visit santa worcestershire

A truly magical Christmas Experience

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Make memories to treasure at Smart Trees this Christmas

Welcome to Smart Trees

Welcome to Smart Trees. A magical Christmas experience in the Cotswolds. Fun for the whole family, we provide a day out to remember. From feeding our herd of Reindeer, to visiting Santa in our magical Christmas grotto, we aim to have you full of the Christmas spirit before you depart. Explore our site and Gallery page to give you a taste of the Smart Trees Christmas Experience.

Remember – we sell out every year! Make sure to get your tickets asap!

Christmas opening times 2024

Smart Trees - Schools

Every Tues, Wed & Thurs from 3rd December to Thursday 19th December

SEN Grotto Date – Monday 9th December

Please contact: [email protected] for details

MORE INFO   >

Smart Trees - Public

Every weekend from Sunday 1st December to Sunday 22nd December

Plus Friday 20th December and Monday 23rd December

Sign up to our newsletter to hear all about our latest news!

Caribou Home & Lifestyle

Open Thursday – Sunday, 10am – 4pm. Sign up to their newsletter here  for information on news and events.

Rise + Grind

Open 7 days a week 9am – 4pm, serving breakfast and lunch. Click here for more info.

Please note - The entire Smart Trees site closes at 4pm. Except - Sunday 1st December - closure at 2pm and Monday 23rd December - closure at 3pm. Those with a later grotto time slot are advised to complete all activities (i.e. treasure hunt, play area, restaurant & shop) prior to their Santa visit.

Hire our Reindeer

Smart Trees hire out our reindeer to garden centres, town centres, parties and social events. If you are interested in adding a bit of Christmas magic to your event please visit the Reindeer Home Page for more details.

Animal licence No: 22/02812/ANIACT

Christmas Tree Sales - the freshest in the Vale!

At Smart Trees we have been growing trees onsite since 1994. Throughout the year we take special care in the maintenance and treatment of the trees. We cut our trees every couple of days to keep them fresh for our customers.

Each tree is cut, drilled for display and netted to be protected until ready for a display stand. We keep a very large stock of trees on display stands to allow you the best visual experience when searching for your tree. Once you have chosen, one of our friendly staff will net the tree and carry it to your car for you. Visit the Christmas Tree Sales page for more info.

Christmas Tree Sales Opening times

We are open for tree sales from 23rd November throughout the week & weekends 9am – 4pm

Prices vary depending on variety, size and shape. Our trees are the freshest in the vale.

Prices start from £30.00, click here for more info.

Please contact [email protected] for enquiries about larger pre-ordered trees or for any other questions.

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• [email protected]
• Smart Trees Field Farm House Hill Furze Rd Bishampton Pershore Worcestershire WR10 2LZ

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© copyright 2024 smart trees, website design by olive tree creative.

Best places to visit in Worcestershire and meet Father Christmas

After the pandemic prevented him from visiting Worcestershire last year, Santa has taken up residence in his grottos across the county again in 2021

• 05:30, 20 NOV 2021

Join the Secret Elves to get first access to our exclusive reviews of the must-have products this year

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Santa will be returning to grottos across Worcestershire again for Christmas 2021.

The pandemic and lockdown restrictions prevented the twinkly-eyed white-bearded old man from delighting families in 2020 - but he's back and busier than ever this year.

He will be bringing his reindeers, elves and other little helpers to grottos across the county and will be greeting children over the next few weeks right up until Christmas Eve when he'll fly home.

READ MORE: Christmas lights in Bromsgrove, Redditch and Kidderminster - when they're being switched on

There are dozens of venues across Worcestershire where you can pay a visit to the busiest man in December - here are some of them.

Churchfields Farm in Droitwich

Salwarpe WR9 OAF

The farm near Droitwich best known for its yummy ice cream in the summer will also be embracing winter and Christmas by hosting a Santa event.

Taking place on Saturday December 11 and Sunday December 12, the cafe will be putting on a breakfast with Santa.

Children can tuck into a breakfast with Father Christmas, meet the man himself and also get a gift.

Sittings are 8.30am on Saturday and 10.30am on Sunday and the cost is £5 per child, which includes a gift.

For more details, click here .

Christmas in Worcestershire 2021

Redditch's Kingfisher Centre

3 Evesham Walk, Redditch, B97 4HJ

Santa will be returning to his grotto inside the shopping centre this year - after missing it last year due to the pandemic.

He will take up residence from November 27 until Christmas Eve.

Children are invited to have a meet-and-greet with Santa and his elves and also go on a giant Nutcracker soldier trail.

His grotto is located on Park Walk, next to Coffee #1 and can be pre-booked for just £6 a child, which includes a present.

Pre-booking is on the Kingfisher Centre's website here.

Buy a gift for a child in need and make a #BrumWish 2021 come true

BrumWish 2021 aims to get thousands of Christmas gifts to young children in need across our city - the homeless, the vulnerable, kids in care and kids who have little.

This year's appeal is bigger and better than ever - because we have teamed up with our partners at #Toys4Birmingham, including Thrive Together Birmingham, the Birmingham Playcare Network, the Edgbaston Foundation and Birmingham Forward Steps.

Also involved are Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Trust, Barnardo's, Spurgeon's children's charity, the Springfield project in Sparkhill, St Paul's Community Development Trust and Your Local Pantry, which runs food hubs in 12 locations across Birmingham and the Black Country.

Three donation days, held at Edgbaston to take in new and nearly new donations of gifts and books, are now ended.

You can buy a gift from the #Brumwish Amazon Wishlist here.

You can also donate cash, which will go into a fund held by a charity partner to use to plug gaps or buy specialist toys for children with additional needs. This is the link to make a donation.

West Midland Safari Park

Spring Grove, Bewdley, DY12 1LF

One of the biggest Santa's grottos in Worcestershire, this is back again after being cancelled last year due to lockdown.

The Santa Safari event will take place from November 26 to December 24 at the attraction near Bewdley and Kidderminster.

Families can enjoy the four-mile safari drive through, a snowy winter wonderland which finishes with a visit to Santa in his Grotto.

Upon arrival visitors will be greeted by elves who will escort them to their sleigh where they'll be transported to the North Pole and Santa's Grotto.

After meeting the famous man himself, they'll be taken to the elves' workshop to pick their own present and receive a drink and cookies - with mince pies and mulled wine for adults.

Full details of prices and times available from the park's website here.

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Three Counties Showground in Malvern

Malvern WR13 6NW

The showground is being transformed into a winter wonderland for Christmas - including Santa in his grotto.

There will be an illuminated light trail, ice skating and a new observation wheel.

READ MORE: Santa grottos and experiences to try this Christmas around Birmingham and the Black Country

The ice rink is already open and runs until January 9, with the illuminated trail and giant observation wheel starting on December 4 and continuing until January 2.

Santa will be taking up residence in his cosy log cabin from December 4 and will be welcoming visitors right up until Christmas Eve.

Each family will then have an unforgettable private visit with Santa Claus, including a gift for each child, and a chance to try one of Mrs Claus’s freshly baked cookies.

For more information, or to book tickets, visit winterglow.co.uk .

Birmingham German Market 2021

Webbs at West Hagley

157 Kidderminster Road, Hagley, DY9 OJB

Santa will be in his own purpose-built grotto at this popular garden centre on selected dates up until Christmas Eve.

He'll be there every Saturday and Sunday between now and December 19, then from Monday December 20 to 4pm on Christmas Eve.

After wandering through the garden centre's Christmas section, families can take their youngsters to meet Santa in his cosy cabin.

Every child will receive their own Christmas tree sapling, pot and fesitve stickers.

Prices are £8.50 per child (includes gift) and £2.50 per adult, with babes in arms and older siblings admitted free of charge.

All Things Wild in Evesham

Station Rd, Honeybourne, Evesham WR11 7QZ

From November 27 to Christmas Eve, Santa will be seeing visitors at the All Things Wild nature centre.

A grotto has been opened up as part of the centre's Twinkle Town and Santa Experience.

Families can see Santa in his grotto, choose a present to take home and also visit Twinkle Town for some festive fun.

For more details and to book, click here.

Bewdley Museum

13 Load St, Bewdley DY12 2AE

Father Christmas will be paying a special visit to the museum's Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Gardens on Saturday December 18 and Sunday December 19.

There will also be live music and a festive craft fair.

Tickets cost £6 per child, which includes a gift, and must be pre-booked online in advance here.

David's Garden Centre by Cherry Lane in Worcester

Ash Ln, Martin Hussingtree, Worcester WR3 8TB

From November 27 to December 19, Santa will be in his grotto at the garden centre in Martin Hussingtree, Worcester.

