Any recommendations to visit Santa in Devon/Cornwall?

[mrsveebee]

Hi - I would like to do a "big" visit to see Santa this year as my children are 4 and 6. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Eden project or the Bodmin and wenford railway...

If the Polar Express is running from Okehampton that is amazing, especially if your DC have seen the film.

Polar Express sells out very quickly so book early - heard it is fab but very expensive

Thanks everyone - will have a look at all of your ideas!

Pennywell nativity
Polar express
endsleigh garden centre grotto

Clearly I can't get enough because we're doing all 3 this year

Oh and kents cavern is fab!!!

Trelawney garden centre near Wadebridge do a fabulous Santa.

Is Endsleigh good Trisis? I really need to do the Pennywell Nativity- do they use the piggies?

I would do the Polar Express if I could, it must be awesome, especially if it has snowed on the moors.

The polar express is good, it's a devil to get to across the moors in the winter evenings, take blankets, hot drinks for the car etc.. and the evenings are best for the sparkling lights. It's about £25 a tkt so not cheap but very magical. Wrap up warm, wear Pjs! You need to read the book or see the movie first otherwise it will appear very random!

There is also a santa by steam that runs from buckfast to totnes which is good, less polished but cheaper.

The national trust also has a santa at lots of locations. Lanhydrock house is lovely, kids gets a small toy and it is usually quiet if you get there early so lots of time with santa. I think he comes to Cothele as well which has a HUGE christmas garland in the house. It's only £2 usually so worth a visit.

Thanks everyone - have just booked the polar express!

Oh but nobody's mentioned Trago yet!

Damn - we could always stop there and buy ourselves a Christmas treat on the way home!

The grotto has to be seen to be believed. Skinny adolescent Santa with a cottonwool beard. And the nativity scenes...! They really freaked my DC out last year.

I'm being mean. The train itself is very sweet and cheap. I think you get a cup of tea and a mince pie. We'll be going again this year (we only live down the road), for my benefit really.

Enjoy the Polar Express. It's meant to be amazing.

It would be worth a visit for the pure comedy value but it would probably scar the kids for life!

Don't tell them about the Polar Express, take them to Trago first and pretend its their big treat. Be ready to film their reactions...

I like it! I will do the same to my husband - he will be horrified!!!

Otter Nurseries is always good. The present for the child falls down the chimney !!