21 Santa’s Grottos in Kent to visit in Christmas 2025
Father Christmas is busy setting up his grottos across Kent, ready to welcome families for some festive magic this winter.
From castles and country parks to garden centres and bustling markets, you can make it a truly memorable Christmas with a trip to visit Santa. Here’s where you can find him across the county...
BETTESHANGER COUNTRY PARK, near Deal
This country park is being transformed into a twinkling grotto where visitors can meet Father Christmas and receive a special gift. You can also explore the rest of the park with the outdoor festive trail.
Details: Saturday, December 6 to Christmas Eve at Betteshanger Country Park, near Deal. Tickets cost £10 per child, includes two adults. Book here.
BEWL WATER, near Tunbridge Wells
The three-hour festive experience at Bewl Water includes a visit to Santa’s Grotto, as well as the Elves’ Workshop and Mrs Claus’ Bakery. You’ll also get to pick your own gift from the Toy Exchange to take home, enjoy live theatrical performances and toast marshmallows.
Details: Select dates from Saturday, November 15 to Christmas Eve at Bewl Water in Lamberhurst, near Tunbridge Wells. Child tickets start from £40, adult tickets start from £15. Book here.
CANTERBURY MARKET
One of Kent’s biggest Christmas markets is back with traditional huts, live music, twinkling lights, VR experiences and a Santa’s Grotto. You’ll meet the elves, write your letter to post in the talking letterbox and, finally, spend some time with Saint Nick himself.
Details: Saturday, November 29 to Christmas Eve at St George’s Street in Canterbury. Tickets cost £12.50 per child, including accompanying adults. Book here.
DOVER CASTLE
This magical visit starts with a group storytelling session where children can gather around the Christmas tree to hear festive tales. Then, the kids will each get a chance to spend some time with Santa and receive a gift to unwrap in the grotto.
Details: Weekends from Saturday, November 29 to Sunday, December 21 at Dover Castle. Tickets cost £9.50 per child, includes one adult. Book here.
FOLKESTONE HARBOUR ARM
Housed inside the harbour’s 19th-century building is this year’s glittering grotto, full of surprising characters and decorations. When you’ve finished saying hello to Santa, you can catch a free festive film on the outdoor screen or browse the market stalls.
Details: Select dates from Friday, December 5 to Christmas Eve at Folkestone Harbour Arm. Tickets cost £7, includes accompanying adults. Book here.
HAWLEY GARDEN CENTRE, near Dartford
Santa will be joined by his busy elves to help deliver all the presents to children who visit the grotto this Christmas. You’ll receive a certificate to prove you’ve met Santa Claus and a gift to take home, and there will be a professional photographer to capture the moment.
Details: Select dates from Saturday, December 6 to Christmas Eve at Hawley Garden Centre in Sutton at Hone, near Dartford. Child tickets cost £13.50, adult tickets cost £2. Book here.
HEVER CASTLE, near Edenbridge
There are lots of Christmas activities going on at Hever Castle this year, including a Wizard of Oz-themed display and characters, a dazzling light trail, fairground rides, Tudor decorations and a Santa’s Grotto for younger children.
Details: Friday, November 21 to Christmas Eve at Hever Castle, near Edenbridge. Tickets start from £16, includes accompanying adults. Book here.
KENT AND EAST SUSSEX RAILWAY, Tenterden
This long-running experience has been welcoming families since 1974. This year, the 75-minute Santa Specials train ride includes a winter wonderland fair, complimentary mulled wine, unlimited rides on the gallopers and a visit from Santa on the train.
Details: Select dates from Saturday, November 29 to Christmas Eve at the Kent and East Sussex Railway in Tenterden. Tickets start from £110 for two people. Book here.
KENT LIFE, Maidstone
Not only will visitors meet Father Christmas inside the enchanting grotto, but you’ll also get a chance to say hello to Mrs Christmas who is making gingerbread in the kitchen and take a ride on the Jingle Express.
Details: Select dates from Saturday, November 29 to Christmas Eve at Kent Life in Maidstone. Child tickets cost £19.95, adult tickets cost £14.95. Book here.
LEEDS CASTLE, near Maidstone
Be transported to the North Pole Toy Workshop, where the elves are rushed off their feet making gifts for children all over the world. Visitors must step in and help the elves finish their work before meeting Father Christmas and receiving a goodie bag as a reward.
Details: Saturday, November 22 to Christmas Eve at Leeds Castle, near Maidstone. Child tickets cost £22, adult tickets cost £5. Book here.
MEADOW GRANGE, Whitstable
Children can follow the enchanted walkway, visit the wishing tree and say hello to the elves before meeting Santa and receiving a soft toy. There will also be SEN sessions for those who prefer a calmer atmosphere.
