With Christmas fast approaching Santa is making some special ‘stop offs’ in his hectic festive schedule to make a visit to the National Trust extra special this December.
Across England, Wales and Northern Ireland many National Trust houses and gardens are helping Santa with some spectacular locations for his grottos; from wintry landscapes and waterfalls to medieval castle towers and courtyards - these are grottos you won’t come across just anywhere.
With over 300 houses and gardens in the Trust’s care you could have trouble deciding where to go - so here to help is the National Trust's ‘Top 10’ Christmas grottos guide:
Santa’s House, Castle Ward, Co.Down, 3- 22 December
Visit Santa by a warming log fire and meet Mrs Claus as she serves warm mince pies and mulled wine. Every child who visits Santa will take home their very own gift.
Booking is essential. Cost: Adult £6, Child £14 (cost includes Christmas gift). For more information or to book call 028 4488 1204. (Every Weds, Thurs & Fri 4pm -7.30pm. Sat & Sun 2pm -7.30pm)
Tea Party with Father Christmas, Ickworth, Suffolk, 15-19 December 4.30pm- 6pm
Santa is throwing a kiddies party this Christmas at Ickworth Yummy cakes, sumptuous sandwiches, heartily warming hot chocolate and lovely lemonade; all of this and Father Christmas too, with a special gift for you so don’t forget to bring you Christmas list!
Booking is essential: All tickets £8.50 (Adult admission includes tea and admission to the park. Child admission includes tea, gift and admission to the park). For more information and to book call 01284 769 505.
A Sleigh Stop Off! Stourhead, 14 December 1pm- 4pm
Santa’s sleigh will make a very special stop off at the world famous landscape garden and there’ll be presents for every child. Normal admission charges apply. There is a £5 charge per child to visit the Sleigh. Booking is not needed for this event. For more information call 01747 841152.
A Drogo Christmas, Castle Drogo, Devon, 13,14, 18-21 December 11am- 4pm
Ever wondered how people spent Christmas back in the 1930s? Well now’s your chance to step back in time as Castle Drogo ‘does’ Christmas 1930s style. The castle will be decorated and there’ll be music, fruit punch and mince pies galore in the Library. And for those looking for a glimpse of the seasonal man himself will be keen to make sure they take a trip to the fantastic grotto.
Normal admission charges apply. There is a small charge to visit the grotto. Booking is not needed for this event. For more information call 01647 433306.
The Grotto Trail, Tyntesfield, Somerset, 6, 7, 13, 14, 20& 21 December 10am-5pm
This is your chance for some festive detective work as only the visitors who find all the clues will find the Grotto and receive a special seasonal gift from Santa. Cost: All tickets £3
Booking is not needed for this event. For more information call 01275 461900
(Please note the house is not open to visitors in December).
A Castle Grotto, Bodiam Castle, East Sussex, 6 & 7,13 & 14, 20 & 21 December 10.30am- 3pm
For a Santa visit with a difference – try the Bodiam Castle grotto in a medieval tower. Visitors can get into the Christmas spirit with a festive trail around the castle before climbing the medieval stairs to meet Santa himself.
Normal admission charges apply. There is a £5 charge to visit the grotto. Booking is not needed for this event. For more information call 01580 830196.
Christmas at Attingham, Attingham , Shropshire, 13 & 14, 20 & 21 December 11am- 4pm
At Attingham they are offering the chance to step back in time and enjoy the festivities of a bygone era. The house will be dressed for a celebration and visitors are welcome to go along and enjoy the festive fun – kids are encouraged to bring their Christmas list along for a special winter guest.
Normal admission charges apply. There is a £2 charge to see Santa. Booking is not needed for this event. For more information call 01743 708162.
Search for Santa; a magical mission in the woods, Formby, Liverpool, 10 December 5.30pm- 7.30pm
Make sure you wrap up warm and bring your torch for this magical search for Santa on a wonderful stretch of unspoilt coastline.
Booking is essential for this event. (When you book you will be given a specific arrival time). Cost: £3 per child. For more information and to book call 01704 878 591.
Christmas at Wallington, Wallington, Northumberland 6, 7, 13 &14 December 11.30am- 3pm
They're really pulling out the stops at Wallington - it’s hard to think where to begin. younger visitors can meet Santa, hear Mrs Claus’s storytelling in the courtyard, make Christmas crafts and also join in with some festive carol singing.
Normal admission charges apply, but there is a £5 charge to see Santa (cost includes a gift). Booking is essential to see Santa. For more information and to book please 01670 773600.
Santa Visits Waterfall, Aberdulais Falls, 7, 14 & 21 December, Neath & Port Talbot
These famous waterfalls welcome a very festive guest this Christmas. If your family can complete the family quiz trail then you might just spot Santa himself. Normal admission charges apply. There is a charge for the Christmas trail.
Booking is not needed for this event. For more information please call 01639 636674.
