When will Santa be in his grotto? From 22nd November 2025.
When do Santa and his elves finish for the year? The last entry to the grotto is 5:30pm on 24th December 2025
How much will my visit cost? Please see the prices tab.
Can I book tickets for the train without booking a grotto ticket? Yes this can be done at the ticket office located near the grotto in Middleton Hall.
Can I book tickets for the Sleigh Ride without booking a grotto ticket? Yes you can, sleigh ride tickets can be booked separately here or purchased when you visit from the ticket office located in Middleton Hall.
Will there be live reindeer inside the experience? No, we do not have live reindeer on site.
Is there a charge for babies in arms under 12 months old? Babies under one, who are accompanied by a full paying sibling and who do not require a present are charged at £4.50 + 45p booking fee from 22nd-28th November and £5 + 50p booking fee for the remainder of the open dates. Babies who are not accompanied by a sibling are charged at full price.
My child has food allergies - what ingredients have been used? This year’s craft activity involves decorating a gingerbread biscuit – please see ingredients and allergens below - If your child has a food allergy and you have not already indicated in the 'Special Needs' box in the booking process, please inform a member of staff as you enter the experience as we do have an alternative activity.
Full Ingredients
Wheat Flour (with added calcium, iron, niacin (B3) and thiamine (B1), Sugar, Partially Inverted Sugar Syrup, Vegetable Oils (Palm Oil, Rapeseed Oil, Sunflower Oil), Ginger powder, Raising Agent: Sodium Bicarbonate
For allergens, including cereals containing gluten, see ingredients in bold. Also, may contain egg, milk nuts and soya.
Are there any dedicated inclusive sessions available? Yes ‘Inclusive Relaxed Sessions’ are available for any families with special needs – the sessions are adapted in a variety of ways, including a more relaxed attitude to noise and lighting effects, in order to reduce anxiety and ensure a safe, enjoyable visit. During an ‘Inclusive Relaxed Session’ our team will try to help everyone feel comfortable enough to talk, sing, dance and even shout out at any point during the experience.
The sessions are on Saturday 29th November, Sunday 30th December and Wednesday 3rd December and are highlighted in light blue when you select your timeslot. If you require further information, please email tickets@eskimojoevents.co.uk. If you are unable to attend one of these sessions, then we recommend booking a weekday or earlier times at the weekend. Please ensure that you complete the special requirements section in the booking process and we will try to accommodate you wherever possible. Please note that it will not be possible to reduce noise and lighting effects in open sessions and the experience may well be quite busy at peak times.
Do you offer carers tickets? We offer registered carers one free ticket for each paying child who requires care. To make a booking that requires a free carer please email our customer service team tickets@eskimojoevents.co.uk. Proof of entitlement will be required to be shown on entry to the grotto.
Why should I book in advance? We recommend that you pre-book your tickets to avoid disappointment. We anticipate there will be tickets available for some slots on the day, but these will be sold on a first come, first served basis and demand will be high at peak times.
If I choose not to book in advance, how can I obtain a ticket? If you choose not to book in advance, it may be possible to purchase a ticket on the day at the grotto box office however, availability is not guaranteed. The box office is situated opposite Flying Tiger.
Will I receive a ticket once I have booked? Yes, you will be emailed an e-ticket if you book in advance via the box office or website. You can either print your ticket or show it on your mobile phone at the entrance to the grotto. For tickets booked at the box office for the same day, you will receive a printed ticket.
Are tickets refundable? No. However, you may be able to amend your booking, subject to availability, up to 48 hours before the event but the tickets are non-refundable.
Can I book a special needs group and school party visits? We welcome pre-booked parties. Please email our call centre at tickets@eskimojoevents.co.uk to discuss your visit and special requirements.
When should I arrive? We recommend that you arrive at the event approximately 10 minutes before your pre-booked time slot.
Is there somewhere to put buggies? There is an area to park your buggy outside the grotto.
Is there access for wheelchairs? There is full disability access throughout the grotto experience.
Can we bring food and drink into the Experience? No. We would ask that you refrain from eating and drinking please.
Can we take our own photographs with Santa? No, but your magical moment will be captured with professional photography and a memento will be available to purchase including glitter globes, frames and Christmas baubles at the end of the experience.
