Santa’s grottos · Christmas 2026
Santa’s grottos near Plymouth
We’ve checked 12 Santa’s grottos within 39 miles of Plymouth. 11 have confirmed 2026 dates, 1 is still to announce. The first opens on Friday 20 November (Plymouth Winter Wonderland Santa's Enchanted Grotto).
Where prices are published, entry runs from £15 to £35.95 per child. 9 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
Breakfast with Santa at The Box
The Box, Tavistock Place, Plymouth · in central Plymouth · run by The Box Plymouth
- When
- Sun 6 Dec – Sun 20 Dec
- Times
- Two sessions: 09:00-10:30 and 11:00-12:30
- Price
- £15 child, £17.50 adult
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Per child
- £15
- Gift included
- Yes
- Adults pay
- Yes
- Visit length
- 90 minutes
- Type
- Breakfast with Santa
Dates: Sundays 6, 13 and 20 Dec
Ticket covers a breakfast choice, a Christmas gift for each child and table activities. Children must come with a paying adult. Tickets are non-refundable.
Checked Mon 5 Oct · source: theboxplymouth.com Book a visit - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Plymouth Winter Wonderland Santa's Enchanted Grotto
Central Park, Plymouth · 1 mile from Plymouth
- When
- Fri 20 Nov – Sun 3 Jan
- Price
- See prices below
- Booking
- Book or turn up
- Type
- Grotto visit
Dates: 20 Nov 2026 to 3 Jan 2027; opening times to be announced
Prices: Entry £1 per person (free if you pre-book ice skating). Grotto price not published yet.
Grotto sits inside a winter fair with an ice rink, rides and food stalls. The grotto needs booking in advance, with walk-ups subject to availability. Rides and games are pay as you go.
Checked Mon 5 Oct · source: plymwinterwonderland.co.uk Details - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Breakfast with Santa at The Tamar
The Tamar pub, Crownhill, Plymouth · 2 miles from Plymouth · run by Flaming Grill Pubs
- When
- Sat 12 Dec – Thu 24 Dec
- Price
- See prices below
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Adults pay
- Yes
- Type
- Breakfast with Santa
Dates: 12, 13, 19, 20, 23 and 24 Dec; times not yet confirmed
Prices: £5 deposit per adult and per child to reserve; breakfast ordered on top
Each child gets a breakfast (pancakes, kids' breakfast or vegetarian option), a drink and a small surprise from Santa. Adults order from the full menu. Deposits and menu choices are due 48 hours before.
Checked Mon 5 Oct · source: flaminggrillpubs.co.uk Book a visit - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
The Christmas Express
Plym Valley Railway, Marsh Mills station, Plymouth · 3 miles from Plymouth · run by Plym Valley Railway
- When
- Dates not announced yet
- Price
- See prices below
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Gift included
- Yes
- Adults pay
- Yes
- Type
- Santa train
Prices: Standard class £50 per table of 4 or £30 per table of 2; first class £105 per compartment of up to 6; optional hot drink £5
Time in a festive marquee, then a steam train to Plym Bridge to meet Father Christmas and play in the snow. Children aged 2-15 get a gift; under-2s ride free on a lap without one. A diesel may replace the steam engine. The first Sunday is a quieter session for children who find crowds and noise hard.
Checked Mon 5 Oct · source: plymrail.co.uk Book a visit - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Santa's Grotto at Boringdon Hall
Boringdon Hall Hotel, Plymouth · 4 miles from Plymouth
- When
- Sun 29 Nov – Sun 20 Dec
- Times
- 12:30-14:30 and 15:30-17:30
- Price
- See the hotel's website for prices.
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Gift included
- Yes
- Adults pay
- Yes
- Visit length
- 120 minutes
- Type
- Santa experience
Dates: Sundays 29 Nov, 6, 13 and 20 Dec
Two-hour session in the hotel's Great Hall with a dance performance, festive afternoon tea, gingerbread decorating and a present from Santa. Adults need a ticket too.
