The Santa Island Experience at Alderford Lakes is a magical journey across the three islands to discover the story of Santa and his elves. This was a truly magical and fun experience that lasted well over 90 minutes. We were made to feel like special guests by the elves and Santa. They created a really memorable adventure for me and the girls.

First, we got on our life vests and waited on the jetty for our boat to come. We had the boat to ourselves with a member of the Alderford Lake team driving. She took us on a 5-7 minute journey to the furthest part of the island. From the boat, we could hear music and see lights coming from the island, which definitely got us excited for our adventure ahead of us.

Once you were on the island, the elves took you on a journey. We were welcomed a shore by an elf who couldnt wake her sleeping friend and the girls had to shout to wake the elf up. Straight away we were toasting marshmellows and making smores while chatting with the elves. The girls had beaming smiles basically the whole time they were on the island, as did I.

Each little activity was led by different elves, all so friendly and asking the girls about them selves and about Christmas. They were acting all silly and joking around which made the girls laugh so many times.

The next stop, was inside a copy tipi, the girls and I settled down on a bench with a blanket across our knees. Inside was a storyteller. He sat close, as we were the only ones, he told us the best story. It was all about penguines and the sea. It was a magical & funny story which again had me and the girls giggling and was captivating to hear.

After this the girls were lead across the wishing bridge to the next island. (There are three islands all connecting by bridges which in its self is so cool).

On the second island, we found some elves in Santas’ workshop, but they needed our help to make some of the toys. Here, the girls got hot chocolate, and I got a mulled wine. The elves in the workshop were playing & having fun. It was such a warming environment and as we sat there drinking our warm drinks and making toys it felt so magical.

Then on to our next job of writing our letters to Santa. Again, there was a friendly elf to accompany us, the girls spent ages colouring in their letters while chatting to the elf about their present ideas and decorating their tree at home. Nothing was ever rushed which i loved.

The next bridge is a pully bridge. The girls helped the elf get us across. The final island had to be the most important part of our journey. Santa’s grotto. But, before we saw Santa, there was yet more fun to be had. Playing board games with the naugtiest elf on the islands, that is known for stealing your hat.

Now for Santa. The fact my daughter came out and whispered to me “that was the best santa,” made a little flutter in my chest. He truly was. Inside his grotto, the girls chatted to Santa for at least 15 minutes. He asked the girls about themselves and talked all about their journey with the elves to get to him and about the story we heard in the tipi. He made little jokes which had us giggling again. The gifts the girls recieved were very special and made the journey they had been on all come together at the end.

We left the grotto with a warm feeling. We were led to make some reindeer food before getting back on the boat to the main land. By this time it had started to go dark and all the pretty lights had been turned on for the Lights in the Woods trail. This made our boat ride back very beautiful.

Find all the best Santa Christmas experiences in Cheshire.