On the run up to Christmas, we made a visit to Upton Country Park to see their wonderful woodland grotto and new adventure play area.
Upton Country Park is a stunning place to visit in Poole and is situated on the northwestern shoreline of Holes Bay. There is a country house, walking trails, manicured gardens and a small cafe to visit and it is all free, apart from the small cost of parking.
The Woodland Grotto was set up just behind the walled garden and we were greeted by a rather enthusiastic elf, who we know as the fabulous AJ from Mad4Animals, who did Sebby’s birthday party back in June.
The visit started in a wooden cabin, where the kids sat around a Christmas tree to hear a story read by an elf, whilst the adults were treated to a warm drink.
Once the story had finished, we headed outside, where we got to see AJ again, who brought out a gorgeous Scops Owl and told us how that it would be helping Father Christmas on the big day.
We also got the chance to pose for some photo’s.
There were also donkeys to meet, crazy and fun elfβs, and of course the big man himself.
The kids got to spend a good amount of time with Father Christmas to make sure he knew what they all wanted, and where they were staying. When we came out, they got to go in the pens and stroke the donkey’s.
Photo’s were also included as part of the package and all the children got a photo each of them with Father Christmas, which was a lovely touch and there were also games and activities for the kids to try on offer too.
The Mad4Animals team will be back at Upton Country Park during February half term. Find out more on their facebook page.
Did you got to any local events over Christmas?
I love those wooden sculptures. Sounds a great day out. Why does Christmas feel such a distant memory already?!
Awwwwww the donkeys!!!! The owl too!!! It sounds like a marvellous grotto and a fab place for families to visit on the Christmas run down! I like the fact adults get a warm drink too! Unfortunately my daughter is in the ‘that’s not cool’ phase these days π I loved visiting Christmas grottos! Sim x
I love places that go all out for Christmas. Itβs such a special time of year and itβs all so magical.
Looks like a lovely day out x
What a lovely place to visit, especially for some festive fun! I love that it is all free except for a small parking cost too.
Your photos looks great. It looks like you had a lot of fun there. I love to visit London during Christmas time, its very beautiful β€οΈ
The decorations look lovely, and seeing this really makes me miss Christmas and the festive period x
What a magical looking place! Looks like you all had so much fun, especially with the animals.
We usually head to a garden centre to see the reindeer and Santa. I love the look of this place, such great fun and memories for the kids.
It looks like a fun day out. Great that you only have to pay for parking too, you don’t see many places like that.
Sounds like a fun, family festive event. Perfect for that more personal touch that can often be missing from larger organisations.
Awww it looks like a great place for little ones. I just love the donkeys x
It’s been a while since I’ve been to Upton Park, a few months actually. Looks like they had an amazing program during the winter holiday.
I love it when places go all out for Christmas. Sounds like they did here and it was a great day for the kids.
What a wonderful and original Christmas event. So much better than the standard Mrs Claus Story and then visiting Santa.
Looks like a great place to visit with the kids for Christmas. Brilliant that they offer photos with father Christmas and have activities available too. Love the wooden reindeer.
Aww such a cute place to visit around Christmas. It looks like you all had a wonderful time.
Menna x
This place looks really great for the kids, with lovely things to do and see. A brilliant day out idea for families π
That looks like a great day out. Love the beautiful owl. We went to our local Christmas market and there was a man with owls that you could have your photo taken with.