Details: Select dates from Saturday, December 6 to Monday, December 22 at Meadow Grange Nursery in Whitstable. Child tickets cost £14.50, adult tickets cost £3. Book online here.
POLHILL GARDEN CENTRE, Sevenoaks
Children can join in with a festive song or story with Santa before he sits down to help grant their Christmas wishes. There will be a professional photographer for family photos, and visitors will receive a gift before they leave.
Details: Select dates from Saturday, November 8 to Christmas Eve at Polhill Garden Centre in Sevenoaks. Child tickets cost £15, adult tickets cost £2.50. Book here.
PORT LYMPNE HOTEL AND RESERVE, Hythe
The stunning new light trail coming to this wildlife park includes a cosy grotto where families can stop off and visit Santa. The trail also contains colourful art installations, a fairy disco, food and drink stalls and a vintage fairground.
Details: Friday, November 28 to Tuesday, December 23 at Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve in Hythe. Tickets cost £22, includes two adults. Book here.
QUEX ADVENTURE FARM PARK, Birchington-on-Sea
Hop aboard the Elf Express for a journey into the Elf Forest where you’ll meet dancing elves and magical creatures. Then, you’ll follow Candy Cane Lane until you reach Santa’s home, with real reindeer, a toy shop, a German BBQ and ice skating rink.
Details: Select dates from Saturday, December 6 to Christmas Eve at Quex Adventure Farm Park in Birchington-on-Sea. Child tickets start from £22.95, adult tickets start from £12.95. Book here.
RARE BREEDS CENTRE, near Ashford
The Santa’s Grotto is just one of the festive activities going on at the Rare Breeds Centre this year. There will also be live shows, seasonal decorations, a themed trail, and a chance to plant your own Christmas tree.
Details: Select dates from Saturday, November 22 to Christmas Eve at the Rare Breeds Centre in Woodchurch, near Ashford. Child tickets cost £27.50, adult tickets cost £17.50. Book here.
REINDEER CENTRE, near Ashford
If you’re on the nice list, you’ll receive a gift from Santa and his elves when you visit this 150ft twinkling grotto. You’ll also get a chance to follow the farmyard trail, feed the reindeer, help the elves make Rudolph’s food, and play in the snow.
Details: Saturday, November 22 to Christmas Eve at the Reindeer Centre in Bethersden, near Ashford. Child tickets start from £23, adult tickets start from £18. Book here.
REUTHE’S THE LOST GARDENS, Sevenoaks
Write your letter to Santa with the help of the Head Elf before following the woodland trail and meeting Santa in his charming grotto. You’ll receive a gift and get a chance to visit the mini Christmas market before heading home.
Details: Weekends from Saturday, December 6 to Sunday, December 21 at Reuthe’s The Lost Gardens in Sevenoaks. Child tickets cost £12.95, adult tickets cost £3. Book here.
ROYAL VICTORIA PLACE, Tunbridge Wells
This delightful new cabin, created by the team at Once Upon a Wish, includes a reindeer food station where you can make your own treats for Rudolph and his friends. Your visit to Santa includes a personal meet-and-greet and a special present.
Details: Select dates from Saturday, November 15 to Christmas Eve at Royal Victoria Place in Tunbridge Wells. Tickets cost £15, includes accompanying adults. Book here.
SALOMONS ESTATE, Tunbridge Wells
Your ticket to the grotto includes gingerbread decorating, reindeer food making, festive crafts, a fairy trail, hot chocolate and a gift from Santa. You’ll have plenty of time to tell the big man what you want for Christmas in between all the activities.
Details: Select dates from Saturday, December 6 to Christmas Eve at Salomon’s Estate in Tunbridge Wells. Child tickets cost £30, includes accompanying adults. Book here.
WESTWOOD CROSS, Broadstairs
The Santa’s Grotto and Christmas cabins return to the shopping centre this year. Families can meet Saint Nick, check if their names are on the nice list and receive a present. There will also be pop-up food and gift stalls selling handcrafted items from independent traders.
Details: Friday, November 28 to Christmas Eve at Westwood Cross in Broadstairs. Tickets cost £7.50, includes accompanying adults. Book here.
WILDWOOD, near Herne Bay
This grotto is surrounded by woodland and wildlife, as well as the elves who are gearing up for the festive season. Father Christmas will be waiting inside to give you a plush soft toy and take a photo with you.
Details: Select dates from Saturday, December 6 to Christmas Eve at Wildwood in Herne Common, near Herne Bay. Tickets cost £20, includes accompanying adults. Book here.
Find out about more festive events with our guide to Kent’s Christmas light switch-ons and magical markets.
