50+ Santa’s Grotto Experiences Around the UK – From FREE to Luxury

Emily Manning

Emily Manning

June 8, 2019

Santa Visits Santa's Grotto

Like this? Share it with your network!

Like this? Share it with your network!

Making the trip to see Santa is one your child will never forget, and there are many great experiences to choose from. You could take a trip to see Santa on the high seas, on safari or on a North Pole train ride – whatever kind of experience you’re looking for, we’ve found it! Take your pick from 50+ amazing Santa’s Grotto experiences around the UK, from free to luxury, for festive family fun!

Sign up for our free monthly newsletter stuffed full of ideas, competitions and offers. PS Did we mention it’s free?

A visit to Santa’s Grotto is a rite of passage, but it can also be an expensive option for parents at an already costly time of year. That’s why we found free and budget-friendly options, as well as the higher priced experiences, that offer plenty of excitement and festive fun.

Whichever Santa trip you choose, enjoy the seasonal magic and the look on your child’s face – there’s nothing quite like it!

You May Also Enjoy 50 Magical Places to Visit Santa in Ireland

Santa’s Grottos: FREE

Who doesn’t love a freebie? These places to visit Santa are amazing, festive and FREE!

Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, London

Mykidstime places to visit santa in the UK

Winter Wonderland is located in the heart of London in Hyde Park and is perfect for families, with attractions including The Magical Ice Kingdom, Paddington on Ice Show, ice sculpting workshops, ice rink, Circus MegaDome and so much more.

Catch a glimpse of Santa and his elves in his Christmas grotto and enjoy a magical family day out in Santa Land! The festive fun includes the brand new 45m Ice Slide, as well as an Ice Trike Trail and other family rides (at an additional cost).

Santa is free to meet and will have a gift for children who’ve been good. You cannot book a visit to Santa, it’s run on a first-come, first-served basis.

Dates: November 21st 2019 to January 5th 2020 (except Christmas Day)

Price: Free (some attractions and rides require tickets)

You May Also Enjoy 20 Homemade Christmas Decorations the Kids can Make

Regent Arcade Shopping Centre, Cheltenham

Meet Santa and his festive friends at the Regent Arcade, and don’t miss your chance to head to Elf School. Not only will you be transformed in appearance, but you can also learn all the essential skills needed to be a top elf, including the correct knee bend for lifting presents, elf stretches, and the special elf touch needed to decorate a Christmas bauble!

Dates: November 23rd to December 23rd 2019 (selected dates)

Price: FREE

Santa’s Grotto at Merrion Centre, Leeds

Mykidstime places to visit santa in the UK

The Christmas bauble grotto is back in the main mall of the Merrion Centre! Free visits are available and no booking is required, so be prepared to leave plenty of time.

Dates: November 16th to December 24th 2019 (selected dates)

Price: FREE for a visit only but you can pay to add a gift

Santa’s Grotto at Intu Broadmarsh, Nottingham

Walk-up and see Santa Claus at his festive grotto for free this Christmas!

Santa wants to make sure he sees all the children on his nice list this year, which is why he will be doing exclusive sessions for children with special needs. Check website for full details.

Dates: December 7th to December 24th 2019

Price: FREE for a walk-up visit, charge to prebook a date and time; an additional charge for a gift

Santa’s Grotto at Brent Cross Shopping Centre, London

With a crackling fire, sleigh bells ringing and plenty of Christmas cheer, you’ll be transported to the North Pole for an unforgettable Santa experience.

The Grotto is free to enter and every child will receive a gift, however booking is advised and comes with a small booking fee. There are also specific quiet times for children with additional needs.

Dates: November 14th to December 24th 2019

Price: FREE (although a small booking fee applies)

You May Also Enjoy The Best Value and Free Places to Visit Santa in Ireland

Santa’s Grottos: £10 or Less Per Child

These are some of the top places around the UK where you can visit Santa for £10 or less per child.

