Fun-filled Christmas days out
Aside from shopping and pantomimes, various other attractions offer jolly group distractions this yuletide. Luke Dodd and Alex Middleton find out more.
Apart from pantomimes, ice and Christmas shows and exploring the shops, there are a number of other festive options for GTOs to choose from this Christmas. The following pages provide an overview.
Have a regal Christmas
For a luxurious Christmas, head to one of the many stately homes, castles and historic houses in the UK that offer festive events and tours.
Beginning in Scotland, Traquair House will be open to the public for a free Christmas Weekend (24 – 25 Nov). The house will be decorated for the occasion and will feature Father Christmas’ grotto, puppet shows and Christmas gifts and decorations in its shops.
In England, groups visiting the English Heritage site, Belsay Hall, Castle & Gardens, in Northumberland, will be able to enjoy the ‘Regency Christmas Butler’ (1 – 2 Dec). Taking place several times a day, groups will be able to meet the character of Regency Butler, Samuel Adams, who will explain the traditions and practices associated with Christmas as it was celebrated in the late Georgian and Regency period. Pre-booked groups of 11 or more receive a 15% discount with GTOs gaining free entry.
Staying in the north of England, groups can enjoy one of the many festive nights offered by Lumley Castle Hotel, which will be holding Christmas lunches every Sunday throughout December until Christmas. You can party as if it were 1591 at its ‘Christmas Elizabethan Banquets’ (23 Nov – 24 Dec), where you will be served mead and wine and eat Tudor fashion with dagger and bib. Entertainment will include period music, song, dance and sketches. Free coach parking is available.
Offering a large number of Christmas offerings in north Yorkshire this year is the National Trust’s Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal. Groups visiting the Abbey can enjoy ‘Music & Lights at Christmas’ (1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, 29-30 Dec), ‘Winter Abbey Tours’ (2, 9, 16, 23 Dec), ‘A Traditional Christmas Evening’ (8, 15, 22 Dec), which will offer seasonal entertainment, music and food, and ‘Carols by Candlelight’ (9 Dec). As well as these options, groups can enjoy the ‘Christmas Musical Evening’ (5 Dec), which sees performances from local musicians, singers and choirs and a ‘Christmas Theatre Evening’ (6 Dec). Groups receive a discount on tickets for ‘Winter Abbey Tours’, ‘Music and Lights at Christmas’ and ‘Carols by Candlelight’.
Also in Yorkshire, following the success of last year’s event, Castle Howard will be opening for Christmas once again this year (24 Nov – 16 Dec). The house will be decked out with the Howard family’s own decorations and foliage displays. Groups of 12 or more will receive a discount on admission and will also be able to enjoy special Christmas themed tours and private lunches during the opening period.
Yet again in Yorkshire, groups visiting the English Heritage property, Brodsworth Hall & Gardens, this December will be able to enjoy ‘Christmas Choirs’ (1-2, 8-9, 16-17 Dec). Pre-booked groups of 11 or more receive a 15% discount with GTOs gaining free entry.
Slightly further south, in Nottinghamshire, Newstead Abbey, ancestral home of Lord Byron, will be decorated for the Christmas period with candle lit trees and decorations during ‘Newstead by Night’ (6 – 8 Dec), which will also feature music from bands and carollers. Discounts are available for pre-booked groups.
Moving to Leicestershire, Belvoir Castle will be decked out in Christmas decorations and will be holding Christmas carol performances during its ‘Belvoir by Candlelight’ evenings (28 Nov – 1 Dec). Visiting groups will be able to experience hundreds of lit candles, seasonal music and plenty of decorated Christmas trees. Tours of the Castle will also be available for groups.
In nearby Derbyshire, at Chatsworth House, groups can visit the ‘Christmas Kaleidoscope’ this year (3 Nov – 23 Dec). The House will be divided into nine different areas, which will all feature a different coloured theme. Within each section, groups will be able to view Christmas trees, live animals, carol singers and bands to get them in the festive spirit. Seasonal group catering will also be available in the two restaurants within the Stable Block. Pre-booked groups of 12 or more will receive a discount on admission to the event.
To the west in Cheshire, ‘Carols by the Tree’ is being held at the National Trust property Dunham Massey (8-9, 15-16 Dec). Groups will be able to enjoy a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie followed by carols standing beside the site’s large outdoor Christmas tree. Groups of 15 or more receive a discount.
