Where to visit Santa Cumbria 2026

It’s still early days but several of these Santa experiences are available to book already. So if you are wondering where to visit Santa Cumbria 2026 then you’ve come to the right place. This post is part of a series of posts on Where to see Santa North West England.

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If you have an event you want to be added, drop me an email at – info@northwestforkids.co.uk

I’ve done my best to add the details of all these events accurately and keep them up to date but I strongly advise you to click through and check on the organiser’s website to ensure the dates, locations, times are correct. Events maybe changed or cancelled and I will not necessarily be aware of this. Links are providers so you can confirm all details for yourself before travelling or booking. Some of these events require pre-booking so I’d recommend you do that as soon as you decide you want to in order to avoid disappointment.

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Breakfast with Santa Cumbria

Find all the places you can enjoy Breakfast with Santa Cumbria here.

Father Christmas on the farm, Walby farm park – Book now for 2026

When: Selected dates from 28th November – 24th December 2026

Cost: Adults from £22.50, Children from £39.45, under 1s £16.50.

Summary: Tickets include all day farm park access, a visit to Father Christmas on his farm, snow time fun, enchanted forest with 3d glasses to wear, decorate gingerbread, make reindeer food and much more. Children can exchange a magical golden coin for a gift in the Elves’ Toyshop. You can also make your own cuddly Teddie in our Teddie-Tastic workshop.

Book here – Cumbria 2026 | Walby Farm Park

Santa’s Grotto at Honister slate mine – Book now for 2026

Where: Honister Slate Mine, Honister Pass, Borrowdale, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5XN

When: from 14th November – 23rd December 2026, selected dates

Cost: From £30 per adult, £30 per child, under 1s free

Summary: Guided by an elf, visit Santa in his underground grotto. After you can ride on the underground Christmas sledging slope! Each child gets a special gift and reindeer food for Christmas eve. Festive snack and drink included.

Book here – Ho-Ho-Honister’s Secret Grotto – Honister

Santa Express, Ravenglass and Eskdale – book now for 2026

Where: Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, Ravenglass, Cumbria, CA18 1SW

When: 21st November – 24th December 2026, selected dates

Cost: Adults from £28.08, children £28.08 (1-17 years old)

Summary: The experience starts with Christmas stories with the elves, followed by a 40 minute steam train ride. You will then meet Santa in his grotto at Dalegarth grotto. Festive refreshments.

Find out more here – Santa Express | Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway

Santa’s Little Helper Express, Ravenglass and Eskdale – book now for 2026

Where: Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, Ravenglass, Cumbria, CA18 1SW

When: 4th & 11th December 2026,

Cost: Adults from £26 , children £26 (1-17 years old)

Summary: The experience starts with a 40 minute steam train ride. You will then meet Santa in his grotto at Dalegarth grotto. Festive refreshments. Shorter, beautifully tailored festive experience, perfect for families with pre-school-aged children.

Find out more here – Santa’s Little Helper Express

Santa’s Grotto, Dobbies, Carlisle – book now for 2026

Where: Dobbies Carlisle, Orton Grange, Carlisle , CA5 6LB

When: 22nd November to 24th December 2026, selected dates

Cost: from £15-£17 per child

Summary: Children can make a wish in the enchanted wishing well before entering through the magic door to the North Pole village. They’ll take part in various activities in the Grotto ‘shops’, ending at the Penguin Post Office.

Each family can enjoy dedicated time with Santa to share their Christmas wishes and all children with a ticket will receive a special collectable penguin soft toy in a presentation bag to take home as a memento and gift from Santa.

Book here – Dobbies Santa’s Grotto

Santa’s grotto at Hayes garden world, Ambleside – book now for 2026

Where: Hayes Garden World, Lake Road, Ambleside, Cumbria LA22 0DW

When: Selected dates from 1st – 24th December 2026

Santa’s band of elves will be there to welcome you and your child into their workshop where you’ll be whisked away on a magical, festive journey. You’ll then be taken into the Grotto to meet Father Christmas himself, and you’ll have the chance to take some photos of your magical moment.

They also offer magical evening visits where Santa will read a bedtime story.

Price – Children from £19.99 – £25.99, Adults £5

Book here – Santa’s Grotto Experience at Hayes Garden Centre

Santa cruises Waterhead pier – book from 1st October 2026

Where: Waterhead Pier, Ambleside

When: 21st November 2026

There will be entertainment on the boats for the children, with the Snow Queen and attendants to make the journey pass quickly and happily.

