Probably the best Christmas grotto experience in Devon – Our visit to Father Christmas at Woodlands.

Last weekend we ventured to Woodlands in Dartmouth, Devon for their Santa’s magical grotto experience. Before I tell you about it, I should point out that it is all sold out this year – but you should definitely consider it when you are planning Christmas 2019 (as you’ll see in the blog).

Woodlands Theme Park

According to their website, Woodlands is the largest family theme park in Devon. Crammed full of family fun, with indoor and outdoor activities and rides, it has a HUGE indoor play area and it’s a great destination rain or shine.

Probably the best Christmas grotto experience in Devon - Our visit to Father Christmas at Woodlands. Exploring Exeter 2018

Meeting Santa at Woodlands

We didn’t get off to a great start, myself and my son were feeling poorly and Minx had decided – of all the days – that she doesn’t believe in Father Christmas anymore (6 is far too young for that, in my humble opinion).

However… we were delighted to have been asked along and I was especially keen because we haven’t visited Woodlands yet and I had heard great things about it. 

We weren’t disappointed.

As we arrived, we were given our tickets and directed through an avenue of trees (with a snow machine no less) towards Santa’s grotto.

Probably the best Christmas grotto experience in Devon - Our visit to Father Christmas at Woodlands. Exploring Exeter 2018We met one of FC’s elves (Chip) at the door who walked us through the experience from themed room to the next. Including; a polar bear room, singing reindeers, an elf tunnel, elves bedroom and my favourite room, the post room.

Probably the best Christmas grotto experience in Devon - Our visit to Father Christmas at Woodlands. Exploring Exeter 2018

We reached Santa’s grotto to be welcomed by Mrs Claus and invited to dance. Then Santa looked through his Naughty’ and Nice’ list and decided that the kids had been well behaved enough to receive a pressie each.

Nb, Minx later told me that it must have been the real Santa because his beard was real! 

Probably the best Christmas grotto experience in Devon - Our visit to Father Christmas at Woodlands. Exploring Exeter 2018

Presents from Santa

As per most grottos, each child gets an age-specific wrapped gift. My 8-year-old son received a rocket making kit and my 6-year-old daughter a glow in the dark magic kit. 

You also get a cookie and hot drinks with the entry ticket and we were given a complimentary photo of the family with Father Christmas, which was lovely because we wouldn’t usually buy them.

Probably the best Christmas grotto experience in Devon - Our visit to Father Christmas at Woodlands. Exploring Exeter 2018

The park itself

After our trip to see Santa, we got ourselves some refreshments and headed to the indoor play area, it is HUGE with a combination of soft play, run around play, slides and rides, there is lots to keep the kids entertained for ages.

We recommend getting the Santa experience/park entry combo, even in the rain there’s lots of fun to be had.

Probably the best Christmas grotto experience in Devon - Our visit to Father Christmas at Woodlands. Exploring Exeter 2018

Entry prices for the grotto this year:

Adults:

  • Free for members (including entry to the grotto and a hot drink if booked in advance).
  • £7.50 for adults (non-members), which includes entry to the grotto, park and a hot drink

Children:

  • £4 for children under 12-months-old, £5 for children aged 12 to 23-months-old, £7 for children aged 24 to 25-months-old (members and non-members), which includes entry to the grotto and park as well as a present
  • £14.50 for children aged three to 11-years-old,  (non-members), which includes entry to the grotto and park as well as a present
  • £7 for children aged three to 11-years-old (members), which includes entry to the grotto as well as a present.

We thought it was great value for money and a lovely day out with the kids, it’s dwefinitely worth the drive from Exeter.

You can find more information about special events and prices for Woodlands Family Theme Park here.

 

Disclaimer: We were invited to try the Santa’s Grotto Experience for free in exchange for coverage, all opinions are my own.

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