This weekend is the last chance to experience the Christmas markets at Kew Gardens and wander through the magical illuminated trail.

For the first time ever, the Royal Botanical Gardens has decided to open its gates after dark and present an enchanted landscape full of light, sound and colour, with an illuminated trail highlighting the magic of the Arboretum and Kew’s beautiful wintry landscape.

Visitors can purchase one-off handmade items at the markets before meandering through the gardens and marvelling at the trees and plants lit up by coloured lights.

Guests will get an interactive experience as they meet the plant whisperers, who share their knowledge on speaking to plants during the one-and-a-half-hour walk.

Adam Farrar, Kew’s head of events, says: “This year we are offering visitors the unique opportunity to wrap up warm and wander through Kew’s Arboretum after hours.

“You may have seen Kew in glorious summer bloom, but you have never seen it glow in the dark.

“An exquisite illuminated trail will provide a magical winter experience and a completely different way to see the Kew landscape.”

Christmas at Kew; Kew Gardens; Until January 4; 4.45pm to 10pm; £8 to £12.50; kew.org/christmas.