A Festive Escape Just Beyond Gloucestershire
Alderford Lake sits in Whitchurch, Shropshire, and while it is a journey from Gloucestershire, it offers a Christmas day out that is worth planning around. From a boat ride to Santa’s secret island to a woodland bar at -12°C, Alderford has built a programme of experiences that stands apart from anything closer to home.
The Christmas season runs from 27 November to 23 December 2026.
Santa Island Experience
The Santa Island Experience lasts 90 minutes and begins with a boat ride across the lake to Santa’s hidden island. No indoor queues, no rushed grotto visit: just a relaxed, outdoor, genuinely magical afternoon.
On the island, elves guide your family through a series of moments: gooey toasted s’mores, a wishing bridge where children whisper a wish to the stream, a toy workshop at the Elf Bar, letter writing to Santa, and finally a meeting with Santa in his grotto where every child receives a gift. To finish, each family takes home a bag of treats for the reindeer on Christmas Eve.
Tickets from £45 to £58 per person depending on date and time. Under-1s are free. Personalised Santa invitations available to add 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
Alderford’s ice rink uses real ice and is mostly undercover. Sessions last around 50 minutes and polar bear aids are available. Suitable for all ages. 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 sell out ahead of the dates.
Woodland Ice Bar
Step inside the Woodland Ice Bar and the temperature drops to -12°C. The bar, the glasses and the sculptures around you are all carved from ice. Your 20-minute session includes an ice luge shot and a glass of mulled wine. Non-alcoholic options are available. Children aged 4 and over are welcome with a ticket and an adult.
Christmas Drive-In Cinema
The Drive-In Cinema runs through December with festive screenings by the lake. This year: The Holiday on Friday 11 December and Home Alone on Sunday 13 December.
Meet the Reindeer
Henry and Hector, Alderford’s real reindeer, are included with every Christmas activity booking. For young children, meeting a real reindeer is one of those simple moments that makes the day.
Getting Here from Gloucestershire
Alderford Lake is on Tilstock Road, Whitchurch, Shropshire, SY13 3JQ. From Gloucester the drive is approximately 1 hour 45 minutes. It is worth combining with an overnight stay if you are travelling from the south of the county. 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.