Features press visits
We have been lucky enough to visit several fun festive family activities in Dorset over the past few weeks so I thought it only fair to share my favourites and to provide details on everything you need to add to your local list of activities this Christmas!
The Polar Express, Swanage
I still don’t think I’m over how incredible The Polar Express at Swanage railway was. Everybody I see I recommend this too as it was honestly the most magical festive experience I’ve had with my children. Tickets are fairly steep but 100% worth it. There are pros and cons for going in daylight or when it’s dark. We went for the launch event and it was evening and kind of magical that we couldn’t see where the train was going, but a friend went during the day and the pictures are gorgeous and you can see the stunning Corfe Castle as a backdrop, so it’s also lovely. You are encouraged to wear you pjs for this one and, whether you are a fan of the film or not, the cast and crew are guaranteed to get you into the Christmas spirit from the moment you step onto that platform.
Nutley Farm Light Trail and Reindeer Experience
Nutley Farm is located in Dorchester and took us around 45 minutes to get to but it was worth the travel for a beautifully illuminated light trail and the chance to get up close to real reindeer (you can feed them too for an additional fee for the food). The children absolutely loved the interactive elements for this one, especially being able to press the button to start up two of the light displays. We went on a Friday night for the 7.45pm trail and this gave us entry to the Christmas party with live music as well, which I would definitely recommend as it just adds to the experience and makes it more of an evening. I would recommend toasting marshmallows on the fire (you can buy these for £1.50 per mallow on a skewer), but they also have plenty of other food and drink available to purchase.
Festive Point
Castlepoint have truly outdone themselves this year with the addition of Festive Point in their underground car park (by Marks & Spencers). Get your Christmas shopping sorted and then head over to enjoy all the festive activities on offer. Festive Point is free entry, but activities incur a cost and it is advisable to book in advance to avoid disappointment as it can get very busy (especially during peak times). We tried our hand at the Roller Disco and VR – lots of fun, before heading over to the Magical Elevator for a visit to Santa. This was our favourite experience of the morning, I loved how much thought and ingenuity had gone into creating such an interactive and magic experience for children. It is a reasonable price too at £5 per person with a gift from Santa for children (the gifts aren’t bad either, a magic set, yo-yo and juggling balls). You can also enjoy live music, a screening of a festive film on Saturday afternoons and yummy food and drink stands as well as some shopping too. I can highly recommend the Bubble Tea and the Chilli Dog – so good! The only thing I would say is to bear in mind that the parking can be chaotic at this time of year, factor in some time to get back out if you go on a Saturday morning as we did!
Bournemouth Christmas Market
There is no need to travel far for a Christmas market as Bournemouth have everything you need (trust me, I went to Winchester and was sorely disappointed). Bournemouth Christmas Market has the Alpine Lodge, with music and a selection of drinks available plus you can pick up their free festive activity book and crayons for kids, with the chance to win a family holiday with Shorefields if you complete the trail and post your entry in the special post box opposite WH Smiths. There are plenty of craft stalls for shopping as well as delicious food stands to choose from including Street Kings for loaded fries (their festive fries are insanely good) and Churro Kings with their tasty churros – get the Nutella dipping sauce and thank me later! We had a really lovely visit – but bear in mind that it can get very crowded at busy times and wrap up warm as everything other than the Alpine Bar is outside.
Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland
Whilst you are in town, make sure to check out Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland. Their beautiful light trail is free and takes you through Bournemouth Gardens, with local businesses lit up along the route including Smugglers Cove adventure golf (perfect to enjoy on a wintry afternoon this December) and the Prom Cafe (I’d recommend a festive hot chocolate to warm up after you finish playing). The trail leads you to the pier where you can see the Bournemouth Wheel lit up – so pretty and will definitely have you feeling nice and Christmassy.
Bh2 Let it Snow
Make sure to be around Bh2 for their magical Let it Snow snowfall until 1st January (check their website for timings). Bournemouth may not get a lot of real snow, being by the sea, but the guys at Bh2 have ensured that your little ones can still dance in the snow this Christmas with this fun snow fall. Make sure to stand by The Real Greek (look up and you’ll see the cannon) for maximum impact and take a selfie whilst you’re there!
Picnic on the Piste
I love Picnic Park Deli so it was a no brainer to head over to their Picnic on the Piste installation recently. They are offering an alternative Christmas market with their yummy snacks, range of festive cocktails and live music throughout the month of December. They also have a fun photo booth that you can enjoy, and a VIP tipi, should you be celebrating a special event, or just want some privacy.
Winter Wonderland at The Pear at Parley
Step into a Winter Wonderland in the grounds of The Pear at Parley. Live music, snow fall, yummy street food and a fully stocked bar (also offering festive hot chocolates and mulled wine), handmade craft stalls, free face painting for children and even a visit from Santa. There’s so much to keep the whole family entertained! Book your table in advance as space is limited and it’s a popular event so will fill up fast!
Bournemouth Pavilion Panto
I couldn’t put this list together without mentioning the Bournemouth Pavilion pantomime. We head to the show every year without fail, largely due to longstanding star of the show, comedian Noel Brodie, who has been on the production for the past 9 years and is brilliant at getting the crowd going and having a laugh. This year’s show is Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs and you can book your tickets online or at the box office now!
Which has been your favourite festive event so far this year? If you want to see more from the above events, make sure to check out my Instagram reels!
This post features gifted experiences, however all words and images are my own.
