Christmas at Bressingham FAQ's

This is a very special time of year for you, and for us, and we want you to enjoy a magical visit. We know that some of you may have a few questions about your visit and so we have aimed to answer as many as possible of these here.

 

Please note that this is a very busy time of year for us and it’s all hands to the sleigh helping Santa greet his visitors and giving our guests a great time. For this reason, we may not always be able to take individual calls on the day.

 

OUR TICKETS ARE BOOKED FOR A SPECIFIC TIME, DOES THAT MEAN THAT WE ARRIVE AT THIS TIME?

We have allocated times to help manage the numbers of visitors – no one wants to spend their magical Christmas visit in a queue! The time on your ticket is your time to enter the Grotto. So please arrive in time to see Father Christmas at your allotted time. There will be plenty of time to enjoy the rest of your visit at your leisure afterwards.

 

CAN WE ARRIVE EARLIER THAN OUR GROTTO VISIT TIME?

You can arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your Grotto entry time, to collect your tickets and make your way straight to the Grotto, no earlier than that though please.

 

DOES EVERYONE NEED A TICKET?

Everyone who visits Christmas at Bressingham requires a ticket.

 

WHAT IF MY CHILD DOES NOT WANT A PRESENT FROM FATHER CHRISTMAS?

Children not requiring a present from Father Christmas must book an Adult Ticket for admission. Entry to the Grotto is only permitted to bookings who have purchased a ‘child with present ticket’.

 

WILL I BE ABLE TO SIT WITH SANTA?

You will not be able to sit with Santa, but he will give the children their presents.

 

WILL WE BE ABLE TO GO IN WITH OUR CHILD?

Yes, of course! If your child has a grotto ticket then all the family are welcome to accompany them into Santa’s Grotto. Only the children with Grotto tickets will receive a present from Santa.

 

CAN WE TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS?

You are very welcome to take your own photos in the Grotto. We do not have a professional photographer.

 

DOES EVERYONE GET A GIFT?

Only children up to 12 years of age who have a Grotto ticket will receive a gift.

 

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE TICKET PRICE?

Your festive adventure begins in our beautifully decorated Exhibition Hall, where you'll meet Santa Claus in his enchanting Grotto. Enjoy thrilling rides on the Victorian Gallopers Roundabout, and take a scenic Christmas train journey on the Fen Railway.

Discover the wonders of our festive exhibition hall, be amazed by a magical show, and indulge in delicious Christmas treats at our cozy café.

Please note: Our Loco Sheds, Garden Railway, Waveney Railway, and Gardens are closed during our Christmas visits.

 

OUR TICKETS HAVE AN ENTRY TIME, WHAT TIME DO WE NEED TO LEAVE?

The time on your ticket is the time you need to arrive. On arrival you will need to make your way directly to meet Father Christmas in his Grotto. Following your visit to the Grotto you are free to stay as long as you wish, up until closing time. The average length of visit at this time of year is 2-3hrs.

 

WE HAVE BOOKED TICKETS TOWARDS THE END OF THE DAY. WHAT TIME DO YOU CLOSE?

We close approximately 2.5 hrs after the last entry slot. For example; If you have tickets for 16:30 the site would close at 19:00, this is ample time to complete the experience without feeling rushed or pressured. 

 

ARE RIDES ON THE GALLOPERS & FEN RAILWAY UNLIMITED?

You will get 3 rides on the Gallopers and 1 ride on the Fen Railway each.

 

ARE ANY OF THE CARRIAGES ENCLOSED?

The carriages on our Fen Railway have covered roofs and sides but no windows, so while you are sheltered from the elements, you’ll still need to keep your coat on to keep cosy. But it all adds to the atmosphere!

 

HOW FREQUENT ARE THE TRAINS?
The trains commence from 1100 and will run at least every 30 minutes throughout the day. The last train of the day will be approximately 30 minutes before closing time. (The Last train on the days where we have a 1630 entry slot will be at 1815).

 

WHERE CAN WE EAT ON OUR VISIT?

Our own Café will be open for you to enjoy during your visit with plenty of yummy things to enjoy including delicious hot chocolates and cakes, as well hot meals. The Sweet Shop is also open in the Exhibition Hall serving hot drinks, seasonal treats and sweets.

 

ARE THE GARDENS OPEN?

No, the Gardens are not open during our Christmas visits.

 

ARE DOGS WELCOME?

No, only Assistance Dogs are admitted to Bressingham Steam & Gardens. Please do not bring your furry pals with you on your visit.

 

WHAT IF WE HAVE AN ISSUE ON THE DAY?

Please call and speak to a member of staff at the ticket office during opening hours on 01379 686900 or email info@bressingham.co.uk.

 

WHERE CAN WE PARK?

There is a small car park outside the museum main entrance. We try to encourage groups and disabled parking within this car park. We share the larger car park outside the Garden Centre. It is fine to park in the Garden Centre car park.

 

IS THE INDEPENDENT FAIRGROUND STILL AT THE MUSEUM?

Regular visitors who have attended our christmas events in the past may be familiar with an independent fairground which operated towards the bottom end of the museum site. The owner of the fairground has retired and has vacated the site. There is no independent fairground at the museum.

N.B The Victorian Gallopers Roundabout is part of the museum collection. It remains the centrepiece of our site and it will be operating throughout our Christmas events.  

 

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE AROUND BRESSINGHAM STEAM & GARDENS TO DO ON OUR VISIT?

Yes! Our friends at Bressingham Garden Centre are right next door and they have a wonderfully sparkly Christmas department, and a great selection of gifts. They also have a brilliant restaurant where they are offering a two-course Christmas lunch for £15.95. This would be lovely to combine with your visit and, if doing so, please allow 1 and a half hours to enjoy a lovely, relaxed lunch before your grotto visit time. See the menu HERE. Please book your Christmas lunch by calling Bressingham Garden Centre Restaurant directly on 01379 673389 or click here. Bressingham Garden Centre also has a lovely soft play area where little ones can let off some Christmas steam (a supplementary cost).

If you’re coming from further afield, why not also take a trip into Diss where you’ll find some wonderful independent shops to do a spot of Christmas shopping in. Or enjoy some of the wonderful local Waveney Valley countryside with a walk at Wortham Ling, Roydon Fen or Lopham and Redgrave Fen – all nearby.