It's time to get Christmas lists ready and take the kids to visit Father Christmas. Exquisite has picked the best Santa's Grottos in Essex...
Nov 14, 2019
With Christmas fast approaching, it's time for girls and boys to get super excited and dream up their must-have presents. It's also time for the mums and dads to get busy organising an array of festivities!
A visit to Father Christmas can be a magical experience. We've picked the most special places to visit Father Christmas in Essex. Make a day of it and combine it with a trip to a farm to visit the animals, or indulge in a decadent afternoon tea somewhere divine after the kids have visited Santa's grotto.
Visit the divine Orsett Hall where you can enjoy breakfast or afternoon tea with your visit to Father Christmas. Children will enjoy fun activities with the elves, before a visit from Father Christmas who will arrive bearing gifts. Meanwhile, the whole family can tuck into a delicious breakfast from the buffet or a decadent afternoon tea.
WHEN: 7th, 14th, 15th, 21st and 22nd December 9am-11.30am for breakfast and 1.30-4pm for afternoon tea
WHERE: Orsett Hall, Prince Charles Avenue, Orsett, Essex RM16 3HS
HOW MUCH: Breakfast is £24.95, £14.95 for under 2s. Afternoon tea is £29.95 and £14.95 under 2s.
TEL: 01375 887215
BOOK NOW: orsetthall.co.uk
Welcome in the festive season in the stunning surroundings of RHS Hyde Hall. Children can enjoy a Christmassy story before meeting Father Christmas himself. There will also be Christmas craft sessions taking place. The RHS Hyde Hall gift shop is also a great place to find some extra special presents too.
WHEN: 10.15am, 12.10pm and 2.15pm, 29 November - 1st December, 6th-8th December, 13th-15th December
WHERE: RHS Hyde Hall, Creephedge Lane, Rettendon Common, Essex CM3 8ET
HOW MUCH: £14 per child visiting Santa, plus normal garden admission
TEL: 020 3176 5830
BOOK NOW: rhs.org.uk/gardens/hyde-hall
Nevendon Manor's Christmas extravaganza is 'An Elf's Wish'. Tipped to be a unique and truly memorable experience, kids will meet the elves at Elf School, and tour around the highly decorated grounds following an immersive and interactive Christmas story with the Snow Queen and Mrs Claus. It's a 75 minute adventure with Santa as finale.
WHEN: 11am - 5.45pm, 23rd November - 24th December
WHERE: Nevendon Manor, Borwick Lane, Wickford, Essex SS12 0QA
HOW MUCH: From £18.50 per person
TEL: 01268 764669
BOOK NOW: nevendonmanor.co.uk
Make your way through the enchanted forest and enter the sparkly, seasonal Santa's Grotto at Alton Garden Centre. Children will receive a seedling Christmas tree as well as a special gift to take home. The team at Alton know how to transform a space into a festive spectacular with their amazing array of Christmas decorations.
WHEN: 9.30am - 5.30pm, daily until 24th December
WHERE: Alton Garden Centre Arterial Road, Wickford SS12 9JG
HOW MUCH: From £10 per child
TEL: 01268 726 421
BOOK NOW: christmasataltons.co.uk
Father Christmas will be visiting the farm this December. Enjoy a fabulous family day out, interacting with the various animals at Barleylands and exploring the interactive play areas for kids. Then head to Santa's Grotto where one of his oh-so-helpful elves will take a festive family photo of your group with Father Christmas, and children will take home a gift tailored to their age group.
WHEN: 30th November - 24th December
WHERE: Barleylands Craft Village & Farm Centre, Barleylands Road, Billericay, Essex CM11 2UD
HOW MUCH: From £19.95 per person
TEL: 01268 859620
BOOK NOW: barleylands.co.uk
Expect a whole host of surprises and fun activities at the Marsh Farm Father Christmas Experience. Kids will journey through the Elf Academy, help Mother Christmas with the gingerbread and enter a snow show. That's all before they even get to meet the big man, Father Christmas in his grotto. Kids can also make themselves a toy in Santa's workshop which they can take home.
WHEN: Various times, 16th November - 24th December
WHERE: Marsh Farm, Marsh Farm Rd, South Woodham, Ferrers, CM3 5WP
HOW MUCH: £12.95 for an adult, £25.50 for a child (reduced prices for members), under 1s free
TEL: 01245 809737
BOOK NOW: marshfarm.co.uk
Grays
Situated in beautiful Essex countryside, Orsett Hall is a stunning hotel, wedding and event venue. Set in 12 acres of landscaped gardens, this private country house, its luxurious facilities and friendly, polite staff provide everything needed to make this an award-winning venue. Boasting a luxury boutique spa, 56 luxurious bedrooms and five lavish bridal suites, Orsett Hall Hotel can provide you with everything you need to make it a perfect escape.
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