Festive Boat Trips & Santa’s Grotto Experience
Visitors begin aboard a canal boat where an elf entertains passengers with festive stories, jokes, games, singing, and a towpath treasure trail. Afterwards, guests step inside Santa's grotto, set against a snowy woodland backdrop and crackling fireplace, where children can meet Father Christmas and choose a present. The experience also includes admission to explore the museum for the full day.
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Plan Your Visit
Website / Tickets
When
Tickets
£12.50 for each child and £12.50 for each adult on the trip.
Hours
5 December 2026, 10am to 6 December 2026, 4pm; 12 December 2026, 10am to 13 December 2026, 4pm; 19 December 2026, 10am to 24 December 2026, 4pm.
Accessibility
The boat does not have wheelchair access.
Pets
No dogs allowed, other than medical assistance dogs.
Going?
Location
Tips & Advice
- Book ahead for a boat trip, as the boat has only 12 seats and tickets are non-transferable.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult on the boat trip, and every passenger, including babies, needs a ticket.
- Dress for the weather because the boat trip is weather dependent, although the museum will endeavour to provide all parts of the experience.
- Take a camera if you want a photo with Santa; personal photography is permitted.
- Allow time to explore the museum after meeting Santa, as the ticket includes museum entry for the whole day.
Special Events & Promotions
- A grotto-only ticket is available separately from the festive boat trip and grotto experience.
- The event runs on weekends through December 20, then daily from December 21–24.
Links & Contact
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can children do during the boat trip?
An elf leads stories, games, a Christmas quiz, singing and a towpath treasure hunt to find decorations scattered by Naughty Ned.
Can we visit Santa without taking the boat trip?
Yes. The Grotto Experience is available on its own, and the boat trip is an option.
What happens when children meet Santa?
Santa shares a festive gift with every child, hears their Christmas wishes and lets them choose a present; personal photography is permitted.
Can we explore the museum after the Santa visit?
Yes. The Santa visit ticket includes entry to the museum for the whole day.
Is the boat trip accessible to wheelchair users?
No. The boat does not have wheelchair access.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.