Where to see Santa in the South east?

[Pigleychez]

Looking for somewhere to take the girls this year to see Santa. Preferably somewhere for a fun day out.
Did think about Bognor Butlins for a day trip but good job I checked as day vsitors dont get to see Santa :(

Just looked at the Lapland UK website.. £67 each! Thats for the kids too!

Anyone suggest anywhere good in the south east?

[AngryFeet]

www.painshill.co.uk/showEvents/Christmas-Event/Father-Christmas-in-the-Crystal-Grotto.aspx

[LordOfTheFlies]

What about a Santa/Steam Train day?
Don't know where you are in S.E. but we're in Essex and we took DS to Mangapps Railway in Burnham-on-Crouch one year. You travel on the steam train to Father Christmas's cabin.

There was another one (I think Alderley Edge but not 100% sure) You stay on the train and FC comes along and talks to each child)

We found it much nicer than queuing in a shopping centre .

How old are your DDs ?

[Pigleychez]

We are in West Sussex.

We did a steam train ride last year which was nice, Santa came along the train delivering gifts.

The girls are 3.3 and 17mths.


Anyone been to Winter Wonderland in London? Any good?

[LordOfTheFlies]

I've been to WW Hyde Park twice.
The rides are big (my DCs are nearly 12 and 9.6)
£3 child /£4 adult.

Don't know how many would be suitable for younger DC .Its noisy as well.

What about Gullivers? They do a Christmas theme. It's all aimed at young DC . Check out their height restrictions on their website and where they are. (We went to Milton Keynes for Hallowe'en 2 years ago. Really enjoyed it but mine are too old now)

[PrettyPirate]

Pigleychez - did you go Bluebell Railway one or any other? Would you reccommend it?

We've been to Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, DD was 3.6 and DS 5 months. There's lots of rides for older ones (and it's all very very noisy!) but there's also little area for small kids, enough rides I thought. Lots of market stalls. Warning - mulled wine was too good

[Pigleychez]

Pretty pirate- Yeah it was the bluebell railway. We went through Toddler group so it was much cheaper. Bit expensive to pay full price I thought but the kids enjoyed it and recieved a lovely toy from Santa. Was a hand puppet of good quality in a lovely embroidered bag and elves also came round with sweets! (for Adults too!)

Our trip had to be amended though and we didnt get to travel the whole route as it was snowing when we went and the track was too icy further up. Still nice though.

Would Winter Wonderland be so busy during the day? We were thinking of a Saturday during the day. It looks fab at night but the girls are a nightmare if they are out past bedtime!
Not sure how much of a nightmare it would be on the trains/tubes with the girls? I'll have to ask DH who computes everyday to London how easy the route would be.

[PrettyPirate]

Sounds nice, would be lovely to have bit of snow! Bluebell is closest to us but I also found this in Kent which DH thinks is better (I'm guessing it's to do with 'port and mince pies for adults' included in the price).

We lived in SW London then and it was hour on the bus to Hyde Park. From Victoria to Hyde Park it's not too bad (I would reccommend not to take tube though, it's much easier with kids/buggies on the buses). We went probably around 3-4pm (it's getting dark then) and it was quite busy already. It's just turisty place and I don't think it's particulary quiet at any time.. DD loved it and DS didn't mind the noise. But this year we want something different!

[MelancholyAngel]

The Royal Pavilion in Brighton have had a visit santa thing the last couple of years. They also do tours of the Pavilion and they have an ice rink, with penguin aids for the little ones, outside.

www.brighton-hove-rpml.org.uk/WhatsOn/Pages/ADickensianChristmasattheRoyalPavilion2011.aspx

www.brighton-hove-rpml.org.uk/WhatsOn/Pages/RoyalPavilionIceRink.aspx

[dilbertina]

How about Fishers Farm Park? My dc always loved going there. You can meet Father Christmas and they also used to do a pantomime with real animals - not sure if they still do...

You're allowed to go in the pens with the animals and there are plenty of rides etc suitable for little ones

www.fishersfarmpark.co.uk/Home.html