Life as a SEN mum

This is one of those events I see every year, and as with lots of the bigger events always deliberate over it and eventually decide not to go because I’m never sure whether it will live up to expectations. But this year, knowing the kids had an inset day in December, I decided to book it, purely on the basis that I wanted to do at least one thing that we’d never done before.

Cost

I’d say the cost is pretty similar to many other Christmas events, so it’s definitely one to consider as your “big day out”. Weekdays are cheaper as well as the week after Christmas. In fact, it would probably be quite a nice day out for that period between Christmas and New Year when we are all a little bit in “limbo”. Being able to book one of the cheaper days will save you about £7 per person, which for a family quickly adds up. You’ll probably also get more out of it in the quieter days as well.

What’s included?

Your ticket includes all the fun of snow play, including mini toboggans, Santa’s stage show (this year it was Cinderella) and access to Santa’s village where you can see some of Santa’s animals, have a ride on the carousel and kids can write their letters to Santa. Kids also get a chocolate treat at the end.

What to expect

You’ll need to make sure you arrive about 10 minutes before your booked slot. On busy days make sure it’s earlier to allow for parking, but you’ll want to be inside ready for the start of your session. After you’ve had your tickets scanned you go down some stairs into what can only be described as a waiting area. You’ll be asked to pick helmets for kids and there will be a brief information video (just outlining what happens) before a countdown and the doors opening to the magical winter wonderland.

As soon as the doors open you’ll be able to grab a sledge to pull anyone with little legs through the snow and then you’re free to explore. There’s plenty of photo opportunities, two mini toboggan runs, and Santa’s Summit slide. Make the most of the time to have a snowball fight, or just gaze in awe at the falling snow.

As much as you could probably spend all day just playing in the snow, you’ll have about half an hour before the start of Santa’s stage show. This is a mini pantomime, from someone who really dislikes panto, I’m here to tell you it’s actually brilliant. Probably because it is quite short, so it’s just the right amount of time to be fun and engaging without getting to a point where no one can sit still anymore. The performers are also brilliant. Definitely nothing amateur about this stage show.

After the panto you’ll go through to Santa’s village. Here you’ll be able to see some of Santa’s animals, be sure to say hello to the piglets, they love a tickle behind the ear and will make you want a pet pig. There’s a little kiosk if you need a snack or drink while the kids have a go at some traditional fairground games, ride the carousel and write their letter to Santa. Once they’ve finished their letter, make sure they post it in the talking postbox. Top tip: go straight to the carousel to avoid queuing.

You can take your time in Santa’s village as there’s no time on this bit, just bear in mind that you may have people from the next time slot coming in so it can get busy. When you’ve finished exploring the kids will be able to pick a chocolate treat and if you’ve scanned your photo ticket you’ll be able the view and purchase any photos. Personally I’d take your own photos, but the option is there if you maybe want a full group photo.

Food and Drink

There is a kiosk in Santa’s village, for drinks and snacks, there is also 2 cafes and a restaurant in the Snowdome. However, when leaving the Snowdome you’ll notice a big retail park only 2 minutes away. There’s possibly every supermarket you could think of, as well as your usual fast food outlets.