Meanwhile, in Staffordshire, groups can visit Tatton Park, which will be holding its ‘Tatton by Candlelight’ evenings (5 – 7 Dec) once again. The mansion state rooms will be decorated with lit candles and the Italian Garden will also be decorated with a variety of illuminations. Groups will receive a discount on admission.
At the Shugborough Estate, also in Staffordshire, groups will be offered a new ‘12 Days of Christmas Tour’ (1 – 31 Nov), themed around the famous Christmas song. It will feature stories of old Christmas traditions, historic menus and the opportunity to learn 18th century dances, such as the Lancer. Groups can also visit the house for ‘Candlelit Christmas Evenings’ (5 – 8 Dec), when the house will be illuminated by candle lit chandeliers and the gardens will be decorated with fairylights and a coloured water fountain.
In Wales, groups visiting the National Trust property of Plas Newydd in Anglesey can enjoy the ‘Festival Carol Concert’ (8 -9 Dec). Groups will be entertained by the Conwy Valley Singers performing a host of Christmas carols. Groups of 15 or more receive a discount.
Staying in the country, the National Trust’s Erddig, in Wrexham will be hosting ‘Yuletide Glow’ (8 – 16 December) this year. The grounds will be lit with a variety of decorations and mulled wine and mince pies will be available. Groups of 15 or more receive a discount.
Back across the border, in Gloucestershire, Berkeley Castle will host a ‘Festive Christmas Concert’ (2 Dec), with a string orchestra and Christmas readings and the Castle will be lit wholly by fires and candlelight during its ‘Christmas Castle by Candlelight’, (7 – 9 Dec) which will also feature refreshments such as mulled wine and mince pies.
Nearby, at Dyrham Park, groups can make their own Christmas decorations at on of its craft days. At the ‘Christmas Wreath Making Day’ ( 1 Dec) groups will receive materials, lessons in wreath making and Christmas lunch, and at the ‘Christmas Table Decoration Day’ (8 Dec), groups will receive lessons in how to make their own centrepieces and table decorations. Free coach parking is available in the grounds.
Not far from here, in the centre of Bristol, the Red Lodge will be stepping back in time as it celebrates Christmas in the time of Elizabeth I during ‘Yuletide at the Red Lodge’ (8 Dec). Actors playing the family and servants will be preparing for Christmas and will be free to chat to groups about Christmas celebrations over four hundred years ago.
At Prior Park, near Bath, groups can join in the ‘Winter Wonderland Activity Days’ (1 – 2 Dec), which will feature a festive treasure trail and Christmas refreshments.
In Devon, Arlington Court and the National Trust’s Carriage Collection, will play host to several Christmas events including a ‘Christmas Manuscript Illumination Workshop’ (30 Nov), where you will be provided with everything you need to make your own illuminated manuscript, including tuition and examples of real manuscripts for inspiration. There will also be a ‘Christmas Brass Rubbing Workshop’ (2 Dec), where you can create your own Christmas cards or decorations featuring the rubbings. Additionally the Court will play host to ‘Carols at the Court’ (7 Dec), with carols sung by choirs from local schools and bell ringing, and a ‘Christmas Music Festival’ (9 Dec), featuring music from various bands and choirs in the Court’s Staircase Hall, which will be decked out in Victorian deorations. Free coach parking is available.
To the south, in Cornwall, Lanhydrock, a National Trust property, will be playing host to ‘A Victorian Christmas’ this year (15 -16 Dec). During this event, groups will be able to enjoy carols, chestnuts and mulled wine as well as various performances from costumed characters. Groups of 15 or more receive a discount.
Also in Cornwall, English Heritage’s Pendennis Castle will be celebrating with ‘Nadelik – a Cornish Christmas’ (16 Dec). The castle will be lit with Christmas lights and, as well as mulled wine, mince pies and carollers, will feature traditional Cornish music and dancing. There is coach parking nearby and a drop-off point at the property. Groups of 11 or more receive a discount.
Moving to Buckinghamshire, the National Trust’s Waddesdon Manor holds a number of seasonal events for your groups to enjoy. ‘Waddesdon on a Winter’s Evening’ (21, 28 Nov, 5,12,18,19 Dec) will see the house open its doors for groups to view the festively decorated interiors and Christmas trees. A harpist will also be on-hand as groups tour the displays and there will be the chance to enjoy a complimentary glass of Champagne as well as a Christmas meal in the Manor Restaurant. Groups receive a discount.
