Ruxley Manor, Woodcote Nursery, urgent Christmas help needed!

[MrsTerryPratchett]

I live in Canada and we will be back in the UK for Christmas with our just 4 yo. DM wants to book a Christmas experience. The two in the title are ones she is looking at. We have no restrictions with time (weekdays/evening etc.). Are these likely to be booked up and would they be good for a 4 yo?

If not, where would be good? Southern stretch of the M25 is great. Obviously, further if need be.

in advance. I have looked at the other Christmas threads but they are overwhelming!

We go to the ruxley grotto every year. The kids love it and its well run. The gifts are good quality and they do a few activities like write a letter to santa and make up reindeer food. They have an ice rink too and a couple of reindeer.

I live 10 mins down the road though. Not sure how far I'd travel for it! At the end of the day it is just a garden centre, albeit a very nice one. I know all weekend and after school slots are fully booked but should still be spaces midweek.

Not been to the other place you mentioned so can't comment on that.

Have a look at Painshill It's magical, especially if you go at dusk.

Or Bockets Farm

I was having this nightmare sat evening as lots of places were already booked up. Limited to weekends though really.

In the end we have booked for Hever Castle for around dusk as the tree's and castle etc are all lit up which looks nice.

Did Bockets farm last year which was nice. Also a day out with the farm too.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/Christmas/2201275-Good-places-to-see-Santa-in-and-around-Kent

I think Ruxley Manor has already sold out but do check on line.

Kew Gardens is another great place for a festive experience as it has an illuminated tree trail & market.

www.kew.org/visit-kew-gardens/whats-on/christmas-at-kew-2014

Coolings Garden centre in Knockholt is not far from Ruxley & has a lovely grotto.

Chessington Garden centre is also good.

How about the Watercress line Santa Steam train?

I think most dates for Ruxley are booked up, it's ridiculously popular. We're going to Polehill instead as we're constrained by times and dates. If you're not you might be lucky with Ruxley.

All great suggestions. I am keeping DM updated. I almost sent her the thread, then realised I was posting under my normal NN and can't remember, you know, what I've said previously IYSWIM.

I love Kew and Painhill looks good. Is Chessington expensive?

Chessington garden centre is £11 per child and £3.50 per adult for the grotto. Last year they had some photo merchandise available as well so I imagine the same this year.

That's not bad at all...

We went to woodcote garden centre last year and it was the first Father Christmas spent time talking to my children, we were talking for 10 minutes and he was excellent at making my daughter think he knew all about our house and her. Others we've been to have been more polished exteriors but a bit rushed when it comes to the Father Christmas bit. Woodcote also has some reindeers and a Christmas display trail. My children are 2 and 4 and we'll probably take them again this year but if your children are older you might be better with somewhere with a bit more to do/look at.

Thanks Kathryn that's great. DD will just be 4 so reindeer and a decent Santa are all that matters. And, the price is right.

everyone, this really helped.

In the past we have been to Ham House (near Kingston) and Osterley Park House (Isleworth) which are National Trust properties and we loved them.

We have just booked to see Father Christmas at Legoland. We have annual passes and it still cost £22 each.

In the end DM has booked Woodcote. Cheap and everything DD will care about. Thanks everyone.