The walk from Richmond train station was vigorous, but as we were chatting the time passed quickly. As we waited to collect our tickets at Victoria Gate, the Salvation Army band played some jolly Christmas songs to get us in the mood.
A quick divert through the large shop and café to the loos and we had some time to explore the 15 or so temporary festive stalls selling a variety of gifts (jewellery, cloths, artwork) and food and drink (hog and turkey rolls, waffles, mulled wine). There is also a large carousel and a helter skelter (rides are all £2. A visit to the Santa grotto is £3). You might try to persuade your youngsters to wait until after the walk for these treats. You can glimpse flashing lights through the distant trees and hear snatches of an assortment of musical themes so it shouldn’t be too difficult to evoke their explorer instincts.
We found the start of the trail. At this point it wasn’t very illuminated and we were encouraged to use our torches (we had to use our phone torches instead) for the darkest parts of the walk. What an adventure! What strikes you as you start walking down the trail is the sheer space and size at Kew – the paths are wide and there are expanses of open grass and a never-ending sea of trees.
Many of the trees have been lit in interesting ways – some in sort of camouflage and others in dramatic reds and greens. Funny how you really study trees when they are lit up at night but almost don’t notice them in daylight. We read the signs about the plant trail (kids get to fill in the special plants they are directed to seek on their guides – and there’re Alice in Wonderland-type large phonographs marking where you can hear more about them) along the trail. We also learned about the Secret Society of Plant Whisperers. We were to meet some of these folk as we followed the trail.
Some of the lights on the path provided a patterned pool of light – which were like giant stepping stones into the dark. We passed through a little arbour of trees containing Moroccan style glass lanterns and the sound effects of birds made it feel like we had been transported to another country.
We were handed a Victorian map of the trail and struck by the beauty of some palms lit up in front of a castle-like building – we were in the Mediterranean area. A whisperer called Marigold enchanted us with stories of plant memories and introduced us to Pedro the cactus who was a bit under the weather. He was being treated with tequila and acupuncture. Ha Ha. Kids (and grown up ones too) were handed memory balls (large marbles) to give to Howard who we were to meet later down the trail at the bridge.
We continued on the trail – passing under a tunnel of Chinese lanterns which lit the long walk way along the lake which was very pretty. Mind you, those ducks were up late. Here we met another whisperer. I can’t quite believe that he actually persuaded us to listen closely to the trees to hear what they were saying – I think I even hugged mine. The kids thought all this was marvellous.
As we passed over Sackler Bridge we were stopped in our tracks by the magic of the mists and the lights and the reflections. Then we met Howard who talked about the study of underwater plants. We were encouraged to throw our marbles into one of the hoops on the water and were rewarded with a satisfying synthesised echo on the other side of the lake.
Passing by tall rustling canes serenaded by delicate wind chimes we reached what we thought was the half-way point. There was a café (hot dogs, mulled wine, spiced nuts, soup etc) and loos. And a fun set of buttons which acted as drums and tree illuminators as we played – you had to team up into pairs to make them work. Some interesting classic and rap themes were played by some adventurers.
Back on the trail (we were getting a little tired now – but still excited at what we would discover next) we arrived at my favourite part. The Fire Mancala. A large area filled with burning torches arranged – the signs advised – in Fibonacci pattern. There was an almost primeval feel to this area. Breathtaking.
Further on we arrived at the Water Lily House which turned out to be my companion’s favourite. Inside was an enormous water lily suspended from the ceiling – but its reflection in the large, dark pool was incredible. Then back to the path and the finale of the show – music accompanying a serious light show inside The Palm House. It was as if the triffids were having a rave inside. We watched in awe for several minutes.
At this stage it might be easy to miss the lights on the trees across the pond behind – make sure you look behind you when the music stops as this again is one of the best views of the walk. And so we were back at the start. It had taken us an hour and a half to get round. It was lovely to be out in the night air and it really felt like a treasure trail of visual feasts. It was such a lovely thing to do on a winter’s evening during the run up to Christmas.
Tickets are £12.50 for adults and £8 for children with a family ticket for £38. The trail runs Thursday to Saturday until 4th January between 430pm and 10pm. Starts at the Victoria Gate (a 30 minute walk or 5 minute bus ride from Richmond tube and train station). It will take at least 75 minutes to walk the trail. Wrap up warm, take sturdy footwear (it was a bit slippy on the pathways over the grass) and torches. http://www.kew.org/visit-kew-gardens/whats-on/christmas/illuminated-trail/
