Seasons’ Christmas Grotto 2023

1. How do I book a ticket to see Father Christmas?
Simply click on the link above.

2. When does Santa arrive?
Santa will be instore from Saturday the 24th November.

3. How often are the time slots for Santa’s grotto?
Tickets are available divided into 30 minute time slots.

There are 8 tickets available per time slot. If your allotted time is e.g 10:00, you will see Santa between 10:00 and 10:30 along with the other ticket holders in that time slot. (Children will visit Santa individually or as a family not with the other ticket holders)

4. What does the visit to Santa visit consist of?
With booking your tickets online you may create a more personalised visit by leaving notes for Santa in the hobbies and interests box when booking your tickets. Your child will have an opportunity to walk thought Santa’s gates where a magical display awaits. Santa’s NEW Polar friends will be there to entertain them while Santa’s elf brings them through to meet the man himself. Each child will be able to tell Santa all their Christmas wishes and receive a special gift. Don’t forget to stop off on the way out to pay a visit to Santa’s animated reindeers and leave their letter in Santa’s post-box. Professional photographs and souvenirs will be available to purchase for that special keepsake of your magical experience to treasure for years to come.

5. How long does a visit with Santa last?
The actual visit in Santa’s grotto will last approximately 3-5 minutes.

6. Who’s welcome?
Everyone’s welcome at Santa’s grotto but it’s ideal for children under 10 years of age.

7. Why should I book in advance?
It is highly recommended that tickets are pre-booked to guarantee a visit. Booking online is quick, easy, convenient and safe. It’s a stress free way to select a convenient date and time, with a guaranteed time slot, so you are not left disappointed by long queues and over demand at peak times.

8. Can I book in advance by telephone?
No. Advanced ticket purchases can only be made online or in person at the Grotto Sales Desk instore whilst the grotto is operational.

9. When Can I make a booking instore?
You may book a ticket instore at The Grotto Sales desk when the grotto is operational. All instore bookings are £12.50 a ticket.
 
10. Can I pre-book tickets on-line on the day of my visit?
No. Pre-booked tickets can only be booked up to midnight of the day before any visit.

11. If I choose NOT to book a ticket in advance how can I obtain a ticket?
If you chose not to book in advance, it may be possible to purchase a ticket in-store on the day. This option is however, restricted to the number of tickets available. Availability cannot be guaranteed.

12. How will unsold tickets become available?
Should any pre-bookable tickets remain unsold for any given day, they will be put on sale in-store on the day in question, on a strictly first come first served basis. These tickets remain only valid for the given un-sold time slot and once purchased cannot be transferred or cancelled.
N.B In store ticket Price is £13.50.

13. When does it open and close each day?

During November it is open the weekend from Sat 25^th
Saturdays 10am - 5pm, Sundays 10am - 4pm.

In December the grotto will be open all weekdays 3:30pm - 7pm.

Weekends until Christmas Eve, Saturdays 10am - 5pm and Sundays 10am - 4pm.

Christmas Eve, Sunday 24^th December 9am - 3pm.

14. How much does a ticket cost?
Tickets are £13.50 per Child 0-14yrs. Every Child will receive a wrapped Gift.

Every child entering Santa’s grotto must have a valid ticket and be accompanied by a responsible adult. Adults are Free to enter the grotto. We allow a maximum of 4 adults per visit into the grotto.

15. Is there a charge for babies in arms 0-12months?
A standard booking must be made for each child. Every child entering the grotto must have a valid ticket. There will be a special gift for all ages.

16. Once booked can I change the time or day of the visit?
No, to avoid any later disappointment, we would ask that before completing the purchase of tickets you are confident in being able to fulfil your booking. Please take care when selecting your booking date, time, and guests, as it is your responsibility to check your tickets. Mistakes cannot be rectified and once booked tickets are non-transferable. Strictly no transfers or refunds are given for grotto bookings.
 
17. What if I / or my child is unable to attend the grotto on the day that is booked?
Once booked a total cancellation cannot be undertaken, but it may be possible to transfer your booking to an alternative time slot (this is subject to availability). If you are unable to attend due to illness please inform us via direct message on our social media site.
 
18. What kind of waiting time is expected?
With online booking we hope to minimise your wait to see Santa. It is predicted that it should take no more than 10 mins before you enter from your allotted booked slot. (All bookings online are allocated within 30 mins time slot. There are 8 tickets every 30 mins. So if your time was 10.00, along with the other ticket holders you would get to see Santa by 10.30. Please note at peak times (weekends and weekdays after school hours) this may vary due to the high volume of people visiting the grotto.

19. Where is Santa’s grotto located?
Santa’s grotto is located inside our magical Christmas store. Walk through our stunning displays to reach the grotto gates.

20. When should I look to arrive at Santa’s grotto?

Please make sure you allow plenty of time to arrive before your scheduled booking slot. We recommended that you arrive instore at the Grotto entrance no later than 10 minutes before your pre-booked time slot.

Sorry. Late arrivals WILL NOT be admitted.

21. Is there parking?
Yes. Parking is FREE, although spaces are limited. Please note that during peak times our car park can be extremely busy. We ask you to consider this when planning your time of visit and allow plenty of time before you set off. 

22. Is there somewhere to put pushchairs?
Sorry, we regret that no pushchairs will be allowed into Santa’s grotto. We advise that if a pushchair is necessary, that it be left in your vehicle until your visit with Santa is over. 

23. Can we bring food or drink into the Grotto?
No. We would ask that you refrain from eating and drinking whilst in the grotto.

24. Can we take photographs or recordings in the grotto?
No. You may take photographs during your visit throughout the store but we regret that photographs and recordings are prohibited from being taken inside Santa’s grotto.

25. When does Santa finish?
The last bookable slot to see Santa is 2.30pm Christmas Eve.

26. Are there toilets?
Yes. We have two areas where you will find a customer toilet. However, please note our facilities lack a baby changing area and are not adapted for disabled use.

27. Is there room for wheelchairs?
For Santa’s Grotto there is disability access with flat surfaces throughout.

28. Do you have a ‘quiet hour’/tickets for autism friendly/ sensory-friendly visits?
We regret that we do not have specifically segregated time slots for autism friendly tickets.

29. Special needs groups and School party visits.


We are happy to welcome pre-booked parties. Please call us 01656 723399 to discuss your visit, any special requirements and pricing options. Or pay us a visit instore to discuss.
 

*We’d like to note that it would not always be possible to have the same Santa available throughout the grotto time table period. Please note this when booking your visit.