Looking for a low-stress Christmas experience for young children? We had a magical trip to Penns Flowers this weekend – absolutely perfect for a first Christmas Grotto!

Located in Longwick, just outside Princes Risborough, Penns Flowers charming Christmas Grotto simply asks for donations in aid of Rennie Grove Hospice Care, and is open every day except Wednesdays. Santa will be in the grotto from 2pm until 4pm Saturday’s and Sunday’s only

The entrance is unassuming, but the moment we opened the door we were hit with sparkling lights and Christmas music. The Grotto is small but absolutely filled to the brim with vintage miniature villages and dolls houses, singing Santas, and moving woodland creatures.

The great thing about Penns is that the displays are all down at toddler height, with so many cute and kitsch details for them to spot. My youngest was absolutely fascinated by the dancing penguins and polar bears, naming everything he could as he toddled along! We did have to stop him grabbing some of the display, as everything looked so irresistible to him. Cuddly toys, flashing trains, dancing reindeer…what more could you want?!

My eldest took in the displays more thoughtfully, and loved the villages and dolls. You could spend a long time looking at each carefully created scene, spotting new details each time. She was also curious to see what was behind the curtain at the end of the Grotto…you’ll need to visit between 2-4pm on Saturdays and Sundays to meet the man himself!

Grotto Details