Artistic rendering – Event may differ
Santa's Grotto - Family Visit
Step into a magical Christmas experience with a private family visit to Santa's Grotto at Stanwick Lakes. Your child or children will have a special one-on-one moment with Santa himself. Enhance the festive fun by adding an 'Elfish Activity Passport' for each child, packed with pottery painting, trail adventures, and creative crafts.
What to Expect
Private Santa visit with optional activity passport
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: $$ – Get tickets
- Parking: Parking fees provide the charity with income to support the upkeep of the reserve, at a variable rate for each season. The site is free to those who walk or cycle in. The pay machines accept card and cash. Up to 2 hours £3.70, Up to 4 hours £4.90, All day £6.90. Minibus (9 seater +) £30.00, Coach (17 seater +) £60.00. Membership £48 per household per year. Instructions for ANPR car park: On arrival, a camera will record your vehicle registration number when you enter Stanwick Lakes. No tickets are issued. On departure, if you are a member, simply drive out. If you are not a member, go to one of the payment machines, enter your full registration number and pay. Coach parking requires advance booking.
- Accessibility: The majority of the site’s facilities are wheelchair accessible, including the visitor centre, toilets, rangers’ log cabin, bird hide, the network of footpaths and cycle paths, and areas within the central adventure playground. A lift is situated in the café area to allow disabled visitors to access the mezzanine seating area where the archaeological finds are kept, including the section of Roman floor mosaic.
- Pets: Dogs on leads are welcome at Stanwick Lakes. It is possible to let your dog off the lead as you head north out of the site along the former railway line – please refer to our reserve map for guidance. Dogs are not allowed in the adventure play area.
Other Christmas Events Near Northampton
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive, magical, family-oriented
Energy Level
Low to medium
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
Weather Sensitivity
Low
Special Events & Promotions
- Optional 'Elfish Activity Passport' including pottery painting, trail, and crafts
- Quiet Session option available for a more relaxed visit
Location
Event Details
Duration
Varies based on booking slot
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Rockingham Forest Trust
Food & Drink
Cafe available, closing at 3pm on weekdays and 4.30pm on weekends/holidays.
Quick Actions
Tips & Advice
- Book your Santa's Grotto visit in advance, especially if you desire a 'Quiet Session' or wish to add the 'Elfish Activity Passport', as popular slots can fill up quickly.
- Consider arriving a little early to explore the Stanwick Lakes site before your scheduled Santa visit, as the nature reserve offers walking trails and play areas.
- If adding the 'Elfish Activity Passport', allow ample time after your Santa visit to enjoy the pottery painting, trail activities, and crafts.
- Check the Stanwick Lakes website for current opening times of the Visitor Centre and Café, as these may vary and could impact your visit before or after your grotto experience.
- For a more relaxed experience, inquire about the 'Quiet Session' option when booking, designed for children who may prefer a calmer environment during their visit with Santa.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Stanwick Lakes open?
From January to March, the site is open 7am – 5pm and the Visitor Centre 9:30am – 5pm. From April to October, the site is open 7am – 7pm and the Visitor Centre 9:30am – 5pm. From November to December, the site is open 7am – 5pm and the Visitor Centre 9:30am – 5pm. The site is closed only on Christmas Day.
Do I have to pay to get into Stanwick Lakes?
Admission is charged via variable car parking fees. The site is free for those who walk or cycle in. Coach parking is £30-£60 depending on size and must be booked in advance.
Can I walk my dog at Stanwick Lakes?
Yes, dogs on leads are welcome. They can be let off the lead along the former railway line north of the site, but are not permitted in the adventure play area.
Am I able to have a barbecue at Stanwick Lakes?
Barbecues are permitted only in a dedicated area behind the adventure playground on purpose-built brick stands. Please ensure embers are extinguished and all rubbish is taken home.
Can I fly a drone at Stanwick Lakes?
No, Stanwick Lakes is a 'no fly zone' for drones due to its status as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and Special Protected Area, which prohibits drone flying that causes bird disturbance. Special permission may be granted for environmental purposes.
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.