Families can stroll through the centre's Christmas world to arrive at the grotto where they can chat with him and receive a special gift.

All grotto tickets must be booked in advance, either online here or in store.

• Worcestershire
• Most Recent

Best Christmas Days Out in Worcestershire 2024

There are loads of things to do in Worcestershire this Christmas! This is a comprehensive list of the best Christmas days out in Worcestershire. They include places to see Santa and other festive activities both with and without Santa visits.

You can jump straight to each event using the links in the table below. Please do let me know if I’ve missed any brilliant days out off the list, I’d be happy to add them in. Advance booking is essential at all attractions unless otherwise stated.

This post covers the Worcestershire area only. If you are looking for Christmas days out in nearby counties, please see below:

• Herefordshire
• Staffordshire
• Warwickshire
• West Midlands

Attwell Farm Park Worcestershire – Winter Barn Workshop and Father Christmas

Information about the 2024 Christmas event at Atwell Farm Park has not yet been released.  Below is information from last year’s event. I have linked to the homepage of the website so you can check for more recent updates.

There’s a bit of a mix and match of Christmas events at Attwell. Visit Father Christmas, visit the Winter Barn workshop and take part in a teddy bear workshop. Meet Buddy and Holly the reindeer, make magic reindeer food, decorate tree decorations, create personalised cards and write a letter to Santa. Head off on a reindeer roundup across the farm to help Father Christmas to round up his festive Crew and make sure the presents get delivered. All experiences include farm park entry.

Dates: Not yet released.

Website: Atwell Farm Park

Review: Tripadvisor

Bodenham Arboretum Worcestershire – Christmas Nativity Trail

Information about the 2024 Christmas event at Bodenham Arboretum has not yet been released.  Below is information from last year’s event. I have linked to the events page of the website so you can check for more recent updates.

Follow the stars around the Big Pool at Bodenham Arboretum and take part in a quiz while you walk! The trail takes visitors through the farmyard, where you’ll see the farm animals starring in live nativity scenes. They are even expecting new a baby donkey in time for the event. Visitors can also explore the rest of the Arboretum, made up of more than five miles of woodland walks. They ask visitors to wear appropriate clothing and footwear for an outdoor event. I have linked to the Arboretum events page below because there are a couple of other things taking place on specific days as well. These include Christmas drive-in movie nights, Christmas afternoon tea and carols by candlelight.

Website: Bodenham Arboretum

Malvern Theatres – Sleeping Beauty Pantomime

Malvern Theatres in Worcestershire put on a spectacular pantomime performance every Christmas. For 2024, it’s Sleeping Beauty. Theatre favourite Mark James will be back, other stars have not yet been announced. However, audiences can expect stunning sets, hilarious comedy and sparkling costumes as Cinders prepares to go to the ball.

Dates: 12th December 2024 to 5th January 2025.

BSL interpreted performance: 22nd December 2024.

Relaxed performance: 3rd January 2025.

Website: Malvern Theatres

Review: Plutonium Sox – this is a review of a previous production. I will update it with a review of this year’s production as soon as possible.

Severn Valley Railway – Santa Trains

Information about the 2024 Christmas events at Severn Valley Railway has not yet been released.  Below is information from last year’s event. I have linked to the events page of the website so you can check for more recent updates.

Santa Trains

Collect a hot drink and a treat before you board the vintage train to travel from Kidderminster to Arley in your reserved seats. On arrival at your festively decorated destination, you’ll be able to watch Christmassy characters in a stage show. When you reboard the train and return to your seats, a named present is waiting for every child.

Website: Severn Valley Railway

Review: Amazing Adventures Blog

Enchanted Express

Dame Julie Walters’ instantly recognisable voice welcomes you aboard The Enchanted Express every weekend in December. Departing from Bridgnorth station, passengers leave for Highley while BAFTER winner Dame Julie, tells a tale that was inspired by “Twas the Night before Christmas.” Numerous story characters will stop by your private compartment door at various points during the journey. Santa Claus himself delivers gifts to every child. Don’t forget to ask him to pose for a photo before he leaves.

Review: Trip Advisor

Three Counties Showground – Winter Glow

Winter Glow is a multi-attraction event taking place at the Three Counties Showground in Malvern, Worcestershire this Christmas. Each activity can be booked separately, or visit the Christmas market and food and drink areas at no charge.

Christmas Market, Food and Bar

Park for free in the vast Three Counties Showground car park and head into the market, Bavarian winter bar, food quarter, fairground and ice café for free. There is set to be a vast choice of festive food and drink and vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options. It is worthy of note that the Food Quarter, Winter Bar and Ice café are indoors, but they are not heated and the Christmas market is outside, so they advise wrapping up warm.

Santa Experience

The fully immersive, personalised Santa experience set in a 2000m 2 Winter Village is back for 2024. The whole family will be able to complete festive activities with help from Mrs Claus and the elves. The adventure begins when Father Christmas sends visiting families a personalised invitation in the post to invite them to visit him and the elves at the North Pole.

On arrival, Jingle the head elf will be on hand to greet guests in the Winter Village and set them some challenges to carry out before heading to Santa’s workshop. More elves greet you there and invite you to explore. Families meet Santa one at a time in his grotto, where he will ask personalised questions about their achievements, hobbies and favourite things they’ve done this year. Children receive a gift and nice list certificate. Then, it’s off to the bakery run by Mrs Claus to decorate a festive biscuit. On the way back to the Winter village, you’ll pass through the Old Sweet Shop and North Pole Letter Box.

Illuminated Light Trail

Back for its fourth year, the illuminated light trail transports visitors to a Winter Wonderland. This year’s theme hasn’t yet been announced. The light trail showcases installations, structures and illuminations created by local artists, crafters and lighting designers. As you walk around the light experience, children will be asked to solve riddles and puzzles to help find five elves who have gone missing. It is worthy of note that the trail is outdoors so you’ll need to dress for the weather. It’s wheelchair friendly and sensory friendly and dog friendly sessions are available to book on selected dates.

Ice Skating

One of the largest indoor ice rinks in the region will be at Winter Glow this year. Glide around the festively decorated rink listening to Classic Christmas songs and get into the Christmas spirit. Skate aids are available and can be added to your booking. Sessions last 45 minutes and they advise arriving half an hour early to get skates fitted. This activity is not suitable for children under 3 years old. Visit on a Sunday morning with little ones who would enjoy meeting ice princesses and skating to the soundtrack from Frozen.

There will be more fairground rides and attractions than ever at Winter Glow for Christmas 2024. Each one is pay-per-ride.

UV Glow Crazy Golf

Brand new for 2024 is UV glow crazy golf. This elf-themed attraction will be indoors and friends and family can challenge each other to score a hole in one – in the dark!

Dates: 22nd November to 31st December 2024.

Website: Winter Glow

Review:   Plutonium Sox

Webbs Wychbold

Information about the 2024 Christmas events at Webbs has not yet been released.  Below is information from last year’s event. I have linked to the events page of the website so you can check for more recent updates.

Fans of Peter Pan are going to love this year’s Enchanted Gardens event at Webbs. Join Peter and Tinkerbell on a journey to Neverland as you explore the Webbs light trail. Embark on an adventure to see mermaids, pirates and fairies. Keep an eye out for Captain Hook! The story of Peter Pan will be brought to life using lights, lanterns, sounds and projections. At the end of the trail, children can stop in and see Santa’s workshop and house. This is an optional extra but it’s not a personal Santa visit. Instead, Santa will be there chatting to children and posing for photos. Food and drink will be available to purchase in the heated tipis, or visitors can splash out and book a heated hygge igloo for VIP dining.

Dates: Not yet announced.

Website: Webbs

Review: Birmingham Mail

West Midlands Safari Park – Santa Safari

Whilst the dates have now been finalised, full information about the 2024 Christmas event at the West Midlands Safari Park has not yet been released.  Below is information from last year’s event. I have linked to the events page of the website so you can check for more recent updates.

Head to Santa’s grotto at your allocated time, where you’ll meet a helpful elf to show you to a sleigh. This will magically transport you to the North Pole where the grotto is located. Enter the festively decorated log cabin with a Christmas tree and seasonal fireplace where Santa is waiting for you. Let him know what you’d like for Christmas and an elf will take your photo together. Next, it’s time to head to the elf workshop for children to pick their own gift. Visitors can also book a safari skating experience for an additional cost.

Dates: 22nd November to 24th December 2024.

Website: West Midlands Safari Park

Review: Express and Star

Worcester Cathedral – Christmas Tree Festival

Head to Worcester Cathedral this Christmas and marvel at the uniquely designed and decorated Christmas trees created by schools, organisations and charities around the local area. Booking is not required.

