❄️ Stevenage Winter Wonderland returns 2025, and this year it’s going to be BIGGER, BRIGHTER & MORE MAGICAL than ever before!
🗓 2025/2026 DATES Open daily from 21st November 2025 – 4th January 2026 (Closed Christmas Day – even Santa needs a rest!)
❗️UPDATE: Winter Wonderland will be closed Monday's, Tuesday's & Wednesday's untill 17th December 2025.
🕓 TIMES ▪️ Weekdays: 4pm - 10pm ▪️ Weekends: 12pm - 10pm ▪️ School Holidays: 12pm - 10pm (22nd Dec 25 – 4th Jan 26) ▪️Christmas eve: 12pm - 8pm ⛔️ Closed Christmas Day
🎄WHAT TO EXPECT Expect dazzling lights, festive rides, fun-filled games, delicious seasonal food and treats, and plenty of Christmas cheer for the whole family.
Step into the magic. See the Dazzling Lights & feel the wonder. Experience Christmas like never before.
✨️ Under Cover Real Ice Skating Rink ✨️ Funfair Rides ✨️ Festive Bars ✨️ Festive Food ✨️ Christmas Market ✨️ Giant Wheel ✨️ Game Stalls
✨️ Illuminated Big Wheel
✨️ Meet and greet Santa Claus
🎟 ADMISSION: £2 entrance fee per person paid on the gate (ages 4 and above).
⛸️ ICE SKATING (Advanced booking recommended) You have to be 3 years old + to be on the ice Tickets are priced at £15 for adults and £11 for children under 16 when purchased in advance. If you buy on-site, prices increase to £16 for adults and £12 for children. Families can take advantage of our ice skating bundle ticket for just £49, which includes ice skating for two adults and two children.
💥⛸️ Special Deals! ⭐️ Groups of 4 or more adults £13 each ⭐️ Groups of 4 or more children £9.50 each ⭐️ Carers free (Identification required)
Please note: All prices online may differ in person and are cheaper to be booked in advance online, all prices exclude the £2 entry fee to the Stevenage Winter Wonderland Site.
🎡 THE BIG WHEEL - £5.00 Stevenage Winter Wonderland - Big Wheel Entry price to apply to all customes (under 2 years go free). You can book online, booking fees may apply.
🎅 MEET & GREET WITH SANTA CLAUS! Get ready for a magical day filled with holiday cheer! Bring your family and friends to meet the jolly old man himself. It's the perfect opportunity to share your Christmas wishes and take memorable photos!
As a special treat, everyone who attends will receive a delightful gift to kick off the holiday season! Don’t miss out on this enchanting experience filled with laughter, joy, and the spirit of giving. ▪️ First Child: £12.60 ▪️ Additional Children: £8.60 🪙 TOKEN COST FOR FUN FAIR: ▪️£1.20 each on the day ▪️Advance Bundle: 50 for £50 (saving £9.40) (Booking fees apply)
NOTE: Online bookings are still subject to the £2 entrance fee on the day. Online Booking fees apply.
🧑🎄 WHAT'S NEW FOR 2025? Join Sparkle & Blizzard — Santa’s most chaotic (and hilarious!) elves — as they take charge of planning the North Pole’s biggest Christmas bash in this brand new theatre show: ✨️ Sparkle & Blizzard’s Christmas Party Extravaganza! Expect laughter, music, mayhem, and a sleigh-full of festive cheer in this magical live show for all ages!
🗓 When are the shows on? Every Saturday & Sunday from November 22nd, plus special shows on 22nd, 23rd & 24th December 2025.
The show is included in your Winter Wonderland entry fee — no extra ticket needed!
♿️ Is Stevenage Winter Wonderland wheelchair accessible? Yes, we aim to make our event accessible to everyone. There are accessible pathways throughout the venue, and many attractions are suitable for wheelchair users. For more details, please contact our customer service team.
👀 KEEP UPDATED Follow the Facebook page for any updates or changes.
🪄 Looking for a fun and exciting way to spend Sunday 30th November 2025 morning with the kids?
