Santa's grotto guide - Midlands, Wales and West

Santa's grottos in the Midlands

Conkers, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, South Derbyshire

Take a ride on Santa's Express train to enter the Wonderland, where reindeer will take you through the woodland grotto to visit Santa in his workshop. All children will receive a gift from Santa Claus himself. Last year it sold out - so you might want to book in advance.

When? Nov 21, 22, 28 & 29. December 5, 6, 12-23 2009
How much? To be confirmed
How to book: Visit www.visitconkers.com or call 01283 216633 ext. 4.

Upton House & Gardens, Warwickshire

Enjoy the winter walk through garden and the beautiful 1930s house as well as taking the kids to visit Santa.

When? December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 & 20, 12pm - 3pm.
How much? To be confirmed, but probably £3
How to book: You don't need to book but there is limited entry, so it's a good idea to get there early. For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Westfield, Derby

Visit Santa in the Polar Bear Paradise Grotto and kids can tell Santa what they'd like for Christmas! You have the option to get a gift and have a photo taken with santa.

When? November 13 - December 24
How much? From £3.75 - £7.50
How to book: www.westfieldderby.co.uk

Westfield, Dudley

You'll get a trip on a train through Merry Hill - watch out for Santa's elves playing in the carriages and don't forget to head to first class where you can write a letter for Santa or draw him a picture. At the end of the journey you children get to meet Santa, have a photo taken with him and they'll receive a gift.

When? November 17 - December 24
How much? From £3.95
How to book: uk.westfield.com

Santa's grottos in Wales

Waterfront Winterland, Swansea

Children will be greeted by Santa's elf helpers before meeting Father Christmas himself. Santa will give them a present each and you can choose to have a photo taken.

When? 15 November - 23 December. Wednesday - Friday opening times are 3.30pm -7pm, Saturday and Sundays are 11am - 7pm.
How much Cost: £3 per child to see Santa, £4.50 per child with a photo.
How to book: Just turn up! Visit www.swanseachristmas.com for more information.

Erddig Hall, Wrexham

Take the whole family along to Erddig Hall to see Santa's toy workshop, talk to him in his grotto and get a gift. Afterwards you can have a wander round the Christmas market too.

When? December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 & 20 from 11am - 4pm
How much? £4 entry for children.
How to book: No need to book, just turn up. For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk or call 01978 355314.

Alyn Bank Riding School, Mold, Flintshire

Children will get a ride in a pony pulled carriage to Santa's Grotto, where they can talk to Santa and his pony and will receive a gift!

When? Open from 27 Nov - 18 Dec from 5pm-8pm. 18 - 23 Dec from 10am till late.
How much? £10 per child if you prebook, or £12 on the day
How to book: Call 01352 770 621

Santa's grottos in the West

Bristol Harbour

Ride on Santa's twinkling ferry sleigh around the harbour for 45 minutes. Kids get a gift from santa and grown-ups get sherry and a mince pie!

When? Dec 12, 13, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 at 1pm, 2pm & 3pm
How much? Tickets £9.50 per person.
How to book: Book online at www.bristolferry.com or call 0117 927 3416. Booking in advance is highly recommended.

Telford Town Park, Telford, nr Wolverhampton

Meet Santa in his snow-capped log cabin a get a present from him! You can also meet the reindeer staying in the winter village, see the decorated fairytale houses and skate on the ice rink.

When? November 11, 22, 28, 29 & December 5, 6, (10.30am till 3pm). December 12, 13, 19, 20, 21, 22 & 23 (10.30am till 6pm).
How much? Up until December 6 its £6.75 per child and £5.75 per adult. After that it's £10.95 per child and £5.75 per adult.
How to book: Book online at www.wonderlandtelford.com/christmas or call 01952 243 359. The event sold out last year, so book ahead!

Are you organising a Santa's grotto? Leave a comment in the box below or email us at goodtoknow@ipcmedia.com and we'll add you to our listings!

More Christmas fun

As well as Santa's grotto, we've got guides for ice rinks, pantomimes and Christmas markets too!