8 Festive Travel, Days Out & Attractions


6TH NOVEMBER 2025


Festive fun with family and friends


As the festive season approaches, London is bursting with Christmassy events. Words: Deborah Cicurel


It’s never too soon to start planning some festive family fun, whether it’s ice skating with a view of London’s skyline or immersing yourself in centuries-old Christmas traditions.


Step back in time at Hampton Court Palace Get a sense of the majesty of Christmas centuries ago with a visit to Hampton Court Palace. Between 21 November and 4 January, there’ll be Christmassy fun for the whole family to enjoy — skate at the ice rink, buy artisan goodies at the Festive Fayre, learn about the Christmas food traditions of yesteryear in Henry VIII’s kitchens and enjoy festive music as you wander its halls.


UP AT THE O2 SNOW GLOBE/LUKE DYSON


Skate London’s highest ice rink Drink in the views of the city skyline and attempt a triple axel at London’s highest ice-skating rink. Open between 17 November to 1 January at Bussey Rooftop Bar, the ice rink will be suitably festive, with twinkling lights, Christmas trees and DJs on Fridays and Saturdays. Once


CHRISTMAS IN THE CAPITAL AN ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE DISTRIBUTED WITH


you’ve channelled your inner Torvill and Dean, snuggle under blankets and grab a hot drink or mulled wine.


Climb to the UK’s highest snow globe Speaking of reaching dizzying heights, don’t miss the chance to climb to the top of the UK’s highest snow globe on the roof of Te O2. From 21 November to 4 January, Up at Te O2’s Snow Globe offers a magical festive experience — enjoy a guided climb over the landmark’s 171ft-high roof before entering the snow globe, with falling snow and glasses of mulled wine adding to the festive atmosphere.


Watch A Christmas Carol Goes Wrong Give yourself, and your kids, the gift of laughter this Christmas by treating yourself to tickets to A Christmas Carol Goes Wrong, from the creators of Te Play Tat Goes Wrong. Wipe tears of laughter from your face as you watch Charles Dickens’s famous festive tale be turned upside down, with blunders, chaos and catastrophe aplenty. Your kids will be talking about this slapstick show for years to come.


Feast on a festive afternoon tea London’s full of Christmassy afternoon tea options, but one highlight is the offering at Pan Pacific London, home to London’s tallest Christmas tree at 67ft high. Te hotel’s Children’s Festive Afternoon Tea invites little ones to feast on Christmas pudding macarons, snowball cake pops and yummy scones, as well as decorate their own gingerbread biscuits. Available from 10 November to 4 January.


FESTIVE EVENTS FURTHER AFIELD


OLD TOWN OF PRAGUE/GETTY


Visit Christmas markets in Prague Many European cities have wonderful Christmas markets, but those in Prague have a particularly magical appeal. Drink in the sight of lavish decorations, enjoy live Christmas performances, taste local festive goodies and splash out on one-of-a-kind handicrafts.


Say hello to Santa in Lapland Where better to catch a glimpse of Santa than in his hometown? Head to Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Finland, not just to give your gift requests to the man himself, but to enjoy reindeer sleigh rides and shop for festive treasures. You might even spot the Northern Lights.


See Santa fly across the sky in Montreux At the Christmas Market in Montreux, Switzerland, on the shores of Lake Geneva, you’ll find wonderful food and intricate crafts, but most importantly, in the evenings, you can watch Santa Claus and his reindeer soar through the sky in his sleigh.


A passion for the African wilderness


Creating African experiences for the curious and active traveller


Few destinations stir the imagination quite


like Africa. Te sweeping


landscapes, extraordinary wildlife and ancient cultures of the continent evoke a sense of wonder that lingers long after the journey ends. Pure Wilderness specialises in creating bespoke adventures for those who wish to experience this for themselves, with a particular focus on East and Southern Africa. From its base in Kenya, Pure


Wilderness uses decades of knowledge to design journeys that reflect the individual interests of each guest. Some choose the solitude of wilderness walks, wild fishing, fly camping, safaris on horseback or walking with camels — at one with the wildlife around them and far away from other visitors. Others prefer the thrill of climbing the rugged peaks of Africa’s highest mountains or the incredible bird’s- eye view that a helicopter or a hot air balloon flight provide. For those


seeking balance, itineraries focused on wellness combine adventure with the deeply restorative practices of Pilates and yoga. Pure Wilderness also offers luxury safaris, defined


exceptional


not only by comfort and elegance but by access to some of Africa’s most remarkable landscapes and wildlife experiences. Whether you’re sleeping under the stars, in the height of luxury or a balance of both, every trip is designed with precision and care, amid the most striking natural backdrops, inviting guests to slow down and reconnect with themselves and the natural world. Underpinned by an ethos of


conservation and a deep respect for Africa’s wilderness and people, adventures with Pure Wilderness are not just about the Great Migration and Africa’s iconic predators, they equally celebrate the quieter details — birdsong at dawn, the texture of ancient landscapes and shared moments with people who live in harmony with the land. Every journey


Whether you’re sleeping under the stars, in the height of luxury or a balance of both, every trip is designed with precision and care


is crafted to be both enriching and exciting, inviting guests to step into a world so different from their own that it awakens their spirit and changes their perspective forever.


PHOTOS: ©Karisia Walking Safaris Join us for ‘Wellness in the Wild’


8-16 May 2026 Combine a walking and wildlife safari with classical Pilates — a transformative experience that blends adventure and holistic wellbeing. Visit: purewilderness.com/wellness-in-the-wild


Get in touch For more information and ideas to spark the imagination, visit: purewilderness.com To plan an adventure that’s uniquely yours, email: catherine@purewilderness.com


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