Santa’s grottos 2019: the South

If you're looking or a fun way to spend a fun Christmas afternoon, look no further!

We round-up the best Santa's grottos 2019 in the South of England...

Christmas at Newquay Zoo, Cornwall Enjoy another year of festive fun at the zoo. Complete the naughty elf Christmas trail, and help the elves make Christmas presents for some of the animals at the zoo! Where? Newquay Zoo, Newquay, TR7 2NN When? 14th and 15th December only Visit: Newquayzoo.org.uk

Christmas Adventure Wonderland, Bournemouth The indoor adventure play centre gets a Christmas makeover complete with a Father Christmas, his faithful reindeer, Rudolph, and helpful elves in their traditional log cabin, where every child receives a gift. Plus, there's a Christmas Colouring Challenge AND mulled wine and mince pies for the adults! When? 23rd, 24th, and 30th November - and 1st, 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 18th - 23rd December Where? Merritown Ln, Hurn, Christchurch, Dorset BH23 6BA Visit: adventurewonderland.co.uk

Father Christmas comes to Claremont, Surrey The quaint Thatched Cottage will be magically transformed in to a special Christmas grotto this year. However, it's not yet been announced whether Santa himself will be there - yet... When? Claremont is open 363 days a year, closing on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Where? Portsmouth Rd Esher, Surrey KT10 9JG Visit: nationaltrust.org.uk

Victorian Festival of Christmas, Portsmouth A UK Christmas market 2019 that promises to be bigger and better than ever before this year, the Victorian Festival of Christmas in Portsmouth is the perfect place to get some Christmas shopping done and catch up with Father Christmas in all his traditional green garb too! When? 14th December only, 10:30 - 16:00 Where? Royal Navy Submarine Museum Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Victory Gate, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 3LJ Visit: historicdockyard.co.uk/events

Christmas at Marwell Zoo, Winchester Guests at Marwell Zoo meet more than just Santa, they also get to see the helpful elves, enjoy a tea party with Mrs Claus as she recounts a curious tale, and enjoy some delicious refreshments! This really will be a day to remember for little ones and parents alike. When? Selected dates in November and December - see them all below. Where? Thompsons Lane, Colden Common, Winchester, Hampshire, SO21 1JH Visit: marwell.org.uk

Santa Specials at Crampton Tower, Broadstairs Journey to the top of Crampton Tower, through the elves' workshop, to visit Father Christmas in his grotto. Kids of all ages can ride on the miniature railway for free with the ticket, as well as get a little gift from Santa to take home. When? Every weekend in December apart from 28th and 29th (6 days only) Where? Crampton Tower Museum, The Broadway, Broadstairs, Kent, CT10 2AB Visit: cramptontower.co.uk

Santa’s grotto at Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve The National Trust sure do know how to put on a pretty magical Santa’s grotto, and this festive event at the Fen is no different. Follow a Christmas trail to find Santa, and take home a special Wicken gift! The kids can also take part in some Christmas crafts to take home. When? 7th - 22nd December Where? Lode Ln, Wicken, Ely CB7 5XP Visit: nationaltrust.org.uk/wicken-fen-nature-reserve/whats-on

Kent and East Sussex Railway The Santa Specials take place on a return steam train ride from Tenterden to Northiam Station - a delightful 1hour and 10 minutes journey. Santa visits each child on the train and delivers their (age appropriate) gift to them during the return journey to Northiam. There's even a mince pie and tipple for the adults. This event is very popular, so book ahead to avoid dissapointment. On 30th November, they'll also be offering a 'relaxed day', with a less intensive timetable for individuals on the autistic spectrum, or people who would benefit from a more relaxed experience. When? 30th November, 1st, 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st - 24th December Where? Tenterden Town Station, Station Road, Tenterden, Kent, TN30 6HE. Visit: Kesr.org.uk

Santa's grotto at Ham House and Garden, Surrey See how the Stuarts celebrated Christmas visit Santa's magical grotto at this stunning manor house. Families will see a stunning candlelight Ham House on their visit, and children will get a special gift from Santa. When? 7th - 8th, 14th -23rd December Where? Ham House and Garden, Ham Street, Ham, Richmond-upon-Thames, Surrey, TW10 7RS Visit: nationaltrust.org.uk

More Santa's grottos...