Santa’s grottos · Christmas 2026
Santa’s grottos near Brighton
We’ve checked 13 Santa’s grottos within 29 miles of Brighton. 11 have confirmed 2026 dates, 2 are still to announce. The first opens on Saturday 21 November (Santa's Grotto at Drusillas Park).
Where prices are published, entry runs from £10 to £21 per child. 10 include a gift in the price.
On this weekend
Based on each listing’s first and last dates. Some run on selected days only, so check times before you set off.
- ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Father Christmas at the Royal Pavilion
Royal Pavilion (Adelaide Suite), Brighton · run by Brighton Museums
- When
- Fri 4 Dec – Thu 24 Dec
- Times
- From 10am, timed slots
- Price
- From £21
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Per child
- £21
- Gift included
- Yes
- Adults pay
- Yes
- Visit length
- 5 minutes
- Type
- Grotto visit
Dates: 4-6 Dec, 11-13 Dec, then daily 18-24 Dec 2026
Prices: £21 for 1 child, £42 for 2, £63 for 3; adult tickets £7 (members free)
A 5-minute private visit with Father Christmas, a gift for each child and entry to the Pavilion. Slots are timed and you are not admitted if you miss yours; allow 15-20 minutes to walk through the palace. Photos are sold separately on site.
Access: Buggy parking on the ground floorChecked Mon 5 Oct · source: brightonmuseums.org.uk Book a visit - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Santa's Grotto at Dobbies Brighton
Dobbies Garden Centre, Brighton · 1 mile from Brighton · run by Dobbies
- When
- See dates below
- Times
- 10-minute timed slots (e.g. 17:20-17:30)
- Price
- £17.00 per child (Sat 19 Dec session)
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Per child
- £17.00
- Visit length
- 10 minutes
- Type
- Grotto visit
Dates: Sessions on sale for Dec 2026, including Sat 19 Dec; more dates on the booking page
Booked by time slot, with the number and ages of children chosen at checkout. A North Pole village setting at the garden centre on Warren Road.
Checked Mon 5 Oct · source: events.dobbies.com Book a visit - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Afternoon Tea with Father Christmas at Washbrooks
Washbrooks Family Farm, Hurstpierpoint · 8 miles from Brighton
- When
- Fri 11 Dec – Sun 20 Dec
- Times
- Afternoon tea from 3pm
- Price
- From £20
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Per child
- £20-£24
- Gift included
- Yes
- Adults pay
- Yes
- Type
- Santa experience
Dates: Fri 11 and Fri 18 Dec, Sat-Sun 12-13 and 19-20 Dec 2026
Prices: Weekends £24 per child, £21 per adult. Fri 11 Dec £20 child, £15 adult. Fri 18 Dec £22 child, £18 adult
Price covers afternoon tea, farm entry, a visit from Father Christmas and a small gift for each child, plus a nativity scene in the animal barn. Traditional, vegetarian and vegan menus. Spaces are limited and it books up quickly.
Checked Mon 5 Oct · source: washbrooks.co.uk Book a visit - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Santa Specials at the Lavender Line
Isfield Station, Isfield · 12 miles from Brighton · run by Lavender Line
- When
- Sat 5 Dec – Sun 20 Dec
- Price
- From £21
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Per child
- £21-£22
- Gift included
- Yes
- Adults pay
- Yes
- Visit length
- 40 minutes
- Type
- Santa train
Dates: 5-6, 12-13 and 19-20 Dec 2026
Times: 11:00, 12:15, 13:45, 15:00; 16:30 on Saturdays only
Prices: 5-6 Dec: child £21, adult £17. 12-20 Dec: child £22, adult £18. Under-1s £11
The train ride with Father Christmas lasts 40 minutes. Each child gets a gift and a drink; adults get a pie or baked treat and a hot drink. Includes a ride on Riley's Miniature Railway, weather permitting. Changing a booking costs a £5 admin fee and there are no refunds.
Checked Mon 5 Oct · source: lavender-line.com Book a visit - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Santa's Grotto at Drusillas Park
Drusillas Park, Alfriston · 13 miles from Brighton
- When
- Sat 21 Nov – Wed 23 Dec
- Price
- From £19.50
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Per child
- £19.50
- Gift included
- Yes
- Adults pay
- No
- Type
- Grotto visit
Dates: Weekends 21 Nov - 13 Dec, then every day 14-23 Dec 2026
Prices: £19.50 per child for the Santa experience; Drusillas day ticket needed as well
Includes a one-to-one with Santa, a photo and a gift. Park entry is not included, but accompanying adults only need a day ticket. Under-2s with an older sibling go in free without a gift. Online booking is advised as slots sell out.
