insideKENT Magazine Issue 69 - December 2017 | Page 86

DAYSOUT
Where will you see Santa THIS YEAR ? cont.
Kent and East Sussex Railway
// 2-3 Dec, 9-10 Dec, 16-17 Dec, 22-24 Dec
Walnuts Shopping Centre // 19 Nov-24 Dec
The steam trains at the Kent and East Sussex Railway will be decorated
beautifully for the occasion of this special train journey during which Father
Christmas will be passing by each carriage and chatting to the children
inside. Following on behind are the elves, carrying loaded sacks of gifts for
the kids. And, if there are any teenagers on board who might prefer something
a little sweeter, there are boxes of chocolate just for them. The Walnuts Shopping Centre in Orpington is proudly offering a
totally free Father Christmas Grotto for your little ones this year.
Pop along and and write your letter to Father Christmas then post
it in the Talking Post Box – he tells jokes you know! Take a ride in
the sleigh with Rudolph at the helm, do some fabulous colouring,
and then go and meet Father Christmas to ask him which list you’re
on this year.
www.kesr.org.uk www.thewalnutsshoppingcentre.com
Groombridge Place // 2-3 Dec, 9-10 Dec, 16-17 Dec, 23-24 Dec Hempstead Valley // 18 Nov-24 Dec
At Groombridge Place, the elves have a lot to do, especially during the Merry
Elfmas event that takes place each weekend in December. Elf storytelling,
Christmas letter writing, plenty of Christmas-themed crafts and even a stage
show all take place here, as well as the chance to meet Santa in his grotto. Father Christmas has taken up residence in his traditional grotto,
which features many enchanting characters including penguins
and a towering, beautifully decorated Christmas tree. The traditional
grotto is open daily until Christmas Eve and a visit to see Father
Christmas includes a wrapped gift.
www.groombridgeplace.com
www.hempsteadvalley.co.uk
Broadditch // 2-3 Dec, 9-10 Dec, 16-17 Dec, 21-24 Dec
With all the fun of the farm combined with meeting the most well loved
Christmas icon, Broadditch has everything your little one might want this
festive season. Climb aboard the tractor sleigh and experience an exciting
journey into the enchanted wood where the elves will lead you to Santa’s
cottage. Listen to a story, make a wish, and come away with a great gift.
www.farmerchristmas.co.uk
Crampton Tower Museum
// 2-3 Dec, 9-10 Dec, 16-17 Dec, 22-23 Dec
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The Glades // 25 Nov-24 Dec
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Experience it in a magical
new light at The Glades’ grotto spectacular – ADVENTure Land –
hosted by the team from the centre’s sell-out smash, Kids On The
Moon. From 25th November until Christmas Eve, families can
enjoy an enchanting 45-minute, elf-led escapade around a Nordic-
inspired village discovering fun-packed games, music, jokes and
surprises – all hidden behind 24 windows and doors. Santa will be
waiting at the end for a chat, photographs and to present
adventurers with souvenirs.
Grottos do tend to get booked up well in advance, so finding one that doesn’t
need tickets is always a bonus – and the Santa Special Weekends at the
Crampton Tower Museum in Broadstairs works in exactly that way. Santa
is waiting patiently at the top of the tower, and good boys and girls will be
taken there by an elf. On the way, they can walk through the elves’ workshop
to see toys being made, and when they’ve finished chatting to Santa – and
received their gift, of course! – they can then enjoy a ride on a miniature
railway to finish the day off in style. www.theglades.co.uk
www.cramptontower.co.uk www.whitefriars-canterbury.co.uk
Whitefriars // 3-24 Dec
The Santa’s Grotto experience at Whitefriars is bigger this year than
ever before. This year, you can make elf dust while you wait, and
once children have met Father Christmas, they’ll will receive a
lovely commemorative certificate.