Santa Cruises on the Basingstoke Canal
Passengers take a gentle cruise aboard the boat Rosebud along the Basingstoke Canal to reach the tinsel trail. Children follow the trail through the woods to visit Santa in his canalside grotto and receive a special gift. The return boat trip brings families back to the Visitor Centre to enjoy Christmas colouring activities, warm drinks, and mince pies in Santa's Workshop.
What to Expect
Canal boat ride to a woodland grotto and Santa's workshop.
Event Details
Duration
Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes in total.
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Mytchett
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Surrey County Council / Basingstoke Canal Authority
Food & Drink
Warm drinks and mince pies are available in Santa’s Workshop after the cruise.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Gentle and festive
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
££
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Prices range from £16.50 to £24 per ticket; babies’ tickets are £4.50. All passengers require tickets. Baby tickets are for ages under 1, child tickets for ages 1 to 12, and adult tickets for ages 13 and above. The schedule lists £16.50 tickets for 2.30pm sessions on December 8–11 and 15–18, £21 tickets for 3pm and 3.30pm sessions on those dates, and £24 tickets for the other listed sessions. Only child and baby passengers receive a gift.
- Hours: December 1–4: 5.30pm, 6pm, 6.30pm, 7pm; December 5–6: 10.30am, 11am, 11.30am, 12.00pm, 2pm, 2.30pm, 3pm, 3.30pm; December 8–11: 2.30pm, 3pm, 3.30pm, 4pm, 5.30pm, 6pm, 6.30pm, 7pm; December 12–13: 12pm; December 15–18: 2.30pm, 3pm, 3.30pm, 4pm, 5.30pm, 6pm, 6.30pm, 7pm; December 19–20: 12pm, 2pm; December 21–22: 3pm, 4pm, 5.30pm, 6pm, 6.30pm, 7pm; December 23: 10.30am, 11am, 11.30am, 12pm.
- Parking: Free car park at the Visitor Centre on Mytchett Place Road with 2 accessible spaces; the automatic entrance barrier is open in the daytime only.
- Accessibility: Passengers must be able to get in and out of the boat without assistance, using handrails on either side of the steps.
Tips & Advice
- Arrive 10 minutes before your boat departs and wait by the welcome point outside the visitor centre, because Rosebud can't wait for late arrivals.
- Wear weather-appropriate clothing and footwear, since children follow the tinsel trail through the woods to reach Santa's canalside grotto.
- Bring a camera so you can photograph the children with Santa in his grotto, because Santa loves having his photo taken.
- Phone the Visitor Centre on 01252 370073 for current availability, as many sessions are sold out and the availability table is only updated twice a day.
- Pick one of the earlier afternoon weekday sessions on 8–11 or 15–18 December, which cost less than the evening and weekend cruises.
Special Events & Promotions
- Early-afternoon weekday sessions on 8–11 and 15–18 December are priced lower than other sessions.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens on a Santa cruise?
You take a gentle cruise aboard Rosebud along the Basingstoke Canal to the start of the tinsel trail. Children lead the way through the woods to find Santa in his canalside grotto and get a special gift. Then you cruise back to the Visitor Centre for Christmas colouring, warm drinks and mince pies in Santa's Workshop.
How do I book?
You can only book in person at the Canal Visitor Centre or by phone on 01252 370073.
Does everyone need a ticket, and who gets a gift?
Every passenger needs a ticket, including babies. Baby tickets are for under-1s, child tickets for ages 1 to 12 and adult tickets for 13 and over. Only children and babies receive a gift.
How long should we allow?
The whole trip takes about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Where do we check in?
Wait outside the visitor centre by the welcome point, where a member of staff checks in your party. Arrive 10 minutes before departure, because the boat can't wait for late arrivals.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
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