Bring them along to our Sunday Morning Magic Show at the Funky Snake Escape Theatre in Leighton Buzzard.
🕚 TIMES ▪️Doors open: 10:30am ▪️Show starts: 11:00am
🤩 WHAT TO EXPECT We welcome some of the finest children's and family magicians to take the stage and dazzle audiences of all ages with incredible illusions, mesmerising tricks, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments.
🎟 TICKET COST: £10 PER PERSON Please arrive between 10.30am - 10.50am. Simply show your confirmation on arrival. Thank you.
🎄 Santa’s Grotto Returns to The Harpur Centre in Bedford for 2025!
🎅 WHAT TO EXPECT Get ready for a heart-warming festive experience! Santa is back in his cosy grotto at the Harpur Centre and can’t wait to meet all the wonderful children of Bedford this Christmas.
Little ones can meet Santa, take home a festive gift, and enjoy a magical photo moment with Event-Photos, starting from just £4 per child.
Make sure to stop by before Santa sets off on his Christmas Eve journey!
📅 Grotto Dates & Times for November 2025
• Sat 22nd: 10am–4pm (Light Switch On) • Sun 23rd: 10am–3pm • Sat 29th: 10am–5pm • Sun 30th: 10am–3pm
🗓 Grotto Dates & Times for December 2025 • Sat 6th: 10am–5pm • Sun 7th: 10am–3pm • Sat 13th: 10am–5pm • Sun 14th: 10am–3pm • Sat 20th: 10am–5pm • Sun 21st: 10am–3pm • Mon 22nd: 10am–5pm • Tues 23rd: 10am–5pm • Wed 24th (Christmas Eve): 10am–3pm
🎄 Sandy Christmas Lights Switch-On is on Sunday 30th November 2025 this year!
🧑🎄 EVENT DETAILS Join us for the Christmas Lights Switch-On. There will be live performances, festive stalls, the Town Council's Christmas draw and fair rides.
🎠 Fairground Rides ▪️Time: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM ▪️Location: Town Centre Car Park
📸 Selfie Spot ▪️Time: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM ▪️Location: Beside the Post Office
🎅 Santa’s Grotto ▪️Time: 1:30 PM – 4:20 PM ▪️Location: Community Stand outside Post Office ▪️Cost: £3 (Cash at the Grotto or Card at the Town Council Stall)
🎶 PERFORMANCES ON THE MARKET SQUARE ✨️12:25: Maple Tree School ✨️12:50: Robert Peel School ✨️13:15: St Swithun's School ✨️13:40: Brook William Charles ✨️14:15: Laburnum Primary School ✨️14:40: Singthusiasm Sandy ✨️15:20: Brook William Charles ✨️15:55: Blue Rinse 🌟16:20: Lights Switch-On Ceremony ✨️16:30: Blue Rinse (Encore)
📍LOCATION Market Square, Cambridge Road and Town Centre Car Park
🏰 Hertford Castle Christmas Market this November 2025. Bring the whole family, soak up the festive spirit and make magical memories together!
🎠 EVENT DETAILS Shop local and festive with stalls offering homeware, crafts, jewellery, gifts and much more! Enjoy food & drink, live entertainment and fairground rides.
🗓 2025 DATES & TIMES ▪️Fri 28th November: 3:30pm–8pm (Light switch on at Salisbury Square at 6pm)
▪️Sat 29th November: 11am–6pm (Santa appearance - 1:35pm and 2:45pm on the lawn Saturday)
▪️Sun 30th November: 11am–5pm
🎅 STORY TIME WITH SANTA ON SATURDAY As part of the Hertford Castle Christmas Market, children can enjoy a magical ‘Storytime with Santa’ on Saturday 29th November 2025. Each session lasts around 50 minutes and offers an enchanting experience.
✨ What’s Included: A special story told by Santa A small Christmas gift for each child The chance to meet Santa up close for a magical photo opportunity
🎟️ Tickets - £5.00: £5.00 per child (includes 1 accompanying adult) All proceeds go to the Mayor of Hertford Appeal Fund, supporting this year’s charities: Hertford Scouts and Herts Young Homeless. Book now via the Hertford Town Council website
🌟 Special Notes: 20 children per session, each accompanied by 1 adult. Suitable for children 3 and over.