Checked Mon 5 Oct · source: visitplymouth.co.uk Book a visit - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
The Polar Express Train Ride
South Devon Railway, Buckfastleigh station, Buckfastleigh · 18 miles from Plymouth · run by South Devon Railway
- When
- Fri 27 Nov – Wed 23 Dec
- Times
- Up to six departures a day, from 10:40 to 19:30
- Price
- From £35.95
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Per child
- From £35.95; under-2s on a lap £5
- Gift included
- Yes
- Adults pay
- Yes
- Type
- Santa train
Dates: Selected dates 27 Nov, 4-6 Dec, 11-13 Dec and 18-23 Dec
Prices: £35.95 to £52.95 depending on date and time; under-2s on a lap £5
Pyjamas encouraged. Santa walks the carriages and gives each passenger a silver sleigh bell. Hot chocolate and a cookie are served; under-2s get the bell but no food or drink. Mid and late December dates are close to selling out.
Checked Mon 5 Oct · source: southdevonrailwaythepolarexpressride.com Book a visit - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Train of Lights + Santa
Dartmouth Steam Railway, Paignton (Queen's Park station), Paignton · run by Dartmouth Steam Railway
- When
- Sat 28 Nov – Wed 23 Dec
- Times
- Departures 17:00 and 19:00 (some dates one only)
- Price
- From £29
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Per child
- £29 (19 months-14 years)
- Gift included
- Yes
- Adults pay
- Yes
- Type
- Santa train
Dates: 28-29 Nov and 5-23 Dec (selected dates)
Prices: £39.50 adult (15+), £29 child (19 months-14 years), under 19 months free on a lap; no family ticket
Paignton to Kingswear through a lights display; Santa and a helper visit each seat on the return and give every passenger a gift. Mulled wine, mince pies and the panto are not part of this service. The plain Train of Lights has no Santa.
Checked Mon 5 Oct · source: dartmouthrailriver.co.uk Book a visit - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Family Afternoon Tea with Santa
China Fleet Country Club, Saltash · 4 miles from Plymouth
- When
- Sunday 20 December
- Times
- 12:00-14:30
- Price
- From £19.95
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Per child
- £19.95 (under-2s free)
- Adults pay
- Yes
- Visit length
- 150 minutes
- Type
- Santa experience
Dates: Sunday 20 Dec
Prices: £19.95 per person; children under 2 free; minimum booking of 2
Festive afternoon tea buffet, meeting Santa, cookie decorating and carol singing. One date only.
Checked Mon 5 Oct · source: visitplymouth.co.uk Book a visit - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Pennywell Magical Christmas Experience
Pennywell Farm, Buckfastleigh · 17 miles from Plymouth
- When
- Sun 22 Nov – Thu 24 Dec
- Price
- Price not published yet.
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Gift included
- Yes
- Visit length
- 150 minutes
- Type
- Santa experience
Dates: 22 Nov to 24 Dec; Phase 1 and 2 sold out, Phase 3 early bird tickets on sale
Times: Allow 2 to 2.5 hours; arrive 15 minutes before your slot
Guided walk with a nativity and animal cuddles, a visit to Father Christmas with a gift for each paying child, a tractor ride and a mince pie and hot drink (juice and biscuit for children). You stay with your group. Babies under 12 months are free but get no gift. Dogs are not allowed; free kennels are provided. Flashing lights throughout.
Parking: Free on-site parkingAccess: Step-free barn access, compacted gravel paths, accessible toilets and parkingDogs: Not allowedUnder-5s: Good for themChecked Mon 5 Oct · source: pennywellfarm.co.uk Book a visit - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Santa's Grotto at Marldon Christmas Trees
Marldon Christmas Tree Farm, Marldon · 24 miles from Plymouth
- When
- Sat 28 Nov – Wed 23 Dec
- Price
- Price not published yet.
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Gift included
- Yes
- Type
- Grotto visit
Dates: 28 Nov to 23 Dec
Every child gets a gift; babies need a child ticket to receive one. Up to 8 guests go in at once. Dogs are welcome in the grotto but not the cafe.
