We are thrilled that Santa has found some time in his busy schedule to come and see us in our café grotto this Christmas and he would love you to come and visit him.

Starting on Saturday 4th December, Santa will provide a 30 minute experience for little ones and their carers in a small group session with other families. Listen to Santa tell a Christmas story and then come and collect a present from the man himself.

The 30 minute sessions will run at various times on Saturdays and Wednesdays throughout December. 

Tickets cost £10 (1 Child and up to 1 Adult) and include entry to the museum on that day. 

We have a wonderful range of festive drinks and cakes available in our tea rooms so relax in the warm before or after your Santa experience. Please ensure you arrive at least 10 minutes before your ticket time slot and leave plenty of time to park if you are driving as Gloucester Quays can get very busy during December. Additional adults will be able to pay for standard Museum entry on the day or use their annual pass to get in free.

FAQs

Is this a boat trip? No, we don't offer Santa cruises at the museum. You might have joined us for our Stories with Santa event in 2019 which was on a boat. Santa has decided that he needs a better ventilated space this year so his grotto has been moved to the café in the museum just by the ice rink.

What will happen in the 30 minutes? You are booking a session along with other families. Children will sit on a rug in front of Santa and adults will sit or stand behind the children. He will read a story and there will be a chance to chat to him and each child will be able to go up and collect a present from Santa.

Photos You are welcome to take photos of your own child(ren) with Santa but please don't photograph anyone else.

Can my child bring more than one adult to the Stories with Santa experience? The ticket price of £10 is for 1 child and up to 1 adult. Extra adults can pay for standard museum entry if they want to come in the museum on the day unless they have an annual pass and then they will be free. We will do our best to try and accommodate any extra adults in the grotto but it does depend on how busy the session is.  If we can't accommodate you in the grotto then you will be able to see from outside the room, through the window. You would also be able to wait in the café area.

What age is this aimed at? There isn't an age limit but we think that it will be really enjoyed by 2-8 year olds. Babies 12-months and under are welcome to come for free but they won't receive a present. We're afraid you won't be able to bring buggies in the grotto but we will provide a space to store them.

How accessible is the museum? The Grotto is on the ground floor. The National Waterways Museum, Gloucester is housed in an old warehouse with uneven and worn flooring. The quayside is a working area and may be slippery in wet or icy weather. We have a wide access, double fronted entrance and the main museum warehouse is fully accessible for wheelchair users with lifts to the first floor. You'll find our fully accessible toilet and baby changing facilities on the ground floor. Please get in touch if you would like to discuss any specific requirements gwm@canalrivertrust.org.uk

What are my transport options for getting to and from the event? The Quays gets very busy during December so we recommend travelling by public transport if you can. The nearest car park is the multi story at the Gloucester Quays and the Gloucester Docks Car park. Since it does get so busy please allow a lot of time for parking. Unfortunately the Disabled bays in Orchard Square outside the museum are out of action during November and December because of the Ice Rink.

How can I contact the organiser with any questions? Follow us on Social Media for the most up to date information facebook.com/nationalwaterwaysmuseumgloucester and on Instagram @nwmuseumgloucester. If you have any questions please call our team on 01452 318212 or email gwm@canalrivertrust.org.uk