🎟️ FREE ENTRY Free entry with donations to the Mayor of Hertford’s Appeal Fund welcome. With crowds anticipated, we kindly ask visitors to avoid bringing buggies and dogs where possible.
💛 KEEP SAFE Let’s keep each other safe this festive season If you see something that doesn’t feel
🧑🎄 OVO’s smash hit, critically acclaimed production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol returns to Hertfordshire by popular demand, for a fourth year. This time, in a new area and venue: British Schools Museum in Hitchin.
🗓 2025 DATES ▪️Friday 28th December 2025 - 30th December (Except: 1st, 2nd, 8th, 9th, 15th, 18th November & 25th, 26th December) ▪️Times: 16:30, 17.30 18:00, 19:30 Depending on days.
🎩 WHAT TO EXPECT Taking audiences on an open air promenade journey, this is a truly unique festive experience that immerses audiences in the spirit of Christmas past, present and yet to come.
The 60 minute performance is more magical than ever in its new venue. It is guaranteed to delight, amuse and move both children and adults alike, sending you home filled to the brim with festive cheer – not to mention our ever popular mulled wine, luxury hot chocolate and seasonal snacks.
PLEASE NOTE: This is a promenade performance that involves walking around outside the grounds and inside the buildings of the British Schools Museum
🎟 TICKET COST: ▪️Cost between £15.00 - £27.50
♿ ACCESSABILITY If you have any questions regarding your accessibility needs, please email us before purchasing tickets. 📧 Email: help@ovo.org.uk
🛍 The weather ( for November 😉) is looking ok. So come on down to Berkhamsted on the High Street, explore the market and enjoy the town.
🤩 WHAT TO EXPECT From a canal-side walk, to a wander through the historic streets and Sunday lunch in one of our many pubs, cafes and restaurants.
Come and spend the day and soak up the atmosphere.
🏰 WHAT ELSE CAN I DO? AN ATTRACTION TO VISIT WHILE YOU ARE THERE... Berkhamsted Castle is an English Heritage site which is free to visit. The winter opening times are 10am - 4pm. Dogs on leads are welcome. 📍Location: Berkhamsted Castle, White Hill, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, HP4 1LJ
🌟 Join us for a festive afternoon on Clophill Green on Sunday 30th November 2025 from 3pm - 6pm.
🎄 WHAT TO EXPECT ✨️ Ampthill Brass Band ✨️ Choir ✨️ Browse wonderful local stalls filled with gifts, crafts & treats ✨️ Licensed Bar and delicious food vans. ✨️ Soak up the festive cheer with friends and neighbours
Come along, support local, and start your Christmas with a little village magic. 🌟
🪁 SO MUCH FUN ON A BUDGET... Looking for a breezy day out with big skies and even bigger smiles? Dunstable Downs is calling! We grabbed a £1.99 kite from Poundstretcher in Houghton Regis (yes, really!) and had an absolute blast soaring it through the sky. Who knew £2 could buy so much joy?
This iconic Bedfordshire beauty spot isn’t just about the views, it’s steeped in history, perfect for picnics with benches to relax, and if you’re into geocaching, you might just uncover a hidden treasure or two. To add to the mix this location is dog friendly too, with la huge outdoor space for your fur babies to enjoy!
😌 FREE WELLBEING WALKS Every Thursday at 1pm, join a FREE Wellbeing Walk. It’s a gentle, guided stroll that’s great for the body and soul. For information click here.
Wellbeing Walks
🚶♂️♿️ SUGGESTED WALKS There are many walks you can choose from, walking from Dunstable Downs (in the picture below). Go solo, go with friends or family with an accessible suggestion too!