Santa’s Snowflake Grotto, Westfield London

Mykidstime places to visit santa in the UK

At Santa’s Grotto, you’ll be transported to the Snow Factory in the North Pole, where Santa’s elves make all the snow in the world. Children will create their own snowflake and explore the various activities within the factory. Meet Santa in his icy Snow Chamber, where every child will receive a gift and have their photo taken with Santa.

The visit lasts approximately 20-25 minutes, and photos can be purchased in the Christmas Shop at the end. There is no booking for this Santa visit, so be prepared to turn up in plenty of time.

Dates: November 22nd to December 24th 2019

Price: £7.50 per child

Christmas Cottage at Claremont Gardens, Surrey

Nestled in a secret woodland glade not far from the edge of the lake, you’ll discover the fairytale Christmas Cottage which has been magically transformed for a special visitor!

Wrap up warm and take a walk around the gardens where you can go on the Ruby Robin trail, before popping into the family-friendly cafe to warm up with festive treats.

Dogs are allowed at Claremont from October to April – and your furry friend can also have a visit to Santa Paws for a doggy treat!

Dates: From December 12th 2019 (closed Christmas Eve & Christmas Day)

Price: £4.75 per child and £9.50 per adult for full access to Claremont Landscape Garden, or free with National Trust membership. Santa will be there on December 7th & for one other date (TBC) and there is a charge of £15.00 to visit him. The visits must be booked in advance by phone.

Christmas Experience at Eden Project, Cornwall

Mykidstime places to visit santa in the UK

Inside the cosy Christmas tent, you’ll get to see ‘behind the scenes’, including the elves’ bunkbeds, the pigeonholes full of children’s letters, and all the stockings laid out ready for the big day. After settling down for a story beside an open fire, each child can enjoy a special moment with the man in red.

Visitors can also enjoy the ice skating rink which is open from Saturday October 12th 2019 to Sunday February 23rd 2020. (charges apply)

Relaxed sessions are also available for children with autism spectrum condition, sensory and communications needs or learning disabilities. You can enjoy a visit in a calmer and gentler environment.

Dates: Late November to December 24th 2019 (selected dates)

Price: TBA for 2019 (on sale from September 19th)

You May Also Enjoy See the Seasonal Sparkle on the New Christmas Trail at London Zoo

Santa’s Grotto at Clent Hills, Worcestershire

Mykidstime places to visit santa in the UK

Not all of Father Christmas’ grottos are inside. At Clent Hills he’s found a cosy den in the woods, complete with fairy lights and a campfire.

This year you can roam over the hills following the special Christmas trail before wending your way through the trees to find Father Christmas in his grotto, dressed in woodland green. He’ll even have an early Christmas present ready for you.

Dates: December 8th, 14th & 15th 2019.

Price: £7.50 per child

Victorian Christmas at Speke Hall, Liverpool

Mykidstime places to visit santa in the UK

Have your Christmas wish list at the ready and pay a visit to Father and Mrs Christmas at Speke Hall. This Victorian setting is stunning, particularly at Christmas when the traditional greenery and decorations create a unique setting to visit Santa.

Dates: November 30th to December 15th 2019 (selected dates)

Price: £4 per child

Deck the Halls at Sutton House, London

Mykidstime places to visit santa in the UK

Children can learn how the Tudors celebrated Christmas, then experience a modest and tasteful Georgian Christmas and discover why we call St Stephen’s day ‘Boxing Day’. Move into the lavish Victorian Study, and learn about the many traditions that emerged during Queen Victoria’s reign, including colourful crackers, Christmas cards, a decorated tree and toys for the children.

After you have met Father Christmas in his oak-panelled Tudor study, enjoy mulled wine and mince pies and post a letter to Father Christmas. You can also make spiced orange pomander balls, and take part in Christmas arts and crafts with an artist.