In neighbouring Oxfordshire, Blenheim Palace will be hosting ‘The Traditions of Christmas’ this year (10 Nov – 9 Dec), during which the Palace will be decorated with yuletide displays. The Palace’s State Rooms will all boast individual decoration schemes including displays of holly, ivy and poinsettias. Additionally, groups will be able to enjoy local school choirs, accompanied by bands, performing Christmas carols in the Great Court (8 – 9 Dec) as part of the event. Groups will receive a discount on admission.
To the east, groups visiting Knebworth House in Hertfordshire will be able to enjoy ‘A Christmas Carol’ (14 – 16 Dec). Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the event will include a special dramatic reading of ‘Christmas at Dingley Dell’ from Charles Dickens’ ‘The Pickwick Papers’.
Meanwhile, Kenwood House, near London, will be throwing a Christmas weekend (24 – 25 Nov). The house will be decorated throughout with traditional Christmas decorations, such as wreaths, garlands and trees and the shop will be selling Christmas gifts.
Also an English Heritage London property, Eltham Palace, will hold a ‘Carol Concert’ (12 Dec), where groups will be able to enjoy traditional Christmas music and songs accompanied by drinks and mince pies. Limited free coach parking is available.
Moving east of London, The National Trust’s Oxburgh Hall, in Norfolk, will be hosting a series of events for groups this Christmas. Groups can learn more about Christmas pudding making at its ‘Cooking for Christmas Workshop’ (23 Nov), which will include cooking lessons and demonstrations, morning coffee, lunch and afternoon tea. Groups may also wish to learn to make their own garlands and wreaths this year at one of its two demonstrations: ‘Festive Wreaths and Garlands Workshop’ (1 Dec) or ‘Wreath Making Workshop’ (7 & 8 Dec), both of which include lessons and demonstrations, lunch and afternoon tea. Groups can also take a Christmas tour of the gardens (2 Dec), guided by the Head Gardener and including festive drinks beforehand and a Sunday Christmas lunch upon your return. The Hall will also present a ‘Victorian Christmas’ (15 – 16 Dec), featuring period Christmas decorations. Groups benefit from discounts and free coach parking.
In neighbouring Suffolk, at the National Trust’s Ickworth House Park and Gardens groups will also be able to attend ‘Christmas Wreaths Workshops’ (1, 2, 8, 9 & 12 Dec). Lead by the head gardener, groups will be provided with everything they need to make their own wreaths. The House will also present ‘Christmas in the Rotunda’ (8, 9, 15 & 16 Dec), which will feature elaborate Christmas decorations, carols by a local choir and the opportunity to make your own Christmas decorations at one of the craft workshops. Free coach parking and drop-off points are available.
In Essex, Audley End House and Gardens, an English Heritage property, will be hosting a series of ‘Christmas Weekends’ (24 -25 Nov, 1 -2, 8 – 9 and 15 – 16 Dec). The weekends’ activities will include jam and wine tastings in the Vinery and stalls selling seasonal vegetable boxes containing produce from the gardens. The restaurant and tea rooms will be serving Christmas food and drinks, such as mince pies and mulled wine. Groups of 11 or more receive a discount and free coach parking is available but is limited.
In Kent, groups will be able to find Christmas goings-on at Leeds Castle. ‘Christmas Castle’ (1 Dec – 1 Jan) will see the Castle and the grounds transformed into a winter wonderland with an ice-skating rink, decorations and a visit from Father Christmas. Groups receive a discount on admission.
Also in Kent, Hever Castle will be open at Christmas for the first time this year (30 Nov – 23 Dec). Groups will find it dressed for the season with log fires and Christmas trees. The shop will be selling Christmas puddings and chutneys from the Castle’s kitchens.
Staying in Kent, groups can enjoy an evening of Christmas music at Knole (9 & 16 Dec), courtesy of ‘The Knole Singers’ as well as mulled wine and mince pies. Group discounts and free coach parking are available.
In West Sussex, also in the care of the National Trust Petworth House and Park, will also give groups the opportunity to learn to make their own Christmas decorations at its ‘Christmas Wreaths Workshops’ (30 Nov – 1 Dec), where groups will be provided with everything they need, including demonstrations and advice, to produce their own festive wreaths. The house will also host a ‘Christmas Concert and Festive Buffet Supper’ (9 Dec), featuring an orchestra in its North Gallery, with mulled wine before and Christmas supper afterwards. Free coach parking is available.
