Visiting Beamish Museum and Father Christmas’ Grotto – review
We had our third visit to Father Christmas’ Grotto at Beamish Museum so thought I would share our review with Elsie being that little bit older.
For Elsie’s first Christmas we enjoyed Christmas at Beamish but didn’t visit Father Christmas’ Grotto but since 2022 we have visited Father Christmas’ Grotto at Beamish Museum and it’s become a tradition for us.
About Beamish Museum
Beamish is a fantastic open air museum which is less than half an hour from our home and they go all out for Christmas.
Father Christmas’ Grotto tickets must be purchased in advance on the website with a timeslot for that day and you can also buy your unlimited pass for the year if you need to.
We booked the earliest timeslot and Father Christmas’ Grotto ticket as we could for a Saturday in December which was 10:15 am.
Our unlimited passes didn’t need renewing so it only cost us £8 for the Grotto.
The unlimited passes last 12 months which is really great value for money. (Ticket information and winter opening hours are at the end of this post.)
Visiting Father Christmas’ Grotto at Beamish Museum
The weather had taken a wintry turn in the days leading up to our visit so we made sure we were very well wrapped up to keep warm.
Last year we visited Beamish with Steve’s parents and this year my parents were able to join us and Elsie was thrilled.
We decided to make our way to the Grotto first and Elsie was very excited!
It was very busy and picturesque with a blanket of snow covering the glistening ground.
The queues for the bus were really long so we decided to keep warm and walk to the Grotto at Rowley Station Goods Yard.
We joined the queue and were kept entertained by two really lovely members of Beamish staff who were even joking with my dad about being on the naughty list for misdemeanours like not helping with housework or drinking too much beer!
Lovely wooden sculptures adorn the walkway area which are fun to spot while you’re in the queue.
Then it was our turn to move from the queue to just outside where Father Christmas was keeping warm surrounded by presents.
Two other lovely Beamish staff members kindly took some photos for us before we went in to see Santa and afterwards which was really kind.
Father Christmas was absolutely fantastic with Elsie.
Like last year she was quite shy and took a while to warm up.
Father Christmas was really patient and didn’t make us feel rushed at all.
And at the end of our visit he came down to the wooden bench where we were sat to give Elsie her present.
Of course we had to get a picture with Elsie with her present from Father Christmas.
With the visit to the Grotto complete Elsie couldn’t wait to go to the fairground.
Last year she was too cold to enjoy the rides but this year she was warm and excited.
We bought our tokens from the kiosk and the little merry go round was the first ride she wanted to go on.
She went on this a few times and even roped my dad into joining her on the motorbikes.
Elsie and I enjoyed a ride on the carousel together which was so much fun.
Once our tokens had ran out we walked the short distance to the 1900s town and headed to the cafe for lunch.
We timed it really well as the queue wasn’t too long and there were tables free.
While we queued up for food my dad and Elsie bagged us a big table and had a good natter.
My parents and I went for hot roast sandwiches, Steve plumped for a scone and Elsie had a children’s picnic bag.
Steve also had a mince pie and I couldn’t resist a Beamish brownie!
With trays laden with goodies we headed to the table to tuck in.
Elsie’s picnic bag had a ham sandwich carton of orange juice some raisins and a bag of crisps.
My turkey sandwich was really delicious and the brownie was perfection.
Once lunch was demolished we nipped to the toilets and left.
The queue at this point was right out the door!
We headed straight to join the queue for the bakery.
While we waited we watched staff make new delicious smelling treats by hand.
We bought some Christmas themed biscuits and Elsie ate hers straight away while Steve and I enjoyed ours at home later that night.
After the bakery we waited for the bus so we could check out the elf trail before heading home.
We couldn’t resist some more photos in the little forest area.
Elsie loves the buses at Beamish and she enjoyed waving to people as we went past.
We thoroughly enjoyed our festive visit to Beamish and Father Christmas’ Grotto.
Christmas at Beamish daytimes are included in admission and are free to Beamish Unlimited Pass holders and Friends of Beamish members.
Father Christmas’ Grotto information
Father Christmas will be in his Grotto at Rowley Station Goods Yard every day from 25th November to 24th December., 10am to 4pm (last admission 3pm).
Grotto tickets are £8 (0-16 years) and include a small traditional toy which is age appropriate.
Unlimited passes and a time slot are for grotto tickets are required.
Where is Beamish Museum?
Beamish Museum
Beamish
County Durham
DH9 0RG
Beamish Museum winter opening times
- 25th November – 24th December 2023: Open daily, 10am-4pm
- 25th & 26th December 2023: Closed
- 27th December 2023 – 7th January 2024: Open daily, 10am-4pm
Visitors no longer need timeslots to visit the museum, you will just need your Unlimited Pass or Friends of Beamish membership , which can be bought online.
Please note, Beamish Unlimited Passes are non-refundable.
Beamish Museum ticket information
The Beamish Unlimited Pass is valid for 1 whole year from the date of purchase, and includes daytime events, ensuring you do not miss any of the exciting activities that Beamish has to offer.
They offer family tickets as well as senior and student tickets.
Friends of Beamish Membership you’ll get a fantastic package of free entry, free quarterly magazine, discount on a guidebook, plus other great discounts and exclusive offers.
There are tickets for couples, young people, families and seniors.
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Other festive related posts
Festive Tales at Woodhorn Museum
I answer all things Christmas in the Christmas Tag
You can find out all about my Christmas family traditions
Read all about how I made my very own Christmas wreath
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