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The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (RBG Kew) is celebrating a special Christmas and New Year this winter; the beginning of twelve months of festivities to mark the prestigious botanical institution's 250th anniversary. In its 250th year, Kew Gardens will look even more spectacular and its glorious history and important contribution to plant conservation will be celebrated. Come and celebrate a traditional Christmas... 13 December 2008 until 1 January 2009 Visitors will be able to experience a traditional, magical and joyful Christmas at Kew Gardens from 13 December 2008. The Gardens will be decked out with seasonal decorations, including sparkling Christmas trees and beautiful wreaths. Families can experience a fun day out, in stunning surroundings, enjoying the fresh, crisp winter air. Young visitors will have the chance to meet Kew's jolly Father Christmas in his festive grotto; set in the magical atmosphere of an enchanted woodland, beautifully lit with sparkling lights. There will be no additional cost to visit Father Christmas and children will receive a special badge after their meeting. Afterwards children can explore Climbers and Creepers, Kew's botanical play zone, where kids can have fun and learn about plants at the same time! Shoppers looking for festive childrens' gifts can pop into White Peaks Children's Shop, just next door. Parents can buy unique themed gifts designed especially for young plant explorers. Those who prefer leisurely shopping can exchange the overcrowded shops in the city for a relaxed shopping experience at Kew Gardens' Victoria Plaza, with a range of traditional and luxurious gifts. Skate in a beautiful setting... 29 November 2008 until 4 January 2009 Once again visitors can skate in style at London's most beautiful ice-rink, set in the surrounds of Kew Gardens. From Saturday 29 November 2008 the majestic woodland setting in front of the Temperate House, the world's largest Victorian glasshouse, will provide the perfect backdrop for a magical skate on a crisp winter's day. The rink is open every day from 10am through to 10pm (except Christmas Day) and visitors can book in advance from 1 September 2008 at www.kewgardensicerink.com. This magnificent real-ice rink will be accompanied by the Ice Rink Café, where there will be warm drinks and festive snacks available, perfect for relaxing and watching the skaters. View glistening trees from a unique perspective... Visitors to the new 18m high Xstrata Treetop Walkway will be able to see glistening views and vistas across the frost covered gardens and further afield to the London skyline. Visitors who experienced the walkway when it opened in the summer will have a new experience walking a 200m circuit up high among sweet chestnuts, limes and deciduous oaks that have lost their leaves for the winter. Visitors start their treetop journey in the depths of the Rhizotron, learning about the fascinating root systems and underground life of trees. Courtesy of: http://www.kew.org/ |
