Discover Magical Christmas Activities Near Herefordshire
If you are looking for something genuinely different to do at Christmas this year, Alderford Lake in Shropshire is worth considering for a day out from Herefordshire. The drive from Hereford is around 1 hour 15 minutes, and what you will find when you get there is a Christmas experience built around one of the most beautiful lakeside settings in the region.
Alderford runs a full programme from 27 November to 23 December 2026: a boat ride to Santa’s island, a real ice rink, a woodland bar at -12°C, a Drive-In Cinema, and real reindeer included with every booking.
Santa Island Experience
The Santa Island Experience is a 90-minute adventure that begins with a boat crossing to Santa’s hidden island. Elves guide your family through toasted s’mores, a wishing bridge, a toy workshop where children help make toys, letter writing to Santa, and a meeting with Santa in his grotto where every child receives a gift. The Elf Bar serves hot chocolate for children and festive drinks for adults throughout the visit.
The whole experience is outdoors, unhurried and set in a genuinely beautiful natural environment. There are no indoor queues and no time pressure.
Tickets from £45 to £58 per person, depending on date and time. Under-1s are free. Add a personalised Santa invitation for £5. Buoyancy aids are provided. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your session. Book your Santa Island Experience online.
Accessibility: adapted boat available for wheelchair and mobility scooter users. Email enquiries@alderford.com.
Real Ice Skating
Ice skating at Alderford takes place on a real ice rink, mostly undercover, with 50-minute sessions and polar bear aids for beginners. All ages welcome. Special event nights: K-Pop Ice Party (5 and 19 December), SEN Relaxed Session (29 November and 12 December), Nashville on Ice (11 December), adults-only Rave Skate (18 December). These nights sell out ahead of the date.
Woodland Ice Bar
The Woodland Ice Bar is tucked away in the woodland at Alderford. The temperature inside drops to around -12°C, and most of what surrounds you, including the bar and the glasses, is made from ice. Your 20-minute session includes an ice luge shot and a mulled wine to warm up with afterwards. Non-alcoholic options are available. Children aged 4 and over are welcome with a ticket and an accompanying adult.
Christmas Drive-In Cinema
Two festive screenings this December: The Holiday on Friday 11 December and Home Alone on Sunday 13 December. Watch from the car or bring blankets and watch lakeside with the Shropshire countryside around you.
Meet Henry and Hector
Henry and Hector are Alderford’s real reindeer. A visit with them is included with every Christmas activity booking. For young children, seeing a real reindeer up close at Christmas tends to be a moment that sticks.
Getting Here from Herefordshire
Alderford Lake is on Tilstock Road, Whitchurch, Shropshire, SY13 3JQ. From Hereford the drive is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. From Leominster it is around 1 hour. It is worth making a full day of it and booking multiple experiences to get the most from the journey. Free parking on site for up to 3 hours. All-day parking is £5. Opening times are 9am to 4:30pm daily, with last entry at 4pm. Book all experiences in advance online.