Grottos in Kent for Christmas 2018

Santa's elves are already busy making plans for Christmas.

A number of grottos in Kent have already opened for online bookings to meet Father Christmas - or are preparing to do so.

We have rounded up below some of the most popular places to enjoy an audience with the man himself and where and how you can book tickets for your families:

Bluewater Shopping Centre

As tempted as Santa might be to grab some last-minute Christmas shopping in the Greenhithe malls, you'll actually find him and his elves by the beautiful lakes at The Village from November 15 until Christmas Eve.

Bookings have already opened online for both the grotto and neighbouring ice rink (open until January 6, 2019).

Your festive journey to see Santa will begin with a traditional Christmas story presented in 4D, you'll then join Mrs Claus for crafts before meeting Santa.

Further details, prices and to make an online booking click here.

Leeds Castle

The Grotto at Leeds Castle opened for bookings on Monday, October 1 and tickets sold fast!

Father Christmas will be at the Kent castle, along with the attraction's popular Christmas markets event on November 24 and 25, December 1 and 2, December 8 and 9 and December 15 and 16 at various times.

To learn more about Christmas at Leeds Castle click here.

Ruxley Manor

Santa's stop at this Sidcup garden centre is always extremely popular with Kent families and this year is no different.

The enchanting Christmas experience includes playing games with the elves, the chance to make reindeer food to sprinkle on your lawn, the decorating of elf hats and meeting Father Christmas himself! To learn more or make a booking visit the website.

Dobbies

Bookings are already open to meet Santa at both Dobbies in Ashford and Gillingham.

A magical setting is promised at the grottos within the garden centres, which open at the end of November and run throughout December.

The online booking system also allows parents to give Santa a little helping hand in picking an age-appropriate toy. All the details and booking options at www.dobbies.com

Brookside Garden Centre

The garden centre in East Peckham is always a popular pit-stop for Santa and only a small number of tickets for limited days remain available.

A visit to the grotto includes a magical walk through winding paths full of bright twinkle lights and hidden surprises before meeting Santa in his Finnish hut in the Magical Forest.

Learn more about the experience and ticket sales by visiting the website.

Hever Castle

Nothing says Christmas quite like a visit to find Father Christmas in the picturesque surroundings of Hever Castle.

Children will be enchanted by the magic on offer both inside the castle and outside within the grounds. Tickets for Santa's Grotto have sold out but an opportunity to meet the man himself when he drops into his toy workshop is still available.

To learn more about the various ticket prices/packages and Christmas events at Hever Castle, and to book your tickets please click here.

Broadditch Farm

A tractor sleigh will take families to find Farmer Christmas at one north Kent farm!

Broadditch in Southfleet is keeping Santa and his elves cosy in a cabin in its enchanted wood this winter, where storytelling and gifts await.

Bookings for a slot with Santa opened in August.

To make one for your family and learn more about the festive events on the farm visit farmerchristmas.co.uk

Bewl Water

Festive fun in the secret woodland wonderland, fairground rides, ice skating, Christmas crafts, a magic wishing tree, marshmallow toasting on a fire pit, an encounter with the elves and time with Father Christmas is all included in a ticket to the Christmas experience at Bewl Water this year.

Opening days are listed as all weekends in December and tickets for both adults and children, which are priced differently, are now available to book online.

For all the details and to make your booking visit www.bewlwater.co.uk/christmas

Kent & East Susssex Railway

Tickets are selling fast to catch a Santa Special service this Christmas and only a limited number of tickets remain.

From Victorian carousel rides at Tenterden Station to festively decorated steam trains the one hour and 10 minute return journey promises a magical experience.

Look out for elf helpers with sacks of presents, there are refreshments for adults and children as well as boxes of festive chocolates for teenage passengers and a little free gift for babies under 18 months who can travel for free (providing they don't occupy a seat).

Standard tickets for a Santa Special begin at £19. For details and bookings click here.

Hempstead Valley

The popular grotto opens at the Gillingham shopping centre on Saturday, November 17 at 2pm. It is then open daily until Christmas Eve. Tickets are £5 per child - and there is no additional cost for adults.

Visitors will be able to book their tickets online at www.hempsteadvalley.com from November 1 (booking charges will apply).

But pre-booking isn’t essential, says the centre, and customers can just queue up on the day to meet Father Christmas.

The Hop Farm

Tickets are available now to see Santa in the Big Red Grotto at the Hop Farm in Paddock Wood this December.

Alongside a special meeting with Father Christmas, you'll meet his helpers, enjoy storytelling, balloon models, Christmas tunes, crafts and activity sheets, write a letter to Father Christmas to either post to the North Pole or hand to him personally and receive a free printed photograph for your group.

Ticket prices start at £18 for a child which includes up to two free adults per booking and an infant under one.

Grotto tickets also allow for free entry to the family park and indoor soft play centre.

To learn more about all ticket options available and to make a booking visit The Hop Farm website.

Tonbridge Castle

Meet Father Christmas for breakfast or afternoon tea at Tonbridge Castle throughout December.

Ticket holders will be treated to either a delicious breakfast or homemade afternoon tea followed by the chance to meet Father Christmas, who will be giving out gifts in the Great Hall.

Prices for breakfast are £14.50 for adults and £13.50 for children and £16 for adults and £15 for children coming for afternoon tea. Booking fees also apply.

Further information and tickets can be booked by clicking here.