Website: Worcester Cathedral

Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre

Worcester’s Victorian Christmas Fayre is an extremely popular event that is always absolutely packed with visitors. Look out for characters in Victorian dress, festive treats and a Christmassy atmosphere. Nearly 200 stalls in the city centre sell local arts, crafts, street food and gifts. Street entertainers, musicians and a Victorian fairground complete with carousel add to the experience.

Dates: 28th November to 1st December 2024.

Website: Worcester Christmas Fayre

Things to do in Worcestershire that aren’t festive

If you’re looking for something to do that isn’t Christmassy, these posts will give you a few ideas:

• Worcestershire school holidays
• Free things to do in Worcestershire
• Malvern Hills Walks

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guide2 Worcestershire

Discover seasonal christmas festivities in worcestershire.

At Christmas time many of the National Trust properties that scatter the Worcestershire landscape come to life in a way that uniquely captures the joy, traditions and anticipation of the season.

This Christmas why not visit one of the  towns or villages of Worcestershire , where you can buy all your Christmas shopping , relive a traditional Christmas at one of the area’s wonderful historic attractions, stroll through glorious gardens or experience the beauty of the dramatic landscapes.

Discover a full calendar of events in Droitwich Spa , festive wonderland in Worcester , all aboard the gin trains with Severn Valley Railway and go on a santa safari at West Midlands Safari Park . Enjoy Christmas in Worcestershire and make it a memorable festive occasion !

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Santa's Grottos in Worcestershire for 2024

View all Santa's Grottos in Worcestershire for 2024. As Christmas approaches get into the festive spirit with a visit to a local Santa's Grotto! Check out our growing list of grottos in Worcestershire below.

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Magical Christmas Experience

Meet santa & elf in the grotto at arley arboretum.

• Times and Tickets

A magical Christmas experience 2024

YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE 

Your Magical Adventure

Christmas is approaching so prepare for The Magical Christmas Adventure to enjoy with the whole family. Our award-winning experience lasts approximately 2.5 hours and this year marks our 12th year of magic!  From the sleigh ride to the north pole to the train ride back to 4 kingdoms experience the magical event this Christmas.

Taking off from 4 Kingdoms Hop onto the sleigh to embark on your journey to Santa’s grotto where you’ll meet the friendly elves who will guide you along the way.Find yourself cheering on the performers at The Glacier Theater, throwing snowballs at the Ice Castle and exploring the Enchanted Forest. With a New show for 2024, be immersed in this theatrical Christmas experience full of fun wonder and magical memories for the whole family. 

Santa's Cabin

It’s time to meet the most important person in the whole of the north pole; the big man himself, santa claus nestled in a small elf village, you and your family will receive a warm welcome as you enter santa's cabin for a private audience. watch the magic come alive as santa reveals what the children want this christmas and that he truly knows who's on his nice list..

Take a stroll around the sparkle cops village. There are plenty of picturesque spots to capture some family snaps. Walk around the snowy trees and ice walk, or pay a visit to some of the local hotspots. Here you'll get to build your own bear to take home, make reindeer food and more. Oh, and let's not forget Santa's toy shop where the kids can pick their own gift from Santa.

Santa's cabin

It’s time to meet the most important person in the whole of the North Pole; the big man himself, Santa Claus.

Nestled In a small elf village, you and y our family will receive a warm welcome as you enter Santa’s cabin for a private audience. Watch The magic come alive as Santa reveals what the children want this Christmas and that he truly knows who’s on his nice list.

Sparkle copse

Take a stroll around the sparkle copse village. There are plenty of picturesque spots to capture some family snaps. Walk around the snowy trees and ice walk, or pay a visit to some of the local hotspots. Here you’ll get to build your own bear to take home, make reindeer food and more. Oh, and let’s not forget Santa’s toy shop where the kids can pick their own gift from Santa.

Save The Date

This year’s magical christmas adventure opens from the 23rd of november until the 24th of December on weekends and selected days from 9am to 5pm tour times. For a breakdown of our dates and prices, take a look at our calendar by Clicking the button below.

A sample of some of our fantastical sets and showpieces to see on your adventure.

What's included in your ticket?

All activities include entry to The Magical Christmas Adventure, a group tour around the enchanted North Pole, a private audience with Santa, making a teddy to keep forever, Sweet Treats, reindeer food and your child’s choice of toy from Santa’s toy shop. VIP guests will also receive additional goodies During the experience to make your Christmas extra special.

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A Multi Award-Winning Event

Taking off from 4 Kingdoms Hop onto the sleigh to embark on your journey to Santa’s grotto where you’ll meet the friendly elves who will guide you along the way.Find yourself cheering on the performers at The Glacier Theatre, throwing snowballs at the Ice Castle and exploring the Enchanted Forest. With a New show for 2024, be immersed in this theatrical christmas experience full of fun wonder and magical memories for the whole family. 

Visit with Santa

Sparkle Cops

Take a stroll around the sparkle cops village. There are plenty of picturesque spots to capture some family snaps. Walk around the snowy trees and ice walk, or pay a visit to some of the local hotspots. Here you’ll get to build your own bear to take home, make reindeer food and more. Oh, and let’s not forget Santa’s toy shop where the kids can pick their own gift from Santa.

Save the Date

Whats Included in Your Ticket

Address: Newbury Road, Headley, RG19 8JY

Tel:  01635 269678 –  Email: [email protected]

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FREE on-site parking with every ticket

• Personalised Santa Experiences

Ice Skating

Illuminated light trail.

• UV Glow Crazy Golf
• Food Quarter, Cafe & Winter Bar
• Christmas Market
• Santa Paws & Dog Friendly Events
• Group, Schools & Private Bookings
• Priority Members
• Work With Winter Glow

Personalised Santa Experience

Returning from a SOLD OUT run in 2023 – Allow us to transport you to a festive wonderland, full of immersive adventures and Christmas delights with our Personalised Santa Experience in the West Midlands!

A santa experience like no other. visiting santa and his elves in the father christmas grotto promises magic, wonder, and festive spectacles like never before this attraction is over 2000 m2, and has multiple areas and activities, including the winter village, toy workshop, post office, tavern, town hall, elf academy, bakery and of course santas grotto. you will meet several elves, santa and even mrs clause..

• 📅 Available from: 22nd November – 24th December 2024.
• 📍 Location: Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Worcestershire.
• 🎅 Santa experience lasts up to 2 hours.
• 💸 Prices for Santa tickets start from £48 for an adult and child.

🕒 Opening times :

🌟 What’s New about our Father Christmas Experience 2024?

Visit Father Christmas in 2024 at our magical Santa Experience like no other – our activity roster this year is stacked with new activities including stories with Mrs Claus, New Interaction Elves and Jingle’s very exciting Christmas Adventure.

🤹‍♀️ The Elf Training Academy & Jingle’s Christmas Adventure

Juggling, diabolos, hula hoops – you name it! The Elf Circus Training Academy is back and better than ever. Learn new circus skills, and receive your Elf Training pin badge. A enchanting activity that’s sure to make your experience even more magical!

Do you have what it takes to ponder the puzzles, decode the details and respond to the riddles? Jingle’s Christmas Adventure leads you on a fantastical journey of fiendish challenges. Can you follow the clues and puzzle your way to the end where a special surprise awaits?

🤶 Two New Elves Arrive In the Winter Village & Mrs Claus Returns

Find Tinker Toymaker testing his creations in the Toy Workshop, and Frosty Wanderer keen to greet you in the Winter Village. Our two new interaction elves are excited to welcome you to the experience and create lasting memories for children of all ages!

Mrs Claus is back in her bakery, assisting with biscuit decorations. New for this year Mrs Claus has chosen some of her favourite stories to share throughout the day.

💌 Special Invitation

Begin the Father Christmas experience with a heartfelt letter from Santa Claus himself, inviting you and your family to create unforgettable memories this winter. Individual invitations can now be sent to each child.

“ Santa knew all about my little boy and he was amazed! ” – Charlotte Higgins

🐾 Additional Santa Paws Sessions and New Sensory Visits

Back by popular demand – you can now add your 4 legged friend to several dates throughout our run.

Our Sensory visits allow all children to visit Santa in a calmer environment. With less bookings per time slot, music and lights kept to a lower level and elves ready to greet each child in a way that suits them – everyone can enjoy this very special time of year.

🎁 Limited Edition Christmas Eve Boxes

Enhance your experience with a take home, Limited Edition Christmas Eve Box. Boxes are available for an individual child or as a family box. These are strictly limited to 500 and will be available to collect from the Santa Experience Check In Area. – These will be available to Pre-Order from Summer 2024.

🎅 Why book a personalised Santa experience for your child?

