Yesterday we visited Bournemouth with friends to ride on the Santa Express, have our photo taken in the Snow Globe and take a stroll through the Gardens of Light.

We met our friends at the Winter Gardens Car Park so we could catch the Train from the Lower Gardens (just near the flyover) and perfectly timed our arrival with the first Train of the day.  The boys were all super excited and off we set for the 20 minute journey to the Triangle where we knew the Giant Snow Globe would be.  The staff on the Santa Express should be praised for their jolliness and the boys loved the Christmas music and joking with the driver, it was ‘choo choo’s’ all the way!

Once we got to the Triangle we could see the Snow Globe and was delighted that there were only a couple of families queuing.  The staff were yet again cheery and pleased to see us and within 10 minutes all 4 Mums and toddlers had their photo’s taken so we waited inside Flirt Café Bar with hot drinks for the Train to come back which we had been told would take about 45 minutes.

Once we were back on the Train we only had a short journey to the Lower Gardens where we planned to visit the Gardens of Light.  The children utterly loved the huge snowflakes on the pathway which almost looked painted on until you tried to walk over them and realised they were projected.  The Ice Rink looked fantastic and my son desperately pleaded to go Ice Skating.  I had told him that he was too young but recently I’ve seen a toddler session advertised which is Monday to Friday from 10am – 11am and includes the use of a Penguin or Seal aid.  Once I managed to get him away we visited each of the light pods and a clear favourite with all of them was most definitely ‘Under the Sea’ although we did have a good giggle at them dancing in front of the disco balls.

After the Gardens of Light we took a quick trip through the Square to ride on the Carousel (had we of been child free we could have easily headed straight for the Moose Bar though).

By now the time was getting on and our 4 little monkeys were getting very tired and hungry so we dashed to Aruba where I had already booked a table.  My friends had never visited before however we have dined at Aruba several times and knew how child friendly and accommodating they were.  Yet again the staff and food were fantastic and it still remains one of our favourite places in Bournemouth to eat.  

Good to know………..

Car Parking is Free in certain Car Parks on selected Sundays and after 4pm on selected Thursdays.  

Santa Express costs £1 per person for an all day ticket plus under 2’s are free!

The Snow Globe will only be in Bournemouth for the next few days so hurry up if you want to visit!  Entry and photo is completely free so make sure you visit for a fantastic souvenir of your day.

Thanks Bournemouth for a great day with friends!

Love

Dorsetmum

xxx

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