Dates: December 7th to 22nd 2019 (selected dates)

Price: £5.50 per child, £9.50 per adult (£2 for National Trust members)

Christmas at Kinver House and the Rock Houses, Staffordshire

Mykidstime places to visit santa in the UK

Visit National Trust property Kinver Edge and the amazing Rock Houses for magical wintry walks, and visit Father Christmas in his cave grotto. The tiny houses carved into the rock are lit by candlelight, making them look perfect for elves!

Dress for the cold weather, and be prepared for steep paths and steps at this outside venue.

Dates: November 30th, December 1st, 7th & 8th

Price: £3 per child

Portrait of Christmas at Powis Castle, Wales

Mykidstime places to visit santa in the UK

Meeting Father Christmas is one of the family experiences that makes the festive period so magical. Bring along your little ones to Powis, where you can take in the breathtaking view across the Severn valley and admire ancient yews and Italianate terraces.

Then head on down to Santa’s grotto to meet Father Christmas, where each child will receive a gift and a Christmas cookie.

Dates: December 30th to December 23rd 2019 (selected dates)

Price: £7.00 per child

You May Also Enjoy Make This Jolly Christmas Countdown Santa Calendar

Christmas at Stourhead, Swindon

Christmas at Stourhead

Santa will be hosting special storytelling sessions at Stourhead on weekends during December. The experience begins with a sensory Christmas craft session before children make their way to Santa’s magical woodland hideout to visit with Santa, take some photos and receive a gift to treasure.

This year visitors can also enjoy an amazing display of lights & lasers & Christmas festivities from November 29th to December to December 30th. This events comes with extra costs.

Dates: Weekends only November 30th to December 22nd 2019

Price: £9 per child (for storytelling sessions)

Festive Fairytales with Father Christmas at Saltram, Devon

Mykidstime places to visit santa in the UK

‘Tis the season for sitting around to hear stories, and there’s no better teller of tales than Father Christmas himself. Come along to the stables at Saltram to hear his magical stories and festive songs.

On selected dates, special relaxed storytelling sessions will be held for guests who may benefit from a more informal experience, such as those with autism and sensory or communication needs.

Grown Ups can also enjoy storytime with Father Christmas to help them get into the Christmas spirit and enjoy re-living their childhood. This session takes place on December 14th 2019 and costs £9 per adult and includes a glass of mulled wine or hot chocolate and a keepsake.

Dates: December 1st to December 23rd 2019 (selected dates)

Price: £8 per child, £4 per adult

Underground Santa at National Coal Mining Museum, Yorkshire

Mykidstime places to visit santa in the UK

In an unusual and unique twist this Christmas, visit Santa in his underground grotto at the National Coal Mining Museum. You’ll find Santa 140m underground, greeting mini miners and their families.

Dates: November 30th to December 23rd 2019

Price: £7.50 per child and £5.50 per adult

Father Christmas at Ham House & Garden, Surrey

Santa will be at Ham House & Gardens in Richmond on selected dates this December. The house will be decorated with festive garlands, lights and candles and you will receive a gift when you visit him.

Dates: December 7th to 22nd (selected dates)

Prices: £7.50 per child (you will also need to pay for entry to Ham House currently £6.25 per child & £12.50 per adult or family price £34.50)

Days of Christmas Past at Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, Northern Ireland

Mykidstime places to visit santa in the UK

Gather around the warmth of the turf fire and enjoy readings from The Night before Christmas, singalong with the Christmas Mummers, taste seasonal treats and meet Santa and Mrs Claus in his workshop.

Dates: December 7th to December 15th (selected dates)

Price: £9 per person

Magical Present Hunt at Biddulph Grange Garden, Staffordshire

Father Christmas has dropped some presents from his sleigh over Biddulph Grange Garden, follow the trail to find the presents and find the Christmas Cottage. At the Cottage meet the Christmas Elf and go inside to meet Father Christmas and receive your special Christmas gift.

