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🎅 Category: Christmas in London
🎄Alternative Christmas Itinerary: Afternoon Tea at The Original Maids of Honour and Christmas at Kew
Here is an alternative London Christmas itinerary that takes you slightly off the beaten track away from the usual city centre crowds, yet delivers a truly spectacular experience: combining afternoon tea at The Original Maids of Honour with Christmas at Kew, the enchanting evening light trail hosted at the Royal Botanic Gardens in London.
The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew span over 120 hectares in South West London, housing more than 40,000 plant species.
During the festive season, the gardens dress up for the holidays with one of the most incredible light displays in the entire city.
Since the light trail runs from late November through early January in the evening, usually between 5pm and 10pm, the best plan is to start with tea at an extraordinarily quaint and authentic British spot I discovered thanks to some London friends.
It sits right across from the main entrance of the gardens at Victoria Gate.
Once darkness falls, you can step straight into an enchanting stroll among the illuminated trees.
Between festive markets, sparkling lights, and unique seasonal events, December in London is truly magical.
Make sure to check out my complete guide so you do not miss a thing.
🫖The Original Maids of Honour: The Most Authentic Afternoon Tea in Town
London is home to countless places to enjoy afternoon tea.
Every luxury hotel in the city centre offers its own version, with famous names like The Dorchester, Claridge’s, The Ritz, and The Berkeley coming to mind right away.
Other popular spots include Sketch, The Sanderson, and Fortnum & Mason. You are truly spoilt for choice.
However, I discovered a very different kind of place that feels like it stepped straight out of an Agatha Christie novel. Time seems to have stood still here, and everything from the decor to the patrons sitting at the tables feels so charmingly picturesque that it is hard to believe it is real.
It is called The Original Maids of Honour.
Be sure to double check their opening hours on the website as they close early.
Located just across the wall bordering Kew Gardens along the road leading to Richmond, it is quite easy to miss from the outside because its signage is rather modest.
You really need to know it is there, as you are unlikely to stumble upon it by chance.
🫖 Pure Magic Inside
The front of the shop looks like a traditional bakery, featuring display cases filled with delicious pastries available for dine in or takeaway.
The real wonder, however, is the tearoom itself.
It is a cosy space with small round tables, wooden chairs, gilded mirrors, and lovely floral centrepieces. While it is not luxurious, it radiates an authentic countryside charm with an atmosphere that simply cannot be manufactured artificially.
Entering the room feels like stepping into a storybook.
You simply choose your preferred blend from an extensive tea menu that offers a seemingly endless variety, which truly explains why the British love using the phrase “not my cup of tea”.
You can then pair it with a pastry of your choice, such as cheesecake, homemade cakes, or daily specials.
The tearoom is famous across the United Kingdom for its iconic Original Maids of Honour Tarts. These puff pastry tarts feature a secret filling of sweetened curd cheese, said to originate from the Tudor court.
Everything else arrives as part of the experience.
The tea is served alongside warm scones and clotted cream on delicate blue and white porcelain chinaware.
Each tea selection comes with its own teapot, mini strainer, teacup, saucers, small sugar bowl, and milk jug. It feels wonderfully nostalgic, almost like an elevated version of a childhood doll house tea set.
Scones and mini sandwiches filled with salmon, cucumber, or cheese are presented on beautiful tiered cake stands that are worth the visit alone.
Rather than crowds of tourists, you will find pairs of local elderly ladies chatting pleasantly in perfect British accents, looking as though they might solve a nearby mystery novel while enjoying their tea.
It is a genuine local experience well worth trying.
🍰 Afternoon Tea versus High Tea: What Is the Difference?
HI discovered that there are actually two distinct types of afternoon tea in Britain: Afternoon Tea and High Tea.
The difference lies in their origins. The most widely known is Afternoon Tea, traditionally served between four and six in the afternoon.
It features sweet treats like classic scones with jam and clotted cream alongside various cakes, while upscale venues might also serve champagne. Savoury bites like egg, smoked ham, or salmon sandwiches are also included.
High Tea, on the other hand, originated during the Victorian era during the Industrial Revolution as a heartier evening meal for the working class, served between five and nine in the evening.
It was often called Meat Tea because it was much more substantial and served as a full dinner replacement. Typical items included ham salads, meats, bread, butter, pickles, and cheeses.
👉 Check also Afternoon Tea in London: 5 Places You Must Try
Returning to our outing, after enjoying your tea at The Original Maids of Honour, you simply cross the road and enter through Victoria Gate to experience Christmas at Kew.
✨ Christmas at Kew: The Royal Gardens Transform into an Enchanted Forest
Picture a magical forest at night, fully illuminated by thousands of holiday lights, with music echoing gently through the trees and light shows dancing across the water.
That place exists, and it is Christmas at Kew at the Royal Botanic Gardens. Be sure to book your tickets online in advance, as it is one of the most festive experiences you will ever see.
The main entrance is Victoria Gate, located near Kew Gardens station on the District Line. Always verify your designated entrance gate on your ticket so you do not have to walk around the perimeter in the cold.
The event runs in the evening from 5pm to 10pm, with last entry around 8pm, as darkness is needed to fully appreciate the spectacle. As night falls, the forest lights up.
Right from the entrance, you can tell something extraordinary is waiting. The gardens are magnificent on their own, but seeing the trees dressed in holiday lights takes it to another level.
As you walk along the path, you will encounter breathtaking light installations accompanied by a soundtrack of holiday tunes. Further along, you will discover a festive village complete with rides, stalls, themed slides, hot chocolate, and toasted marshmallows to keep you warm.
The grand finale features the iconic Palm House greenhouse fully illuminated in vibrant lights that change color in sync with the music, reflecting beautifully off the lake.
Is it not completely magical?
Did you enjoy exploring Kew Gardens with me?
👉 Discover More
- For all the details about Christmas in London, read my practical guide for your December visit to London.
- You can also read what to see at Kew in London, a guide to the Botanic Gardens and the surrounding village.
- If you are looking for a handy pocket guide to carry around on your trip and discover London like a local, take a look at my book, Alessandra in London, notes for discovering the city.
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