Finding a decent Santa’s Grotto can be really hard, mainly because you don’t know if it’s any good until it’s too late! Also they can be incredibly expensive. I’ve seen some Santa’s Grottos in Bedfordshire cost £120 for a family of four. Which is quite frankly terrifying. I wanted something considerably cheaper! Yesterday we were invited to visit the Santa’s Grotto at Windy Willows Tree Yard in Houghton Regis, Bedfordshire.
Although we were gifted admission to the Santa’s Grotto at Windy Willows Tree Yard in Houghton Regis, Bedfordshire they did not see the review prior to publication and had no input into its contents.
Windy Willows Christmas Tree Yard
First up, it’s called Windy Willows Christmas Tree Yard because, umm, it sells Christmas trees! They usually go on sale from late November but the best place to get an update on availability is their Facebook page. The real trees at Windy Willows Christmas Tree Yard can sell out quite quickly so you’re probably best going early.
The set up
Before you go in there’s an “enchanted forest”. This is basically just a couple of trees so enchanted forest is overselling it. Lol. Then you go into a little staging area which is very festive with lots of light sculptures etc.
Santa is sat on his sleigh waiting to greet you and he’s surrounded by presents. I feel really sorry for whoever had to wrap all of those! There’s enough space for about four kids on the sleigh at once. The room itself is ridiculously festive. You’re allowed to take as many photos as you like, without any additional charges.
Afterwards you get to make some reindeer food with another one of the elves. If Santa is busy when you arrive then you actually do this bit first so the kids don’t get bored.
What’s Santa like?
One of the first things people always want to know is what’s the Santa like? Well the beard isn’t real and (when I zoomed into the photos) it looks like he hasn’t personally been eating all the mice pies. So no, he isn’t the Santa BUT he was cheerful, really chatty and seemed to actually like talking to the kids. No Billy Bob Thornton Bad Santa’s here. There is one thing I couldn’t get out of my head though. He had a welsh accent. After a few minutes I remembered the only other welsh Santa I know – Ness from Gavin & Stacey. And once I thought that it was all I could think of! Sorry Santa. Don’t worry – they might share an accent, but he’s nothing like that.
The elves were brilliant, particularly Tinsel. I genuinely don’t know how anyone can be that energetic at 10 am on a Sunday morning, but she managed it! And quite probably stayed that way all day. It’s Tinsel that takes you into the Santa’s grotto at the Windy Willows Christmas Tree Yard. She gets the kids to ring the bell first to wake Santa up because he’s asleep. She also stays in the room with you messing around (in a good way) whilst the kids are talking to Santa.
How long were we in there?
The kids were chatting with Santa for a little bit over 10 minutes. We didn’t feel rushed at all and it didn’t seem like anyone was keeping an eye on the time or letting anyone know the next family was waiting. In fact, I wouldn’t even have known there was another family waiting if it wasn’t for the fact we went back to do our reindeer food.
The presents
The other thing people always want to know about is the presents. Are they any good. We thought they were quite decent. Smallest Child got a dog cuddly toy that she had been desperate for and had told Santa about it. I don’t know for sure, but originally one of the elves had chosen a different present for her. Then Tinsel changed it. If she changed it because of what Smallest Child said then that’s bloomin’ good Elf work! Our newest member of the family is called Stocking.
The boys both got science kits, but crucially they were different kits. Again, the elves spent quite a lot of time digging around in the bags choosing the presents so it felt like they were trying to chose the right present for each child. Overall, we thought they were decent quality presents.
Our Santa’s Grotto at Windy Willows Tree Yard Review
Hubby and I both thought the Santa’s Grotto at Windy Willows Tree Yard was a good little grotto. The team there were great. Yes, there are Santa’s grottos and experiences in Bedfordshire where you will be there for longer, and do more things, but those cost a shed load more! Whether you like this or not depends on what you’re looking for from a chat with Father Christmas. If it’s an hour long session of gingerbread decorating, stories, bells and whistles that you’re looking for, then this ain’t that! If you want a decent length chat with the main man, and a decent quality present, without spending a fortune then this is a very good option.
Admission cost
£15 per child. Under 1’s go free. Includes up to two adults. £5 per additional adult. Complimentary tea and coffee.
Parking / How to get there
Parking – Free, on-site
Address – Osborne House, Sundon Road, Houghton Regis, Bedfordshire. LU5 5NP
Toilets
Port-a-loos on site
Food
There’s a food truck on site
For all my other Christmas reviews and what’s on guides for Beds, Bucks, Oxon & Herts click here
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Hi, I’m Vicky. My husband and I live in Aylesbury with our three children; a 14 year old son, an 12 year old son and a 6 year old daughter. I (mostly) love spending time together as a family. We visit all kinds of places and we’re quite happy to drive a fair distance for a decent day out. A few years ago I decided to set up Free Time with the Kids as a way to share our experiences of these family days out.
You’ll find the essential information you need to know before your visit that can be surprisingly hard to find out. Where do I park? How much will it cost me to get in? Are there any discounts available? Are there loos? Can I take a picnic or get food? My aim is to be your go-to guide for all your free and cheap family days out across Bucks, Beds, Oxon, Herts & slightly beyond. I really hope you find the reviews helpful. If there’s anywhere that you’d recommend please get in touch contact@freetimewiththekids.com or get in touch via Facebook