Dates: December 7th to December 23rd (selected dates)

Price: £6 per child

Vintage Christmas Grotto at Bletchley Park, Buckinghamshire

Step back in time at Bletchley Park and experience a 1940s style Christmas Grotto. Father Christmas will be at home in the Library in the Mansion throughout December. Every child will receive a present and enjoy festive crafts and music while you wait.

Dates: November 30th to December 23rd 2019

Price: £7.50 per child

You May Also Enjoy 12 Homemade Advent Calendar Ideas for Kids

Santa’s Grottos: Less than £20

These are some of the top places around the UK where you can visit Santa for between £10 and £20 per child.

Santa’s Magical Journey at Thursford, Norfolk

Santa’s Magical Journey takes you past the penguins and polar bears to see all the giant sized teddy bears ready to load into Santa’s sleigh, and past the busy elves who are hard at work in the toy factory taking in the wonderful wrapping machine.

You’ll meet lots of fantasy characters, including the snowman family – but watch out for the snowballs before you make your way through the magical forest to reach Santa’s House and meet the man himself.

Dates: November 23rd to December 23rd 2019 (selected dates)

Price: £18.50 per child, £11.50 per adult

Santa’s Grotto, London Wetland Centre

Mykidstime places to visit santa in the UK

The London Wetland Centre is an urban oasis just 10 minutes from Hammersmith. Visit the cosy grotto, receive a gift from Father Christmas and have the opportunity for a photo with the man himself!

Children can enjoy Husky sleigh rides too and you can drop into the Elves workshop to help them make presents.

Dates: November 30th & December 1st, 14th & 15th 2019.

Price: TBA

You May Also Enjoy 10 Easy Christmas Crafts for Toddlers to Make

Santa’s Grotto at Loch Lomond Shores, Scotland

Santa’s elves have the afternoon off! Join them for a story-telling session before you visit the magical toy room where you can see some of the gifts Santa will be delivering this Christmas.

After you’ve had a peek at the toys, the elves will help you write your very own letter to Santa before taking you to board a magic train for Santa’s Grotto. If you’re on the Nice List, you’ll leave the grotto with a gift and a go on a funfair ride at the end!

Dates: November 16th to December 24th 2019 (selected dates)

Price: TBA

Santa’s Grotto at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, Dunstable

Mykidstime places to visit santa in the UK

Throughout weekends and during the week leading up to Christmas, visitors can book to Meet Santa at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo as an extra wintery treat.

Each child will meet Santa, receive an early Christmas gift, enjoy Christmas crafts and have the opportunity to pose for a yuletide photograph with the man himself.

Dates: November 30th to December 24th 2019 (on selected dates) with additional dates for members and patrons.

Price: TBA

Santa’s Grotto at Forbes at Kingennie, Dundee, Scotland

In the midst of the festive season, visit Santa’s Grotto in the magical Angus countryside. A visit to this traditional grotto will include a meeting with Santa, as well as a personalised bauble, letter and photograph.

Dates: December 8th to December 21st 2019 (selected dates)

Price: £12.50 per child

Santa’s Grotto at Christmas in Leicester Square, London

Mykidstime places to visit santa in the UK

This is an unusual “audience with Santa” style event, where Santa will entertain guests with a bespoke Christmas Story. Each child will also have the opportunity to meet the man himself and receive a small gift.

Sessions are for groups of up to 20 children and begin every 30 minutes. Tickets need to be bought in advance, and are for a specific time slot.

Dates: November 8th to December 24th 2019 (The Christmas in Leicester Square event runs from November 8th 2019 to January 5th 2020

Price: £11.50 per child (with one free adult)

You May Also Enjoy 18 Christmas Eve Essentials Perfect for Waiting for Santa

Christmas Grotto at Ruxley Manor, Kent

You will be greeted by elves and Mother Christmas to guide you through the enchanting Christmas experience. There’s a fun coconut shy game at the Grotto entrance, and kids can make magical reindeer feed to take home and sprinkle across the lawn on Christmas Eve. Don’t forget to decorate your own elf hat before it’s time to meet Father Christmas himself!