Some point during our cruise, Father Christmas will magically appear to meet the children and give each of them a small present on the journey back to Waterhead. There will also be oppotunities for photos with our famous Santa and helpers

£ per adult or child

Find out more here – Ambleside Christmas Lights

Tinsel trains at Lakeside and Haverthwaite railway – book from 4th November for 2026

Where: Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway Co. Ltd, Haverthwaite Station, Nr Ulverston, Cumbria LA12 8AL

When: 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 19th & 20th December 2026

Cost: £125 per compartment of 4 people. Up to 8 people can be in a compartment. Additional people £30 each.

Summary: Your compartment will be embellished with all things ‘Christmassy’ and filled with seasonal tunes, it’s the perfect environment to soak up the festive atmosphere.

Whilst onboard our Porter will serve Adults with a seasonal cold drink and snack. Children aged 0-10yrs: will receive a personalised collectable soft toy. Children aged 11-17yrs: will receive a festive goody bag full of delicious treats . Every child will receive a yummy gingerbread person and soft drink…. handed out by a special helper!

After meeting the colourful Christmas Characters the main man, Father Christmas, comes to visit your families compartment. Choose where you wish Father Christmas to sit as he joins you to give out presents to all the good children onboard. Take this opportunity to capture a memorable family photo with Father Christmas.

Book here – Tinsel Trains 2026

Holker Hall Christmas Grotto – limited details for 2026, tickets on sale soon

When: 12th, 13th, 19th, 2oth and 21st December 2026

Receive a gift from Father Christmas by the roaring fire in the magical setting of Holker’s grand library. Take part in the Christmas treasure hunt in the formal gardens. Join the elves in making festive crafts. Remember to bring your letter to post to Father Christmas. Free Hot Chocolate and Mulled Wine.

Adults £ , child £ , under 1s £

Book here – Holker’s Christmas Grotto – Holker Hall

Christmas at Muncaster – book now for 2026

Where: Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass, Cumbria, CA18 1RD

When: Selected dates from 5th – 22nd December 2026

Cost: from £19.95 for adults and from £14.50 for children (3- 15), under 3s free

Summary: Event includes entry to the Gardens, Castle State Rooms and The Hawk & Owl Centre, World of Owls flying display, Have-a-go sessions in The Weapons Hall, Craft Fair Stalls, Enchanted Trail & Play Areas and Live Music (selected dates).

For kids there Christmas activities, Santa’s Grotto with a gift from Father Christmas (£3 extra)

Book here – Christmas at Muncaster

Tea or breakfast with Santa, Lakeland Wildlife Oasis – no details yet for 2026

When: 14th & 21st December (breakfast), 13th & 20th December 2025 (tea)

Tea starts at 2pm | Breakfast starts at 10am

Prices: Adults: £25, Children £27, Under 3s £14. Babies too young to take part are free. Members receive 20% off

Full details here – The Lakeland Wildlife Oasis

Santa’s Grotto at The Swan – no details yet for 2026

Where: The Swan Hotel & Spa, Newby Bridge, Cumbria, LA12 8NB

When: Every weekend from November the 15th 2025

Children of all ages, up to 14, to experience the joy of meeting Santa Claus himself. This charming Grotto, adorned with twinkling lights and festive décor, sets the perfect backdrop for this enchanting encounter.

For just £12.50 per child, your little ones will be greeted with warmth and cheer by the jolly old man, and each child will receive a special gift as a cherished memory of their visit. Gather your family and friends to share in this festive delight and create heart-warming memories at Santa’s Grotto, only at The Swan.

Book here – Santa’s grotto Swan Hotel

Santa’s grotto, The forum, Barrow – no details yet for 2026

When: 6th December 2025

Make your child’s Christmas wishes come true this year with a special visit to see Father Christmas in his magical grotto!

£5 per child

Book here – Santa’s grotto

Christmas at the museum – book now for 2026

When: 5th, 6th, 12th & 13th December 2026

Where: Tuille

Cost: £18 per child

Follow our Christmas trail, get creative with festive crafts, enjoy storytelling, transform yourself with face painting and, of course, make a very special visit to Santa’s Grotto at Tullie.

Our Santa’s Grotto experience is ticketed for children, with a magical visit to see the man himself and Mrs Claus, in this 15-minute interactive winter wonderland visit. Tickets include: