On a cold but sunny December day we returned to Northwood’s Trail’s Fairy Sanctuary, having reviewed the Fairy Trail and Magician’s Bothy at Jollydays Glamping earlier this year…
Branching Out
The forest experience was as magical as we remembered, in fact even more so with the added lights. A day out in the fresh air was just the tonic before the big day too! Bring wellies though, it’s muddy in parts.
This was our first visit at Christmas though so what did we make of it? Our experience was running nearly thirty minutes late, and it wasn’t explained why so there was some confusion and unrest amongst the large group of 40-50 people. Eventually though, the host arrived dressed in green carrying a bowl of glass beads.
Don’t expect a soft toy or book as a gift here, instead children get a more symbolic magic wishing stone (the glass bead) and a small chocolate coin. The stone is used to make a wish with Lady Winter, a wish that can only be made to help themselves or help others.
A nice touch in a world of wishing for ‘stuff’, and children were excited to receive a silent nod or bow from Lady Winter…indicating the presence of fairy magic!
After dropping one stone in a well, and saving one to take home, it was on to meet the big man himself. Northwood’s take on Santa is a much more authentic St Nicholas, complete with grey beard and flowing green robes. It was disappointing though to see him stop his music with his phone, and jarred with this ethereal take on Father Christmas.
Picture This
His woodland den is a marquee decked with hundreds of twinkling lights, glistening ornaments and fairy houses. A stunning setting, and beautifully designed. Unfortunately though St Nick is fully backlit with the fairy lights and his face is in shadow so some expression is lost. This also means a photo opportunity at the end doesn’t really work, and using a flash only washes the scene out.
Those wanting a photographic memento of the day may be left disappointed. A shame, as Santa is resplendent in his green robes and glowing wreath. I couldn’t get any useable photos in the marquee, so this shot comes from the website, and a previous set design.
There isn’t a one-to-one with Santa here either. St Nick asks all the children their name and, later, asks a few what they want for Christmas. He involves them in the story too, but there isn’t time for the more personal moments that some families would hope for.
These issues aside, the visit is uniquely different in its focus on forest magic, fairies and storytelling over toys and elves. Whilst older children and teens seemed disinterested, many children in our group were enchanted by the tale of Silver Cloggs the fairy. The concept of exploring the origins of fairytales (and fairy tails) is interesting, and our two boys – aged six and nine – were gripped for the most part.
The story is long and a little complex for very young children but well told, and there is some interaction. However, I feel like a trimmed story, more interaction and more time to meet with St Nicholas at the end would make for a better experience all round.
Mulling it Over
The visit lasts around an hour, and includes a cup of mulled wine or non-alcoholic punch for the adults. We enjoyed this in the magical café, which fits the rustic woodland theme. A mini hot chocolate went down a treat too.
Be sure to take a peek in the enchanting Fairy Museum too, a treasure trove of trinkets and imagination-sparking artefacts.
At £12.95 for children and £16.95 for adults, we were at surprised at the higher ticket price for the accompanying parents, even with the mulled wine or punch. The family ticket option at £49.90 is a saving of almost £15 on the individual tickets and seems better value.
This isn’t your typical Santa visit, there’s no talk of naughty or nice (thankfully, as we’re not fans of this whole concept), and little emphasis on presents, elves and reindeer. One to consider if you’re looking for a alternative that does away with all the glitter and trappings of the season in favour of a more gentle and authentic experience.
It’s refreshingly different, and with a few refinements it could be really magical. Tickets start at £12.95 and can be booked at https://northwoodtrail.digitickets.co.uk/tickets
MAGIC RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY
OVERALL
These ratings are based solely on the Christmas offering. We highly recommend the Fairy Trail all year round as a magical outdoor experience.
Disclaimer: Tickets were kindly provided for this performance, however all opinions are honest and are our own.