This Christmas is going to be so exciting. As we head towards Baby’s third Christmas, her excitement levels are building too. She is so much more aware of the idea behind Christmas this year, which makes it MUCH more fun.
As soon as December arrives I like to have the month of festive activities planned for Baby. As part of this we were invited to our local Wyevale Garden Centre in Andover for Breakfast with Father Christmas and it was wonderful!
When we arrived at Wyevale we were greeted by a friendly elf who told us how to get to the restaurant. Baby loved exploring the lighting department and dancing to the sparkly lights which glittered round the floor.
We were quickly shown to our table which was festively decorated. There was lots for Baby to do, a placement to colour in, a cracker to pull, chocolate coins to eat and a Christmas tree biscuit, a mini icing bag and a pot of smarties and sprinkles; so Baby got stuck into icing her biscuit. A masterpiece I think you will agree!
We didn’t have to wait for long at all before our cooked breakfasts arrived. Us adults had the choice of tea or coffee and Baby could pick squash or water. If you didn’t fancy a hot breakfast you could chose a freshly baked pastry and tea or coffee.
Breakfast was lovely, even if we did have to share our bacon with Baby. She is not the world’s best eater, but can always find room for bacon.
As people began to finish their breakfasts the elves encouraged the children (and adults!) to shout for Santa. After three or four very loud attempts the big man arrived. He walked around the restaurant chatting to the children on each table in turn, posing for pictures and asking them what they want for Christmas and whether they had been good all year. Baby was a little overwhelmed at this point and went mute!
When people where finished, they were encouraged to wander outside to queue for the grotto. It was all undercover so even in bad weather it would have been a pleasant wait.
After a brief trip into see Santa, which Baby wasn’t that keen on, we left the grotto and made our way to the train.
On the way, we played a couple of games, throwing balls into baskets (which Baby loved!) and she had a go at a giant snowman jigsaw puzzle.
As this area was situated after the grotto, we had it all to ourselves. The people after us were still in with Santa, so there was enough time to play with everything and not have to queue. Then it was time to board the train.
Even Mr Hubby and I were taken a bit overwhelmed. A giant train with full sized carriages had been constructed in one of the giant greenhouses.
There were plenty of sights and animals to see out of the window, plus activities such as a colouring competition to take part in.
The last carriage being the toy shop, where children where encouraged to pick a toy of their choice. Baby loved this selection process and decided on a cute little tea set.
We loved our morning at Wyevale and will definitely book again next year. I couldn’t recommend it highly enough, a magical morning.
A children’s breakfast costs £9.99, including a gift from Father Christmas and all the activities. The adult’s cooked breakfast is £7.99 and the pastry/hot drink breakfast is £3.99.
The Breakfast experience lasts around an hour and a half. The dates and sessions vary depending on the centre, so it is advisable to check your local Wyevale Garden Centre for more details.
Thanks to Wyevale Garden Centre in Andover for inviting in return for an honest review.