A Christmas Carol
4 day holiday - Tuesday 24th November 2026
Highlights...
- Kew Christmas Lights Trail
- ‘A Christmas Carol’ at The Old Vic
- Poppy Factory Tour
Immerse yourself in a Christmas adventure at The Old Vic with its acclaimed production of A Christmas Carol. Written by Charles Dickens and first published in 1843, the story has become one of the most cherished Christmas tales ever told. The Old Vic's celebrated adaptation, directed by Matthew Warchus and adapted by Jack Thorne, has captivated audiences since its debut in 2017. Combining immersive staging, music and powerful performances, this modern interpretation brings Dickens' message of generosity, compassion and hope to a new generation of theatre-goers.

Continue your journey at Kew Gardens, where the spectacular Christmas Lights Trail at Kew transforms the historic botanical gardens into a glittering winter wonderland. First launched in 2013, Christmas at Kew was the UK's original festive light trail and has since become one of the nation's most celebrated seasonal events. Millions of twinkling lights, immersive installations and enchanting displays illuminate the gardens, creating a magical experience for visitors of all ages. Today, it remains a highlight of London's festive calendar, inspiring similar light trails across the country.
Together, these iconic experiences offer the perfect blend of festive spectacle and heart-warming storytelling, making London an unforgettable destination during the most wonderful time of the year.
Petersham Hotel, Richmond ★ ★ ★ ★
We will be staying at the 4-star Petersham Hotel, Richmond. A stunning privately-owned hotel, proudly overlooking the River Thames and surrounding Petersham Meadows since 1865. Each of the 61 rooms at The Petersham offer a haven of comfort and calm. All of the bedrooms are traditional in style, in keeping with the rich Victorian history. Facilities include: en-suite bathroom with toiletries, hairdryer, t.v, tea/coffee making facilities, high speed WIFI, mini safe, mineral water and a dressing table. Please note that the standard rooms have a smaller bathroom and a shower over the bath. There are also 5 steps up to the standard rooms after the lift. Some of the upgraded rooms have a walk-in shower and a larger bathroom. The restaurant in the hotel offers views of the Thames from every table.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Tuesday 24th November
Arriving by door-to-door car at The Petersham Hotel, Richmond, you will be greeted by your Tour Manager who will be with you throughout the holiday. Tea/coffee and cake will be served upon arrival and our Tour Manager will assist with check -in, allowing you to settle in and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. A three-course evening meal will be served, along with 2 small glasses of wine/beer or soft drinks, followed by tea and coffee.
Day 2 – Wednesday 25th November
After breakfast we will be meeting with our Blue Badge Guide, a specialist on Richmond. He will lead us on an insightful gentle paced walking tour of points of interest around Richmond, weather permitting. Please note there will be some uneven surfaces and hilly terrain, due to the nature of the landscape of Richmond. The walking tour is optional and you will have the choice to relax at the hotel should you wish. During the walk there will be time to purchase refreshments or a light lunch, at your own cost. We will be departing by coach to have an early dinner in London, at a venue close to The Old Vic Theatre. Our dining location has 16 steps up to a private dining room, however, toilet facilities are on the same level. Dinner will be a 3-course Festive Menu and the menu choices will be sent out in advance, so we can pre order. We have seats in the stalls for the evening performance of ‘A Christmas Carol’, before returning full hearted to our hotel by coach.
Day 3 – Thursday 26th November
Today we will be making the very short journey from the hotel to The Poppy Factory, where we will be having a private presentation by an expert host on the history of the poppy, used for remembrance. We will also have the opportunity to explore the exhibition, have a go at poppy-making and enjoy refreshments. Following this, you may decide to peruse the local shops, cafés and boutiques close to the Poppy Factory and make your own way back to the hotel. Alternatively you may board the coach back to the hotel. Either option, lunch will be at your own cost. We will then reconvene back at the hotel having wrapped up warm and ready to depart by coach to Kew Gardens for the self-led Christmas Lights Trail (Christmas at Kew is presented in the natural landscape, and while the route is on pathways, the terrain can vary in different areas of the Gardens. Whilst every effort is made to make the trail fully accessible, by its very nature it will cover some difficult terrain with a number of varying gradients) A warming 3-course dinner will be waiting for us upon our return at the hotel.
Day 4 – Friday 27th November
After a leisurely breakfast, your Tour Manger will assist with check-out and your door todoor car will arrive for your return journey home.
EXTRA STEPS
This holiday requires requires the ability for guests to walk extra steps. This includes:
- Walking tours morning or afternoon
- Stairs with no option of lifts
- Walking from a coach drop-off point at a venue
Uneven floors / terrain ie: gravel, cobblestones
Total Price of the Holiday: £1,895 per person
Deposit: £300
Balance due: 26th August 2026
Whats Included:
- Return door-to-door car service
- Coach travel throughout the holiday
- 3 nights at the 4-Star The Petersham Hotel
- 3-course dinner with two small glasses of wine on 3 evenings
- Breakfast in the hotel every morning
- Afternoon refreshments on the first day
- Admission/talks/tours at all properties visited on excursions stated in the
- programme:
- BBG talk/tour
- ‘A Christmas Carol’ at The Old Vic Theatre
- Poppy Factory Tour
- Kew Gardens Christmas Lights Trail
- The services of your Tour Manager throughout your stay
- Gratuities & V.A.T.
* Please not that lunches are not included on this trip
Upgrades: Upgrade to a Superior Room for an extra £90
