shopping or to treat yourself.

Open from now until January 2^nd 2017 (except November 28 & 29, December 5,6,12,13, 24 & 25), 5pm to 10pm (last entry 8.15pm).

Timed tickets need to be booked in advance on www.kew.org and you have to be quick as some days are already fully booked. Adults £16/18, children 4-16 £10 & under 4 free.