Moving into Hampshire, Mottisfont Abbey Gardens, House and Estate will feature ‘Christmas Evenings at Mottisfont’ (30 Nov, 7 & 14 Dec), where groups can enjoy the house and gardens illuminated by Christmas lights and ‘Christmas at Mottisfont’ (1,2,8,9,15 & 16 Dec), where the house will be decorated as it would have been in the 19th century. There will also be a ‘Lecture Lunch: Sweets and Treats at Christmas’ (5 Dec), where the Abbey’s catering manager will demonstrate how to make your own edible Christmas treats and gifts. Free coach parking is available at the property. Meanwhile, just off the south coast, Osborne House, on the Isle of White, will be offering pre-booked Christmas guided tours. (1 – 23 Dec). These will take in the House, which will be dressed for Christmas in Victorian style, with garlands of flowers, ferns and herbs and a candle lit Christmas tree. The table will be laid for a Victorian Christmas banquet and will feature 19th century dishes created by food historian Ivan Day. Groups will also be able to meet actors playing the parts of below stairs staff and ask them about their roles and characters. Groups discounts for groups of 10 or more and free coach parking are available.
Yuletide yearnings
An eclectic range of other visitor attractions in the UK are also offering Christmas themed events.
Starting in Edinburgh, the Royal Yacht Britannia will be playing host to Christmas festivities this December (1 – 2 Dec). Onboard, the State Apartments will be adorned with garlands and decorations and a Christmas tree will be placed on the Bridge – a long-standing naval tradition. Additionally, in the Chief Petty Officer’s Mess, visitors will be offered complimentary mulled wine. Pre-booked groups of 15 or more will be offered special group rates.
In Northumberland, The Alnwick Garden will be offering various festivities for visiting groups (1 Dec – 23 Dec). Christmas lunches will be available every day and the Treehouse, a 6,000 square foot complex of turret topped cottages linked by suspended walkways in the Garden, will be decorated in festive garb with a fire in the middle of its main room. Additionally, the on-site shops will be offering festive fare including decorations, gifts and cards. Groups of 14 or more receive a discount on admission.
Moving to Yorkshire, the National Railway Museum in York will be offering Christmas festivities over a weekend in November (24-25 Nov). During the two-day event, groups can take part in Christmas craft classes, making festive cards and replica snowflakes. There will also be an appearance from Father Christmas on each day. Groups receive a discount.
Staying in York, The Ice Factor, an open air ice rink, returns this year for its third successive season (17 Dec – 6 Jan). The Imperial Ice Star skating team will once again make an appearance, performing various ice shows at selected times during The Ice Factor, with public skating also available. Groups of 20 or more receive a discount on shows and ice-skating.
The Tower of London will also be home to an ice rink this year (24 Nov – 13 Jan) and groups will also be able to book its ‘Tower Twilight Tour’ (7, 14, 21, 28 Nov, 5 & 12 Dec), which will take place after other visitors have left the site and features tales of the Tower’s past told by one of the resident Yeoman Warders.
At another former royal residence, Hampton Court Palace, an ice rink will be situated in the grounds (1 Dec – 13 Jan) and the Palace will play host to a one man production of Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’ (17 – 23 Dec), with Christmas refreshments available before and after the performance.
Somerset House will also feature an ice rink this year (22 Nov – 27 Jan), situated in its grand courtyard, which will be decorated with Christmas lights and a tree.
Also offering an ice rink, the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich will be playing host to a number of events for groups to enjoy this winter season. The ice rink (8 Dec – 13 Jan) will give the opportunity for public skating and there will be a café available providing hot drinks and snacks. Additionally, the ‘Greenwich Foundation Christmas Concert & Supper’ (11 Dec) will consist of an evening of festive entertainment from the Greenwich Baroque Orchestra and Chapel Choir, whilst ‘Christmas at the College’ (16 Dec) will offer groups the chance to take part in a Christmas crafts workshop to create decorations and garlands. Groups receive a discount on all events.
Greenwich itself will be transforming into a Christmas destination, ‘Maritime Greenwich – London’s Christmas Village,’ for the duration of December. Along with festivities at the Old Royal Naval College, a discount scheme will be available in certain shops, where for every £10 spent you will receive one ‘mince pound’. These vouchers can be put towards skating on the ice rink at the Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich Theatre’s production of Dick Whittington or a visit to the Peter Harrison Planetarium.
