Christmas is just around the corner, there's no time to wait! Santa is loading his sleigh and he shan't be late! To celebrate our friends over at Kent Attractions have compiled top places in Kent to catch Santa on his travels!
With some of the best places to visit Santa in Kent having already sold out and many others selling fast, you need to book your visit fast to avoid disappointment.
Nothing says ‘Christmas’ quite like taking your children to see Father Christmas in his twinkling Santa’s grotto.
You don’t have to visit Lapland to visit Father Christmas, there are plenty of magical experiences much nearer home.
With Santa specials on board the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway, wartime festivities at the Royal Engineers Museum, medieval activities at Canterbury Tales, a Christmas market at the National Fruit Collection, seasonal surprises on the farm at Kent Life and the Hop Farm and magnificent castles like Hever Castle, there’s a Santa experience for everyone.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the best Santa’s grottos in Kent that (at the time of writing) still have availability.
Kent Life, Maidstone
Take a ride on the Jingle Express to Santa’s grotto, hear the Christmas tales, meet his elves, create a gingerbread masterpiece and see the big man himself. Don’t forget to pay a visit to the many farmyard friends at Kent Life and explore the fun activities for children of all ages at this heritage farm park.
Royal Engineers Museum, Gillingham
Discover how Christmas was celebrated during the Second World War. Immerse yourself in the festivities and get a vintage makeover, watch live demonstrations or browse the market for festive handicrafts and last minute treats. You could even learn to Lindy Hop before a trip to meet Sapper Santa in his grotto and workshop.
Hever Castle, Edenbridge
This Christmas Hever Castle will take you on a magical journey down the rabbit hole and into the enchanting world of Alice in Wonderland. During the day you will be met with beautifully decorated Castle rooms, welcoming log fires and twinkling Christmas trees. Outside in the grounds follow the whimsical Alice in a Christmas Wonderland themed interactive trail and wander through the illuminated gardens as dusk falls and during special Twilight evenings.
Hop Farm Family Park, Tonbridge
There’s lots of festive fun to be had in the Big Red Grotto at the Hop Farm. This magical experience combined with the Animal Farm and a host of attractions for the kids provides a fun day out for the whole family.
Brogdale, Faversham
Ride on the miniature train to visit Santa in his grotto after enjoying the Christmas craft market at the National Fruit Collection where you can shop local hand made products and eat delicious treats.
Canterbury Tales
Be guided through a series of festive activities on the medieval streets of The Canterbury Tales visitor attraction. There will be songs, games and decorating, to get you fully into the Christmas spirit before a visit to Father Christmas’s grotto.
Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway
Travel by train to Santa’s grotto and enjoy some seasonal treats. For something extra special enjoy breakfast, lunch or even afternoon tea with the big man!
If you already have your visit to Father Christmas booked and are looking for a few more festive days out then here are a few more ideas!
Make the most of the winter evenings with an enchanted experience of light at Walmer Castle.
Explore an exciting new experience at Ice Park Maidstone.
Take some time out to make your own Christmas decorations at Penshurst Place, Ightham Mote and the Historic Dockyard Chatham
Shop, eat and be merry at Christmas Fairs at the Shepherd Neame Visitor Centre, Chiddingstone Castle, Goodnestone Park Gardens or the Christmas Market at Leeds Castle.
Sing along at one of the Christmas Carol Concerts at Hall Place & Gardens and Rochester Cathedral.