Younger children can enjoy ‘My First Grotto’, where under-twos can hear Christmas stories and meet Father Christmas for the first time. Daily reduced capacity sessions at 4.30pm are also available for customers with special needs and need to be booked in advance.

Dates: November 8th to December 23rd 2019

Price: £12 for kids (£10 for under-ones); My First Grotto is £20 for under-twos with two adults (2019 pricing TBA)

Santa Safari at Hawkstone Park Follies, Shrewsbury

A magical adventure by Land Rover through the illuminated woodland to see Santa in his real hillside Grotto.

After a warming and festive welcome drink you’ll be whisked off across the Park, through the Grand Valley, under the Wishing Arch and up the steep hill to Santa’s spectacular network of caves.

Santa’s elves will keep you entertained as you wander around the decorated, fairy-lit caverns and tunnels until you finally arrive at your destination – the magical grotto itself! After meeting Santa and receiving a gift, you’ll have the opportunity to meet Santa’s reindeer and enjoy the illuminated woodland fantasy.

Dates: November 29th to December 23rd 2019

Price: From £20 per child (£9 for infants) and £18 per adult. Family tickets also available.

Sail With Santa, Poole

Mykidstime places to visit santa in the UK

Santa has swapped his sleigh for a boat! Departing from Poole Quay and sailing for approximately one hour and 15 minutes, this trip will take you past Brownsea Island while you enjoy a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie.

Kids can enjoy a 30-minute magic show, balloon modelling and snacks, while Santa will walk around the boat, meeting all the children. Each child will also receive a Christmas present.

Dates: November 30th to December 24th 2019 (selected dates)

Price: £17.00 per ticket

You May Also Enjoy 12 Unique But Simple Christmas Decorating Ideas

Santa’s Grotto at Dalkeith Country Park, Midlothian

Dates: November 30th to December 23rd 2019 (selected dates)

Price: £17.50 per person

Christmas Stories with Santa at RHS Garden Wisley, Surrey

Mykidstime places to visit santa in the UK

For something special, why not book onto a Christmas story with Santa and Mrs Claus? Join the festive pair for a classic Christmas tale, have a sing-along and a story with the man himself – and if you have been very good, receive a small gift.

Dates: November 30th to December 13th 2019 (selected dates)

Price: £14 per child (plus admission cost)

You May Also Enjoy Christmas Fun Idea: Turn Your Shed into Santa’s Grotto

Santa’s Grotto at Dobbies Garden Centre (Multiple Locations)

A visit to Santa’s Grotto is an exciting and festive experience. You little one will love the magical setting and meeting Santa to receive a special gift. Grotto opening times and dates vary for each centre so please do check the website before planning your visit. Booking is recommended to get your preferred date.

Inverness, Cirencester & Dunfermline stores also offer Quiet Grotto times. And some stores offer a Breakfast With Santa Experience. Please check website for full details.

Dates: November 24th to December 24th 2019

Price: £11.99 per child, £8.99 per adult

New Lanark Christmas Experience, Scotland

Mykidstime places to visit santa in the UK

Head to the New Lanark World Heritage Site to enjoy a magical family day out. Included are Christmas crafts and the festive Spirit of Christmas Ride where you will take a magical journey through Christmases past and present with your guide, Holly. Finally, visit Santa in his cosy grotto to find out if you’re on the naughty or nice list and receive a gift!

Your Christmas Experience ticket will also include entry to the New Lanark Visitor Attractions so you can step back in time to see how the people of New Lanark lived, learned and worked. A festive pantomime (additional cost) also runs on selected dates.

Dates: November 223rd to December 24th 2019 (selected dates)

Price: £13.95 per person (£4 for under 3s) Family tickets also available

Piglet’s Adventure Farm, York

It’s all aboard Santa’s Magical Sleigh for a unique ride through trees and twinkling lights to Santa’s Woodland Village, where you will be greeted by Mrs Claus and taken to see Santa in his Grotto.