Staying in the London, The Tower Bridge Exhibition will be decorated for Christmas (1st Dec – 2nd Jan) and will afford groups panoramic views of London and the Christmas illuminations from its high level suspended walkways. Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more.
Meanwhile, in Cheshire, Stapeley Water Gardens will offer festive fare this year with Christmas Meals throughout December (1-31 Dec).
To the west, in Shropshire, groups visiting Blists Hill Victorian Town, part of the Ironbridge Gorge Museums, will be able to enjoy Christmas weekends (8-9, 15-16 Dec). On these dates, groups will be able to see costumed Victorian characters preparing for Christmas by making decorations and presents, and enjoy Christmas lunches. Christmas carols will also be performed and there will be a chance to visit Father Christmas in his grotto. Groups of 20 or more receive a discount on admission.
Also in the Midlands, the Black Country Living Museum will give groups the opportunity to enjoy a ‘Traditional Christmas Evening’ (20 – 21 Dec). The Museum’s recreated village will be lit wholly by candles and gas and will feature carollers, brass bands and market stalls selling gifts and local produce. Meanwhile, the Museum’s 18th century chapel will be the setting for a ‘Carols by Candlelight Service’ (23 Dec). Groups will receive a discount on entry to the events. With places at the carol service limited, advance booking is advised.
South of here, near Coventry, Coombe Abbey has a host of events that groups may wish to enjoy. There will be ‘Medieval Banquets’, with wine, mead and medieval song and dance (23, 24 and 30 Nov and then every Monday to Saturday until 22 Dec), ‘Sunday Christmas Lunches’ (each sunday in December until 23 Dec) and ‘Carol Concerts’ (9 & 16 Dec).
In London, The Medieval Banquet, at St. Katherine’s Dock, offers three Christmas feast packages for groups; ‘Christmas Evening Banquet’ (23 Nov – 23 Dec), ‘King Henry’s Christmas Lunch’ (7, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21 Dec) and ‘Christmas Lunch’ (12-18 Dec). With all packages, groups can enjoy medieval entertainment, a four-course meal, unlimited beer and wine as well as a disco.
Also in London, Kew Gardens will be opening its doors to the public free of charge (14 – 15 Dec) for a ‘Magical Christmas at Kew’, two days of festive celebrations. The Gardens will be illuminated with Christmas lights and will feature fairground rides and Christmas market stalls. The Gardens will also be hosting an ice rink (25 Nov – 6 Jan).
To the south in Kent, at Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest, ‘Lapland UK’ (24 Nov – 29 Dec) will offer groups the chance to enjoy a range of festive experiences. At the five-week long event, groups will be able to see real reindeer and huskies as well as performances of ‘The Snowman’ and carols. Additionally, visitors can enter Father Christmas’ grotto and see rocking horses being made.
Meanwhile, in Hampshire, Beaulieu is offering private ‘Palace House Soirées’ for groups at the 14th century venue throughout November and December. Groups will be able to enter the house and enjoy a glass of hot fruit punch before a performance of Christmas carols around the grand piano in the Lower Drawing Room. Victorian-style entertainment will also be performed. Pre- booked groups receive a discount on the event, which also includes admission to all other attractions onsite.
In the west country, Bristol Zoo Gardens will switch on its Christmas illuminations (1 Dec) and will hold several carol concerts in the grounds (18 – 20 Dec). Group discounts are available.
Staying in Bristol, Brunel’s SS Great Britain will be hosting a five-course ‘Victorian Christmas Banquet’ (1 Dec) and throwing a Christmas Party in the first class saloon (6 Dec), featuring dinner, music and a casino.
Moving further west to Cornwall, the Eden Project, will be converting its skating rink ( 20 Oct – mid Feb) into a ‘Winter Wonderland’ (1 Dec – 24 Dec) with real snow, courtesy of a snow machine, and birch and fir trees to create an alpine effect. Group discounts are available.
Moving from the mainland, to Jersey, groups can experience the island’s traditional Christmas celebrations during ‘La Fête dé Noué’ (1 – 23 Dec). The event will take place across the island and will feature Christmas themed guided walks around the island, such as the ‘Ghost of Christmas Past Tour’, in St Helier, and ‘Winter Wonderland Walks’, which visit a variety of locations in the island’s countryside and along the coast.
Travel through a winter wonderland
You could also take your group on a sojourn through the wintery countryside on a Christmas special by boat or train.