Suggested walks
☕️ THE CAFÉ ▪️10:30am -12pm: With lots of choice you can enjoy breakfast baps from (vegetarian options). ▪️11:30am - 3pm: Serving jacket potatoes, toasted sandwiches, baguettes, salads, quiche, one pot meals like chilli and bread & butter, sausage rolls, pizza slices & chips. 🐶 For dogs: you will also see doggy icecream and treats for sale in the shop.
Menu - (prices & items may change)
♿️ ACCESSIBILITY We love how inclusive Dunstable Downs is: ✅️ The café and visitor centre are fully accessible. ✅️ You can borrow a mobility tramper for a suggested £5 donation—perfect for exploring the trails with ease. ✅️ Need a wheelchair or a small bike for the kids? They’ve got those too! ✅️ Accessible toilets. ✅️ Baby changing.
Hire out a tramper for a £5 donation
Borrow a small bike for young children
🅿️ PARKING INFORMATION ▪️National Trust Members: Park for free! ▪️Everyone else: Just £3.50 for the whole day. ▪️Blue badge parking available.
Johnsons of Old Hurst Zoo - An affordable zoo in Huntingdon not too far from Bedfordshire!
🗓 OPENING DAYS & TIMES ▪️Tuesday - Saturday: 10.00am - 5.30pm ▪️Sunday: 10.00 - 4.30pm
🦁 WHAT ANIMALS WILL I SEE? The zoo proudly house's over 100 fascinating animals, from majestic African Lions to delightful sloth bears, a racoon dog, skunk, otters, a bob cat, wallabies, rabbits, meerkats and many more.
🌴 TROPICAL HOUSE Inside the warm Tropical house you will find crocodiles, turtles, fish & snakes surrounded by palm trees. (The Whatsup Bedfordshire family loved this!)
🛝 FUN FOR THE KIDS You will find an outdoor play area with a climing frame, swings, slide and bouncers. You will also find a tranquil circular woodland walk. Keep a look out for Peacocks roaming around near the Steak House!
🐶 DOGS Don’t forget, dogs are welcome too!
😋 FOOD & DRINK Onsite your can visit: ▪️The Steakhouse (Open Wednesday - Sunday) ▪️The Tea Room ▪️Farm Shop 🚫 Please be aware pinics are not allowed. ❗️Please check the website via the event link opening times.
♿️ IS THE ZOO ACCESSIABLE? (Whatsup Bedfordshire advice) The parking is on gravel stones so this maybe hard to navigate a wheelchair. Although it does mention on the website that you can park infront of the Farm Shop which is tarmac ideal for wheelchair users. The farm shop, Steak House & Tea room are accessible. On a winter day you may find the zoo area paths are muddy, with some gravel paths and grass, so it maybe hard to push a wheelchair in places. There is a wooden slat ramp to the Tropical house. 🚻 Accessible toilets - Accessible toilets are available in both the Steakhouse and Tea room.
🎟 NO BOOKING REQUIRED, JUST PAY ON THE GATE BY CASH OR CARD! (Prices have gone up 50p this year) ▪️ Adult: £5.50 ▪️ Child: £4.50 ▪️ Ages 3 & under: Free
😍 Bromham is a village and civil parish in the Borough of Bedford in Bedfordshire, England, situated around 3 miles (4.8 km) west of Bedford town centre with the Great River Ouse running through it. The Coffee Shop is situated right next to the river.
🛝 WHAT WE LOVED Tucked away like a hidden gem, this riverside spot stole our hearts. Just steps from the water, we found a peaceful escape complete with a spacious field and a charming play park with benches. The meandering riverside paths held within the grounds felt like we had our own secret slice of nature. You could even take a blanket with you as the field area is quite big. While we were there we saw a couple working on their laptops, what a great location to work outdoors!
🧚♀️A SURPRISE Just when we thought the day couldn’t get any dreamier, we stumbled into a woodland walk straight out of a storybook. Fairy doors peeked through the leaves, an enchanting hideaway featuring still creatures for curious little explorers.
We couldn’t help but imagine how magical it must look after dusk when the lights truly come alive. To find this whimsical wonderland, simply head to the Mill car park—take a left into the woods, and let your adventure begin. Trust us, your inner child will thank you.