A truly wondrous journey awaits you this Christmas at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Worcestershire. Join Santa and his Elves on this fantastic adventure and allow them to introduce you to a magical world of festive spectacles and unparalleled entertainment.

Our unique Santa’s Grotto 2024 experience begins with a special letter from Santa Claus and invites you to celebrate Christmas together as a family this winter and make memories to last you a lifetime .

Santa Experience 2024 is available from 22nd November – 24th December 2024

During the Santa Experience, which lasts up to 2 hours, your children can:

• Decorate a Gingerbread man in Mrs Claus’s Bakery
• Create memories in the Toy Workshop
• Practise their Elf Circus skills in the Elf Training Academy
• Write and post your Christmas list in the Winter Village
• Solve Puzzles around the Winter Village in Jingles Christmas Adventure .

And that’s just the beginning! There’s plenty more festive fun and surprises waiting for you and your family to discover!

*The Christmas Market will be open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only from 22nd November to 22nd December. The market will be closed for visits made on Monday – Thursday.

*Personalised invitations will only be sent for bookings made at least 14 days before your visit. One invitation is sent per booking/family (unless additional one have been purchased). Winter Glow uses a tracked North Pole Service and cannot be held responsible for any letters lost or damaged in the post, or frozen upon delivery.

Join the elves in our immersive Santa experience for 2024. You will begin your journey in our Winter Village – here you can solve puzzling challenges in Jingle’s Christmas Adventure to earn a special surprise, seek out the cheeky elf Frosty Wanderer for some festive fun, and learn new skills at The Elf Training Academy to receive your special pin badge.

Discover hidden Christmas delights all around the snow flocked village , and don’t miss a visit to our singing reindeer ! If your Christmas list is still to be written, then Santa’s Post Office is the place to be. Post your letters into our very special postbox ready to be delivered to the North Pole by the Arctic Express .

Tinker Toymaker is testing toys in his Toy Workshop and ready to play some fun festive games. Join him in this huge play space with toys that are sure to please kids of any age!

Watch your child’s eyes widen with astonishment at this part of the Santa Experience, as Father Christmas asks them personalised questions . Revel in their delight as they receive their very own Nice List Certificate. Plus a special gift picked out by Father Christmas himself!** Will you find him in his office, living room, or preparing his sleigh in the sleigh room?

**Children  aged 0-2 receive a storybook , children aged  3 – 12 receive a present , children  13 and over  who  book a ticket to include a present  will receive a  chocolate gift  (only available in the Santa Experience). 

After your visit with Father Christmas, you will head to Mrs Claus’ Bakery where each child will get to decorate their own Christmas biscuit and visit the old Traditional Sweet Shoppee ***. Look out for Mrs Claus herself, who will be popping in to help decorate biscuits and share some of her favourite Christmas Stories .

Don’t forget to browse our tasty traditional sweets before heading back out into the Winter Village where you can continue to enjoy our Elf Training Academy, finish Jingle’s Christmas Adventure and enjoy the festive atmosphere!

Send your very own piece of Elf Mail to Father Christmas and post it through his North Pole Letter Box! This is the perfect opportunity for your children to write to Santa and tell him why they think they should be on the Nice List this year. 

Each child receives:

• A personalised invitation per family in the post*.
• A personalised Nice List certificate .
• A personalised visit with Santa Claus .
• A gift chosen by Santa**.
• Option for professional photography with Santa***
• Time to explore Santa’s Toy Workshop and Winter Village .
• A biscuit decorating session in Mrs Claus’ Bakery.
• A small drink in Mrs Claus’ Bakery.
• Time to solve the puzzles in Jingles Christmas Adventure .
• Send your letter to Santa or his elves at the Post Office .
• Returning for 202 4 – Join the Elf circus skills training academy and receive your pin badge.

Each adult receives :

• A small mulled wine or hot chocolate .

*Personalised invitations will only be sent for bookings made at least 14 days before your visit . One invitation is sent per booking / family. Winter Glow cannot be held responsible for any letters lost or damaged in the post.

**Children aged 0-2 receive a storybook , children aged 3 – 12 receive a present , children 13 and over who book a ticket to include a present will receive a chocolate gift (only available in the Santa Experience).

***Professional photography is optional and not included in the price of your Santa ticket.

****Items bought from the Traditional Sweet Shoppee will be charged additionally, and are not included in the ticket price.

Free onsite parking and entry to the Christmas market* and food quarter. (*The Christmas Market is open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only)

Santa Experiences will not operate on the following dates: 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th of November and 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 9th, 10th, 11th or 12th December 2024.

Those of you who have ever visited our Grotto, emailed us, or commented on our posts will be familiar with Jingle. He is Santa’s Head Elf, and the ambassador for all things Christmas at Winter Glow.

You can find him down in the Winter Village whizzing around ensuring all things are in place for Santa. A reliable helper, he always gets the job done and is Santa’s main man around the Grotto.

Second in command to Jingle, our resident deputy elf Bells can usually be found in the sorting office making sure each present is wrapped and ready to go! The most organised of elves, Bells always makes sure that no gift is missed from Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve.

Tinker is head of the toyshop and can usually be found playing with the toys rather than making them! Appointed Chief Toy Tester by Santa himself, Tinker is in charge of making sure each toy is ready to meet its rightful owner. If you see him, make sure you challenge him to a game of connect 4, it is his favourite!

Postie is the resident Winter Village Postmaster and can be found in the Post Office sorting through all the letters sent in by children with their Christmas present lists. Her job is especially important as she oversees making sure the toyshop elves make enough of each present to go round! Her favourite thing to do is read all the letters sent in by excited children leading up to Christmas Day.

Peppymint is the personal assistant to Mrs Claus and can be found in the bakery helping to make (and taste!) all the special homemade treats. Peppy hopes to become a master baker elf and already has some tasty ideas. Her favourite thing to do is experiment with new biscuit flavours and test them out on all her fellow elves. So far, the verdict is: delicious!

Zippy the Elf is head of the Elf Circus Academy and is always practicing his tricks. He loves to show off in front of his fellow elf friends and all the children visiting the Winter Village. Find him in the circus ring, join the academy and learn some impressive circus skills!

Available again this year, take home the special moment your little ones meet Father Christmas with professional photography. Our photographers will be onsite to capture the wonderful memories of your children with the man himself in our Grotto. The perfect Christmas card opportunity, gift or just one for the family photo album. Photography is an optional extra and charged additionally. This is not included in your Santa ticket.

• The Santa Experience runs from 22nd November 2024 to 24th December 2024 .
• Please allow a minimum of one hour if booking alongside other attractions. Check our FAQ’s for attraction timing examples. The experience takes 1 hour (but can last up to two) and you will be called to meet Santa at anytime within that timeframe.
• When selecting your tickets, you must include a base ticket (allows up to 1x adult and 1x child). You may then add on additional adult and child tickets to your order as required. Base tickets range from £48.50 – £60 depending on the date and time of your booking. Each group can be a max of 8 people.
• Santa Experiences will not operate on 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th of November and 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 9th, 10th, 11th or 12th December 2024.
• SEND sessions are available on the following dates: 24th Nov at 13:00, 13:20, 13:40, 6th Dec at 15:00, 17th & 18th Dec at 15:20 & 15:40

Did you know that Winter Glow isn’t always just for humans? On our dog friendly nights, we will be opening Santa’s Grotto to all of our four-legged friends for some festive fun. These will be held on 22nd, 23rd, November and 13th, 16th, 19th December 2024

Please note that dogs are only permitted on site on our dog friendly nights.

Book now  and bring the most wonderful member of your family along to meet Santa, where they will receive their very own gift and of course lots of love from the elves!

Take a look around the new Santa Experience

As one of the only Personalised Santa Experiences in the whole of the West Midlands , you could not find a more magical place to experience Santa in Worcestershire for Christmas 2024.

Our FAQs page features lots of helpful information about all of our attractions. Please Contact Us if you have any other questions.

Jingle the Elf Recommends

“ Don’t forget to tell us all about your family at the ticket checkout to help us create a truly magical and personalised family Santa experience for you and your children. “

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4 Spectacular Lanterns & Light Illuminations Displays in Worcestershire

Visit the best magical after-dark experiences in Worcestershire this festive season!

See some of our fantastic attractions transformed into stunning light displays!

Wrap up warm and enjoy the darker nights this Winter with one of Worcestershire’s spectacular light illuminations.

Winter Glow at Three Counties Showground With one of the largest regional ice rinks, impressive food and drink offerings and newly themed Illuminated Light Trail – ‘A Christmas Odyssey.’ Winter Glow is set to be better than ever! Children will have the chance to meet Santa in his themed Grotto, alongside exploring Santa’s Toyshop, decorating Christmas biscuits and a visit to the Winter Village.

