South London has welcomed an exciting new Christmas destination that promises to rival the capital's established seasonal attractions. Winter Gardens officially opened at Beckenham Place Park in Lewisham on Saturday, November 15, marking the beginning of a seven-week festive extravaganza running through to Sunday, January 4.
Festive Activities and Attractions
The centrepiece of Winter Gardens is Lewisham's first indoor ice rink, housed within a charming wooden bandstand structure that creates a magical skating experience regardless of the weather outside. Alongside the ice rink, visitors can explore a traditional festive market featuring more than 15 stalls offering handmade gifts, local crafts, Christmas ornaments and seasonal food and drink.
Entertainment comes in the form of the Revel Puck Circus, an award-winning East London circus company that presents spectacular shows blending storytelling, skill and showmanship. Their performances are scheduled throughout the event period, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
The Winter Lodge and Additional Features
Perhaps the most impressive structure at Winter Gardens is The Winter Lodge, a frosty glass complex divided into three distinct zones. Adults can enjoy a traditional bar area, while families can relax in a dedicated zone with board games and Christmas music. For those seeking more active entertainment, 'the hideaway' offers table tennis, pool and shuffleboard, with special UV gaming sessions available at weekends.
The festive fairground boasts over 15 traditional and Christmas-themed rides, including family favourites such as Santa's Runaway Train, Race-O-Rama and reindeer flying planes. Sports enthusiasts can test their skills at Plonk Golf, a 9-hole Christmas-themed crazy golf course complete with glowing lights, loop-da-loops and rolling hills, culminating in what organisers describe as a "mind-blowing" final hole.
Practical Information and Pricing
While entry to Winter Gardens is completely free, certain activities require purchased tickets. The Christmas-themed crazy golf costs £12.05 for adults, £9.36 for children under 12, and £35.24 for a family of four. Ice skating sessions are priced at £15.27 for adults, £9.90 for children under 12, and £42.84 for a family ticket.
Food and drink options are plentiful, ranging from Yorkshire wraps and gourmet burgers to doughnuts, churros, crepes and a traditional sweet shop. Christmas Trees by O' Christmas Tree, London's premier Christmas tree retailer, offers a selection of trees and decorations for those looking to take the festive spirit home.
In a welcome move for pet owners, the entire site is dog-friendly, with complimentary pup-a-chinos available for four-legged visitors. Eddie's Dog Shop in the Homestead Courtyard provides additional amenities for dogs, while their owners can enjoy mulled wine and other seasonal treats.
Winter Gardens will operate daily from 11am to 11pm between November 15 and January 4, with special closing times on Christmas Day (rink closed), Boxing Day (last sessions at 10pm), New Year's Eve (last sessions at 10pm) and New Year's Day (last sessions at 10pm).