It’s time to check in with the elves at Elf Airlines and spot your name in lights on the live departure board.

As soon as your child shares their Christmas wishes with Santa, he will hand over the magic key to unlock his amazing Toy Shop – then kids can choose their perfect gift from a huge selection.

Dates: November 23rd to December 24th 2019

Price: From £11.95 per child and £8.95 per adult

You May Also Enjoy 12 Jolly Christmas Gift Tag Ideas to Make with the Kids

Dan-Yr-Ogof Cave Experience, Swansea, Wales

Mykidstime places to visit santa in the UK

What’s not to love about ancient caves guarded by dinosaurs, twisting passageways, and Santa’s magical underground grotto?! After your child experiences the fun and festivities, there is also a land train to ride down to the Morgan Brothers’ farm to see the animals, a covered play area, and plenty more.

Dates: November 30th to December 24th 2019 (selected dates)

Price: £12 per child (£6 for under 3s), £15 per adult

Winter Wonderland at Todd’s Leap, Co Tyrone, Northern Ireland

Mykidstime Santa's Grotto experiences in the UK

At the Winter Wonderland, your kids will get to travel through the magical tunnel and tour the elves’ workshop. Then head on over to help the elves in Santa’s Post Office where they can post their letter to Santa.

Afterwards, call in on Mrs Claus in her cabin before visiting Santa’s grotto for a gift. Also included is an off-road sleigh ride, Christmas arts and crafts, an animal village, Santa’s favourite reindeer, and Christmas treats and complimentary tea and coffee for parents.

Dates: December 1st to December 23rd 2019 (selected dates)

Price: £16 per child, £14 per adult (under 1’s are free)

You May Also Enjoy Budgeting for Christmas: 13 Great Tips to Reduce Your Spending

Santa’s Grottos: Less Than £30

These are some of the top places around the UK where you can visit Santa for less than £30 per child.

Story-Telling with Father Christmas at Fortnum & Mason’s, London

Mykidstime Santa's Grotto experiences in the UK

Throughout December, Father Christmas will be welcoming boys and girls on his Nice List to hear a yuletide story, before passing out festive goodie bags, and listening to any of your last-minute present requests.

Dates: December 1st to December 24th 2019 (selected dates)

Price: £25 per child

Whippersnappers Winter Wonderland, Dulwich

Mykidstime Santa's Grotto experiences in the UK

Santa’s Elves will greet you at the Garden Gate with mulled wine, hot chocolate and mince pies before they lead you through Wyld Woodland to a magical wonderland!

During your visit, enjoy seasonal treats in the Elf Café, look out for Santa’s sleigh, head to the Toy Testing Workshop to help out, then over to Santa’s Classroom to make decorations, before enjoying the sights and smells of Mrs Claus’ Christmas kitchen. Finally, children will spend some time with the elves before meeting Santa himself!

Dates: November 30th to December 24th 2019 (selected dates)

Price: £22.50 per child (includes a photo), £9 per adult

The Father Christmas Experience at Marsh Farm, Essex

In a two and a half hour Christmas experience, the kids will start with passport control to learn the elf-abet and graduate through the Elf Academy.

Next stop is to meet Mother Christmas to decorate a gingerbread, before entering the Snow Show for a flurry of surprises. As the children enter Father Christmas’ Grotto they’ll have to be checked on the Naughty or Nice list before meeting Father Christmas all the way from the North Pole. The children then go to the toy workshop to make a special furry friend to take home.