Dates 25th November – 2nd January Tickets Full ticket prices can be found here - https://winterglow.digitickets...

Enchanted Gardens at Webbs Garden Centres Place yourself in a fairy wonderland at Webbs Garden Centres this Christmas. Make your way through a breathtaking light trail before entering the North Pole! The magical experience covers 6 fairy-tale stories, brought to life through a mixture of stunning lighting, giant lanterns, projections and enchanting sounds. This event went viral on our social media channels last year and did not disappoint. We would advise booking early! Dates 5th November – 2nd January Tickets Off-peak prices: November/January 2022 - £16 Adult, £10 Child (3-16) and 0-2 years FREE. £50 family ticket (two adults, two children) Peak prices: December 2022 - £18 Adult, £12 Child (3-16) and 0-2 years FREE. £55 family ticket (two adults, two children) https://www.webbsdirect.co.uk/...

Lantern Festival at West Midland Safari Park Returning for its second year, the Park will open its gates to evening guests, for selected dates over the Christmas period. With 50 different lighting scenes, all the lanterns, projectors and interactive displays have a flora and fauna theme, including a spectacular safari, towering dinosaurs and snow-covered winter wonderland. As Lantern Festival coincides with the Park’s popular Santa Safari event, guests will be met with a snowy winter wonderland in the Discovery Trail, complete with photo points, snow projectors and Christmas trees. Dates On selected dates from 11 November – 8th January Tickets Adults & Children (3-64) - £19.00 Concessions (64+) - £17.00 https://www.wmsp.co.uk/wmsp-ev...

Worcester Christmas Lights Switch On Cathedral Square will be hosting fun-filled family entertainment on 26th November marking the start of Christmas celebrations in Worcester. There will be guest appearances from the pantomime cast of Cinderella and maybe even a visit from Santa himself! The lights will be on display throughout December for people visiting Worcester to enjoy. Date 26th November Tickets FREE

https://visitworcester.co.uk/e...

Let us know on social media where you will be heading this Winter! We would love to see your photos by tagging us on Instagram and using the #VisitWorcestershire

Home » Travel Guides » United Kingdom » England » 12 Best Places to Visit in Worcestershire (England)

12 Best Places to Visit in Worcestershire (England)

Although small in size, Worcestershire packs more than enough to win your heart.

In the south are the Cotswolds and their enchanting stone-built villages and heart-lifting rural scenery.

Go west and you arrive at the Malverns, dark, brooding hills that rise suddenly over the valley of the River Severn that courses north to south down to the Bristol Channel.

Worcester is the headliner for its cathedral and medieval charm, while the north of the county is where you’ll get the inside track on Worcestershire’s 19th-century industrial legacy, at restored mills and canals.

Lets explore the best places to visit in Worcestershire :

1. Worcester

Affluent and exceedingly pretty in places, Worcester is the county town and is an unexpected mix of the very old and new.

So on Friar Street and New Street, rows of Tudor houses are interrupted by an occasional office block from the post-war period.

But this does little to break the spell.

Worcester Cathedral is the city’s crowning glory, adored for its central tower, chapter house and early Norman crypt.

Greyfriars, a former Franciscan friary, has a rustic courtyard and is held as Worcester most beautiful half-timbered house.

Worcester was also the birthplace of the vaunted composer, Sir Edmund Elgar, and the cottage he was born in has a first-rate museum celebrating this English cultural giant.

A spa resort for the upper crust in the 1800s, Malvern is now an endearing assortment of connected villages around a historic centre known as Great Malvern.

Generations of visitors have descended on this location for the spring waters and to hike the Malvern Hills, an extremely ancient igneous formation.

Cresting high above Great Malvern is Worcestershire Beacon, 425 metres up and a signalling point at momentous occasions in England’s past, such as during the Spanish Armada in 1588. On the hill’s lower reaches is Great Malvern Priory, established in the 1000s but with most of its work done in the 1400s.

Go in to admire the carved misericords in the choir, the abundance of medieval floor and wall tiles and the many original 15th-century stained glass windows.

3. Tenbury Wells

A cultivated little town on the Teme, Tenbury Wells is quite rare as its centre has very few chain stores.

This of course lends the town a character you won’t often find in England for a place of this size.

Many of the buildings here are even older than they look, because a lot of the 17th-century timber houses were given brick facades, as was the fashion in the 19th century.

The two pubs, Royal Oak and Pembroke House, show off their original timber frames and are quaintly off kilter.

Even Tenbury Wells’ new architecture manages to be noteworthy: The Regal Cinema from 1937 is art deco at its loveliest, and actually integrates with an 18th-century townhouse.

On  the Severn, and with a bridge built by the Regency engineer Thomas Telford, Bewdley is an lovable old town of tall flat-fronted townhouses.

This place has been catering to visitors for many years, and there’s no lack of things for families to get up to.

On foot from Bewdley you can access the Wyre Forest for placid walks and where there’s an adventure park for kids.

You’re also in touching distance of the West Midlands Safari Park and the Severn Valley Railway, a heritage line mostly pulled by steam trains.

And if you have a taste for real ale, the Bewdley Brewery will show you how it’s done.

5. Broadway

Even in the Cotswolds, where almost every settlement is delightful, Broadway shines brighter than most.

The name of the village comes from an ancient ridgeway that people would use to get from Worcester to London.

The high street is the “Broadway”, a wide road lined with mellow stone-built cottages and mansions, most from the 17th century.

The scene is enough to melt your heart.

There’s also some weighty cultural interest in Broadway, as it was at the core of the early-20th-century Arts and Crafts movement, and was settled by luminaries like Elgar, William Morris and John Singer Sargent, to name but three.

For country rambles try ascending Fish Hill, or Broadway Hill, which is capped by a romantic medieval-style folly from 1794.

An old market town in the Cotswolds’ northern foothills, Evesham once had one of Europe’s largest abbeys.

This monastery was suppressed and town down in the 1500s, but the Almonry, where alms were dispensed, has an engrossing museum about Eveham’s medieval glory inside a half-timbered hall.

The solemn gothic bell tower is all this is left of the abbey church, and stands in a park where the grounds used to be.

The River Avon and the parkland on its banks, certainly adds to Evesham’s allure, opening up possibilities for boating and countryside walks.

If you do strike out into the countryside you’ll be in a region feted for its fertile soils fostering apples, plums and asparagus.

So maybe you could time your trip to coincide with the marvellous blossoms in early spring.

7. Pershore

Also in the Vale of Evesham, Pershore has the same legacy of market gardening, and orchards for pears and plums surround this respectable market town.

In August there’s even the annual Plum Festival, when all sorts of twee events go down, like the crowning of the “Plum Princess”. On Broad Street and Bridge Street you can study the many listed Georgian buildings on a light saunter, and there’s even more historical fascination at Pershore Abbey.

You’ll tell from this building’s odd footprint that it was partially destroyed in the 16th century, but it lives on as a parish church an contains a remarkable Norman font.

For hikes try the 300-metre Bredon Hill, the final northern spur of the Cotswolds.

8. Stourport-on Severn

This town is a bit different because it only came to be in the late-18th century, at the site where the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canals entered the River Severn.

This made it a pivotal distribution centre for everything from Black Country coal and iron to ceramics from the Potteries in the north.

The canal basins here have been sensitively restored in the last couple of decades and exude Georgian refinement.

There’s a heritage trail around this old infrastructure, and naturally the canals are a attraction in their own right if you fancy hiring a narrowboat.

For smaller family members there’s the Treasure Island Amusement Park and the more sedate Little Owl Farm Park, where they can feed pygmy goats and piglets and see newly-hatched chicks in summer.

9. Droitwich Spa

This town sits on a massive underground brine reservoir, so salty that the water that comes to the surface is ten times stronger than seawater.

The Romans were the first to exploit the salt deposits, fittingly naming the settlement Salinae.

By the 1800s people were flocking to bathe in the brine to relieve muscle and joint complaints, earning Droitwich its spa appellation.

In summer you can still swim in Droitwich’s brine at the hugely popular lido, a large outdoor pool complex.

In mid-September there’s also a Salt Festival, when there are Roman re-enactments,  ale bars and market stalls.

At any other time you can potter around the high street, which has a historic character for its timber-framed shops.

10. Bromsgrove

Less tourism-oriented than the other destinations here, Bromsgrove is a busy town a few miles outside Birmingham.

But if you’re planning in a flying visit there’s much more in Bromsgrove than meets the eye.

At Stoke Heath is the superb Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings, where almost 30 structures dating back hundreds of years have been saved from demolition and relocated at an outdoor museum.

Also included is a large set of telephone booths, once a fixture of almost every street in the country.

