Steeped in traditional Christmas magic and excitement, Lotherton is pleased to host The Christmas Experience once again for families to enjoy a festive trip out. Returning for 2020 are: The 12 Days of Christmas Woodland Walk, enjoy this enchanting interactive walk through the Captains Wood, do you know how many ladies will be dancing or birds calling? Discover the fairies in their secret hideaway Fairy Dell, listen to the giggles and whispers as you tip-toe through. Marvel in the splendour of the Edwardian House with the rooms dressed in all their festive finery. Last but not least, be quick to score a ticket to visit Santa and the elves in the Elf Village for either the 40 minute ‘Under the Wishing Tree’ experience where families will get to interact with the elves and personal Santa visit, or for the smallest of little people (pre-schoolers), pop in to Santa’s Cabin on a weekday lunch time for a short one to one and present from the man himself.
12 Days Walk & Fairy Dell
Come take a stroll on our magical woodland walk, follow our twinkling lit paths and you’ll discover the enchanting installations of the Twelve Days of Christmas. Gaze in awe at the beautiful golden pears, say ‘bonjour’ to our French Hens, listen to the calling birds, run through our gold rings or make our ladies dance! Explore all of the interactive stations, offering something for each family member to enjoy. Each station will be cleaned regularly but please use the hand sanitiser stations provided before and after use.
Uncover our secret fairy hideaway, tip-toe through the dell to catch a glimpse of our fairies in their new village and listen to their giggles and whispers. Take a peek at their tiny village, the cinema, church, windmill, count all the little doors in the rock gardens and get caught up in their magical world.
Wildlife World
Wildlife World, tells the story of the world’s natural heritage. It is a continued development of the original Bird Garden which has been a part of the estate since the 1980s.
Meet playful Humboldt penguins as they splash about in their pool. See flamingos in their habitat and say hello to the resident tapir and capybaras.
Please note face coverings must be warn when exiting Wildlife World (through the shop). Close daily at 4pm, last entry 3.15pm.
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Prebook only
The Christmas Experience will be pre-book only. Tickets must be booked in advance and are not available to purchase at the gate. This is due to a reduced limited capacity on the estate. All members MUST book their tickets too and show their valid membership card upon arrival.
Face coverings
All visitors, aged 11 and up, are required to wear a face mask or covering whilst visiting The Elf Village, the House, shops and when leaving Wildlife World (to exit Wildlife World you will pass through the shop so a face covering will be needed), unless medically exempt. Visitors aged eight and up are encouraged to wear a face covering.
Social distancing
The Christmas Experience will open with a reduced capacity to encourage social distancing. Please respectfully keep your distance from other families and observe markings on the ground. Please follow the signage and one way systems around the estate.
Limited experiences
Unfortunately to allow social distancing we have had to change some of our experiences. Santa’s North Pole has been relocated into the Elf Village, this area is now solely accessed with a ticket for either Santa’s Cabin or Under the Wishing Tree. Sadly we are unable to offer the craft activities in the Elf Village as previous years.
Sanitiser stations
Hand sanitiser stations will be positioned throughout the 12 Days Walk and at key points around the event, please use these before touching any of the interactive elements of the event.
Card payments
Please pay via contactless payment wherever possible.
What other measures are in place to keep you safe
If you have COVID-19 like symptoms we ask that you do not visit until safe to do so. Please contact Box Office to see if your tickets can be rescheduled for another time, please note this may not be possible with Santa.
Test and trace
When entering the café, Wildlife World and Lotherton Hall Museum you will be asked for the contact details of one member of each group. This is being collected as part of the NHS Test and Trace campaign to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Your data will be handled in accordance with GDPR regulations. It will be stored securely for 21 days and only shared with the NHS if someone who has tested positive to COVID-19 has listed our premises as a place they have visited recently.
Playgrounds
We will be cleaning the equipment regularly and limiting visitor numbers to ensure that the play areas are used safely, in line with national guidance. We ask that visitors do not eat or drink near or in the playgrounds.
Dogs
Please ensure dogs are kept on a lead in designated areas and use the bins provided to dispose of dog waste.
Important information
- A timed entry Christmas Experience estate ticket is required to access these areas.
- Please observe one way signage and social distance markings
- Please use hand sanitiser before using any of the interactive elements of the 12 Days Walk
Entry slots
9.30 – 11am
12.30 – 2pm
3.30 – 5pm
We estimate an average visit time of around 3 hours, however you may stay longer if you wish.
