Getting the opportunity to meet Santa is on many children’s wish lists, and the excitement starts to build from the moment the first door is opened on their advent calendar. Here are some of our recommendations on where to see Santa around the UK.
It is advised to book early if you can, as grotto visits are very popular and get booked up quickly. According to government data, the popularity of grottos and Christmas markets has increased significantly over the last 15 years. In 2007, the UK offered just 30 Christmas markets to visitors – a figure that grew to over 100 by 2017.
In 2017, Christmas markets and grottos generated an estimated £500 million to the UK economy, and also bring up to 90% more footfall to places where they are held. Let’s get into the best Santa’s grottos in the UK so you can find out where to see Santa this year.
10. Kielder Winter Wonderland, Northumberland
Kielder Winter Wonderland gives kids the opportunity to visit Mrs Christmas and her workshop, hang out with reindeer, make keepsakes in the elves’ workshop, and sing along with Mr and Mrs Beaver in their woodland home to discover what Christmas really means.
Visitors can also extend their stay with luxury accommodations that include hot tubs, stargazing pods, BBQ huts, swim spas and more. The site is wheelchair friendly, with the Snowman route recommended for visits to Father Christmas. For accessibility queries, email info@kielderwinterwonderland.com.
Pricing:
Adults and children aged 2 and over – £34.50
Children under 2 – £5
Dates:
16th, 17th, 23rd, 24th and 30th November, and 1st, 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 20th, 21st, 22nd and 23rd December.
Location:
You’ll find the Wonderland 44 miles from Carlisle, 46 miles from Newcastle and 60 miles from Durham, postcode NE48 1BT.
Additional details:
When you book online, you’ll need to confirm your chosen visiting dates to see Father Christmas, along with a secret for each child that staff can inform him of in advance, e.g. ‘Jake really wants a puppy for Christmas’.
9. Eden Project, Cornwall
If you’re wondering where to see Santa, why not try a day out at the Eden Project, where you can tour the gardens after your visit. You and your family have the chance to meet Father Christmas and his helper Elfie at this unique location this Christmas. Kids can get involved in the storyline of the grotto, and discover how Elfie creates a Christmas miracle together with Father Christmas. Kids get a goodie bag with a storybook and chocolate to enhance their experience of meeting the real Santa.
Relaxed sessions are offered on the 3rd, 4th, 10th, 17th and 21st December, so that children with communication or sensory needs, or autism can also enjoy their time meeting Father Christmas in a calm environment at their own pace. Wheelchair users will need to contact the Eden Project’s box office at boxoffice@edenproject.com or call 01726 811972 to discuss wheelchair requirements.
Pricing:
Prices range between £12-£16 per person, depending on the type of booking.
Dates:
22nd – 24th November, 29th November – 1st December, 5th – 8th December, and 12th – 24th December
Location:
To find the Eden Project, enter the postcode PL24 2SG into your sat nav.
Additional details:
Every entry to the Father Christmas experience needs to be pre-booked with a time slot, with a valid form of Eden admission, Annual or Locals’ Pass or Eden Project Membership. Carers and babies under 12 months of age can visit the Father Christmas experience free of charge, but still require a pre-booked timed entry slot.
8. Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland
Enjoy a festive day out celebrating the 12 days of Christmas at Bamburgh Castle. The state rooms inside will be transformed into a stunning world inspired by each day of advent, with a partridge in a pear tree, too! The castle cafe will also be selling seasonal treats at the largest festive experience in the north-east. The castle is wheelchair-friendly, with accessible facilities available.
Pricing:
Father Christmas visits are an additional £19.95 per child, plus regular entry price to the castle.
Dates:
16th November – 23rd December
Location:
Bamburgh Castle is located 78 miles from Edinburgh and 51 miles from Newcastle. If you’re travelling by train, the nearest train station is Berwick-Upon-Tweed. There are also bus connections from Berwick and Newcastle. Or you can enter the postcode NE69 7DF into your sat nav.
Additional details:
You’ll need to ensure you have a copy of your ticket/email with you before your visit. This can be on a device or printed.
7. Warwick Castle
Christmas is even more magical with your little ones when you throw a majestic castle into the mix! As well as ice skating, an after-dark illuminated light trail and the chance to meet Father Christmas, visitors can enjoy touring the many rooms Warwick Castle has to offer against a magical festive backdrop.
It is worth noting that the castle is a medieval fortress with many steps, narrow passageways and low doorways, which can be difficult for visitors with reduced mobility. Before visiting, it is worth finding out more about Warwick Castle accessibility here.
Pricing:
Daytime Castle Entry + Evening Light Trail – From £38
Daytime Castle Entry + Stories with Santa – From £39.50
Christmas Daytime Castle Entry Only – From £26
Daytime Castle Entry + Skate Session – From £37
Dates:
23rd November – 5th January
Location:
Warwick Castle is well signposted, less than two miles from junction 15 of the M40. The postcode for the property is CV34 6AH, or use what3words acid.decks.speaks for the entrance to the car park.
6. LaplandUK, Berkshire
Known as one of the best Santa’s grottos in the UK, this is what Christmas childhood dreams are made of. Enter an ancient civilisation and a theatrical production that enables the whole family to meet many friendly Christmas characters.