The Worcester and Birmingham Canal attracts people for its serene towpaths and narrowboating; a short way from Bromsgrove are the Tardebigge Locks, a flight of 30 locks in just over two miles.

11. Redditch

In the same vein as Bromsgrove, Redditch is a working town whose early fame was built on  manufacturing.

The needle-making craft here went back to medieval times, but by the 1800s Redditch was the needle capital of the world, manufacturing nine out of ten of the world’s needles.

So it’s only right that the town should remember this legacy at the Forge Mill Needle Museum.

There’s vintage machinery, models depicting factory scenes and regular workshops to show how fishing tackle needles for the textile industry were made on this site more than a century ago.

If you’re not needled-out by now, you can an also see the Old Needle Works, or get some light entertainment at the Palace Theatre or play a round at one of Redditch’s golf courses.

12. Kidderminster

Finishing up in the north of county, Kidderminster is a large town that may not win awards for its looks, but radiates a certain charm for its Victorian chimney stacks and old weaving mills.

One of these is the formidable Stour Vale Mill, which is now the venue for the Museum of Carpet.

If industrial machinery catches your imagination, come by at noon on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays to see the immense Victorian power loom in action.

For more of Worcestershire’s country refinement, Hartlebury Castle is a Manor House hosting the Worcestershire County Museum, while a nostalgic trip on the Severn Valley Railway is always a crowd-pleaser.

12 Best Places to Visit in Worcestershire (England):

• Tenbury Wells
• Stourport-on Severn
• Droitwich Spa
• Kidderminster

What a prickle…

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• Things To Do

Ho Ho Go! 14 Places to see Santa this Christmas

Want to see the big fella this Christmas? Book in to see Santa at one of these twinkly, festive spots. From Santa Trains and making gingerbread with Mrs C to reindeers, sleigh rides, a Santa Safari and Santa on an airplane (we kid you not).

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Discover the World

17 Top Tourist Attractions in Moscow

By Alex Schultz · Last updated on May 4, 2024

The capital of Russia is an incredible place to explore. Visitors to Moscow come away spellbound at all the amazing sights, impressed at the sheer size and grandeur of the city. Lying at the heart of Moscow, the Red Square and the Kremlin are just two of the must-see tourist attractions; they are the historical, political and spiritual heart of the city – and indeed Russia itself.

A fascinating city to wander around, stunning cathedrals, churches, and palaces lie side-by-side with bleak grey monuments and remains from the Soviet state. In addition to its plethora of historical and cultural tourist attractions, Moscow is home to world-class museums, theaters and art galleries.

Renowned for its performing arts, fantastic ballets and amazing circus acts, catching a show while in Moscow is a must. The wealth of brilliant restaurants, trendy bars, and lively nightlife means there is something for everyone to enjoy.

See also: Where to Stay in Moscow

17. Tsaritsyno Palace

Once the summer residence of Catherine the Great, the stunning Tsaritsyno Palace is now a museum-reserve. The architecture is magnificent and there is a lovely park surrounding it for visitors to explore.

Located in the south of Moscow, the palace was commissioned in 1775 and recent renovations mean its lavish interior looks better than ever before with its elegant halls and beautiful staircases.

The exhibits on display look at the life of the empress as well as the history of Tsaritsyno itself. The huge palace grounds are also home to some other delightful buildings with the elegant opera house and wonderful brickwork of the Small Palace being particularly impressive to gaze upon.

Starting out in 1935 as the ‘All-Union Agricultural Exhibition’, VDNKh has slowly morphed over the years into the fascinating open-air museum of today. Remarkably, over 400 buildings can now be found within its confines.

The huge park complex has numerous pavilions representing former Soviet republics on show, such as those of Armenia and Turkmenistan and the distinctive architecture of each of the buildings is always interesting to gaze upon. In addition to this there is the fascinating Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics which is dedicated to space exploration and the fun Moskvarium aquarium even offers you the chance to swim with dolphins.

With lots of eateries scattered about and numerous entertainment options such as horse-riding and zip-lining, there is something for everyone to enjoy; the Friendship of Nations fountain truly is wonderful.

15. Kremlin Armoury

One of the oldest museums in the city, the Kremlin Armoury has a wealth of treasures; highlights include the ornate Grand Siberian Railway egg, the historic Cap of Monomakh and the stunning Imperial Crown of Russia which often has a crowd of tourists around it, jostling to take a photo.

Once the royal armory, there are loads of fascinating objects on display. Perusing the many sabers, jewelry, armor and more is as interesting as it is educational and entertaining and the swords are so finely crafted that you’ll almost wish you could pick up one and wield if yourself.

Established in 1851, the museum is situated in the Moscow Kremlin.

14. GUM Department Store

Standing for ‘Main Universal Store’ in Russian, GUM is stunning. Its wonderful skylights and beautiful facades mean it doesn’t look out of place alongside its illustrious neighbors on Red Square.

With over 200 shops, boutiques and upmarket eateries inside, it is a shopaholic’s heaven and concerned partners will be glad to find more affordable options alongside luxury brands such as Dior and Prada.

The main department store in the city, GUM was opened in 1893. The stunning architecture makes it well worth a visit even if shopping isn’t your thing.

13. Moscow Metro

It’s not often that public transport looks like a work of art. So many stops on the Moscow Metro will astound visitors with their beauty and elegance.

Decked in marble and with frescoes covering the walls, the stations are amazing to gaze upon and are part of one of the longest metro systems in the world, with the first stations opened in 1935.

Using the metro is the quickest and easiest way to get around Moscow and braving the crowds of commuters is well worth it for the beauty all around you.

12. Arbat Street

An elegant yet lively street, Arbat is full of impressive architecture and was once a popular place to live for aristocrats, artists, and academics.

A historic place, it is down Arbat Street that Napoleon’s troops are said to have headed on their way to capture the Kremlin.

Nowadays, there are many cafes, restaurants, and shops, as well as various monuments and statues to former residents such as Alexander Pushkin who was reputed to be a lover of the Russian Empress due to his massive influence in court.

11. Novodevichy Convent

Drenched in history, the Novodevichy Convent is located in a striking building that was once a fortress. This captivating place is well worth visiting when in Moscow.

Founded in 1524, the convent houses four cathedrals; Smolensk Cathedral is the undoubted highlight due to its delightful 16th-century frescoes.

Wandering around the grounds is like stepping back in time. The Novodevichy Cemetery is where many famous leaders of the Soviet Union are buried, such as Yeltsin and Khrushchev.

10. Pushkin Museum

Despite its name, the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts actually has no connection at all to the famous poet other than that it was named in his honor after his death. A delight to visit, its extensive collection focuses on European art with masterpieces by Botticelli, Rembrandt, and van Gogh all featuring.

Sculptures, graphic art, paintings and more can be found in its beautiful galleries; various sections look at themes and epochs such as the Renaissance, the Dutch Golden Age, and Byzantine art.

Among the many highlights are the clownish characters which can be found in Cezanne’s Fastnacht (Mardi Gras) and the twirling ballerinas who look so elegant in Degas’ Blue Dancers. Picasso’s Young acrobat on a Ball is also well worth checking out for its interesting use of shapes and colors.

9. Christ The Savior Cathedral

This gorgeous Russian Orthodox cathedral is located on the banks of the Moskva River, just a stone’s throw away from the Kremlin.

The church as it stands today was consecrated in 2000, as the original church that stood here was destroyed on the command of Josef Stalin in 1931 due to the anti-religious campaign.

With its delightful golden dome, spires and dazzling white facades, the Christ the Savior Cathedral is stunning. The interior is just as captivating to wander around, with its beautifully tiled floors and impressive altar.

8. Lenin Mausoleum

Opened to the public in 1924, Lenin’s Mausoleum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Moscow. The red granite structure is located at the heart of the city in Red Square.

Lenin’s embalmed body lies in a glass sarcophagus; it is a somewhat eerie experience walking past the former leader of the Soviet Union but is well worth doing as you understandably can’t do it anywhere else in the world.

After visiting the mausoleum, head to the Kremlin wall right next to it for more graves of important communist figures such as Stalin and Brezhnev.

7. Tretyakov Gallery

Home to the most extensive and impressive collection of Russian fine art in the world, the State Tretyakov Gallery is definitely worth visiting when in Moscow for the wealth of amazing art pieces that it has on display.

Having started out as the private art collection of the Tretyakov brothers, there are now over 130,000 exhibits. Highlights include the iconic Theotokos of Vladimir which you will almost certainly recognise despite probably not knowing the name and Rublev’s Trinity which is considered to be one of highest achievements in Russian art.

An absolute must for art lovers, the State Tretyakov Gallery will delight visitors with all that is has to offer.

