Something Is Stirring Beneath the Waves…

This December, the seas are bringing a magical new adventure to Hall Place & Gardens.

The Tale of a Winter Whale

Thursday 3rd – Sunday 6th December 2026

Suitable for all ages

Tickets – Adults £15.50, Child £10.50

A magical illuminated adventure at Hall Place & Gardens.

This winter, set sail on an enchanting after-dark journey through Hall Place & Gardens as The Tale of a Winter Whale brings a spectacular world of light, storytelling and adventure to life.

A whale is on a quest. Neptune is searching for someone dear to him. Mermaids have been glimpsed sharing secrets, while pirates appear to know more than they’re letting on.

As darkness falls, follow a spectacular lantern-lit trail through oceans near and far, where glowing sea creatures, magical characters and wondrous discoveries await around every corner. From tropical waters to icy Arctic seas, an unforgettable journey unfolds beneath the winter stars.

The Tale of a Winter Whale

Created by award-winning outdoor arts specialists Same Sky, this enchanting after-dark experience invites families to step into a world of storytelling, light and adventure. Children’s craft activity and Festive Market provided by CC Events.

What to expect

• An immersive illuminated trail through the gardens
• Stunning lanterns and light installations
• Live characters and storytelling encounters
• Help find the missing Mermaid Princess and solve the pirates code
• Children’s themed craft activity included
• Magical photo opportunities
• Seasonal refreshments available to purchase
• Family-friendly fun for all ages
• Browse the Festive Market

Plan Your Visit

The trail can take approximately 60 to 90 minutes to complete at a relaxed pace. Visitors are advised to dress warmly for the weather and wear suitable footwear, as much of the experience takes place outdoors.

Whether you’re young or simply young at heart, The Tale of a Winter Whale is a winter adventure that will delight the whole family.

Book your tickets now and join us on a voyage you’ll never forget.

Event Terms and Conditions for Ticket Sales 

Special requirements

We highly recommend anyone requiring special assistance whilst at Hall Place and Gardens, to advise us of their requirements prior to the event, in order that we can provide the best possible service. Please use contact details below. For more information regarding general access please see our website https://www.hallplace.org.uk/accessibility/

Doors open

The access time to the event location will be specified on the website and on ticket information.

When booking your ticket, you will be allocated a 15-minute arrival time slot. Please do not arrive prior to your allotted time slot as we will unfortunately not be able to permit early access. There may be a wait to meet Neptune and start your lantern trail journey.

Ticket numbers

We operate a policy of unallocated seating for lectures, concerts, theatre, cinema, etc. This event is booked by time slot.

Advance booking

Advance booking is essential for all our events, as they frequently sell-out and have limited capacity. Tickets will not be available on the door. Please ensure that any changes to personal contact information is supplied to Hall Place. We cannot be responsible for any loss due to inaccurate or out of date details.

Tickets

Tickets are only valid for the date and time booked and cannot be transferred, bought, sold or in any way traded. All tickets are subject to an expiry date, beyond which they cannot be used or reissued. Tickets that are lost or mislaid cannot be reissued. All tickets are non-transferable – we are unable to change your booking once your purchase has been completed.

Refunds 

All sales are final. No refunds or exchanges will be accepted after the purchase has been made except in the unlikely event of cancellation (see below).

Cancellations

We reserve the right to cancel or reschedule in the unlikely event the named performance/activity is unable to proceed due to circumstances beyond our control or not performed in full. All monies paid will be refunded to the customer. 

Mailing List

All guest’s names will be added to the Hall Place mailing list if you have given permission for us to do so. Being on the mailing list entitles members to mailouts with information about events at Hall Place and Gardens. For data protection reasons, ONLY Hall Place and Gardens will use this information. If you wish to be removed from this list, please telephone 0203 045 4088 or email hallplaceenquiries@bexley.gov.uk

Parking

For all Hall Place events please park in the main car park. The car park is free. Blue badge holders, please see the access page of our website for the location of accessible parking and how we can support your visit

Please note that parking spaces will be in high demand. We encourage people to use public transport where possible. We cannot accept any responsibility for allocated time slots being missed due to parking conditions.

FAQ’s

When should I arrive 

Your ticket arrival time is allocated to a 15-minute time slot. You can arrive anytime within your specified timeslot. Please do not arrive prior to your allocated timeslot as entry cannot be guaranteed.

Will I have to wait?  

You may be asked to queue outside when you arrive, this is to ensure the comfort and safety throughout the experience. You will be invited into the house as soon as possible. Entry to the ‘Neptune’s Kingdom’ where you will start your journey will be staggered. Please be prepared for a short wait. Neptune will explain your task.

Where will the event take place? 

The event is located indoors and outdoors. The experience follows a one-way route.

Accessibility Information

We have done our best to make the experience as accessible as possible. However, visitors should be aware that parts of the route include uneven ground and grassed areas. Tracking will be laid along much of the trail where possible, but some sections may remain uneven.

This is a walking experience lasting approximately 60 to 90 minutes. There is no seating along the trail route. Ramps will be available where required for wheelchair users and pushchairs, and staff will be on hand to provide assistance.

If you have any specific access requirements, please contact us before your visit and we will be happy to discuss how we can support you.

How long will the experience last?

This will vary by family and your interaction; however, we suggest 60 – 90 mins at a leisurely pace. There is no seating available during the experience.

What should I wear? 

The event is located indoors and outdoors. Please note there are areas of uneven grass/ground, appropriate footwear should be worn. Please dress appropriately for the weather

What happens if it rains?

The event will go ahead even if raining. The craft activity is under a marquee.

Is there anything we need to be aware of during the trail? 

There will be sensory elements throughout the experience including flashing images, moving projections, loud noises and soundscapes as you make your way around.

The event creators have worked to guidelines on photosensitive epilepsy with less than 5 flashes per second.

There will be costumed actors as part of the experience ready to interact with visitors. Some will be in very large bright lantern costumes that could be daunting to small children.

Several areas will operate in low light levels so the lanterns and lights can shine.

This is a standing/walking event and does not contain seating.

Children will be able to create a themed craft in the craft tent during the trail. They will also be able to solve the pirates code by spotting clues on route.

Hall Place reserve the right to remove/ change elements of the experience to ensure the safety and comfort of the ticket holders and staff.

What facilities will be available?

Toilets will be available upon your arrival and within the Visitor Centre. Please ask for assistance if you require it.

The Riverside Café, Festive market and Lighthouse Lookout will be open for you to purchase food and drink during and at the end of the experience. Please treat yourself.

An accessible toilet and baby change is available in the Visitor Centre at the end of the experience. Staff can assist if the facilities are needed prior to the end of your experience.

How to find us

Hall Place and Gardens is situated on Bourne Road just off of the A2 on the Black Prince interchange.

By train: 15 minutes’ walk from Bexley rail station

By bus: local services include 229, 492, B12 and 132 bus routes

By road: just off the A2, 10 minutes from the M25 (J2), 15 minutes from the M20 (J1)

By Bike: Bike racks are available

Hall Place and Gardens, Bourne Road, Bexley, Kent. DA5 1PQ

General Enquiries: 0203 045 4088

hallplaceenquiries@bexley.gov.uk

www.hallplace.org.uk

Ticket Booking Enquiries – hallplaceenquiries@bexley.gov.uk

Limitation of liability

All information on our website is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of writing it. Information may change accordingly in certain circumstances.