We have been fortunate enough to go to a few Christmas light trails this year and TBH, I thought we were probably all trailed out. But then I was contacted by Bicester Town Council and asked if we would review the Christmas light trail and Santa’s Grotto in Garth Park and it caught my attention. It’s one of the few cheap light trails you can go to, plus the Santa’s grotto is cheap as well. So we went along to the opening weekend to see if cheap and cheerful could still feel festive?
We were very kindly invited to review the Christmas light trail and Santa’s grotto at Garth Park by Bicester Town Council but they had no input into its contents and didn’t see the review prior to publication.
The house show
You can actually hear (and see) this from the car park. A good sign for us, maybe less so for the neighbours! The light show on the house really surprised us. It’s set to music (including Carol of the Bells which is my favourite bit of Christmas music so was always going to get bonus points from me!) and is a on 7 minute loop. Yup, it’s 7 minutes long. The house illuminations are more impressive than Blenheim Palace this year. Don’t worry, I’m not saying the whole thing is more impressive than Blenheim, just the house bit. It might because you’re right up close to them though.
I think the main reason why they put so much effort into the house is because it is a significant part of the trail experience. If you just walk past that bit you won’t be doing the Christmas light trail at Garth Park for very long!
A little note of caution. We arrived about 30 seconds into the start of it and found a convenient gap in the crowd. Turns out that gap was because a spot light from one of the windows shines right into your eyes if you stand there! It’s only a few times, but it is flipping bright.
Santa’s Grotto
Santa’s Grotto at Garth Park has got to be pre-booked. It’s very cleverly based in the band stand and looks so cool. Although your trail slot is timed, your Santa slot isn’t so you don’t have to worry about missing it. You are queuing outside, but most of it is under a gazeebo with sides so you’re protected from the worst of the elements. We queued for about 10 minutes last night.
Right now I’m having a nightmare with Santa’s grottos. As a family of five it would easily cost us between £50 – £100 for us to do a premium grotto, and that’s not even one with added facilities like being on a farm park. It’s terrifying, especially when two of the kids don’t even believe! BUT I like to go each year, and I can’t only take Smallest Child because she’d wonder why the others weren’t there. So we always look for cheap ones that aren’t rubbish.
I can genuinely say the Santa here is one of the best ones we’ve ever been to. Biggest Child is 12 and so is too big for all things Santa, but he plays along nicely for Smallest Child. However Santa even got him giggling pretty much from the start! And for those of you who like to know; the beard and moustache is real but the hair isn’t.
It’s £2.50 per child, adults go free. The present is either a book (in our case it was actually a picture book and a craft) or chocolate (a selection box). Santa checked if there were any allergies first. We were in there for about 4 / 5 minutes for the three children.
The rest of the trail
The Christmas light trail at Garth Park isn’t particularly long. We were there for 45 minutes, including Santa’s grotto. Once you’ve past the grotto there’s only really two “big” light features, plus lit up trees and giant baubles.
There’s also the almost obligatory light tunnel. This leads to a dead end in terms of the light trail, but there’s food and drinks vendors down there. It’s not just a static tunnel though – the lights change colour and pattern which is quite cool.
Our Garth Park Christmas Light Trail and Santa’s Grotto Review
The Christmas light trail and Santa’s grotto at Garth Park isn’t the biggest, or the most impressive, in Oxfordshire. But it isn’t trying to be. It may we’ll be the cheapest light trail though. It’s a nice trail, it’s not too long and it’s an affordable way for families to do something that is often unaffordable to many. And the display on the house really is very good. I’d say it’s worth the money you’re paying for it.
Admission cost
Light trail – £5 per adult, £2.50 per child (6-16 years), under 5’s free. (Plus booking fees). Running from the 3rd – 18th December. Tickets can be booked via their website.
Santa’s grotto £2.50 per child, adults free
Prices correct at the time this review of Garth Park Christmas light trail and Santa’s grotto was published.
Parking / How to get there
Parking – No parking on-site. We parked in Claremont Car Park.
Address – The Garth, Launton Rodd, Bicester OX26 6PS
Toilets
None – There are public toilets in Claremont Car Park. 20p (cash or card accepted)
Food
Food and drink stalls available at the end
What else is there to do in Oxfordshire this Christmas?
Have a look at the Christmas pages for what’s on guides for Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire. There’s also reviews of festive events and festive blogs.
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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