Checked Mon 5 Oct · source: drusillas.co.uk Book a visit - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Santa Specials at the Bluebell Railway
Sheffield Park to Horsted Keynes, Sheffield Park · 13 miles from Brighton · run by Bluebell Railway
- When
- From Sat 28 Nov
- Times
- Trains at 10:00, 11:05, 13:00 and 14:05
- Price
- Adult from £35, child from £10
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Per child
- From £10
- Gift included
- Yes
- Adults pay
- Yes
- Visit length
- 120 minutes
- Type
- Santa train
Dates: 28-29 Nov and through December 2026
Steam train to a Christmas fair at Horsted Keynes with fairground rides, activity packs and a toy from Santa. The whole trip takes about 2 hours. No dogs on these services except registered support dogs. Outdoor areas have no cover, so dress warmly. Trains cannot be held for latecomers and missed trains are not refunded.
Access: Buggies are unsuitable on the train but can be left at Sheffield Park stationDogs: Not allowedChecked Mon 5 Oct · source: bluebell-railway.com Book a visit - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Santa's Grotto & Christmas Kids Trail at Borde Hill
Borde Hill Garden, Haywards Heath · 14 miles from Brighton
- When
- Sat 5 Dec – Wed 23 Dec
- Price
- See the booking page for prices.
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Gift included
- Yes
- Visit length
- 30 minutes
- Type
- Santa experience
Dates: 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 Dec 2026
Times: 30-minute sessions at 9:30, 10:15, 11:00, 11:45, 1:30, 2:15, 3:00 and 3:45
Children join Elf Training Camp, decorate a gingerbread cookie to take home, then see Santa individually and get a gift, certificate and badge. Groups are 17 children per session. Includes same-day garden and adventure playground entry. The optional story trail is for ages 3-8.
Checked Mon 5 Oct · source: visitsoutheastengland.com Book a visit - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Father Christmas Grotto at Knockhatch
Knockhatch Adventure Park, Hailsham · 16 miles from Brighton
- When
- Sat 5 Dec – Wed 23 Dec
- Price
- See prices below
- Booking
- Just turn up
- Gift included
- Yes
- Adults pay
- Yes
- Type
- Grotto visit
Dates: 5-6, 12-13, 19-20 and 21-23 Dec 2026
Times: 11am-1pm and 2pm-5pm (closed 1-2pm for reindeer feeding)
Prices: Grotto ticket price not announced yet; park entry is separate
Each child gets time with Father Christmas and a hand-wrapped present. Tickets are sold on the day at the entrance, gift shop and Froggies Soft Play, with a virtual queue on site. Maximum group of 10. The grotto ticket does not include park entry; adults go in free but need park tickets. No refunds.
Checked Mon 5 Oct · source: knockhatch.com Details - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Christmas Adventure at Amberley Museum
Amberley Museum, Amberley · 18 miles from Brighton
- When
- Sat 5 Dec – Sun 20 Dec
- Price
- From £10
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Per child
- £10
- Gift included
- Yes
- Adults pay
- Yes
- Type
- Santa train
Dates: 5-6, 12-13 and 19-20 Dec, plus Wed 9 and 16 Dec 2026
Times: Museum 10am-4pm; train departures every 30 minutes from 10:30am to 3pm, excluding lunch
Prices: £10 per child add-on; standard museum admission applies except for members
A narrow-gauge train ride to Santa's Parlour with a story, photo opportunity and gift from Father Christmas. The £10 ticket is for children of any age. Arrive 15 minutes before departure. Pre-booking is recommended as busy days sell out.
Access: Dogs and pushchairs must be left outside Santa's ParlourChecked Mon 5 Oct · source: amberleymuseum.co.uk Book a visit - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Santa's Grotto at Tilgate Park
Tilgate Park, Crawley · 19 miles from Brighton · run by Crawley Borough Council
- When
- Sat 5 Dec – Wed 23 Dec
- Times
- 10am-6pm
- Price
- See the booking page for prices.
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Type
- Grotto visit
Dates: 5-6, 12-13 and 19-23 Dec 2026
A personalised Santa visit in the park, booked through the Crawley Council booking system.
Access: The grotto is wheelchair friendlyChecked Mon 5 Oct · source: tilgateparkchristmas.co.uk Book a visit - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Santa's Sleigh Ride and Storytime at Tulleys Christmas
Tulleys Farm, Turners Hill · 20 miles from Brighton · run by Tulleys
- When
- Sat 21 Nov – Thu 24 Dec
- Price
- See the booking page for prices.
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Gift included
- Yes
- Visit length
- 30 minutes
- Type
- Santa experience
Dates: 21-22 and 28-29 Nov, 5-6 and 12-13 Dec, 19-24 Dec 2026
Times: 8:45am-6:00pm (closes 4pm on 24 Dec); start time chosen at booking
A 5-minute tractor ride through the woods, then a 20-minute group visit with Father Christmas in the grotto, with storytime and a souvenir photo opportunity. Each child gets a star token to claim a gift. Tulleys Christmas also has a wider ticketed experience with ice skating, shows and gingerbread decorating.
