Whether you want to sip hot chocolate in a cosy log cabin with Santa by the fireside, take a ride on a merry train through a festive wonderland or grab a lift on a festive tractor! Staffordshire’s Santa Grottos have it all.
Here are just a few of the fab places where you can see Santa this year. Also, having an autistic boy myself, I have tried to include some venues that accommodate additional needs, as we know how overwhelming some of these events can be.
Amerton Railway
Dates – From 30th November
Accessibility – The accessible compartment will carry one wheelchair and has a bench that will seat 3 adults comfortably, if you book this compartment without a wheelchair it will seat 6 people, but please book other compartments first.
Board a steam train at Amerton Station and travel to Toyland to meet Santa and receive a hand-picked gift! You also receive a festive goodie bag to enjoy while surrounded by beautiful Staffordshire countryside as the train meanders through the fields on a frosty winter’s day.
Each compartment will receive a goodie bag with treats, Amerton Railway colouring sheets, puzzles and colouring pencils. Children receive a hand-picked Christmas present from Santa, and for the adults a warm mince pie and sherry.
Book your tickets!
Churnet Valley – The Polar Express Train Ride
Dates – From 16th November
Accessibility – Unfortunately due to the design of our heritage coaches we are unable to accommodate wheelchairs. If the wheelchair user is able to climb a step, and walk a short distance we can assist in boarding. Wheelchairs will be looked after by our platform staff until you return.
Disabled toilets at Froghall station.
Your journey begins at Froghall Station on the Churnet Valley Railway in Staffordshire, where you are invited to hop on board THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride which takes you on a magical journey to the North Pole.
Once you have boarded THE POLAR EXPRESS™ the adventure begins when you are served Hot Chocolate and a Cookie at your seat by the singing Chefs.
The Hobo will also be travelling with you! He’ll show you his meaning of Christmas.
Children can view the pretty illuminations outside during their journey and Santa will be waiting patiently for the Polar Express to arrive!
The journey on board THE POLAR EXPRESS™ 2023 Train Ride lasts around 1 hour. Please allow 1.5 hours for the whole experience.
Book your tickets!
National Forest Adventure Farm – North Pole Adventure
Dates – From 23rd November
Accessibility – A maximum of 2 standard-sized wheelchairs per session. Sorry, no mobility scooters or large electric wheelchairs due to standard doorway sizes.
A truly magical journey. Experience the wonder of Christmas on your adventure to the North Pole.
Your child will receive a personalised ticket from Father Christmas. Collect your elf coins and passport on arrival and take a journey through the magical Portal to the North Pole.
- Explore the Victorian high street and sweet shop
- Help the Elves sort the parcels in the post office
- Keep the Elves on time by ringing the bells!
- Meet the talking Polar Bear under the Northern Lights
- Fix the toy machine and save Christmas!
- Sing festive songs with Silvermist the reindeer
- Decorate Gingerbread with Mother Christmas
- Choose a gift from Santa!
National Forest Adventure Farm – Autism-Friendly Event
Date – 6th December
A Magical Christmas journey adapted to be accessible with smaller group sizes plus sound and lighting changes.
Free ‘Babes-in-Arms’ (0-11 months) tickets can be added after you have chosen your date & time.
Tickets include entry to the Adventure Farm Softplay only from 3:30pm – 5:45pm
You will be asked for information about your child to personalise their experience.
Sorry, no pushchairs in the North Pole Adventure.
Book your tickets for the North Pole Adventure Autism Friendly Sessions!
Dobbies Santa Grotto Gailey
Dates – From From 28th Nov – 24th Dec
Accessibility – Wheelchair access, disabled parking, ramps and toilet facilities in all stores. Please make a note of any special requirements you have during the online booking process.
This year Dobbies are offering a Little Seedlings train-themed journey for children and families, complete with interactive elements and a meeting with Santa himself!
Take in the atmosphere as you walk through our enchanting forest. An elf will guide you to find our Little Seedlings characters along the way before arriving in our wildlife forest clearing where the little ones will make a special item to take home.
Your experience will then continue with a chance to meet Santa Claus – children are encouraged to share their excitement, wishes and stories before receiving their gift
To capture the memory of your little ones meeting Santa you can choose to pre-book one of our special photo options and save on average 15% compared to on-the-day prices.
Santa has selected a range of toys, suitable for different ages. You can pre-select an age-appropriate gift for your child however the exact toy may vary on the day.
Dobbies – Santa’s Quiet Grotto
Date – From 2.30pm on Friday 6th December
Santa’s quiet grotto is one of Dobbies most-loved festive experiences, and from 2.30pm on Friday 8th December, they are offering visits for children with additional needs.
These sessions can only be pre-booked, with no queuing on the day and a reduced number of families attending in each slot.
Book your tickets for Santa’s Quiet Grotto!
Lower Drayton Farm – Jingle Ville
Dates – From 30th November 2024.
Accessibility – The majority of the site is wheelchair friendly. However, some elements such as the Lower Farm Lookout which involves climbing a steep earth track may not be suitable for all wheelchair users.
It states they have family-friendly toilets with baby-changing facilities, however, there is no mention of disabled toilets.
Tickets start from £16 per adult and £32.50 per child.
Immerse yourself in a world of enchantment and wonder as we invite you and your loved ones to experience the most magical Christmas extravaganza ever – Jingle Ville! Nestled in the heart our winter wonderfarm, Jingle Ville promises to transport you and your family to a realm of festive joy, where holiday dreams come true and cherished memories are made.
The event includes a whimsical bus ride to Jingle Ville, surrounded by the beauty of twinkling lights. Explore Jingle Ville with the elves, selfies with Santa, Christmas crafts, a gift from Santa and much more!
As a token of the festive spirit, each grown-up will receive a complimentary hot chocolate and children will get a delicious festive milkshake to enjoy.
Trentham
Date – 16th November – 24th December
Accessibility – Ramp access to the grotto and enough space for a wheelchair inside.
Join Father Christmas and his friends in his brand-new grotto! Enjoy magical stories and unforgettable experiences at Trentham’s North Pole. Create Christmas spirit, leave your letters in Santa’s magic post box. Each boy and girl will also receive one soft toy to take home.
What do you have planned this year?
Excited for Christmas 🎄 cheer
You surprised me. I wasn’t expecting Santa so soon. #MMBC
Staffordshire is pretty far away from us in the South East but the Polar Express railway sounds like something we have a little way away from here, it was great fun when we did it a few years back. It sounds like you have lots of wonderful places to visit the big man.
Can’t wait for Christmas!
Can’t wait for Xmas
A great selection to choose from!
It is great to see that so many places are finally accessible to all
I love a good Santa Grotto, definately gets you in the christmas spirit