6. Kolomenskoye

Once a royal estate, Kolomenskoye is now a museum-reserve and lies a few kilometers outside of the city center. A captivating place to visit, there is a plethora of history on show and the site overlooks the Moskva River.

Consisting of four historical sites, there are extensive gardens for visitors to explore, as well as loads of interesting old buildings, the former village of Kolomenskoye itself and the impressive Palace of the Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich – once considered the Eighth Wonder of the World by contemporaries.

Among the many stunning sights, it is the brilliantly white Ascension Church that is the undoubted highlight – dating back to 1532.

5. Gorky Park

Lying alongside the Moskva River, the huge Gorky Park is a lovely place to visit. Its extensive gardens are home to numerous cultural institutions and visitors should definitely check out the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art and while the eclectic exhibits may not always feature such incredible sights as a balloon-covered rider on a zebra; they certainly always succeed in pushing back the boundaries of art.

Pop-up exhibitions and festivals can be found from time to time in the park itself and there is an open-air theatre and numerous eateries alongside a plethora of leisure activities.

Whether it’s cycling, table tennis or yoga that you are after or beach volleyball and rowing, Gorky Park certainly has it. In winter, there is a huge ice rink for visitors to enjoy.

4. Bolshoi Theatre

The Bolshoi Theatre is the main theater in the country. The amazing opera and ballet performances it has put on over the centuries go a long way in explaining Russia’s rich history of performing arts.

While the Bolshoi Ballet Company was established in 1776, the theater itself was opened in 1825. The glittering, six-tier auditorium is lavishly and decadently decorated; it is a fitting setting for the world-class performances that take place on its stage.

Spending a night watching a performance of such classics as The Nutcracker or Swan Lake at the Bolshoi Theatre is sure to be a memorable experience and the beauty all around you only adds to the sense of occasion.

3. Moscow Kremlin

This famously fortified complex is remarkably home to five palaces and four cathedrals and is the historic, political and spiritual center of the city. The Kremlin serves as the residence for the country’s president. It has been used as a fort, and this fact is made clear by its sheer size. The Kremlin’s outer walls were built in the late 1400s.

Under Ivan III, better known as Ivan the Great, the Kremlin became the center of a unified Russian state, and was extensively remodeled. Three of the Kremlin’s cathedrals date to his reign that lasted from 1462-1505. The Deposition Church and the Palace of Facets were also constructed during this time. The Ivan the Great Bell Tower was built in 1508. It is the tallest tower at the Kremlin with a height of 266 feet (81 meters).

Joseph Stalin removed many of the relics from the tsarist regimes. However, the Tsar Bell, the world’s largest bell, and the Tsar Cannon, the largest bombard by caliber in the world, are among the remaining items from that era. The Kremlin Armory is one of Moscow’s oldest museums as it was established more than 200 years ago. Its diamond collection is impressive.

The Kremlin’s gardens – Taynitsky, Grand Kremlin Public and Alexander – are beautiful. The Kremlin has also served as the religious center of the country, and there is a tremendous number of preserved churches and cathedrals here. The collections contained within the museums include more than 60,000 historical, cultural and artistic monuments. Those who enjoy the performing arts will want to consider attending a ballet or concert at the State Kremlin Palace. Completed in 1961, it is the only modern building in the Kremlin.

2. Red Square

Lying at the heart of Moscow, Red Square is the most important and impressive square in the city. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions due to its wealth of historical sights and cultural landmarks.

Drenched in history, the huge square is home to incredible sights such as the Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral and Lenin’s Mausoleum, among others. Consequently, it is not to be missed when in Moscow as it really is home to the city’s most stunning monuments.

It is here that many important moments in Russian history took place; the former marketplace has hosted everything from Tsar’s coronations and public ceremonies to rock concerts and Soviet military parades. Wandering around the massive square is a humbling experience and undoubtedly one of the highlights the city has to offer.

1. Saint Basil’s Cathedral

Located in the impressive Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral is gorgeous; its delightful spires appear as if out of a fairytale. The most recognizable building in the country, the cathedral is very much a symbol of Russia. No visit to Moscow is complete without having taken in its unique and distinctive features.

Ivan the Terrible ordered the cathedral’s construction in the mid-16th century, and legend holds that Ivan put out the architect’s eyes so that he would be unable to build another cathedral more glorious than St. Basil’s. Designed to resemble the shape of a bonfire in full flame, the architecture is not only unique to the period in which it was built but to any subsequent period. For various reasons, both Napoleon and Stalin wanted to destroy the cathedral but fortunately did not succeed.

Known for its various colors, shapes and geometric patterns, St. Basil’s Cathedral houses nine different chapels that are all connected by a winding labyrinth of corridors and stairways. On the lower floor, St. Basil’s Chapel contains a silver casket bearing the body of St. Basil the Blessed.

Throughout the cathedral are many beautiful murals, frescoes, wooden icons and other art works and artifacts. Outside the cathedral is a lovely garden with the bronze Monument to Minin and Pozharsky, who rallied an all-volunteer Russian army against Polish invaders during a period of the late 16th century known as the Times of Troubles.

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15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Moscow

Written by Diana Bocco Updated Dec 23, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Moscow is one of Europe's most enigmatic destinations, home to a fascinating history and colorful, awe-inspiring architecture you won't find anywhere else in the world. Moscow might be one of the most populous cities in the world with over 11 million inhabitants, but this hasn't changed its strong cultural and social traditions.

Walk the cobblestone streets of the Red Square or the banks of the Moskva River early in the morning, and it's hard to tell what century you're in.

Tsarist architecture, must-see churches, and glamorous shopping opportunities blend together for a visual experience you won't forget. For ideas on what to see and do while visiting Russia, here's our list of top tourist attractions in Moscow.

1. Marvel at the Size of the Kremlin

2. catch a performance at the bolshoi theatre, 3. shop at the luxurious gum, 4. make your way into lenin's mausoleum, 5. spend an hour (or three) at red square, 6. discover history at the museum of cosmonautics, 7. ride the stunning moscow metro, 8. explore the moscow state integrated museum-reserve, 9. spend a rainy day at the tretyakov gallery, 10. walk up and down arbat street, 11. stop by the vdnkh all-russian exhibition centre, 12. wander around gorky park, where to stay in moscow for sightseeing, map of tourist attractions & things to do in moscow.

Moscow's most recognizable structure is without a doubt the Kremlin, a 15th-century fortified complex that covers an area of 275,000 square meters surrounded by walls built in the 1400s.

The Grand Kremlin Palace -which has over 700 rooms- was once home to the Tsar family and is now the official residence of the president of the Russian Federation, although most heads of state choose to reside elsewhere.

The massive complex also includes many other buildings, some of which are open to the public and can be visited regularly. Aside from three cathedrals (including one where the Tsars were once crowned) and a number of towers, the Kremlin is also home to the Armory building, a museum holding everything from the royal crown and imperial carriages to the ivory throne of Ivan the Terrible and Fabergé eggs.

The Bolshoi Theater is home to the largest and one of the oldest ballet and opera companies in the world . While the theater has undergone several major renovations over the past century-including a recent one in 2011 to restore some of the imperial architectural details-it still retains all of its Neoclassical grandeur.

The Bolshoi Theater you see today opened in 1824, after several older versions burned down. Inside, red velvet, a three-tiered crystal chandelier, and gilt moldings give the place a Byzantine-Renassaince grandiose feel like no other.

Catching a show from the resident ballet and opera troupes is a treat, as the theater often presents a number of classic performances, such as Tchaikovsky's Mazeppa and Rachmaninoff's Francesca da Rimini, both of which originally premiered here.

Moscow's oldest and most upscale shopping center is an architectural marvel. GUM (short for Glávnyj Universálnyj Magazín or "Main Universal Store") was built in the late 1800s in neo-Russian style to showcase a beautiful mix of a steel skeleton and 20,000 panels of glass forming an arched roof.

This was a unique construction at the time, since the glass had to be strong enough to support the snow-heavy Russian winters. The building is just as impressive outside, with all three levels covered in marble and granite.

While GUM is no longer the largest shopping center in Moscow, it's still by far the most beautiful. Home to brands like Gucci and Manolo Blahnik, this might not be the ideal destination for most budget-conscious visitors, but the beauty of the building itself is worth a visit.

On the third floor, there are also great dining options, including a Soviet-style canteen that serves traditional Russian food, and a stand selling ice cream made by hand using an original 1954 recipe originally approved by the Soviet government.

Lenin's Mausoleum, the final resting place of Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin, occupies a central spot in Red Square. His body has been in the mausoleum since his death in 1924-and although the original plan was for him to be buried after a short period of public display for mourning, the plan quickly changed.

