5 Fabulous Christmas Days Out in Hampshire
It is just a month until the big day and the thoughts in our house have turned to Christmas days out with the kids.
Finding things to do that will please all ages can be tricky, but here are 5 of our favourites things to do in Hampshire:
Winchester Science Centre
A science centre at Christmas?
Last year we headed to Winchester Science Centre to experience their Christmas activities and the kids really enjoyed the live science show with a Christmas twist.
This year they have announced a brand-new Christmas partnership with the creators of The World of Dinosaur Roar! with a full-blown dinosaur-themed Christmas experience.
There are dinosaur-themed activities including a live science show, mini fossil festival, dinosaur dig, meet the rangers, baby triceratops and raptor, hands-on activities, selfie-head and storytelling all included in the entry price to the science centre.
Don’t panic if you are looking to find Santa, there is also a bookable Santa and the Elves Christmas Grotto, complete with science-themed activity, gift, and the chance to meet and have a family photograph with the big man too!
Save 25% on tickets to Winchester Science Centre by booking online, making each ticket just £9 per person, with children under the age of 3 free. Tickets to see Santa and the Elves have an additional charge.
Marwell Zoo
If you are looking for a full, family day out, Christmas at Marwell Zoo gives you a fun, festive experience alongside getting to explore the 140 acre zoo.
This year’s ‘Christmas at Marwell’ takes families into a curious world of topsy turvy delights with a fairy tale Alice in Wonderland theme.
Christmas at Marwell is a magical event, which is in its 10th year, providing a fun filled 60 to 80-minute festive experience for all the family to meet Father Christmas as well as some of their fantastic animals.
This year, Marwell Hall will be turned into a wonderland of whacky delights to offer a Christmas experience with refreshments fit for the Queen of Hearts, a tea party with Mother Christmas as she recounts a curious tale and an elf workshop where little ones create a ‘magical’ elf door.
To finish, children mustn’t be late for a very important date to meet Father Christmas and receive a surprise gift.
Prices for Marwell are: Babies 0 -12 months £7.50, Toddlers 12- 36 months £15.50, Children 3- 16 years £29.00 and Adults (16+) £25.50
Paultons Park
My kids might be getting a bit older, but they love visiting Paultons Park, home to Peppa Pig World.
Their Christmas event has always been a spectacle and this year you can join a reindeer on his journey to find Santa in time for Christmas Eve. Along the way, you will meet many of the reindeer’s animal friends, discover magical scenes and be greeted by Father Christmas himself at the magical grotto.
Peppa Pig World itself is transformed into a winter wonderland, full of glittering lights, giant Christmas Trees and and Santa in his sleigh from the TV series, plus Peppa and George wrap up in their winter scarves, hats and coats.
Tickets cost £33 for children aged 3-13 years, children aged 12-35 months are £19.25 and under 12 months are £10. Adults – £30.75
Santa Specials at The Watercress Line
Travel on The Watercress Line in a festive train carriage for a magical trip where Santa and his jolly helpers visit you in your seat with a gift.
Grown-ups get treated to white wine and mince pies, whilst children enjoy a soft drink and a gingerbread man. Each child will also receive an activity pack to keep them entertained on this enchanting one hour journey.
Don’t forget to bring your very best singing voice to join in with your favourite Christmas songs too!
Adult and child tickets cost £18 each and children under 1 are £10.
Beaulieu
Travel back in time this Christmas at Beaulieu, National Motor Museum‘s Palace House.
Last year that had the most spectacular light show, but this year you can experience the beauty of a traditionally decorated country home, as the house is buzzing with excitement and Christmas magic.
Visitors can watch family members, played by costumed actors, as they rehearse Cinderella for the house pantomime. Soak up the festive atmosphere with Christmas trees in every room of Palace House, with a towering 20ft-tall tree as the impressive centrepiece in the main hall.
Sip a warming glass of mulled punch by the welcoming glow of a roaring log fire and gather around the grand piano to join in with carol singing and for more family fun, get creative with festive craft activities and prepare homemade tree decorations, then try Victorian toys and dress up in period-perfect Victorian accessories for the ideal selfie opportunity.
A family ticket to Beaulieu costs £49.
What are your favourite Christmas days out with kids?
Fran Back With A Bump
These all look fab places to go. We’ve been to Paultons Park a few times but never at Christmas- it looks fab.
Tracey Kifford
We’ve not done anything festive yet – I don’t know what to do. My kids are 11 and 13 – do you have any suggestions for something festive but not TOO babyish?
Talya Stone
Marwell Zoo and Paulton’s Park and both such great days out. We have always wanted to visit Winchester Science Centre!
MELANIE EDJOURIAN
There seem to be plenty of magical Christmas days out that my kids would enjoy. Paultons Park would be amazing especially with the Christmas decorations.
Sabina Green
It looks fab and would certainly get us in the festive mood. It seems that there is plenty to keep the kids thoroughly entertained there.
Jenni
We don’t live anywhere near Winchester but these all look like fun. I’m always up for a good science centre.
Lisa
We went to Paultons Park for the christmas even a few years ago and it was lovely. We’ve been to the chrismas market but not done anything Christmassy yet!