insideKENT Magazine Issue 69 - December 2017 | Página 85

DAYSOUT
Where will you see Santa
THIS YEAR ?
LIVERPOOL, 1879, AND SOMETHING DIFFERENT WAS HAPPENING AT LEWIS’S BON MARCHÉ
DEPARTMENT STORE. A BIG JOLLY MAN IN A RED SUIT WITH A LONG WHITE BEARD HAD SET UP
SHOP AND THE CHILDREN COULDN’T KEEP AWAY. IT WAS, OF COURSE, THE FIRST EVER SANTA’S
GROTTO WHERE FATHER CHRISTMAS, HIS ELVES, WRAPPED GIFTS, AND THE INFAMOUS NAUGHTY-
OR-NICE LIST WOULD FIRST BECOME SO ETCHED INTO CHRISTMAS TRADITION FOR COUNTLESS
FAMILIES. TODAY, THERE IS A HUGE AMOUNT OF CHOICE WHEN IT COMES TO FINDING YOUR
FAVOURITE SEASONAL GROTTO ACROSS KENT, AND THE JOY AND MAGIC THAT IT PRODUCES IS
A GREAT WAY TO BEGIN YOUR FESTIVE CELEBRATIONS.
Leeds Castle // 25-26 Nov, 2-3 Dec, 9-10 Dec, 16-17 Dec Bluewater // 16 Nov-24 Dec
Leeds Castle offers up a magnificent Christmas market each year, and
at its heart lies Father Christmas in his magical grotto. There is colouring
and crafts for children to take part in while they wait, and then, when
it’s finally time, you will be led through a mysterious enchanted pathway
to see Santa himself. Every child will be given a traditional gift to take
home with them too. As ever at Bluewater, there is more to this grotto than you might first
think. Rather than simply being ushered into a room to meet Santa, the
children will first meet Mr Crumb the Christmas chef in his log cabin.
He – with the help of some magic – will transform the little ones into
elves, so that they can assist him in making a gingerbread man. Next,
they will help Mrs Claus decorate her tree before finally meeting Santa
himself where they will be given a soft toy for their trouble. Beautiful
memories can be made here.
www.leeds-castle.com
Hever Castle // 25 Nov-10 Dec (Weekends), 13-24 Dec (Daily)
Hever Castle at Christmas is always something magically memorable,
so of course, making this the place to meet with Father Christmas will
really kick the festive period off perfectly. Children will be enchanted
by the magical grotto where they will be taken by an elf through the
snowy forest to meet Father Christmas in his log cabin. Fireside stories
and beautiful attention to detail – as well as plenty of opportunity to
enjoy mince pies and mulled wine – make this grotto something for
all the family .
www.hevercastle.co.uk
www.bluewater.co.uk
Kent Life // 2-3 Dec, 9-10 Dec, 16-17 Dec, 21-24 Dec
There is a lot going on at Kent Life this Christmas time! Arrive to meet
Santa and climb aboard the festively decorated train – the head elf
himself will be driving, so you know you’re in safe hands. Bundle into
Santa’s cottage and listen to the Christmas stories that Mrs Christmas
is going to tell; you can even write a letter to Father Christmas as you
wait. Father Christmas will see each child individually and give them
a gift – parents and guardians can enjoy a mince pie and sample of
cider too.
www.kentlife.org.uk
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