After over 100,000 visited the tomb over a period of six weeks, it was decided that a new sarcophagus and a more permanent display space could actually preserve Lenin's body for much longer than expected-and Lenin's Mausoleum was built.

Over the years, the mausoleum and its marble stairs also became the main spot from where Soviet leaders would watch parades and events happening in Red Square.

Lenin's embalmed body can still be seen today, lying down in a bulletproof glass sarcophagus as if he's sleeping. While a visit to the mausoleum is certainly unusual, it has become a must-do for history buffs looking to understand how Lenin's legacy truly changed the nation. Come ready to wait, though -there are usually lines to get in.

All of Moscow's main streets start at Red Square, so it's easy to see why this is considered the heart of the city. A massive space of 330 meters by 70 meters, the square is flanked by the Kremlin, Lenin's Mausoleum, two cathedrals, and the State Historical Museum.

In 1945, a massive Victory Parade was held here to celebrate the defeat of Nazi Germany by the Soviet Armed Forces.

St. Basil's Cathedral , one of the most recognizable buildings on the square, was built in 1555. The unique cathedral has architectural details inspired by Byzantine and Asian design, as well as details that resemble those found in famous mosques. There are nine individual chapels inside the church, all decorated with colorful mural art.

Both the square itself and the Kremlin are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites . On weekends, there are sometimes stalls selling souvenirs and traditional items here, such as matryoshka (Russian nesting dolls), at the entrance of the square.

At one point, Russia and the US were toe-to-toe when it came to space exploration. While that might no longer be the case, the museum's amazing collection-which includes over 85,000 items-is still awe-inspiring.

Main exhibits include the space capsule used by Yuri Gagarin , the first human to travel into outer space; a USSR flag with moon fragments; a Soviet spacesuit; and a rocket propulsion unit from the 1960s. A special two-story hall showcases sections of the Mir space station interior, and there are also models of the first sputniks and a replica miniature spaceship.

English-language tours are available, and there's also a Cinema Hall showing subtitled short films about the history of space exploration programs and the first manned space flight.

The museum is located inside the base of the monument to the Conquerors of Space, which was built almost 20 years before the museum opened.

Riding the Moscow metro is an experience all in itself, but even just heading underground to walk through the stations is something no visitor should miss. With 223 stations and 12 metro lines crosscutting through Moscow, however, this can be tricky, so visiting at least a few of the most impressive ones is a good start.

Arbatskaya station was designed by a skyscraper architect, so it's no surprise that it features multicolored granite slabs and impressive bronze chandeliers.

Park Kultury station , located next to Gorky Park, is covered in marble and features reliefs of people involved in sports, while Teatralnaya station is decorated with porcelain figures dancing and wearing traditional Russian costumes.

The metro is open between 5:30am and 1:00am but it's very crowded in the early morning and after 4pm, so it's better to visit in the late morning or early afternoon to really appreciate the architecture without the crowds.

The Moscow State Integrated Art and Historical Architectural and Natural Landscape Museum-Reserve is a cultural open-air museum complex comprised of four different historical sites.

The most important site, the Kolomenskoye Estate, was once the summer residence of Tsars as far back as the 14 th century. The complex, which covers almost 300 hectares, is home to fairy-tale wooden palaces; a tent-roof stone church built in the 1500s; a water tower; fort towers and structures; and the 24-room Museum of Wooden Architecture , which includes the restored dining room of Tsar Alexei I.

Beautiful manicured gardens , riverside picnic areas, and a massive collection of both artifacts and structures make this a great destination to help you see what medieval Russia looked like. English-language tours are available, but you're also free to wander the grounds on your own.

The largest collection of Russian art in the world sits here, with over 180,000 paintings, sculptures, and religious art dating back to over a millennia ago. The gallery, built using beautiful red and white colors from classical Russian architecture, is located near the Kremlin and it was built in the early 20 th century.

Significant art pieces include the Vladimir Mother of God; a Byzantine icon of the Virgin and child dating back to the 1100s; Andrei Rublev's The Trinity icon from the 15 th century; and several works by Ilya Repin, the most famous realist painter in Russia.

On the grounds of the museum, there is also an 86-meter-tall statue of Peter the Great, as well as a number of Socialist Realism sculptures.

Moscow's one-kilometer-long pedestrian street has been around since the 15 th century. Originally a trade route in the outskirts of the city, Arbat Street is now very centrally located, home to posh buildings and lots of places to eat and shop.

Beautiful street lamps and two significant statues-one of Princess Turandot (from Puccini's last opera) and one of Soviet-era poet Bulat Okudzhava-adorn the street, which fills up with both locals and tourists on evenings and weekends.

A great place to pick up souvenirs or sit down at an outdoor café, Arbat Street also offers a chance to visit the former home of poet Alexander Pushkin and the café both Anton Chekhov and Leo Tolstoy used to visit.

Although it was originally designed as a general-purpose trade show venue, this park complex now houses amusement rides , ice rinks , and a number of galleries and other attractions for all ages.

The park's most famous landmarks are the Moskvarium, a marine biology center home to over 8000 species of marine animals, the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art, and a shopping center selling traditional products from former Soviet countries.

There's even a film museum showing Soviet cartoons or even a full-length film (for an extra fee) and an education center offering masterclasses on everything from becoming a barista to video montage (call or write in advance to find out which ones are English-friendly).

Soviet-era pavilions, sculptures, and fountains abound here as well, including the famous Friendship of the Peoples Fountain, which features statues of women dressed in costumes from different former Soviet countries.

Named after the famous Russian writer Maxim Gorky (who was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature five times but never won it) and sitting right across the Moskva River, Gorky Park covers 120 hectares of beautiful ponds and green spaces.

Popular with both locals and tourists, the park offers a variety of things to enjoy-from sunbeds, hammocks, and drinking fountains to free yoga classes and children's playgrounds. There's free Wi-Fi and sockets for charging your phone, as well as many food stands and plenty of wild animals, including deer, rabbits, and pheasants.

Visitors can rent paddle boats and bicycles to explore the park-and from May to October, there is also an open-air movie theater, as well as scheduled presentations by street performers, musicians, and artists. Gorky Park attracts the young and old, so don't be surprised to see a mix of people exercising, playing chess, and sunbathing.

Luxury Hotels :

• Lotte Hotel Moscow is one of the top 5-star properties in Moscow offering the largest Royal Suite in Russia. The trendy rooms and suites here all have contemporary style and great city views. On-site amenities are plentiful. There are two restaurants: one serving contemporary Italian fare, and the other Japanese. There is an impressively lit indoor swimming pool, a well-known spa, and a state-of-the-art gym.
• Another excellent luxury hotel is the Ararat Park Hyatt Moscow . The residential-style property is in the heart of Moscow just next to the Bolshoi Theatre and within walking distance of the Kremlin and Red Square. The rooms and suites have been opulently designed by Tony Chi. The on-site restaurant serves a mix of European and Armenian specialities. There is also a Japanese sushi bar and a rooftop lounge with fabulous city views.
• The St. Regis Moscow Nikolskaya also has a central location just a few minutes from the Kremlin and Red Square. The 5-star property has a mix of elegant rooms and suites, including interconnecting room options for families with kids. There are multiple restaurants on-site including an Italian bistro. Other amenities include the fabulous Iridium Spa, which does a full range of treatments and has an indoor swimming pool, sauna, and steam room.

Mid-Range Hotels :

• Palmira Business Club is a top mid-range choice. The contemporary lifestyle hotel offers well-appointed rooms and suites, including options for families. Suites are quite spacious and have kitchenettes. Amenities here include a complimentary breakfast at the on-site restaurant, a hot tub, sauna, and spa. There is also a fitness center.
• The trendy Mercure Moscow Baumanskaya offers a mix of rooms and suites with contemporary decor. The mid-range hotel can arrange airport transportation and offers baggage storage. Other amenities include a restaurant and room service. The front desk is open 24 hours.
• Boutique Hotel Brighton is about 10 minutes from the city center in a leafy park area. It offers excellent value for money and has charming rooms and suites with sound-proof windows and doors, as well as blackout curtains. A complimentary breakfast is served, and there is also an indoor swimming pool.

Budget Hotels :

• Hotel Ibis Budget Moscow Panfilovskaya is about a 15-minute drive from Moscow's downtown, and it's within walking distance from a metro station that will take you there. The soundproof rooms at this budget property are clean, comfortable, and can sleep up to three people. The hotel is pet friendly, has paid parking available on-site, and also has a salon.
• If you just need a budget hotel near the airport then check out Aviator Hotel Sheremetyevo . Located right at the airport, it has soundproof rooms, including options for families. Amenities include an indoor play area for kids, a sauna and swimming pool, and a free breakfast.

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