Are you wanting some inspiration for fun things to do with the children in and around the Test Valley this Christmas? Well look no further….
Christmas at East Farm
Christmas at East Farm is a real hidden gem – located between Warminster and Salisbury – this working farm transforms itself at Christmas into an amazing festive experience for all the family. There is a wonderful Christmas shop full of a huge array of carefully selected decorations from around the globe that you simply won’t find anywhere else under one roof. Father Christmas arrives on Saturday 26th November and the children can meet him every weekend after that and during the week leading up to Christmas. Booking is essential and tickets are £9.50 per child which includes a story read by the big man himself in his grotto and a present. We took our children last year and decided it was the most authentic and charming Father Christmas experience to date! There is also a very good cafe for lunch or tea which has a lovely vintage feel to it and serves delicious slices of cake, hot soups and sandwiches. The farm animals are also on show for the children to see and there is a kids’ play area in the shop to make for an even more relaxing retail experience! See http://bit.ly/2gsAlR6 for more information and to book.
The Santa Special Mid Hants Railway ‘Watercress Line’
For those that haven’t yet experienced a steam train ride, this will be doubly exciting for all onboard. Running along the edge of the South Downs National Park, the ‘Watercress Line’ runs a special trip during December from New Alresford to Alton (or vice versa) where you will meet Santa and his elves, receive a present (for the younger ones) and a glass of wine and mince pie for the older ones! Carols are sung onboard and everyone has a very jolly time, whilst taking in the sights along the way. The Santa Special is a one-hour round trip and runs on the following dates 3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th, 17th – 24th December 2016. Tickets are £18 (£10 for babies under 1) and booking is essential and selling out fast. See http://bit.ly/1gH5TPw for more info and to book.
Kids on Track Family Carol Service
Kids on Track is a brilliant new charity that launched this year in Hampshire. Its aim is to help disadvantaged children living in Andover, giving them the opportunity to take part in fun, non-residential activity camps during half-terms and holidays. Kids on Track wants to enrich children’s lives outside of the class room, encouraging them to aim high and raise their aspirations. They are holding their first Family Carol Service on Sunday 11 December at 5pm at St Mary’s Church, Andover and it promises to be a magical candle lit event with choirs from the Vigo Road Primary School and Farleigh School, a parents’ choir, soloists and a capella group. What better way to get into the Christmas spirit whilst supporting a wonderful local cause. Tickets are £10 for adults (children go free) and can be booked at http://bit.ly/2gszHTX and the event is sponsored by Knight Frank and The Epicurean.
