The sparkling lights of the christmas trees, hot mulled wine and creamy hot chocolates, thrilling fairground rides and captivating shows are just a few of the attractions that bring people to Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, London in droves year after year.
Although this attraction has been running since 2007 its somewhere I have never visited before; so when I was asked along to a preview day last weekend I was just as excited as the children.
We arrived early on Sunday morning to minimal crowds which gave us the opportunity to get check things out and stroll round the Christmas Market before we headed to the Megadome to see the Sooty Christmas Show.
This was a real blast from the past for me and I was surprised that my lot had absoulty no idea who these super cute hand puppets were! This however had no bearing on their enjoyment of the show and I looked on with such delight as the whole audience of little faces squealed and giggled with delight at the slap stick comedy going on before their eyes.
From near the mark jokes to keep the adults entertained to soaking the audience with water pistols there was a laugh a minute and my children didn’t take their eyes off the fun for the entire show.
We had a short break to grab some refreshments before heading back to watch the amazing Zippo’s Circus Christmas Show.
I am ashamed to say that I don’t think in my twenty years of being a mother I have taken any of my children to a circus. I have no idea why this is and after watching the show last week I have really missed out.
Zippo’s is a family run circus and I was lucky enough to meet Zippo’s wife the lovely Julie who’s love and passion for her work really shone through.
We were treated to a whole host of wonderful acts from singing, dancing and comedy to escapology and the most spectacular acrobat who took to the air in a huge metal structure that was absolutely breathtaking.
Zippo’s circus is pure family entertainment and would make the perfect Christmas treat.
From here we had the rest of the day to explore Winter Wonderland and all it has to offer.
The site itself is free to get into and then there are pre-booked attractions to enjoy such as ice skating, the Magical Ice Kingdom, Cinderella On Ice, Cirque Berserk and the giant observation wheel.
If rides are more your thing then there are hundreds on offer from huge roller coasters for the thrill seekers like Izzy or plenty of tamer rides that I stuck to with the boys that can be used by purchasing tokens.
The rides vary in price and there are limited stalls that accept card so taking cash is the best move.
Our favourite ride of the day was the observation tower that takes you to a nerve wracking 80 metres to give you a breathtaking 360 view of London’s skyline.
I not the biggest fan of heights, but once we were up there I couldn’t help but wonder at the view.
It was now time to find ourself some much needed food and it was pretty hard to decide upon what we wanted as the choice is so vast and absolutely everything was massively tempting.
From succulent meat sticks to chunky chips to sticky waffles and crispy churros there was something to tempt any palette and I could have easily eaten my way round each and every stall.
As the sun began to set and the crowds began to grow we started to make our way home after a truly fabulous day that filled our heads full of memories and hearts full of the magic of Christmas.
Winter Wonderland was everything I expected and more and it is firmly on my list for next year.
*we were invited along to this preview for the purpose of this review and they are all my own, honest opinions.
I have seen posts from here in previous years, it looks very enticing and lovely to see something that is free to go in. Just soaking up the atmosphere and grabbing a bite to eat would be fun, add in the shows and the rides and it’s every kids dream day out. Lovely photos that really make me want to visit.
Thank you for sharing with me on #CountryKids
We went the year before last – I try and go near (or on birthday) which is the week before Christmas, We went in the Ice Kingdom one year which was really cool. Hoping to get down there this year. Great photos Emma. Sarah x
I haven’t been to Winter Wonderland since the year it opened and it looks like there is a lot more to see there now than there was back then. I love the look of the observation tower – going up that high would probably make me nervous but the views are definitely worth it! The circus sounds like fun too. I’ve never taken my children to a circus either but I’m sure they would love it just as much as your children did. #countrykids
We went on the same day as you to Winter Wonderland! Sounds like you really enjoyed Zippos Circus at the Megadome too. My mummy and I loved the Sooty Christmas Show and meeting the little fella afterwards. Stunning pictures and it really shows off the festive vibe x popping over from #Countrykids x
Oh I did realise you were there too! Hope your day was as good as ours x