Vintage Christmas Grotto: Mission North Pole

Bletchley Park is bringing back its vintage Christmas grotto this December, and the theme this year is Mission North Pole. It's run by the Bletchley Park Trust as a separate, ticketed event, so you'll need to book your slot in advance rather than just turning up. The grotto itself is about a five-minute walk from the museum's main entrance, and it's worth keeping in mind that annual passes don't cover entry here.

The whole thing is set in the new 'North Pole Plotting Room', where Christmas preparations have gone a bit off track. The story goes that Agent Sparkle, one of Father Christmas's most trusted helpers, has muddled up the Christmas post and lost track of his journey plans, so you and the kids get to help sort it out. Along the way, you'll meet 1940s characters who bring the intelligence operations of the era to life, and there's a theatrical rehearsal of Cinderella by the historic Bletchley Park Drama Society to watch. There are also festive crafts to get stuck into, inspired by the Christmas work of the Codebreakers.

It's a small-group experience: each time slot takes in a maximum of three family groups, and each group gets five minutes with Father Christmas. That means it's not a crowded queue; you've got a bit of space and a proper turn. The grotto runs across multiple dates, with slots starting as early as 09:45, so you can pick a time that works for your morning. Tickets are £15 per person plus booking fees, with a minimum booking of one adult and one child. Advance booking is essential, so if you're planning to go, it's best to get your slot sorted early.