� IN FOCUS l CHRISTMAS Kew Gardens extravaganza ‘bigger and better than ever’


Kew Gardens will be transformed over the festive season with a trail illuminated by one million lights (November 22-January 5). The attraction’s after-dark landscape


will feature newly commissioned artworks, with highlights such as a Cathedral of Light and 300 glowing origami boats on Kew’s lake. Visitors will also encounter the Field of Light, a laser garden, firework trees, a fire garden, and flower sculptures. The famous tunnel of lights will form


the Cathedral of Light, seven metres tall and 100 metres long – the biggest tunnel of lights ever to be seen at Kew. The Palm House finale will see the pond and glasshouse lit up with criss-


crossing laser beams, jumping jets of light, and kaleidoscopic projections playing across a giant water screen. Festive extras include Santa and his helpers performing along the trail, and


‘Star of Wonder’ shines at Stonor Park


Stonor Park in Oxfordshire will have a ‘Star of Wonder’ theme this Christmas (November 22- December 9).


Home to the Stonor family for


over 850 years, Stonor Park is one of the oldest family homes still lived in today. Visitors will see rooms decorated with the starry theme, each room with its own design in keeping with the family antiques and portraits. Larch, mistletoe and holly will


be brought in from the park and the traditional 20-foot Christmas tree will take pride of place in the Gothic Hall by the log fire. New for this year are Candlelit


Tours, so visitors can see many of the rooms by candle and star light.


DID YOU KNOW


The seaside resort of Bournemouth will hold a new Christmas Tree Wonderland this year (November 16-January 2).


The festive trail will feature Christmas trees


from around the world along with an Alpine Market, an ice rink in the Victorian gardens, live music and illuminations.


bournemouthchristmastreewonderland.co.uk 22 TravelGBI | July-August 2018


Kew lights up at Christmas


a Victorian carousel and other rides, plus mulled wine, mince pies and other seasonal food at Victoria Plaza. Sandra Botterell, director of marketing and commercial enterprise, said: “Christmas at Kew is now the must-see event in the London festive calendar, and this year’s extravaganza will be bigger and better than ever before. “It will capture the magic of the last


five years, but will also offer a unique experience, with a host of brand new breath-taking installations. “I personally cannot wait to wander


through the Cathedral of Light, or enjoy the 300 glowing origami boats floating on Kew’s beautiful lake.” kew.org/christmas


Happy Hogmanay north of the border


New Year is the highlight of the party season in Scotland, as Hogmanay events take place on December 31 and January 1. Edinburgh will see the old


year out with a Concert in the Gardens, street party and fireworks over Edinburgh Castle on New Year’s Eve. The annual Loony Dook (or the


There is an option for drinks


followed by early dinner in The Pantry, located in the 13th century medieval hall. Group bookings will be on a


free-flow basis. For bookings from November 22-25, visitors will be able to visit the Country Homes and Interiors Christmas Fair, as well as the house. stonor.com


daft dip) will continue its New Year’s Day tradition at South Queensferry, with dippers in fancy dress braving the chill to raise money for charities while shaking off their Hogmanay hangovers. Running from November to January, Edinburgh’s Christmas events offer the chance to ride on a big wheel, browse the


Christmas markets, visit Santa Land in Princes Street Gardens, and skate on an ice rink in St Andrew Square.


Christmas and Hogmanay


events are held in cities and towns across the country, including the Red Hot Highland Fling celebration in Inverness – Scotland’s biggest free Hogmanay party. edinburghshogmanay.com visitscotland.com


Grand UK Holidays unveils festive breaks brochure


Over-55s specialist Grand UK Holidays features a flurry of Christmas and New Year breaks in its 2018-19 brochure. Harold Burke, sales director, said: “Christmas might seem like a long way off, but we know how quickly time flies. Our new brochure features a fabulous festive selection, from the ever-popular Turkey & Tinsel breaks and traditional Christmas


holidays to seeing in the New Year with friends.” Five-day Turkey & Tinsel


breaks are available at 10 UK destinations, with departures in November and early December. There are ‘Gold Seasonal Specials’ in the Grand UK Gold portfolio, plus departures in November for the Thursford Christmas Spectacular. grandukholidays.com


travelgbi.com


Jeff Eden © RBG Kew


© VisitScotland


Coach Tours, River Cruises & Holidays by Train


featuring our special


selection of festive holidays


From Autumn to Spring with Christmas in between. Across the UK, Europe and beyond.


September 2018 - May 2019


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