Christmas is nearly here,and with it comes all the excuses for fun that makes December the best month of the year.
But if there’s one event that gets everyone in the mood, it’s a good Santa’s grotto. And the UK has upped its game recently. In fact, now you could well be at St Nick’s North Pole address when visiting some of these Christmas extravaganzas.
So, with that in mind and with our Xmas senses tingling, here are three of the best grottos in the UK!
1. All aboard the Santa Express
Less of a grotto and more of a one-way ticket to festive delight this Christmas, the Santa Express is like a supercharged sleigh with added steam.
Making its way through the peaceful Somerset countryside, the steam train will travel from Bishops Lydeard to Williton and back, as Santa walks the carriages greeting his passengers. Each child will be given a fantastic early present. And for the parents, a mince pie and some mulled wine to warm the cockles.
It’s a trip full of picture-book scenery and joyful spirit. Why not book a Somerset Travelodge near Santa Express and make a weekend of it?
2. Take a Christmas trip to remember
Grottos are all well and good, but wandering through a busy shopping centre, pushing your way past throngs of Christmas shoppers, can be a bit of a dampener.
Which is exactly why Santa’s Magical Journey in Thursford is so popular. You begin your journey in the snow, passing polar bears and penguins before heading into Santa’s workshop. Here you’ll see elves hard at work and the big man’s sleigh being prepared for Christmas Eve.
Next is a meeting with the Snowman Family and a walk through the magical forest to Santa’s very own lodge. But on the way just be sure to dodge a flurry of snowballs!
Once there, Father Christmas himself will give your child a present and listen to their wishes for the big day. Then you can head off with a reassuringly happy little ‘un in tow.
3. Wonderment in Hyde Park
Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland boasts the crème de la crème of Christmas grottos and will undoubtedly get children grinning this year.
The grotto’s within Santa Land, where you’ll also find rides, a train and a toy-making workshop to make queuing to see Santa feel less like queuing. His team of elves even keep kids and adults alike entertained.
And if you wanted to finish off your Christmas shopping in style, why not stay in our Marylebone Travelodge and take in Oxford Street, Westfield and Hamleys too?
