Celebrate this Christmas season on our farm

Our Christmas Gift Market kicks off the season

Christmas is almost here, and the Rare Breeds Centre is ready to wrap the farm in sparkle and cheer! We’re starting the celebrations with our festive Gift Market, open Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th November.

Discover the perfect presents

Step into our festively decorated Benson Barn, brimming with handcrafted gifts, local produce, toys, and artisan treats. It’s the perfect place to find something special for everyone on your list. As you explore, sip on a warm mulled wine or enjoy a freshly baked mince pie and let the holiday spirit fill the air.

Magical moments for children

Little visitors can send their Christmas wishes straight to the North Pole by posting a letter in our magical post box at the market. Heading into the farm? Pop into the Discovery Zone, where special stationery will be available for children to write their letters before sending them off to Father Christmas. Parents: remember to add an email address so Santa can reply!

Free entry to the market

There’s no charge to visit the Christmas Gift Market. Enjoy browsing the stalls and soaking up the festive atmosphere without any entry or parking fees. If you’d like to make a full day of it, regular farm day tickets are available so you can continue the family fun with our friendly animals and play areas. When you’re ready for refreshments, enjoy hot drinks and seasonal treats at the Granary Restaurant.

Whether you’re shopping for unique gifts or simply making holiday memories together, our festive gift market promises a joyful start to the Christmas season filled with charm, creativity, and plenty of sparkle! Click the button below for more details and to see a list of this year’s stallholders:

A Christmas adventure awaits in Santa’s grotto

The celebrations continue as Santa’s Grotto opens its doors on Saturday, November 22nd, welcoming families every weekend until Christmas! For those hoping to see Santa before he begins his big journey, he’ll also be greeting visitors from Monday 22nd to Wednesday 24th December for those final, magical meet-and-greets.

The farm becomes a festive wonderland

From the moment you arrive, you’ll be surrounded by Christmas magic. Santa’s elves will have been hard at work transforming the farm into a sparkling wonderland, complete with lights, decorations, and the warm glow of the season across every corner.

Meet Father Christmas and his jolly helpers

Our cattle barn will become a glittering grotto. Here, families can watch live festive shows starring Father Christmas and his merry band of elves. And just outside, our snow machine will create a magical winter wonderland. In the Children’s Barn, the twinkling decorations and magnificent Christmas tree create the perfect backdrop for your family photos.

Activities for the whole family

Every grotto ticket includes a full day of farm fun. Plus, enjoy Christmas craft sessions in the Discovery Zone and a 12 Days of Christmas Letter Trail for young adventurers to explore. There’s something magical around every corner, like planting your own Christmas tree, making a festive day out the whole family will remember.

Capture the moment

A professional photographer will be on hand to take beautiful keepsake photos of your child’s special time with Santa. But you’re also very welcome to snap your own pictures too!

SEN-friendly visits

We’re pleased to offer quiet sessions designed especially for children and families who prefer a calmer, less crowded experience. These SEN-friendly grotto visits feature fewer guests, softer lighting, and a relaxed pace.

Seasonal flavours at the Granary

After your magical visit, unwind in the Granary Restaurant, where you can tuck into a festive turkey and cranberry panini, sip a gourmet coffee or hot chocolate. You can also treat yourself to one of our homemade Christmas bakes. It’s the perfect way to warm up and relax after your festive adventures.

Join us at the Rare Breeds Centre this Christmas for days filled with laughter, family fun, and unforgettable festive memories. Santa and his elves can’t wait to see you! Click the buttons below to find out more about this event and to purchase grotto tickets. Normal day tickets can still be purchased for theses days if you do not wish to see the Grotto show or meet Father Christmas.