Hampton Court Palace & Festive Fayre with RHS Wisley Winter Illumination Trail

Itinerary

RHS Wisley Winter Illuminations

Experience RHS Gardens Wisley in a whole new light with twinkling winter walks that highlight some of the season’s most spectacular sights after dark.

Departing Shrewsbury around 10.00 we will arrive at our hotel with time for an early dinner before we depart at 16.00 for the ‘Let it Glow!’ experience, an unmissable after dark spectacle of lights at RHS Garden Wisley.

Wander along the enchanting trail around the garden and see some of Wisley’s iconic sights in a new and dazzling light. Go past the Jellicoe Canal and old Laboratory, through Wisteria Walk and the Glasshouse, and experience a magical spectacle of lights with music and fire to add to the drama. The garden will be glowing brightly with light, fire and fountain displays.

Mini Christmas market

Head to the village square for festive-themed chalets selling a variety of delicious treats. Choose from seasonal favourites such as bratwurst and pretzels, toasted marshmallows and roasted chestnuts, festive cakes and treats, hot chocolate and mulled wine, plus much more.

Hampton Court Palace and Festive Fayre

Entry into the festively decorated Hampton Court Palace and the gardens is included so you can enjoy everything this wonderful palace has to offer. The Fayre will be a festive food lover’s wonderland, full of delicious artisan food and drink and perfect gifts to shop from. Eat, drink, shop and be merry, all whilst soaking up the atmosphere and spirit of the season, with festive entertainment from the East Front bandstand.

The original Tudor palace was designed by Cardinal Wolsey in the early 16th century but he ‘gifted’ it to Henry VIII, who brought all his six wives there. It is surrounded by gorgeous gardens and famous features such as the Maze and the Great Vine.

When William III and Mary II (1689-1702) took the throne in 1689, they commissioned Sir Christopher Wren to build an elegant new baroque palace which incorporates the perfectly kept 1702 baroque Privy Garden. Later, Georgian kings and princes occupied the splendid interiors. When the royals left in 1737, impoverished ‘grace and favour’ aristocrats moved in.

Queen Victoria opened the palace to the public in 1838 and it continues to attract visitors from all over the world to see the grandeur of the palace, the ghosts and the fabulous art collection including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Caravaggio, and van Dyck in the Cumberland Art Gallery.

This tour is accompanied by sisters Jacky and Sue Burnell who will take care of everything so that you can relax and enjoy yourself.

Included in the cost is:

1 night’s dinner, B & B at the Sheraton Heathrow Hotel
Return coach travel with Lakeside Coaches. Pickups from Ellesmere, Shrewsbury and Telford Services
Transport to all destinations during tour
Admission to RHS Wisley Winter Illuminations Trail
Admission into Hampton Court Palace, the palace gardens and the Festive Fayre
Gratuity for the hotel staff.

Booking your place

Two people sharing a twin or double room is £325 per person. A supplement for sole occupancy of a double room is £35.

£50 non-refundable deposit is payable on booking. Full payment is due 10 weeks before departure.

You are strongly advised to take out your own travel insurance to cover you for any emergency or cancellation or loss of luggage etc.

Travel arrangements Departing Shrewsbury 10.00, arriving back in Shrewsbury on Friday at 18.30. Timings for the trip will be confirmed 7-days before travel.

And finally…

Please look at the Mobility & Accessibility section further down this page where we have put links to both venues. around.

Accessibility & Mobility Information

Both venues have lots of information on getting around, access and hire of wheel chairs and mobility vehicles which you can view by following the links below. Please make any arrangements directly with the venues.

Follow this link to see arrangements at RHS Wisley including easy access routes around the gardens and hire of a mobility scooter. Call 01483 224234 to book a scooter in advance to ensure availability. Bookable during office hours Mon–Fri. Staff at the entrance will provide training and take a refundable deposit.

You can find further information for Hampton Court Palace by following this link.

Hampton Court Palace & Festive Fayre with RHS Wisley Winter Illumination Trail

Tour Information

Start the festive season with a very special experience

Included in the cost:

A festive experience!