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Meet Santa in his grotto!

Watch the Christmas Flying Shows

Meet Fudge the giant owl!

Have your photo taken with a real owl

Santa and the Owls!

  • Visit Santa in his grotto - £7.50 per child (accompanying adults free) 
  • Join the Christmas games and activities 
  • Meet the owls who deliver the letters to Santa 
  • Enjoy the festive arts & crafts
  • Watch the Christmas Flying Show at 1.00pm 
  • Meet Fudge the giant owl
  • Hold a real owl yourself - £2.50 

This year there are more activities taking place. Your ticket includes unlimited access to visit the birds in their aviaries and watch the 1pm flying display. There are also arts and craft activities to enjoy indoors at the Bird of Prey Centre. When you make your booking, you will be given an hour time slot to see Santa. Please make sure you are in the bird of prey centre at this time and an Elf will let you know when it's your turn.

Normal entry to The National Botanic Garden of Wales and The British Bird of Prey Centre applies. This will be included in your ticket price for this event when you book

FAQs

Is Santa bilingual?

Sion Corn will be happy to speak to you in Welsh if you prefer

Do I have to buy a Santa ticket if I don't want a gift?

The pricing has been worded this way to allow older brothers and sisters and babies to join their families in the Grotto without paying for the 'Santa Experience'. If your child wishes to visit Santa please buy a Santa ticket

Once I have seen Santa and held an owl do I need to leave the Centre?

No, you are welcome to stay as long as you like and watch the flying show. There are craft activities in our Education & Conservation Centre that you can enjoy free of charge. You are also welcome to visit other areas of the Garden and return to the Centre later too. There are lots of other fun things going on in the Christmas Courtyard this year.  

Are the presents worth it?

We have tried to find gifts that are value for money and suitable for each age group. The cost includes the whole Santa Experience and we didn't have any complaints last year!

What happens if it rains?

We have our Conservation and Education Centre open to give you an indoor space to shelter from the weather and some activities will take place in the Tipi in the Christmas Courtyard. BUT please get wrapped up warm and bring umbrellas as the event is mainly outside and we will still do the flying show, even in the rain. 

I am a carer, do I need a ticket?

Everyone is required to have a ticket. If you are a carer you will get into the National Botanic Garden for free. Please choose the Carer option when you buy your tickets. 

Our staff are trained not to assume a disability, so proof is required on arrival to the Garden.

Proof includes –

  • Disability Living Allowance (DLA),
  • Personal Independence Payment (PIP),
  • Blue Badge (photo ID required),
  • Signed letter from GP (photo ID required),
  • Access Card.

Documentation should be dated within the last 24 months

My child has special needs, can you accommodate this?

We pride ourselves in being able to make the changes you need to have the best visit to see us. If your child requires additional support or a quieter session with Santa, please contact us and we can make the necessary adjustments for you

This event is run in collaboration with the National Botanic Garden of Wales. Charity No.1036354



Santas Grotto 2023

Santas Grotto 2023

The British Bird Of Prey Centre

What our visitors say about us...

"A purpose built centre, very airy, spacious, bright and clean"

Sailbad001 - Tripadvisor

"Having a White-Tailed Sea Eagle with a 2m wingspan fly within touching distance of you is a unique 'wow' moment"

Adam G - TripAdvisor

"The bird of prey centre was absolutely amazing, fantastic collection of birds and great staff"

GoPlaces778070 - TripAdvisor

Other great reasons to visit us at 

The National Botanic Garden of Wales

PLEASE NOTE: Some areas of the Garden will initially be closed to adhere to Welsh Government Guidance. We apologise for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding as we work through this strange time and try to get used to the new normal. 

THE STABLE BLOCK

THE STABLE BLOCK

The Stable Block houses our Seasons Restaurant, Gift Shop, Oriel Yr Ardd Gallery, Reception area and offices.

Y POT BLODYN

Y POT BLODYN

A lovely place to eat, drink and buy some wonderful plants for your garden.

CHILDRENS PLAY AREA

CHILDRENS PLAY AREA

This highly imaginative adventure zone is a place for children to jump, crawl, tumble, slide and swing.

BUTTERFLY GARDEN

BUTTERFLY GARDEN

This hot and steamy glasshouse is alive with a kaleidoscope of colourful butterflies from across the tropical world.

GREAT GLASSHOUSE

GREAT GLASSHOUSE

This spectacular dome is the largest single-span great glasshouse in the world.

ORIEL YR ARDD GALLERY

ORIEL YR ARDD GALLERY

Tucked into a corner of our Stable Block is our Oriel yr Ardd Gallery.

Birds of Prey