Farmer Ted’s Christmas Experience – A Festive Day Out Near Liverpool
Just so you know: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a booking or purchase, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you.
If you’re looking for a Christmas day out near Liverpool that’s full of festive fun and perfect for little ones, Farmer Ted’s Adventure Farm is well worth a visit. We’ve taken our daughter to this grotto twice now — it’s local to us and just right for the toddler age group. A lovely, low-key way to soak up some festive magic (with animals, of course!).
What is Farmer Ted’s Christmas Experience?
Set in the countryside between Ormskirk and Formby, Farmer Ted’s transforms into a festive wonderland in the run-up to Christmas. Alongside the usual farm fun, there’s a walk-through Christmas grotto, a meet-and-greet with Santa, cheerful elves, and even real-life reindeer.
It’s designed with families in mind — plenty to keep toddlers and younger children entertained without it being too overwhelming.
Where is Farmer Ted’s and When Does it Run?
Farmer Ted’s is just outside Ormskirk in Lancashire, around a 25-minute drive from Liverpool.
The Christmas Experience usually runs on selected dates throughout December. It’s definitely worth booking in advance, especially for weekend slots, as it tends to sell out quickly.
What’s Included?
Your ticket includes:
✔️ A magical Christmas Grotto walk-through
✔️ Meet-and-greet with Santa (and a gift!)
✔️ Real reindeer and other farm animals
✔️ Elf Village and festive scenes
✔️ Farm play areas (indoor and outdoor)
✔️ Gingerbread decorating & reindeer dust making
✔️ Plenty of festive photo spots
There are also seasonal food stalls and a cosy café if you fancy a warm drink or bite to eat.
Our Family Experience
We visited on a chilly December afternoon, and it was the perfect mix of festive and relaxed. I’d recommend arriving early to enjoy the farm animals and outdoor play areas before heading into the grotto.
The grotto itself is probably the best we’ve been to — a beautifully decorated trail through festive scenes, with friendly elves guiding you through. What we really appreciated is that it’s well-paced. You only enter once the family ahead has moved on, so it feels calm, spacious, and perfect for snapping some lovely family photos along the way.
When it’s time to meet Santa, you’re welcome to take your own photos — there’s no pressure to purchase professional shots, which is such a refreshing change! Santa himself was lovely, taking the time to chat and ask questions — not rushed at all.
Afterwards, you head next door to collect your present from one of Santa’s elves. The gifts are age-appropriate and sorted into different sacks, and there’s even a big sleigh in the corner for another festive photo op.
In another barn, there are extra festive activities like decorating your own gingerbread and making reindeer magic dust. Our daughter loved this — it’s set up like a pick ‘n’ mix, with tubs of oats, glitter, and sparkles you can scoop into a little sack to sprinkle on Christmas Eve.
We also visited the reindeer (a must!) and warmed up in the indoor play barn before heading home. There’s also an outdoor playground and plenty of animals to meet if the weather’s on your side.
Top Tip: Definitely dress warm — it’s a working farm, so wellies and waterproofs are a good idea, especially if it’s rained recently.
Is Farmer Ted’s Worth It?
Absolutely! It’s a lovely, no-fuss Christmas day out that’s just right for toddlers. We’ve been to other grottos that offer more structured activities like storytelling, but this one gives little ones the freedom to explore, play, and enjoy things at their own pace — which, let’s be honest, is exactly what most toddlers want.
We visited when our daughter was 2 and again at 3, and it was perfect both times.
You’re not rushed, there’s space to explore, and the Santa visit feels genuinely personal — ideal for kids who might find bigger, busier grottos a bit too much.
Need to Know: Farmer Ted’s Christmas Experience
Location: Farmer Ted’s Adventure Farm, Ormskirk, Lancashire
Suitable for: All ages, toddler-friendly, pram-accessible in most areas
Parking: Free on-site
Toilets: Yes, with baby-changing facilities
Tickets: Prices vary — pre-booking is essential
Would we go again?
Definitely! It’s close to home, toddler-friendly, and packed with festive charm — with the added bonus of reindeer and a proper farmyard setting.
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