Includes experiences we have been invited to review as well as some we have paid for ourselves
Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a festive treat or two. We know Santa’s Grottos, trips to see Father Christmas and festive days out will be a bit different this year but we can make the most of it. Here is a run down of the BEST Christmassy treats in Sevenoaks, Kent, and further afield:
Bedgebury, Kent
Dates: 20th November to 31st December
Advanced ticket sales: Adult £19.50, Child £13.50, Family £60.00. Under 3’s & carers free but a ticet is required
Website: christmasatbedgebury.co.uk
We visited last year and it is absolutely magical, check out our review and hints and tips here: The Christmas Trail at Bedgebury.
Bedgebury Pinetum illuminations is a one mile magical winter trail, brought to life by leading events producer Raymond Gubbay Ltd.
Featuring lit canopies, a Vortex Tunnel and waterside reflections as well as colourful boats bobbing on the lake. Father Christmas and his elves will be visible through the pine trees so keep an eye out for them. Finish your evening with mulled wine and toast marshmallows on an open fire. Younger ones can enjoy the traditional Victorian fairground rides
Bedgebury Pinetum Christmas Illuminations
Hever Castle, Hever, near Edenbridge, Kent
Dates: From November 21st – check the website for full details
Admission: Adults from £17.75, children from £9.95, under fives free (unless visiting Santa) please check the website for full details and prices
Website: https://www.hevercastle.co.uk
This year’s theme is Peter Pan with an interactive trail leading through the grounds meeting the characters from Peter Pan on the way. Of course you can meet Father Christmas in his grotto – if you are lucky enough to have a ticket!
Hever Castle itself is always beautifully decorated for the festive season, we visited last year went and enjoyed the traditional fairground rides and the traditional Christmas decorations in each room of the castle.
Hever Castle is also very well known for its Twilight Christmas evening events where you can enjoy the castle in all its festive glory by dark.
We visited last year, check out our review here: Hever Castle at Christmas Review
Photo credit: Hever Castle and Gardens
Coolings Green and Pleasant, Knockholt, nr Sevenoaks, Kent – Santasaurus Grotto
Dates: 28th November to 24th December
Admission: Child from £16.50, adults from £5.50
Website: www.coolings.gardencentreticketing.co.uk
It is our family tradition to all go to Coolings Green and pleasant at Christmas, we’ve been going since Big L was 6 months old. It has evolved from a more basic Santa’s Grotto to a full on Christmas experience, with families spending time with Father Christmas by themselves. What we like is that it’s very personal as you do the tour just as a family, but it’s not overwhelming.
You go through different rooms with the children doing different tasks before meeting Father Christmas himself. It’s lovely and intimate with each family meeting Santa separately. The elves are on hand to take family photos, with your camera, so no extra expense. Each child gets a gift too
One of our previous trips to Coolings Green and Pleasant Santa’s Grotto
Polhill Garden Centre, Polhill, nr Sevenoaks, Kent
Polhill Santa’s Grotto Dates: Polhill have made the sad decision not to have Santa’s grotto for 2020
Admission:
Website: www.polhill.co.uk
Family and friends that have been here rave about how “real” the Polhill Father Christmas is. At Polhill Santa reads a group of up to 15 children a story then they are invited to visit him in family groups. You can take your own camera in for photos – which certainly keeps the costs down.
Even without a visit to Santa, Polhill is very festive. There’s not much better than a garden centre at Christmas! You can check out the gorgeous decorations, the real and artificial trees on sale and browse a good selection of gifts too.
Santa’s Christmas Grotto at Bewl Water
Dates: There is no Christmas grotto planned for Bewl Water in 2020
Admission:
Website: www.bewlwater.co.uk
I’ve not been to Bewl at Christmas myself but it’s certainly worth a go for £11 and free adults! Parking is £4 and that’s pretty much it!
There is a gift for each child, a Christmas treasure trail and festive arts and crafts on offer on the day too.
Spa Valley Railway Santa Specials
Dates: 28th November then selected dates until 24th December
Admission: £18 per adult, £16 per child, £5 per baby
Website: www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk
Things will be slightly different in 2020 to account for the current restrictions.
Santa and steam trains, what’s not to love? Over certain weekends in November and December, Santa Special train rides returns to Spa Valley. Spreading festive cheer starting at Eridge Station travelling to Tunbridge Wells West and back again. Santa will make his way through the train with a present for every child.
We visited on 23rd November 2019 – here is our review Spa Valley Railway Santa Special – Review
Bluewater, Greenhithe, Kent from
There is absolutely LOADS to do at Bluewater of the festive season. First up:
Santa’s Grotto, Bluewater
Dates: 20th November to 24th December
Admission: Children FROM £12.50 (plus 50p booking fee), adults from £5.00 plus 50p booking fee)
Website: www.bluewater.co.uk
We visited Santa’s Grotto at Bluewater a couple of years ago your can read our review here. This year the premise is similar with a slightly different theme.
Ice Skating at Bluewater
Dates: 12th November to 3rd January 2020
Admission: Children FROM £12, Adults FROM £14, Family FROM £42
Website: www.bluewater.co.uk
The under cover ice rink is situated by the lakes at The Village in Bluewater. It’s suitable for all ages and abilities.
Santa’s Enchanted Forest Grotto at Royal Victoria Place, Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Dates: TBC
Admission: TBC
Website: www.royalvictoriaplace.com
I’ve heard good things about Santa’s grotto at Royal Victoria Place. It is reasonably priced and you don’t have to book. The different packages start at £4.50 which includes a gift right up to the £13 Platinum Package which also includes a Christmas card, keyring and magnet.
Ruxley Manor Christmas Grotto
Dates: November to 24th December
Admission: Baby ticket £10, Child £12 Adult £5
Website: www.ruxley-manor.co.uk
Ruxley Manor is an award winning grotto that has been raved about locally for years. This 45 minute experience includes two activities before meeting Father Christmas himself, receiving a gift and photo opportunity. It is hugely popular and several dates have already sold out!
New this year is “My First Grotto”. A shorter session for under 2s. Check the website for full details
For fans of the National Trust check out Festive Fun with the National Trust in Kent and East Sussex
I hope this has given you food for thought. Let me know your favourites and I will include them!
Absolutely LOVE the Santa special train rides – they’re just magical!
They really are! I want to go again. I might save it for next year and have a cream tea instead!