Dates: November 16th to December 24th 2019 (selected dates)

Price: From £25.50 per child and £12.95 per adult (special member pricing also available)

You May Also Enjoy Get Festive with 20 More Homemade Advent Calendar Ideas

Christmas Experience at Glenarm Castle, Co Antrim, Northern Ireland

Mykidstime Santa's Grotto experiences in the UK

The Christmas Experience is a traditional and festive occasion with a host of attractions for all the family, including a charming nativity scene with real animals, story-telling, gingerbread-making with Mrs Claus, and of course the popular Polar Express train adventure! Most importantly, Father Christmas and his elves will be here, ready to welcome the children into their workshop as they prepare for their busiest time of the year.

Price includes a photo with Father Christmas, special gift, unlimited carousel and train rides, complimentary hot food, tea and coffee, and refreshments.

Dates: November 28th to December 12th from 4.30pm to 8pm daily

Price: £20 per child (£6 for under 1s), £18 per adult

Santa’s Grotto at Chill Factore, Manchester

Mykidstime Santa's Grotto experiences in the UK

Treat the family to family fun with real snow, plenty of adventure, and a visit to see Santa himself!

Over-4s will love the excitement of Snow Park – zooming down sledges, whizzing down the Downhill Donuts and sliding down the ice luge – while under-4s will enjoy exploring the snow playground, sensory play area, tunnels and igloo in Mini Moose Land.

Dates: November 16th to December 24th 2019 (selected dates)

Price: From £25 per person for the Santa & Snow Park experience; £9.50 per person for the Santa and Mini Moose Land experience

Santa Safari at West Midland Safari and Leisure Park

A magical festive day out for all the family – where else can you visit Santa and take a 4-mile self-drive Safari?

You could see rhinos, giraffes, lions, elephants, cheetahs, zebras, waterbucks, buffalo, lions and so much more. Top it all off with a visit to see Santa in his grotto and a visit to his toyshop to pick your own present to make a truly memorable experience!

Dates: November 16th to December 29th 2019 (selected dates)

Price: From £20 per child and £25 for adults

You May Also Enjoy Download Your FREE Christmas Word Search

Mead Open Farm, Bedfordshire

It’s mayhem, merriment and magic at the Christmas Experience! Your time in the Magic Forest will include a Naughty or Nice Challenge, Reindeer flying school, decorating gingerbread, creating something fun in the Make a Bear Workshop, then meet Father Christmas and hear his favourite stories.

Your full day ticket also includes access to the farm to see all the animals, play in the indoor playground and fun outdoor activities.

Dates: November 30th to December 24th 2019 (selected dates)

Price: From £21 per child and £15 per adult

The Polar Express, Norfolk

Mykidstime Santa's Grotto experiences in the UK

In a nod to the 2004’s The Polar Express, you can take your own festive train ride and capture all the magic of the movie, thanks to Mid-Norfolk Railway. Wear your pyjamas (like in the movie) and as soon as the train conductor invites you to climb aboard, take your seat and watch scenes from the movie come to life!

Dancing chefs and waiters serve cookies and hot chocolate as you listen as the story of The Polar Express told in full and sing Christmas carols. As you arrive at your ‘North Pole’ destination, keep your eyes peeled for Santa’s sleigh, a bag of toys and a giant Christmas tree. Watch out for Santa waving, before he climbs aboard and travels through the train to greet all the children. Each child will receive their very own “First Gift of Christmas”, a silver bell from his sleigh. 

Dates: November 15th to December 29th (selected dates)

Price: From £24.50 per person

You May Also Enjoy 30 Adult Advent Calendars to Put You in the Christmas Spirit!

Santa’s Grottos: More Than £30

For a luxury Santa’s grotto experience, here are some amazing places around the UK where you can visit Santa for more than £30 per child.

Santa at LEGOLAND, Windsor

Mykidstime places to visit santa in the UK

Get ready to help the elves build LEGO candy canes and festive decorations, before taking part in a LEGO Elf scavenger hunt and taking a look at the 8m high LEGO Christmas tree. Head over to Mrs Christmas’ Toy Shop to build your own LEGO decoration to take home, then visit Santa in his magical grotto and receive a LEGO® gift.