💯 RECOMMENDED A beautiful place to visit in Bedfordshire and a fun place to keep the kiddies occupied.
✅️ Free parking ✅️ Dog friendly ✅️ Play area ✅️ Scenic ✅️ Date spot location ✅️ Half term trip out
🎶 EVENT ON FRIDAY'S IN THE SUMMER In the summer they hold an event 'Friday Food Trucks'with music 4pm - 9pm. This is a free entry event but if you did want to secure a table it does cost to book.
💕 A fantastic free thing to do in Luton, Bedfordshire on sunny or rainy days. Great for families, friends, date idea or time on your own to experience the history, fascinating artifacts and beautiful gardens it has to offer in Bedfordshire. The museum even has a couple of chickens.
😋 FANCY LUNCH? If you wanted to go out for just lunch Stockwood Discovery Centre has a cafe serving food and drinks with indoor and outdoor seating. https://www.culturetrust.com/spaces/garden-cafe
💯 HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BY WHATSUP BEDFORDSHIRE! Whatsup Bedfordshire absolutely love Stockwood Discovery Centre, it has so much to offer. The volunteers devote so much time to make this a wonderful place to visit for everyone and we can see and appreciate all the hard work they really do. We spent a couple of hours here but you could easily spend half a day here at your own pace. We had an amazing day out with friends.
📸 CHECK OUT OUR PHOTOS WHAT IT HAS TO OFFER ✅️ Free museum ✅️ Scenic gardens ✅️ Play park ✅️ Cafe ✅️ Shop ✅️ Wheelchair accessible ✅️ Accessible toilets ✅️ Free parking ✅️ Rainy days ✅️ Educational
🗓 OPENING TIMES Opening times may vary through the seasons. Stockwood Discovery Centre is open seven days a week during the school holidays, with the exception of Christmas.
🗓 TERM TIME OPENING HOURS ▪️Wednesday - Sunday ▪️11am - 5pm
👀 CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO MAINTENANCE - A FREE A- MAZ-ING HIDDEN GEM IN BEDFORDSHIRE! So this maze is free to go too, kids & adults will love it...... if you can find it that is!
🤔 SO WHERE IS IT? This FREE MAZE is located at the wonderful Roxton Garden Centre in Bedfordshire. When you enter the car park you will not see any signposts for it. As you go in the car park facing the garden centre turn right, then turn left as if you are heading for a dead end, it may seem like you are heading for the delivery entrance but there you will see trees on your right and a sign in front of you for 'Roxton Maze'.
The maze is located next to the garden centre in a spacious field with a few benches to sit on.
♿️ IS THE MAZE SUITABLE FOR PUSHCHAIRS OR WHEELCHAIRS? I would say it is NOT suitable as there are branches, some on the floor and hanging low, some spaces may not be big enough and also the surface may not be suitable in my personal opinion.
🔓 WHEN IS THE MAZE OPEN? The Maze is open the same time when the Garden Centre is open.
❗️PLEASE NOTE: It may be closed due to adverse weather conditions or maintenance, so it's always worth phoning before you go.
🌺 THE GARDEN CENTRE The garden centre is wheelchair friendly and dog friendly. You can buy things from plants, to clothes, to toys.
☕️ THE CAFE The cafe has hot and cold food and drink options at reasonable prices. There is a kids menu and an indoor & outdoor space with unmbrellas to sit in the sun and relax amongst the outdoor flower section of the Garden Centre. Dogs are allowed but they are not allowed in the main restaurant area. Just ask staff if you are not sure, they will be happy to help.
🌳 Forest & lakeside adventures - heading out with family, friends, fur babies or going solo for some me time? Marston Moretaine Forest Centre is a great day out for all with a calming nature setting. Whether you’re cycling, strolling, geocaching, or simply sipping coffee with a view, this spot hits all the right notes.
Craving a quiet moment in nature? Planning a two-wheeled adventure? or scouting out the next lunch date spot? Marston Moretaine Forest Centre has you covered. This green gem in Bedfordshire is the kind of place that turns a casual stroll into a full-blown “why don't we come here more often?” experience.
