A Family Christmas Itinerary: Including Your Santa Visit

To help you plan your visit, here is a simple itinerary that guides your family through a day of Christmas magic at Bewl Water, including your special meeting with Santa. We recommend allowing around three hours for the full experience.

Before you arrive

Book online in advance and choose your date and arrival time. Christmas at Bewl Water runs on selected dates from 28 November to 24 December 2026, at Bewl Water, Bewlbridge Lane, Lamberhurst, Kent TN3 8JH.

When you book, you will be asked for a few details about your children, such as their names, ages and hobbies, so Santa can make your visit feel truly personal. One free parking ticket is included per booking; add it to your basket at checkout and make sure your vehicle registration is correct, as ANPR is in operation.

Please arrive five minutes before your booked time. Every group enjoys a personalised experience, so late arrivals may miss parts of the Quest.

What is included in a child's ticket

The Grotto & Quest Experience is our signature Christmas adventure. Each child's ticket includes:

• A personalised interaction with Santa
• Choosing a gift from the Toy Exchange
• Full participation in the Quest Experience
• Interactive workshops and festive creations to take home
• Live performances and magical moments throughout your journey

Every visitor needs a ticket, and children must be accompanied by an adult aged over 18.

Step into the Quest

Santa and his elves need your family's help to restore Christmas cheer at Bewl Water. As Cheer Champions, you will be guided through an immersive world of live performances, playful panto-style moments and magical encounters, all woven into one unfolding Christmas story. The Quest itself lasts just under two hours.

A festive world of workshops

Along the way, your Cheer Champions will get hands-on in a collection of festive workshops:

• Rosemary's Bakery: decorate delicious shortbread biscuits to take home (or eat straight away). The biscuits and decorations are vegan, dairy-free and nut-free, with a gluten-free option available.
• The Elves' Workshop: build and decorate your own sleigh ornament to treasure long after the Quest.
• Prancer's Pantry: make reindeer food to sprinkle on Christmas Eve and guide Santa's reindeer on their journey.
• Dash's Post Office: step inside Postmaster Elf Dash's post office and send your all-important wishes to Santa.

The exact order of activities can vary from session to session, which is all part of the surprise.

Your personalised Santa visit

At the heart of every visit is a private family meeting with Santa himself. Your visit to the Grotto is exclusive to your booking, with up to eight guests per visit. Santa welcomes each family, chats with the children and makes the moment feel wonderfully personal.

During the visit, each child receives a token, which they then take to the Toy Exchange to redeem for their Christmas gift from Santa. Official Grotto photographs are available to buy straight after your visit.

Refuel and play

When the Quest is over, head to the Candy Land Food Court, a free-flow space where street food, mulled wine, cider and speciality hot drinks are available to buy. Little ones can keep the fun going on the Candy Land play frame, and you are welcome to stay and play as long as you wish. We are a cashless event, and gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian and vegan options are available on request.

Want to add a little extra?

The Mrs Claus Enhanced Experience includes everything in the Grotto & Quest Experience, plus a private meet-and-greet with Mrs Claus in our enchanted woodland, a complimentary souvenir photo from your Santa visit, priority access to workshops and performances, an exclusive lanyard and extra goodies, including a souvenir Santa Key.

A celebration to share

With its blend of creativity, play, storytelling and gentle enchantment, the experience brings families together in a world designed to spark joy at every turn. Your Cheer Champions will finish their Quest with full hearts and unforgettable festive memories.

Have a question before you visit? Our FAQs cover parking, timings and more, or email christmas@bewlwater.co.uk. When you are ready, Book Now.