Dates: November 30th to December 24th 2019 (selected dates)

Price: £36 (£31 if tickets purchased before September 30th 2019) per person (£26 per annual passholder)

Hamleys (London, Manchester, Glasgow, Intu Lakeside)

Mykidstime places to visit santa in the UK

Jingle all the way to Hamleys to join Father Christmas and his loveable elves for fun, magic and theatre. At this extra special experience, children will get to take part in seasonal activities, spend time with Father Christmas and receive an goodie bag to take home.

During this group session, the kids will hear magical Christmas tales, write their own Christmas list and meet Father Christmas himself.

Date: November 23rd to December 24th

Price: £39.95 per child (aged 2-8 or 3-7 in London)

Father Christmas at Royal Albert Hall, London

Mykidstime places to visit santa in the UK

Father Christmas needs some very special little helpers to visit his Royal Albert Hall HQ, where they’ll learn Christmas magic, see the real sleigh and help the elves get the toys ready in time for Christmas Eve!

Little helpers will journey through spaces within the historic Royal Albert Hall and meet a range of enchanting characters from the North Pole, including toy soldiers, fairies, workshop elves, and of course, Father Christmas. They will get to make their very own stuffed toy to bring home and treasure.

Dates: December 5th to December 22nd 2019 (selected dates)

Price: From £30 per child

You May Also Enjoy 7 of the Merriest UK Christmas Markets to Visit

Santa Spectacular at Willow’s Activity Farm, Hertfordshire

The Santa Spectacular is a full day out of festive fun for all the family, including meeting Santa in his grotto and receiving a golden key to his Toy Shop, attending Elf Academy, saying hello to Santa’s reindeer and so much more.

Guests can take part in interactive displays, sing-a-longs with the Elves, enjoy a festive show, take a spin around the ice rink, gingerbread decorating and the Create-a-Cuddle workshops which run throughout the day for kids to make their own teddy to take home. Don’t forget to pop on your 3D glasses for a brand new festive short film adventure, and buckle up for the fairground rides.

Each child will receive a grotto token that can be used at anytime during the day to meet Santa and receive a golden key to his Toy Shop where they can choose from one of the hundreds of gifts piled from floor to ceiling to take home.

Dates: November 24th to December 24th 2019 (selected dates)

Price: From £30 per child and from £14 per adult (online advance booking prices)

Kielder Winter Wonderland, Northumberland

Mykidstime places to visit santa in the UK

This full day experience is packed full of festive activities to keep you and your little ones busy all day. Take some time to roam around the enchanted forest, with charming lodges, reindeer and other woodland neighbours.

Join Mrs Christmas and her helpers on a trek through the woods to her forest kitchen. While she gets ready for Christmas, she’s managed to prepare a number of interactive activities for everyone to enjoy. Then move on to help in the elves’ workshop, before walking through the forest to find Father Christmas.

Dates: November 16th to December 23rd 2019 (selected dates)

Price: From £39.50 per person

You May Also Enjoy 101 Christmas Activities For Kids (And their Parents)

Do you have favourite places to visit Santa that we should add to our list? Leave a comment below and let us know – we’d love to hear from you!

Santas grotto experiences in the UK

Like this? Share it with your network!

Like this? Share it with your network!

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Whatsapp
Published On: June 8th, 2019 / Categories: Travel / Last Updated: March 29th, 2021 / Tags: , , , , /

About the Author: Emily Manning

Emily Manning
Emily is the coffee-loving Editor of MyKidsTime. Mum of one daughter and two naughty Tibetan Terriers, she is particularly partial to Curly Wurlys and unable to resist pretty stationery and new cookbooks. As an avid foodie and domestic goddess-wannabe, she is most likely to be found in the kitchen.

You’ve Got Mail!

Get our best content direct to your inbox! You’ll receive quick and easy recipes, fun ideas to entertain the kids, parenting tips, competitions, as well as offers from brands we trust.