😋 Menu - Prices & items may change
🦆THE LAKESIDE CIRCULAR ROUTE Walk, Roll, Ride—Your Way around the approx 4 mile circular route making a day out of it, take your time and enjoy some
🤔 WHAT CAN YOU DO THERE? ▪️Bike hire? Yep, and super convenient (prices are displayed on site). ▪️Walking trails? Absolutely—try the circular lake route, or go off track and find secret paths. ▪️Picnics? Very much encouraged. Bring your sandwiches, your snacks, your sunhat/woolly hat. ▪️Grown-ups only! Don’t miss the balcony above the visitor centre café to enjoy a bit of adult time — perfect for coffee and views (just a heads-up: dogs aren’t allowed on the balcony, so Bruno will have to miss this one out). ▪️Geocaching? Yes, although we have yet to find one of these little treasures.
🚲 Bike hire prices - Prices & availability can change at any time
🧒 ADVENTURES FOR THE LITTLE ONES Kids won't just burn energy—they’ll make memories. ✨️ There's a play park right by the café. ✨️ Sensory gardens offer calming sights, scents, and textures. ✨️ And for the curious ones? Take a net and try pond dipping. It’s nature’s version of treasure hunting.
🛝 Play park next to the Visitor Centre/Cafe
♿️ ACCESS FOR EVERYONE Marston Moretaine Forest Centre is thoughtfully designed: ⭐️ Fully wheelchair and pushchair accessible ⭐️ Accessible & baby changing toilets available on site ⭐️ Blue Badge parking is available (free for Friends of the Forest members, otherwise pay-as-you-go) ⭐️ Accessible routes around the lake
🅿️ PARKING Parking is chargeable, but if you’re a Friend of the Forest, it’s free. ▪️Opening hours: 9am – 5pm daily ▪️Car park closes: 8pm sharp
🅿️ Parking charges (cost could change at anytime)
✅️ Accessible ✅️ Dog friendly ✅️ Accessible toilets ✅️ Food & drink available ✅️ Play park ✅️ Walking/cycling routes ✅️ Lakeside ✅️ Scenic ✅️ Adult only balcony ✅️ A shop for gifts
🏡 A FREE MUSEUM IN BEDFORD- The Panacea, a beautiful Victorian House. Discover the amazing story of the unique religious community that created its own Garden of Eden in the centre of Bedford. The museum has beautiful gardens to walk around.
📖 SOME INTERESTING HISTORY The Panacea Society was originally called ‘The Community of the Holy Ghost’, and was made up mostly of women. Its leader was Mabel Barltrop – the widow of an English clergyman, and mother of four children– whose followers called her ‘Octavia’.
Octavia. The founder of the Panacea Society.
During the 1920s, followers of the Panacea Society moved to Bedford to live near Octavia. Eventually, the community was able to combine the gardens of several properties to form ‘the campus’ – a private space between the community houses, with a chapel at its centre.
From this headquarters, the Society operated a religious organisation which reached across the world. Over two thousand people became members of the Panacea Society, in Europe, North America and many parts of the British Empire and Commonwealth.
From its beginning, the Panacea Society expected the end of the world. Society members were convinced that God would soon act to bring about a new age – a period of peace and happiness called ‘the Millennium’.
The Panacea Society was part of a wider religious movement of groups concerned with prophecy. The Panaceans believed that God was speaking to them through Octavia, but her followers did not believe she was the only modern prophet. Rather, they accepted a lineage of seven prophetic voices since the late 1700s – a tradition they called ‘the Visitation’.
🧒 FOR CHILDREN Children trails, colouring sheets and wooden toys in the activity space in the main museum building 'Castleside'.
☕ FOOD AND DRINK Tea room serving refreshments, hot & cold snacks with indoor & outdoor seating.
🚼 TOILET INFORMATION Baby changing can be found in a toilet that is big enough to fit a pushchair in
🅿️ PARKING No parking is available at the Museum, however there is pay and display parking nearby.
