I love the build up to Christmas. It is so much fun and there is nothing more special than seeing your child’s face light up when meeting Father Christmas and telling him their Christmas wishes. It really adds to the magic of the festive season.
As we know, he is fast approaching his busiest time of the year. Even he gets booked up, so it pays to purchase your tickets in advance. To help out, we have put together a list of some of the best grottos and experiences in and around Surrey…
Painshill Park, Cobham
For a truly magical experience, visit Father Christmas between 3rd – 24th December 2016 in the Crystal Grotto with its dazzling stalactites set in the 18th century landscaped garden in Painshill Park.
Elves will guide you to Father Christmas through the amazing grotto. Experience a series of beautiful scenes with hundreds of thousands of crystals sparkling all around whilst your child reveals their special wish list and then receives a gift.
Booking Line Opens: Mon-Fri, 10:00am – 4:00pm. Please call 01932 868 113 for tickets. This is a fundraising event and proceeds will go towards the on-going restoration of Painshill. More info on their website here.
Bocketts Farm, Fetcham
This is a great place for children to come between 24th November – 24th December 2016. You can visit the farm with all its fun attractions such as the pig races, pony rides, and animal handling sessions. Then hop abroad a nicely decorated trailer, and an elf will pull you by tractor to the magical hay barn workshop. Here you will meet Father Christmas and receive a gift.
Bookings can be made in advance up until midnight the day before. Tickets will also be available to purchase on the day, subject to availability. A visit to see Father Christmas takes 20 minutes and may only be booked when making a visit to the Farm Park. Standard Admission charges Child (3-17 years): £9.95 2 years: £8.30. Adult £9.50. Under 2’s are free. To see Father Christmas it will be an additional £8.50 per child on top of the entrance price. To book tickets and for opening times, click here.
Chessington Garden Centre, Chessington
Father Christmas will be here between 19th November – 24th December 2016. There is a different theme each year and this year it is all about Santas Chocolate Factory.
Start your journey with a visit to the sweet shop, where you might find your very own golden ticket to Santas Chocolate Factory (don’t worry every child will get a golden ticket!). Upon arrival at the factory gates, you will be transported to a world of pure imagination! Look out for an Oompa – Loompa along the way, before you are invited to board a glass elevator to continue your journey into a frozen wonderland.
The grand finale will be to see inside the elves toy shop and personally visit Father Christmas where he will hand out a gift. Admission charges Child: £12 Adult: £3.50 and free for babies under 12 months. To book tickets, click here.
Watercress Line – Steam Train, Alresford or Alton
If you are looking to do something special this year, then why not see Santa on a magical steam train ride on the scenic Watercress Line. This is ideal for all of the family, even the Grandparents will enjoy this one. There is no hanging around waiting as you travel in a festively dressed traditional train carriage. Santa and his jolly helpers will visit you in your seat with a special gift for the children!
Departing from either Alresford or Alton train station, Santa Specials are a one-hour round trip back to your start point. Enjoy a glass of white wine and a mince pie for the grownups and a soft drink for the little ones (included in the ticket price). You could also take along a festive picnic to enjoy on board the train. Advance bookings only, it is worth noting that this does tend to get booked up early. To book tickets, click here.
Dates and fares
3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th, 17th-23rd December 2016. Adult: £18. Child age 1 – 16yrs: £18. Baby under 1 year: £10
24th December 2016. Adult: £19. Child age 1 – 16yrs: £19. Baby under 1 year: £11
If you’re too busy to book your tickets, get in touch to let SHC make all the arrangements for a magical visit to see Santa.