Windermere Lake Cruises, based in Cumbria, will be offering two packages this yuletide season for groups on Lake Windermere. The ‘Christmas Lunch and Jazz Cruise’ (8, 10, 15, 17 Dec) will boast a full Christmas lunch with live jazz music, whilst the ‘Santa Specials’ (9, 10, 16, 17 Dec) will see Father Christmas greeting passengers onboard and groups will also receive complimentary sherry and mince pies. Pre-booked groups will receive a discount on cruises.
Moving to Liverpool, Mersey Ferries also offers two Christmas packages. ‘Christmas Party Disco Night’ (14 Dec) and ‘60’s Christmas Party Night’ (15 Dec), travelling along the River Mersey, will both encourage fancy dress and feature a disco.
Meanwhile, in Lancashire, The East Lancashire Railway will be offering ‘Santa Specials’ (1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 21, 23, 24 Dec). During journeys, Santa Claus will be onboard the steam train handing out festive fare. Groups will receive a discount on ticket prices.
To the south, in Worcestershire, Severn Valley Railway offers two Christmas services for groups; ‘Santa Steam Specials’ (1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23 Dec), which sees visitors journey from Kidderminster to Arley with a visit from Father Christmas and the ‘Santa Herald Service’ (19, 20, 21 Dec), which runs between Kidderminster and Highley on a special diesel train, also featuring a visit from Father Christmas. Group discounts are available when pre-booked.
In Windsor, French Brothers will be offering ‘Santa Special Christmas Lunch Cruises’ (1 Nov – 31 Dec). The cruise will take you down along the River Thames and whilst on board you will enjoy Christmas Lunch to the accompaniment of Christmas music. Group discounts are available.
Meanwhile, Steam Dreams, based in Surrey, will offer its regular ‘Christmas Shopping’ and ‘Carol Specials’ services this festive season. ‘Christmas Shopping’ services run to a number of Christmas markets including St Nicholas Fayre in York (24 Nov), Bath Christmas Market (1 Dec) and Christmas Fayre in Lincoln (7 Dec). The ‘Carol Specials’, meanwhile, takes groups to locations where you can enjoy carol services at Cathedrals and Abbeys including Ely (9 Dec), Salisbury (11 Dec), Chichester (15 Dec), Winchester (18 Dec), Sherborne (20 Dec) and Norwich (22 Dec). Groups receive a discount on all services.
For groups looking to head to York for some Christmas shopping this year, Steamy Affairs, based in Gloucestershire, will be running a private charter steam train to York from stations in Watford, Milton Keynes, Northampton, Rugby, Coventry and Birmingham International (17 Nov), from stations in Ashford, Headcorn, Paddock Wood, Tonbridge, Sevenoaks, Orpington, Bromley South, and Kensington Olympia (24 Nov) and from stations in Colchester, Chelmsford, Shenfield, Romford and Stratford (15 Dec). Groups can choose from several packages, including ‘Silver Service’ in the Pullman Car, or ‘First Class’. The train will allow groups seven hours shopping in the city before departing for its return run.
In Berkshire, Thames Rivercruise will be offering Christmas specials throughout December onboard its Christmas Cruising Restaurant (1-31 Dec). The journey will include Christmas dinner and an onboard disco.
Also offering Christmas trips along the River Thames, City Cruises boasts two packages for groups to enjoy this festive season. Firstly, ‘Christmas Buffet & Dance Cruises’ (1 – 22 Dec) will offer groups a festive disco and buffet dinner as well as a bar. Secondly, ‘Christmas Dinner & Dance Cruises’ (1 – 22 Dec) will offer a full Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, a disco and a bar. Groups receive a discount on cruises.
Meanwhile, Bateaux London, based on the Victoria Embankment, is also offering two Christmas packages onboard its restaurant vessels, the ‘Symphony’ and ‘Nautica’. The ‘Classic Christmas Lunch Cruise’ (1-23 Dec), lasting two and a half hours, will offer groups a festive three-course set menu, coffee and chocolates. Alternatively, the ‘Classic Christmas Dinner Cruise’ (1-22 Dec), also lasting two and a half hours, will include a welcome drink, Christmas-themed four-course a la carte menu, coffee and chocolates as well as live entertainment and after-dinner dancing. Groups of 10 or more receive discounts on packages.
Finally, Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway in Hamsphire will be offering ‘Santa Steam Specials’ (8, 9, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23 Dec). During journeys on the Railway, which runs through the Gardens, groups will be able to enjoy a visit from Father Christmas and see various festive models and decorations at the site whilst onboard.