Promotion

The National Trusts Top 20 Santa's Grottos: the first ten

publication date: Nov 29, 2010

With Christmas fast approaching Santa is bound to be getting busy, but he’s promised to make some special stop-offs in his hectic festive schedule and help make family visits to the National Trust extra magical this December.

1. Powis Castle and Garden, Powys

Join Santa for an Edwardian Christmas in the Castle, which will be traditionally dressed with festive decorations: 4, 5, 11,12, 18, 19. All tickets £2.

For more information please call 01938 551929.         

2. Florence Court, County Fermanagh

Meet Santa and Mrs Claus in the basement of this charming Georgian house and enjoy the amazing Christmas spectacle: 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19 December – 12.00 to 7.30pm. Adults £5 and children £10.

Booking is essential; for more information call 028 6634 8249.

3. Sudbury Hall and the National Trust Museum of Childhood, Derbyshire

Join the jolly jingle trail where guests will be serenaded by delightful seasonal sounds as they search for the nativity scene. Pay a visit to Father Christmas in his Toyland grotto where a present will be waiting for all the good boys and girls: 4,5,11,12,18,19 December – 11am to 5pm. Normal admission charges apply plus an additional event charge of £4 per child to visit Father Christmas.

Booking not required; for more information please call 01283 585337.  

4. Ham House and Garden, Surrey

For a magical Christmas experience, join Ham House for a festive family sing along concert. Father Christmas will pay a special visit to give out presents to all the children: 4, 11, 18 December – 4.30 to 6pm. Adults £16 and children £9.

Booking essential. For more information call 0844 249 1895.

5. Uppark House and Garden, West Sussex

In this beautiful house, there will be decorations and lots of exciting Christmas craft activities for children, perfectly rounded off with a visit to see Father Christmas.

Adults £3.50 and children £5.50. Adult National Trust members go free, 4, 5, 12 December – 11 to 3pm.

For more information please call 01730 825 415.       

6. Erddig, Wrexham

Enjoy a traditional Christmas market and find those extra special presents and unusual stocking fillers. Discover picturesque wooden chalets and over thirty stalls offering hand crafted gifts. Hear festive live music and enjoy tasty food and drink, plus Father Christmas will be in his Winter Wonderland, complete with toy workshop.

Free entry plus. Adults £2 and children £4 to enter the Winter Wonderland.

Please arrive early to ensure you get your ticket to visit Father Christmas – 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19 December 10am to 5pm.

For more information please call 01978 355314.

7. Belton House, Lincolnshire

Meet Santa in the beautifully decorated stables where the Christmas story began, 4,5,11,12,18,19, December 12pm to 3 pm. All tickets £3.50.

For more information please call 01476 566116.

8. East Riddlesden Hall, West Yorkshire

Come and enjoy a magical visit to Santa’s grotto in this cosy Hall. Good girls and boys will receive a special gift from Santa.

Normal admission charges apply. £4 per child to visit Santa, 4, 5, 11, 12, 18 19, December.

Booking essential; more information, please call 01535 607075.

9. Washington Old Hall, Tyne & Wear

Excited girls and boys waiting to visit Santa will be entertained with Christmas crafts and face painting. £7.50 per child. The tearoom will be open too: 5, 12 December 11am to 4pm

Booking is essential. For more information please call 0191 4166879.   

10. Shugborough Estate, Staffordshire

Visit Santa at the fireside in the festive farmhouse kitchen and receive a small Christmas decoration made by his elves. Enjoy the nativity scene with Pudding the donkey and then take a train ride together.   

Adults £3.50 and children £5.50, children under three not visiting Santa are free, 11 December 10am to 4pm.

Booking is essential. For more information please call 0845 459 8900.