Checked Mon 5 Oct · source: tulleyschristmas.co.uk Book a visit - Awaiting 2026 dates
Santa's Magical Elevator at Enterprise Shopping Centre
Enterprise Shopping Centre, Eastbourne · 19 miles from Brighton · run by Feastival Events
- When
- Awaiting 2026 dates
- Price
- Not published
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Type
- Santa experience
Dates: Last year: 29 Nov - 24 Dec, late nights until 8pm on 16, 18, 22 and 23 Dec
Last year children met an elf, got a passport and rode a themed elevator to visit Santa at the North Pole. No 2026 dates or prices have been published yet.
Checked Mon 5 Oct · source: facebook.com Book a visit - Awaiting 2026 dates
Meet Santa at Northlands Farm
Northlands Farm, Chichester · 29 miles from Brighton
- When
- Awaiting 2026 dates
- Price
- Not published
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Gift included
- Yes
- Adults pay
- Yes
- Type
- Grotto visit
Dates: Last year: weekends from late November to Christmas week, tickets priced by date band
Last year a Gold child ticket (£19 to £26 plus VAT depending on date) included a personal Santa visit with an age-appropriate gift, activities, marshmallow toasting and an elf trail. Under-1s were free without a gift. 2026 dates and prices are not yet published.
Checked Mon 5 Oct · source: northlandsfarm.co.uk Book a visit
Compare at a glance
| Name | Where | When | From | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Father Christmas at the Royal Pavilion | Brighton | Fri 4 Dec – Thu 24 Dec | £21 | Book ahead |
| Santa's Grotto at Dobbies Brighton | Brighton (1 mi) | Sessions on sale for Dec 2026, including Sat 19 Dec; more dates on the booking page | £17 | Book ahead |
| Afternoon Tea with Father Christmas at Washbrooks | Hurstpierpoint (8 mi) | Fri 11 Dec – Sun 20 Dec | £20 | Book ahead |
| Santa Specials at the Lavender Line | Isfield (12 mi) | Sat 5 Dec – Sun 20 Dec | £21 | Book ahead |
| Santa's Grotto at Drusillas Park | Alfriston (13 mi) | Sat 21 Nov – Wed 23 Dec | £19.50 | Book ahead |
| Santa Specials at the Bluebell Railway | Sheffield Park (13 mi) | From Sat 28 Nov | £10 | Book ahead |
| Santa's Grotto & Christmas Kids Trail at Borde Hill | Haywards Heath (14 mi) | Sat 5 Dec – Wed 23 Dec | — | Book ahead |
| Father Christmas Grotto at Knockhatch | Hailsham (16 mi) | Sat 5 Dec – Wed 23 Dec | — | Turn up |
| Christmas Adventure at Amberley Museum | Amberley (18 mi) | Sat 5 Dec – Sun 20 Dec | £10 | Book ahead |
| Santa's Grotto at Tilgate Park | Crawley (19 mi) | Sat 5 Dec – Wed 23 Dec | — | Book ahead |
| Santa's Sleigh Ride and Storytime at Tulleys Christmas | Turners Hill (20 mi) | Sat 21 Nov – Thu 24 Dec | — | Book ahead |
| Santa's Magical Elevator at Enterprise Shopping Centre | Eastbourne (19 mi) | Awaiting 2026 | — | Book ahead |
| Meet Santa at Northlands Farm | Chichester (29 mi) | Awaiting 2026 | — | Book ahead |
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Common questions
Which Brighton grottos include a present?
Father Christmas at the Royal Pavilion, Afternoon Tea with Father Christmas at Washbrooks, Santa Specials at the Lavender Line, Santa's Grotto at Drusillas Park, Santa Specials at the Bluebell Railway and Santa's Grotto & Christmas Kids Trail at Borde Hill and 4 others include a gift for each child in the ticket price.
Are any Santa’s grottos near Brighton free?
None of the ones we checked is free. The cheapest is Santa Specials at the Bluebell Railway at £10, and the dearest Santa Specials at the Lavender Line at £21.
When do Santa’s grottos near Brighton open in 2026?
Confirmed so far: Santa's Grotto at Drusillas Park (Sat 21 Nov); Santa's Sleigh Ride and Storytime at Tulleys Christmas (Sat 21 Nov); Santa Specials at the Bluebell Railway (Sat 28 Nov); Father Christmas at the Royal Pavilion (Fri 4 Dec); Santa Specials at the Lavender Line (Sat 5 Dec); plus 5 more on the list. Every listing shows the date we last checked it.
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