It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas.

If you are looking for a garden centre glitzy experience full of songs by Slade and Shakin' Stevens and the usual types of Christmas lights, then this is not for you.  If, however, you have seen enough of all that and want something natural and truly unique, then Christmas at Kew is your venue!

Emmie was full of "oohs" and "aahs" throughout the visit.  There wasn't a single display she wasn't interested in.  She loved the beauty and spookiness of trees lit by coloured lights.

And we all loved the choir of singing Holly Bushes, the twinkling Tunnel of Light, the flickering Fire Garden, the fabulous Waterfall of Lights cascading from the towering 18m high treetop walkway in Kew's arboretum.  And the Palm House Pond Finale was just AMAZING!

After Emmie and Alun had enjoyed the Helter Skelter ride we gathered around the fire-pit to toast marshmallows.

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It was then on to the Bournemouth Gardens splendid Christmas lights.  Last year was terrific, this year was even better!  A colourful, musical, spectacular array of sculptured lighting.  Trees, teddy bears, the conical tunnel - all beautiful.  Jamie and Chloe loved the "flowing" lights in the rockery.  Such an enjoyable stroll from the Pier to the Square and back again.

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On our way home we stopped at Byron Road, Barton on Sea - It's Christmas!  And it's nice to see that once again Bryon Road is going the extra mile to make sure that there's plenty of goodwill this festive season.  Every year they raise a huge sum of money for charity.

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Santa's Steam Train at Exbury Gardens was delightful.  We took Jamie, who loves trains, and Chloe and they loved the characters dressed as Santa's reindeer and the Elves who rode the train and played spot the antics of the naughty reindeer!

Afterwards, a very pleasant stroll through the grounds completing the reindeer quiz.

And finally fun at the adventure playground.

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On to the National Trust at Kingston Lacy.

Initially,  we were a little disappointed to find only four rooms open in the house this year. The decorations were beautiful, the efforts that the volunteers had put into making the house festive were first class but we really missed the ginger cake and sherry on departure.

Post 4 pm the main feature at this time of year is the illuminated garden.  Very pretty.

And the highlight...…. Father Christmas.

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The Finale - we called at my brothers to drop off some presents.

Every inch of their home is richly decorated for Christmas.

FAB - U - LOUS.