Where to see Father Christmas in West / North Yorkshire?

[Concordia]

kind of north bradford / north leeds surrounding area?
we have been to the train Keighley and Worth Valley railway in the past but i think it will be £55 this year for us so we can't afford it.
Anywhere cheaper, but without a massive queue?

[upsydaisysexstylist]

Not sure if Shipley tramway is up and running again, but they usually do a ride with santa thing.

My 20mnth loves the garden centre at Harden don't know what its called but on the same road as St Ives. Santa there at weekend but he is more taken by the christmas trees/lights assorted singing tat in their christmas shop and the pet shop bit. There is also a good cafe with homemade food. they were offering tea with santa on two dates, cheaper than railway but aroun £12.00 a head

[BelleDameSansMerci]

May be a bit out of your way but the Kirklees Light Railway at Clayton West is having Christmas specials (see www.kirkleeslightrailway.com/events/santa.phpee).

[suggy]

I used to love Tong garden centre as a kid...
no idea what its like now

[fatzak]

The Kirklees Light Railway is really expensive too - think it would work out about £45 for 2 children and 2 adults. DS1 is scarred (literally!) for life as his chickenpox started on this train three years ago, then he fainted at Father Christmas' feet

We haven't been but Stockeld Parkk looks good so we may give that a go this year.

Last year we went Middleton Railway Not as scenic as the Worth Valley or Kirklees railway, but much cheaper and still a good day out!

[DITDOT]

Know it is maybe too far but we love Murton - museum of farming east of york. It is very reasonable and a full day out. There is an entertaining santa tour around his village, loads to see and then see santa on the train. Presents good quality as well. Food not fab but reasonably priced. Also get full access to the whole museum. Could spend 3/4 hours easily. Then off to Monks cross shopping!!
Stockeld park is fine but very very pricy. The cafe is so expensive. The ice skating is good but it is plastic ice and my 6yr old dd found it very boring after 20 minutes. The woodland walk is great and very calm and relaxing. The maze is a maze!
Get there early as the queues can be massive and it is nearly all outside so wrap up.

[OoopsWeDidItAgain]

Stockeld Park is good....but Sundown Adventure Land is better!!!! .
Not sure where abouts you are but it takes us about an hour from York. Santa and Mrs Christmas are fab. Loads of things for little ones through to about 9 or 10 I would say. . . a real day out. And there are indoor play areas if it's really really cold (it was when we went last year)

[DITDOT]

OOO yes I love sundown even when its not christmas. Worth the 1 hour drive. Queues for father christmas are soooo massive though so get there when it opens though the queue goes through lots of displays and lots to look to relieve the boredom and keep the children happy.

[Concordia]

oh thanks everyone, there are loads of places here i hadn't ever heard of. Think Sundown is a bit far for us esp as DS is only 3 so his attention span is not that long, i think a low key meeting with the man himself is probably sufficient. DD is one so not too bothered about father christmas.
Murton is a bit far, but looks really good so maybe when they are a little bit older i think that might be worth the trip.
I had been looking at stockeld park. some days i would be able to go in the week which might mean a lot less queueing, but given the ages of the children i don't think they'll get much otu of it.
but i think i will be ringing middleton railway. i didn't even know it existed and it looks just the thing for us. that or Tong garden centre. ooh lots of good ideas. thank you.

[Concordia]

oh, i had already tried to book the shipley tramway but it is not operational again until easter next year

[JesusChristOtterStar]

where is the christmas wonderland thingie?

[Kayzr]

We're taking the boys to see Father Christmas at Castle Howard. It is lovely there. Link

[Dorothyredboots]

If you want something really different come along to Holgate Windmill in York and see Santa in the mill on 5th & 6th and 12th & 13th, 2pm to 4pm. It costs £3.00 per person. Kids get a gift, adults mince pie & sherry! Children get to go up the mill to see Santa. This is a non-commercial, family fun thing which is very popular (but unlikely to have queues - plenty to see anyway if there are people waiting). Go to the Holgate Windmill website (just google Holgate Windmill) for more details.

[thehairybabysmum]

Second the windmill...they have just put the cap back on on saturday and it is great.

You could combine it with a day out at the railway museum in York whic is free too>

[Fayrazzled]

I'd recommend:

• Harlow Carr on the outskirts of Harrogate (Christmas at Harlow Carr)
  
• Bolton Abbey on the outskirts of Skipton (Christmas at Bolton Abbey
  
• Embsay and Bolton Abbey railway (Santa Trains

[HgDad]

We went on the Embsay and Bolton Abbey railway last year with DSs being 3 and 5 at the time.

The chap playing the 'title role' seemed to be pushed for time and the presents were the worst kind of plastic junk. That might be the norm for this kind of thing, but I wouldn't bother again.