Discover an enchanted forest as you make friends with elves, visit a toyshop factory, and breathe in the delicious smell of gingerbread coming from Mother Christmas’ kitchen. There’s also an elven village where your child can send a letter to Father Christmas via the post office, and visit the elf emporium for gifts, toys and trinkets. And of course, deep in a magical wintry forest, is the opportunity to meet Father Christmas himself. If you have a child with a disability or special requirements for their visit, see the accessibility guide for more information.
Pricing:
Tickets start from £59 in November and £89 in December.
Dates:
9th November – 24th December
Location:
You’ll find LaplandUK in Whitmoor Forest, Swinley Road, Ascot, Berkshire. The postcode for your sat nav is SL5 8BD. Car parking on site is free. The venue is 1.5 miles from Ascot station, with easy links to London and Reading.
5. Peppa Pig World, Paulton’s Park, Hampshire
This one’s ideal for smaller children, who will get the unique opportunity to see Peppa Pig World transformed into a magical winter wonderland. You’ll find plenty of illuminations around the park, including a musical Christmas tree with a light show every 15 minutes. Visit Santa’s Grotto and enjoy the magical walk-through with twinkling lights, music and animatronic characters, plus a personal meeting with Santa and a festive gift.
Little ones will also get the chance to meet Rudolph the reindeer, Frosty the snowman and the elves Billy and Belinda. There’s also Santa storytime, and plenty of rides and attractions to keep the whole family entertained. For more information about height restrictions for rides, and accessibility, visit the rides and attractions FAQs for guests with disabilities.
Pricing:
Adult – £15.75 (plus park admission price)
Child – £26 (plus park admission price)
Childer under 12 months – £10 (plus park admission price)
Dates:
6th – 23rd December
Location:
Paulton’s Park is located just off exit 2 of the M27, near the New Forest National Park. You can follow brown tourist signs on the motorway to the park.
4. Bluestone National Park Resort, Wales
Visit Santa’s workshop, meet the man himself, and stop off at the Jolly Ginger Bakery to try your hand at making festive slushies and elf cookies. You’ll also get your own copy of the tale of Jingles the elf to take home. If you’re traveling with very young children, under 2’s go free, and there’s plenty of space to leave your pram/buggy on site and changing facilities.
If your child has specific dietary or other requirements for accessibility, email reservations@bluestonewales.com so that arrangements can be made. If you want to turn your visit into a break away, lodge accommodations are available.
Pricing:
To get prices, you’ll need to create an account, login and book your stay.
Dates:
4th November – 2nd January (2024)
Location:
Canaston Wood, The Grange, Narberth SA67 8DE
3. Santa’s Tea Party at Celtic Manor Resort, Newport, Wales
Adults and children will be swept up in the Christmas magic of Santa’s Tea Party in the Caernarfon Suite, where you can enjoy afternoon tea with Santa and an exciting virtual surprise! Children will be able to talk to Santa on a group phone call from Lapland. You can also find out who’s on the naughty or nice list!
All kids aged 12 or under will get a surprise stocking filler from Santa. Expect plenty of festive fun and tasty treats along the way, and pure magic as young faces light up. You can have a minimum of 4 guests, and a maximum of 12 per table.
Pricing:
Prices vary between £34 and £48 for adults, and £24 and £38 for children.
Dates:
30th November – 24th December
Location:
Situated in the Usk Valley, Celtic Manor Resort can be found off the M4 at J24. Coldra Wood, The Usk Valley, Chepstow Rd, Newport NP18 1HQ.
2. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, London
Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland has long been one of the most popular places to celebrate Christmas. You step through the red gate upon entry, and enter the world of Santaland, which transports you to the North Pole and plenty of festive cheer.
Tuck into Christmassy food, enjoy rides like penguin bumper cars and a flying sleigh ride from £2 each, and enter Santa’s grotto to see the man himself. Children who visit Santa will get a free gift from him. You can find out more about accessibility at Winter Wonderland by reading this guide.
Pricing:
Tickets start from £5, or £7.50 for peak times
Dates:
21st November – 5th January
Location:
You can locate the grotto using what3words: ties.sunk.intelligible
Additional details:
Note that because admission to see Santa is first come, first served, big queues can form, and the Santaland queue may be closed early during very busy times. The grotto is open each day from 10am-6pm.
1. Hamleys, Regent Street, London
Why not visit the world’s finest toy shop for Christmas, and spend some time with Santa and his elves while you’re at it?! Enter the magical world of the Hamleys North Pole. Children who have been good this year will get a treat to take home with them to remind them of their special day. You’ll need to let the elves know your family members’ names and interests so that Santa can be told ahead of your arrival. Plus, anyone of any age can meet Santa.
Pricing:
Visits to the grotto start from £55 for up to three people, and an extra £15 per additional person. However, pricing varies depending on the dates you choose, and dates on weekends and closer to Christmas have a higher cost. You can have groups of up to six people attending.
Dates:
25th November – 20th December
Location:
To find the store, the postcode is W1B 5BT. Easy transport links are available via bus and the London Underground.
So if you’re looking for some of the best Santa’s grottos in the UK to visit with your family, why not check out one of our top ten recommendations!
Other Santa’s Grottos in the UK
Check out some of our other recommendations for Santa’s Grotto experiences at different locations in the UK:
