Santa Grotto Review - Enchanted Forest Weston Favell Northampton

On Sunday I was invited to try out the new Santa's Grotto at Weston Favell.

This year they have gone for an enchanted forest theme with 120 real life fir trees! Believed to be the first live forest to be created in an indoor shopping centre, you walk through the fairy lit forest to meet the one and only Father Christmas/Santa.  Little ones can meet Spud and Eve Weston Favell's own elves and spot the animals as they walk through.  There is a small craft area at the beginning for children to decorate a tag and write their wish list.

I loved the real trees but I did think they would be more spaced out creating more of a forest walkthrough but the effect is nice. The lights are lovely and staff really good.  Santa's cabin is really cosy & well decorated just as you'd imagine.  Santa was very authentic and little ones will love him. 

My 7 year old said he did a very good job even though he's Santa's helper and must have been trained by the real Santa well so praise indeed. (He believes the real Santa stays in the North Pole because he's busy but sends helpers to the grottos.)

It costs £4 per child and my children both received a book as a gift.  If you book online there is a booking fee.

I think it was good value for money and a nice experience.  After you can purchase the usual photos and key rings.  I bought the basic package for £10 as it was a nice photo and my 10 year probably won't come to a grotto again sob!

The Grotto is open from 17^th November 2017 - 24^th December 2017. 

Address for those unfamiliar with Weston Favell is -
Weston Favell Shopping Centre
Wellingborough Road
Northampton
NN3 8JZ

You can purchase tickets following this link -

Grotto Tickets

Opening hours are -
19TH NOVEMBER - 18TH DECEMBER

Monday to Friday	12.00pm - 6.00pm
Saturday	10.00am - 6.00pm
Sunday	10.00am - 4.00pm

19TH DECEMBER - 23RD DECEMBER

Daily

9.00am - 6.00pm

24th December

9.00am - 3.00pm

Merry Christmas

Emma xx

Disclaimer: I received 2 tickets in exchange for this review.  I purchased the photos myself.  All opinions are my own & honest.

Turtle Bay Northampton Review

On Wednesday we were lucky enough to go to Turtle Bay for a 3 course meal.  I'd been to the preview evening so knew the food would be good but was excited to be able to try a full meal and rare weeknight outing away from the kids.

I was surprised to see it quite busy at 7pm on a Thursday but we were seated and served quickly.  I love the low level lighting and fairy lights and think it creates a lovely atmosphere.  Sadly we had just missed the 2 for 1 cocktails so check out the times before you book if you are a cocktail fan.

Turtle Bay Northampton

Whilst perusing the food menu I had a Bay Bramble cocktail which tasted like a grown up Ribena and I can definitely recommend and Stuart decided on a pint of Red Stripe. 

For starters I chose the Classic Beef Batty and Stuart ordered the Crispy Chilli Squid.  Stuart said the Chilli Squid was excellent and would definitely order again.  Mine was good but I would try another option next time.

For the mains we both went for one pot options.  I had the Curry Goat which was amazing but slightly too hot for me.  The rice was cooked perfectly and I was really glad I tried it having never eaten goat before going to Turtle Bay.  Stuart ordered the Bajan Beef Cheeks which he said were brilliant and the beef was melt in the mouth.

We decided on another drink and I tried a Raspberry Reggae Rum which was also delicious but the Bay Bramble topped it for me and Stuart had another Red Stripe.

Finally we looked at desserts.  I love Lemon Meringue so I had to try the Passion Pie which was amazing!!! Stuart decided not to have a dessert but was tempted by the Fresh BBQ Pineapple.

We had a great night and will definitely return with friends soon.  My only criticism is that the tables do not have cocktail lists so you need to ask for one each time you want to order a new drink.  This is a minor point but is something they could maybe add.  Our service was great and I think Turtle Bay is a brilliant addition to the Northampton dining scene.

For all food and drink options click on the link

Turtle Bay Menu

Disclaimer:  We were given a 3 course meal and 1 drink each in exchange for this review.  All opinion's are my own.

London with kids - My top tips

London with kids is a brilliant day out but some planning makes the trip a lot easier.  There is so much to see and do that a little research before you go will make a huge difference.  If you can stay overnight this is beneficial as it can be tiring especially with little ones.

London with the kids - My top tips

• Plan your visit. Have a rough idea of what you want to do & order. We knew we were visiting the Tower of London so I found a hotel within a few minutes walk from there. 

Raven's at The Tower of London

Tower of London

Tower of London

• Don't worry. I thought the children might find the rush & tube daunting but they were totally unfazed.

• Rest. There's so much to do you can have the tendency to squeeze everything in but this just results in tired/grumpy children & no fun for anyone.

• Premier Inn offer free breakfasts for children & have loads of locations with family rooms. We stayed at London Bank (Tower) hotel.

• If you have a Merlin Pass you can visit Madame Tussauds, Sea Life London, Shrek's Adventure, London Dungeon and the London Eye for FREE.  Please check terms and conditions as some passes have restrictions on peak time.

• If you are able stay on a Sunday most hotels offer a better rate.

• The tube is free for children 11 years old and under.  Walk through the larger section and just tap in using your debit card and they walk through with you for free!

• A hop on hop off bus is a good way to see lots in a short space of time and save tired little legs.

Trafalgar Square

Big Ben (Elizabeth Tower)

View of the London Eye

• Check for voucher codes at restaurants.  We went to Zizzi and saved £15 with an offer on their own website.  Can definitely recommend great kids menu and lovely food.

Lego Store - Leicester Square

National History Musuem

• Remember there's loads of free activities.  Hyde park with the Diana memorial fountain, play area and Serpentine, St James Park near Buckingham Palace famous for it's resident Pelicans and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park with the Tumbling Bay playground.  The National history museum, Museum of London Docklands, The science museum, for Harry Potter fans visit Platform 9 3/4 at King's Cross Station. Visit Covent Garden to see the street performers and watch the Changing the Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace or simply stroll around taking in the sites, my son was thrilled to see Big Ben in real life. For rainy days I recommend the Lego store & M&M store both in Leicester Square.  Fab places to browse although the kids might bug you to purchase something.  Hamley's on Regent Street is another place to browse and hide from the rain. My kids love the Harry Potter floor. In the warmer months there are several free fountains for kids to splash in dotted about.  I know of Somerset House, Granary Square, Lewis Cubbitt Square and Goodman's Fields and of cause the Diana Memorial Fountain which I'd describe more as a water circuit than fountain.

Pin it!

Emma xxx