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Christmas at Kew: need timing advice

Will be in London with friends in December and would like to see the illuminations at Kew Gardens on Wed, Dec 12. There are tickets available every 20 min block from 5PM until 7:40PM. Our apartment is in Covent Garden. What time makes the most sense to you Londoners considering we will be in rush hour on the tube? Early better than later? Thanks for your help!

Posted by
4684 posts

I would suggest early-ish before the rush hour really gets going. Things have usually quietened down a bit after 7pm, but it's still busy.

Posted by
995 posts

Thanks, Philip. What I needed to know. Think I'll buy the 5:20 tickets. I have the Tube Tamer app to help us know when we should be on the train.

Posted by
106 posts

I think I picked 5pm last year to beat rush hour. I had no problems at all, just took the Tube and followed the crowd. It was also better because the crowds at the Gardens themselves will get pretty large.

I bought the VIP Experience, and was very glad I did. Turned out to be cold enough to freeze my iPhone! The unlimited mulled wine at the end of the long, cold, but very enjoyable walk around the Illuminations was just what the Doctor ordered.

If they have marshmallow toasting stations, I highly encourage taking advantage!