Parking: Car park on site; can fill quickly on busy daysDogs: WelcomeChecked Mon 5 Oct · source: marldonchristmastrees.co.uk Book a visit - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Christmas at Crealy: Santa's Grotto
Crealy Theme Park & Resort, Clyst St Mary · 39 miles from Plymouth · run by Crealy
- When
- Sat 5 Dec – Wed 23 Dec
- Times
- 10am-6pm
- Price
- See prices below
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Per child
- From £14 add-on to a park ticket
- Gift included
- Yes
- Adults pay
- No
- Type
- Grotto visit
Dates: 5-6, 12-13 and 18-23 Dec
Prices: Park entry from £18 online; Santa meet and greet add-on from £14 (£10 annual pass holders)
Added at checkout to a Christmas at Crealy ticket. Each child gets a gift from the toy shop; only children under 16 need a grotto ticket and up to 2 adults can go in per child. A little over an hour's drive from Plymouth.
Checked Mon 5 Oct · source: crealy.co.uk Book a visit - Awaiting 2026 dates
Enchanting Christmas Grotto
Woodlands Family Theme Park, Blackawton, near Dartmouth · run by Woodlands
- When
- Awaiting 2026 dates
- Price
- Not published
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Gift included
- Yes
- Adults pay
- Yes
- Type
- Santa experience
Dates: Last year: selected Saturdays, Sundays and weekdays from 29 Nov to 23 Dec; pre-booked time slots, tickets bought at least 24 hours ahead
Pre-book only, no tickets on the day. Maximum 2 adults per booking. Pushchairs are not allowed in the grotto. Children under 12 receive a gift.
Checked Mon 5 Oct · source: woodlandspark.com Book a visit
Compare at a glance
| Name | Where | When | From | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breakfast with Santa at The Box | Plymouth (0 mi) | Sun 6 Dec – Sun 20 Dec | £15 | Book ahead |
| Plymouth Winter Wonderland Santa's Enchanted Grotto | Plymouth (1 mi) | Fri 20 Nov – Sun 3 Jan | — | Either |
| Breakfast with Santa at The Tamar | Plymouth (2 mi) | Sat 12 Dec – Thu 24 Dec | — | Book ahead |
| The Christmas Express | Plymouth (3 mi) | Dates not announced yet | — | Book ahead |
| Santa's Grotto at Boringdon Hall | Plymouth (4 mi) | Sun 29 Nov – Sun 20 Dec | — | Book ahead |
| The Polar Express Train Ride | Buckfastleigh (18 mi) | Fri 27 Nov – Wed 23 Dec | £35.95 | Book ahead |
| Train of Lights + Santa | Paignton | Sat 28 Nov – Wed 23 Dec | £29 | Book ahead |
| Family Afternoon Tea with Santa | Saltash (4 mi) | Sunday 20 December | £19.95 | Book ahead |
| Pennywell Magical Christmas Experience | Buckfastleigh (17 mi) | Sun 22 Nov – Thu 24 Dec | — | Book ahead |
| Santa's Grotto at Marldon Christmas Trees | Marldon (24 mi) | Sat 28 Nov – Wed 23 Dec | — | Book ahead |
| Christmas at Crealy: Santa's Grotto | Clyst St Mary (39 mi) | Sat 5 Dec – Wed 23 Dec | — | Book ahead |
| Enchanting Christmas Grotto | Blackawton, near Dartmouth | Awaiting 2026 | — | Book ahead |
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Common questions
Which Plymouth grottos include a present?
Breakfast with Santa at The Box, The Christmas Express, Santa's Grotto at Boringdon Hall, The Polar Express Train Ride, Train of Lights + Santa and Pennywell Magical Christmas Experience and 3 others include a gift for each child in the ticket price.
Are any Santa’s grottos near Plymouth free?
None of the ones we checked is free. The cheapest is Breakfast with Santa at The Box at £15, and the dearest The Polar Express Train Ride at £35.95.
When do Santa’s grottos near Plymouth open in 2026?
Confirmed so far: Plymouth Winter Wonderland Santa's Enchanted Grotto (Fri 20 Nov); Pennywell Magical Christmas Experience (Sun 22 Nov); The Polar Express Train Ride (Fri 27 Nov); Train of Lights + Santa (Sat 28 Nov); Santa's Grotto at Marldon Christmas Trees (Sat 28 Nov); plus 5 more on the list. Every listing shows the date we last checked it.
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