Life as a SEN mum

This one I’ll keep quite brief as I did a full review for it last year. This is was slightly different though so I thought it warranted a bit of an update.

As always, entry is free for English Heritage members, but there is an additional fee of £9.50 for each child to see Santa (non members will also need to pay entry for each member of their group).

This year you see Santa in the Star Chamber inside the Little Castle, however, there are a handful of accessible sessions in the exhibition space if you need an accessible session as the little castle is only accessible via steps. Details of accessible sessions and SEN sessions are on their website.

Whilst they do offer a couple of SEN sessions, for us the standard sessions both James and Charlotte easily manage with. The numbers are limited, so booking is highly recommended. The session we went I think there were approximately 15 children, but it in no way seemed over crowded, and wasnt too noisy. When you’re guided through to the Star Chamber, children are first asked to sit on the rug in front of Santa, and there is plenty of seating for adults. Do be warned that due to the size of the room they will try to accommodate parties where there parents and grandparents, but it isn’t guaranteed everyone will get into the room.

Once everyone is sitting comfortably Santa introduces himself to all the children and then starts with the most heartwarming Christmas tale. After this children are sent back to sit with their parents and each child will get to receive a present. This is the bit where kids become totally mesmerised and you really see the magic. It also varies slightly from last year, which really was amazing when Santa could recall all their lists. This year, one by one a member of staff will very quietly and discreetly ask each group for the children’s names, and then passes them back to Santa, without the kids being any the wiser. Then that moment when Santa calls their name and their faces light up, that really is magical. If you have more than one child, they will be able to go up together, Santa will have a little chat with them, and then give them a present and you’ll have a chance to take a photo.

We visited this year with the kids Nana and Grandad, who loved it just as much. If the real Santa does in fact make an appearance anywhere over the festive season, this is where he goes. He is so believable, and the whole thing is just such a lovely experience.

If the weather permits you can also make a full day of it by exploring the grounds, or even taking a walk round Bolsover village. Tip: check Bolsover Castle’s social media pages as they have details of events hosted alongside the village to really make the most of your day.