Counteract all that festive overindulgence this Christmas with these family days out in London. From ice skating to winter trails, they’re guaranteed to blow away the cobwebs.
Experience Kew Gardens after-dark
Kew Gardens are beautiful at any time of year, but at Christmas they’re truly magical. Visit after-dark to follow a trail of more than one million twinkling lights, illuminating the garden’s enchanting heritage trees and buildings. Little ones can even visit Father Christmas in his own North Pole village.
22nd Nov – 1st Jan 2018
Find out more at
Find out more at kew.org/kew-gardens
Skate at Hampton Court Palace
London has more ice rinks than you can shake a skate at, but one of the best is at Hampton Court Palace. With 1040 square metres worth of skating pleasure, this family-friendly rink offers plenty of space to show off your skills (or lack of them). And all against the stunning backdrop of Henry VIII’s sixteenth-century residence.
Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink open from 24th Nov – 8th Jan 2018
Find out more at hamptoncourtpalaceicerink.co.uk
Be transported to Christmas Past at The Geffrye Museum
Escape from the chaos of a modern London Christmas with a visit to the Geffrye Museum. Showcasing period living rooms decked out in authentic decorations, lighting and greenery, this Shoreditch museum will transport you to Christmases past. Visit on the 9th December, and you can even bring some Christmas sparkle back home with a free decoration making workshop.
Christmas Past runs from Tues 21st Nov – Sun 7th Jan 2018
Find out more at geffrye-museum.org.uk
See London’s Christmas lights on two wheels
What better way to enjoy London’s Christmas lights than on a bicycle? This kid-friendly tour from the the London Bicycle Tour Company takes you from Westminster to Kensington on a hunt for the best lights the city has to offer. Cycling in London has never been so fun.
Christmas Lights Tour runs from 7th Nov – 6th Jan 2018.
Find out more at londonbicycle.com/christmaslightstour