EVENTS
© David Jenner
GRUFFALO SPOTTERS TRAIL
19 DECEMBER SANTA FUN RUN The Historic Dockyard Chatham www . rotary-ribi . org / clubs thedockyard . co . uk / whats-on / the-dockyard- 5k-and-santa-fun-run Time : 9.30am | Price : Adult £ 12 , Child £ 7.50
The Historic Dockyard Chatham is delighted to be hosting the Medway Rotary Club Santa Fun Run ; a fundraising event to support Ellenor Hospice Care for Children and specifically , their Children ’ s Hospice Holidays project , which provides holidays for families with terminally ill children .
The running route will take participants through the heart of the Historic Dockyard site , offering multiple laps past some of the iconic ships and buildings . Cost of entry includes a Santa suit which is yours to keep following completion of the event and a medal to commemorate your achievement .
Runners of all abilities are welcome and the course is approximately 1km with the option of running ( or walking ) multiple laps . The relaxed nature of the event makes it perfect for families looking to get active before the Christmas period .
Limited spaces will also be made available for those wishing to spectate but not take part in the run . Spectator spaces are free of charge but must be booked in advance .
UNTIL 24 DEC CHRISTMAS GROTTO The Reindeer Centre , Bethersden www . reindeercentre . co . uk Time : Various Price : Adult from £ 12 , Child from £ 15 , Senior from £ 10
Arriving via sleigh and staying until Christmas Eve , Father Christmas will be in his magical Christmas cabin waiting to meet good boys and girls with a quality Christmas gift . After meeting Father Christmas , visitors will walk through his enchanting 150ft animated grotto made up of eight separate scenes . Ending up in the big Christmas animal barn where Carter the giant tortoise , a cheeky family of meerkats , donkeys , ponies , goats and alpacas will all be in the highest of festive spirits , guests can then meet the stars of the show : Santa ’ s magical reindeer . Chat and learn all about the reindeer with the handlers at the pen area and purchase pellets to feed them and the other farm animals . Tickets available on the gate , weekends are busier with queues expected .
UNTIL 31 DEC GRUFFALO SPOTTERS TRAIL Bedgebury National Pinetum , Goudhurst & Jeskyns Community Woodland , Gravesend . www . forestryengland . uk
Time : All day Price : Activity packs £ 3.50 . Vehicle admission applies .
Follow the Gruffalo Spotters trail at Bedgebury and Jeskyns , spot the signs and see what creatures you can find ! With the amazing new Gruffalo Spotter 2 app , fun activity pack , and trail , you ' ll get to interact with all your favourite characters as you go in search of the Gruffalo in the deep dark wood . You can also find the Gruffalo and his friends in wooden sculptures hiding around the National Pinetum or forest .
Gruffalo Spotters trail starts at the Bedgebury Visitor Centre and 100m south of the Jeskyns Cafe . Activity packs are available to purchase from the information point at the Bedgebury visitor centre and Jeskyns ' Cafe during opening times .
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