Santa's Polar Expedition Grotto at The Trafford Centre Review

Yesterday we went to Barton Square at intu Trafford Centre in Manchester, to visit this year's Christmas Santa's grotto. For 2016 the grotto has been turned into The Polar Expedition, and Santa is accompanied by lots of friendly Eskimo Elves.

My 6 and 8 year old boys are at the cusp of understanding, but are both firm friends with Santa this year at least...

We were a staggering 90 minutes late. My partner was called into work, so we ended up tight on time, but then the pre-lunchtime traffic was horrific, we were stuck in a jam for over an hour and our 8 year old was car sick. Christmas has started...

Thankfully it can be very beautiful...

The staff at the grotto were fabulous, I really couldn't ever ask for more. We apologised for being so late and asked if it was possible to fit us in. Were made to feel completely welcomed and offered a glass of water for our 8 year old. A rearranged visit was absolutely fine as they weren't full, and in fact there were 4 spaces 20 minutes later. They couldn't possibly have known at that point that I was a reviewer, and all of the Eskimo Elves even stayed in character throughout! Simply awesome, truly what Christmas is about. Thank you.

When you enter, you are in a Reindeer Stable with school benches to sit on, while the very talented Elf 'Sherry Trifle' introduces us to a baby reindeer, Norbert, and we find out his special secret. My boys were well into it, all the children sung their hearts out. The more the merrier for this part of the experience I think.

After a quick singsong and once we've said 'Goodbye' to Norbert, it's a short walk past some nicely realised animatronics, until you reach the really very impressive VR polar ice cap.

Everyone in the area is shown on the large screen, alongside projected live animals. My 6  year old loved it and was the first to walk forward to tickle the virtual polar bear. Then it's off to see Santa, who was marvellous! He really was very lovely and warm, with a big booming voice, and even though my boys have moderately unusual names, the Eskimo Elves seamlessly introduced them.

The Polar Expedition Santa's Grotto is in conjunction with Playmobil, and Santa gives every child a small Playmobil toy. I am super-impressed with this. Playmobil toys are excellent quality, and a staple for imaginative small world play. All of our children have loved playing with it from 3 up to around 10 - and beyond if you catch them with the younger two...

Our photo with Santa was really nice, and my 8 year old really, really wanted a bauble. On it's own that's £10, but we actually bought a print to display too, at £15 for both. That's a fairly standard price, and while I always feel it's harsh to make you pay for a photograph, there are a nice selection of options.

Overall I think intu Trafford Centre's The Polar Expedition grotto represents good value for money. It's unusual for adults to have to pay for a grotto, but I feel in this case justified as you can only take limited numbers at one time. The present is excellent quality, and the VR experience is very different and memorable for everyone.

The staff were who made it fabulous though. In character, but no annoying voices or silliness, just genuine warmth and attentiveness. Gorgeous costumes, and a great set which completely took in my 6 year old, all together it made for a very immersive and magical experience.

The Polar Expedition at The intu Trafford Centre will be open every day until Christmas Eve, 24th December. Children £7.50, Adults £5. Times vary, book in advance to avoid disappointment or a long wait. You can find out more and book your The Polar Experience tickets here...

Our visit to The Polar Experience was free for review. Please be prompt when arriving as when the grotto is busy it will not be possible to give you an alternative time slot - we had luck on our side.