The festive season kicks off earlier and earlier and Kent already has an outpost for those good little boys and girls who want a preview.
Santa’s Magical Kingdom, based at The Hop Farm in Kent, is a day-long taster of what’s just around the corner.Cheery elves -and a few who are deliberately cheeky- direct the whole day from the short ride that kicks off the visit until the climactic meeting with the Big Man himself. Once you enter the Kingdom you wind through a variety of rooms featuring snowy, twinkling tableaux of clockwork animals, elvin carpenters and fir trees. Along the way you get to post a letter to Santa, see just how the (real) reindeer relax in the build-up to Christmas Eve and get to have a rest whilst a 30 minute puppet show entertains the young ’uns. After the visit to Santa you can then enjoy a genuinely professional and very impressive acrobatic circus show for the final hour.
This journey through the Kingdom is entertaining and the enthusiasm of the elves certainly helps the passage. Harry, our 16 month-old, was excited and ran about happily and Tom, at four, was still fascinated even if he was under no illusion about the reality of the scenes. The puppet show injected a welcome shot of humour into the proceedings and Santa himself was a believable and welcoming presence. The biggest problem we encountered inside was the wait at the end when the journey inevitably becomes a queue for the final meeting. As we dawdled somewhat in the penultimate room we found ourselves near the back and budging forward over 45 minutes. Thankfully the elves were on hand to keep the kids busy with songs and dancing.
The surroundings outside Santa’s Magical Kingdom are pleasant and diverting although the food facilities were basic and none too exciting. Even the Christmas Market, where nicer treats could be bought, was disappointingly small. The greatest obstacle to a really enjoyable day out is the price and, unfortunately, this overshadows everything. For instance, had our family of two adults, one 4 year-old and one 16 month old booked to go on December 5th it would have set us back £123.00. That, by any reasoning, is a whole lot of Christmas presents. There are different tariffs but even the cheapest of these on the 4th would cost us £81. Everything at Christmas seems to be pretty pricey but for many families this would be prohibitive. The most obvious reason for such a high price is the sheer volume of elves helping, directing, chatting and joking. All useful and all friendly but I couldn’t help thinking that a few less helpers and a couple more presents under the tree on the 25th would have been preferable.
I have no compunction in admitting this was a fun day out and the whole ‘journey’ took 4 hours (minus waiting) so certainly filled a Saturday for two young, energetic boys. However, for over £100 (once food, petrol and the obligatory picture/magnet/keyring is all taken into account) this is top-range pricing for what is, in effect, a pretty but relatively prosaic outing.
Dave Fouracre aka Dave The Dad with Sarah, Tom and Harry
November 14th 2009
FREE! FREE! FREE!
Entrance to The Hop Farm & Christmas Market Village!
Come and discover this new Christmas Extravaganza at The Hop Farm in Kent where the beautiful grounds have been transformed into a magical Christmas land with snow covered trees and carols. This fantastic festive experience includes a traditional Christmas Market Village with indoor and outdoor stalls plus a fantastic funfair, superb undercover ice rink and all The Hop Farm rides.
FREE entrance to the public so don’t miss this stress free shopping experience! *Please note. There is a small charge for parking.
Free Ice Skating Special Offer
If you purchase tickets to visit Santa's Magical Kingdom on a Wednesday, Thursday or Friday during November then you will enjoy our special offer of one FREE session per person on the fantastic undercover Ice Rink PLUS one FREE session per person on all The Hop Farm Rides and Attractions that are open.
If you would like to take your little ones to see Santa in Santa's Magical Kingdom BOOK HERE.
You can also read what member of TheBabyWebsite Lucy and family thought of Santa'a Magical Kingdom. |
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