Things To Do At Christmas Near Worcestershire
Alderford Lake in Shropshire is around an hour’s drive from most of Worcestershire, and for families looking for a Christmas day out that goes well beyond the usual festive routine, it is a trip that is very much worth making. The Christmas season at Alderford runs from 27 November to 23 December 2026.
Santa Island Experience
The Santa Island Experience is a 90-minute adventure that starts with a boat ride across Alderford Lake to Santa’s secret island. From the moment you set sail, it feels different from any other Santa visit. There are no indoor queues and no rushing. The outdoor lakeside setting, the unhurried pace and the genuine detail in every stage of the experience make it stand out.
On the island, the elves guide your family through toasted s’mores, a wishing bridge, a toy workshop at the Elf Bar where children can help make toys, letter writing, and finally a relaxed meeting with Santa in his grotto. Every child receives a gift. Families also take home a bag of treats for the reindeer to leave out on Christmas Eve.
Tickets from £45 to £58 per person, depending on date and time. Under-1s are free. A personalised Santa invitation is available to add for £5. Buoyancy aids are provided. Arrive at least 30 minutes early. Book your Santa Island Experience online.
Accessibility: adapted boat available. Email enquiries@alderford.com.
Real Ice Skating
The ice rink at Alderford uses real ice and is mostly undercover, making it suitable even on cold December days. Sessions last around 50 minutes and polar bear skating aids are available. Open to all ages. Special event nights: K-Pop Ice Party (5 and 19 December), Relaxed SEN Session (29 November and 12 December), Nashville on Ice (11 December), adults-only Rave Skate (18 December). Book ahead for event nights.
Woodland Ice Bar
Step off the lakeside path and into Alderford’s Woodland Ice Bar for an experience unlike anything else in the region. The temperature inside drops to around -12°C, and almost everything is made from ice, including the bar itself and the hand-carved sculptures surrounding you. Your 20-minute session includes a shot served in an ice glass through the ice luge and a warming glass of mulled wine at the end. Non-alcoholic options are available. Children aged 4 and over are welcome with a ticket and an accompanying adult. Bring your warmest layers.
Christmas Drive-In Cinema
The lakeside Drive-In Cinema has two screenings this December: The Holiday on Friday 11 December and Home Alone on Sunday 13 December. Settle into the car or bring blankets and enjoy a classic Christmas film with the lake and woodland around you.
Meet Henry and Hector
Henry and Hector are Alderford’s real reindeer, included with every Christmas activity booking. For young children, getting up close to a real reindeer is a straightforward piece of Christmas magic that never loses its impact.
Getting Here from Worcestershire
Alderford Lake is on Tilstock Road, Whitchurch, Shropshire, SY13 3JQ. From Worcester the drive is around 1 hour. From Kidderminster it is approximately 50 minutes. From Bromsgrove it is around 55 minutes. 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 Christmas experiences in advance online.