Swarkestone Nursery

Visited the Grotto today with my family. I did think it was a bit pricey for a visit to see santa but then saw all the wonderful activities and thought "Well worth it". I chose this one also because of the personalised touches, the fact they would use my children's name, ages and what they want for Christmas and if they have been good ! I'm pretty my eldest is on the precipice of becoming a non believer. I wanted one more year of magic with him and thought the personalised touches of this experience would harness him back to the believer side for another year! We arrived about 10 minutes early and asked to wait outside the grotto by the elf at the desk. Bang on time the doors opened and we was greeted by one elf "Blizzard" she was brilliant, the kids loved throwing the snow balls through the hoops. They created their elf names, all was going well. The next door opened and Mrs Claus was there ! The room was lovely. Decorated beautifully. Mrs claus made reindeer food with the children and they enjoyed it, they sang jingle bells with her and then we took some photos. Then they had to shout to wake santa up so they could go into the next room. The room again was beautiful, decorated with a nice fire all cosy ect... brilliant I thought. Until I saw santa... his beard round his neck obviously forgot to put it on! His full face on show. My eldest looked at me, and I died a little inside. He knew, and I knew he knew!! Im making this review sound like a comedy, I'm actually really upset. Maybe in a year or 2 il laugh but .... Santa starts listing off his reindeer and even struggled with that. He had a piece of paper in his hand he had to keep reading from. From there we went into the workshop so the boys could pick their gift, there was a good amount to chose from and the make your own bear was a lovely touch. But no where did they use any of the details I had written down, Santa asked my children's names. The personalised touches I had booked for were not used at all. After this I did go and speak to the manager who I think was genuinely embarrassed, she apologised profusely and even offered us a drink in the cafe. I know these things can't be helped, it was a mistake. But if your taking a Santa role, surely one of the most important parts is wearing the blumming beard if you don't have a real one. I told the manager I wouldn't leave a negative review, and to be honest I don't think I have. My son came to me tonight before bed and said "Thanks for taking me today mum, but that was not Santa. I don't even think he's an elf". I wish I could upload the photo of Santa. Manager was Lovely. Just very disappointed by Santa. Backfired on me massively.

Beautiful carvery. Very clean & friendly staff. Will be back next week.