Great Grottos' Data Privacy Policy
In line with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), this privacy notice explains in detail the personal data
Great Grottos retain about you and how we’ll store and handle that data, and keep it safe.
What data do we process?
We retain your name, address, contact numbers, email, children’s names, children’s DOB. Everything supplied
during your booking.
Why do we keep it?
We retain your data so we may ensure your booking data is available at the Grotto on the day of your visit and
to contact you in the unlikely event should any changes to your booking be necessary.
Where do we keep it?
It is hosted at a secure data centre.
Who can access it?
Only the Great Grottos’ Head Office team via our prebookings database.
Who do we share it with?
No one. However if you also opt-in to event marketing contact, our client, typically the retail centre hosting the Grotto, will receive your data for the purposes of contacting you regarding similar events and offers.
How long do we keep it?
Up to 10 months. At the end of that retention period, your data will be deleted completely.
How can I delete my data?
You may ask at anytime for your personal data to be deleted in full by phoning 01306 886 989 or emailing
Enquiries@GreatGrottos.co.uk. Please note, it may not be possible to delete your data prior to your booking
whilst still facilitating your booking.
If you have any questions or concerns, please speak to us.
An Audience with Father Christmas at Leeds Castle FAQ’s
Do I also need a ticket to gain entry to Leeds Castle in order to visit Father Christmas?
The Father Christmas experience is a separate ticketed event. Entry to Leeds Castle is required but not included with your Father Christmas ticket. All guests must hold a valid Leeds Castle admission ticket for the date of their visit. Admission tickets are valid for 12 months, so if you’ve visited within the last year you may already have one. Admission tickets are purchased separately and can be bought via the Leeds Castle website.
Where is this experience located?
The Father Christmas experience is located in the Gatehouse on the Castle Island. Head to the Castle Island, located on our map, and follow the directional signage when you arrive.
What does the experience include?
Join our friendly elves for a festive adventure before meeting Father Christmas himself for a magical and interactive session filled with festive fun, Christmas cheer and special moments.
Each child will:
The Father Christmas experience is approximately 40 minutes long.
Tickets for the Father Christmas Experience:
Child ticket: £22.00
Adult ticket: £5.00
Is the Father Christmas experience included in my annual pass?
No, the experience is a separate ticketed event that must be purchased in advance. You are required to show your annual pass at the Visitor Centre to gain entry.
Will I meet Father Christmas individually?
Each session has 8 families booked, so you won’t have a completely private meeting with Father Christmas.
But don’t worry! There will be plenty of time to listen to Father Christmas’ magical story together, before each family has the opportunity to take their own individual family photographs with him.
How long will it take to reach the experience once I have arrived at the Visitor Centre.
The experience takes place in the Gatehouse located on Castle Island, which is around a 30-minute walk (approximately 1km from the visitor centre) from the Visitor Centre (maybe longer for little legs wanting to explore the grounds). Please arrive in plenty of time and check the website to see if the land train and minibus are available.
How should I plan my day?
As you can imagine Christmas is a busy time of year at Leeds Castle. We recommend arriving on site at least an hour before your timeslot. If you have the early 10am time slot please arrive at the Visitor Centre by 9.30am (You will be escorted to the experience, but don’t worry you will have plenty of time to explore the castle and grounds afterwards!) Likewise, if you are arriving for an afternoon slot please explore and enjoy the other areas of the site before your experience. Please note that final entry to the castle is 2.30pm.
If your slot finishes after 3pm you will need to leave the grounds after your experience for us to welcome our evening visitors for Christmas Lights at Leeds Castle… If you wish to join us at the Christmas lights too you can book tickets here - https://leeds-castle.com/events/christmas-lights-at-leeds-castle/
My Child is under 3, can I still bring them?
You are welcome to buy a ticket for an under 3-year-old however they may not get the full benefit of the experience. Please let us know if your child is below 3 and we will provide an alternate gift.
How long does the Castle experience take?
The Castle experience can take between 45mins-1hr.
Queues can be long at peak times so join the queue early to avoid disappointment.
Can’t fit everything in one day... Good news, our annual passes allow you to come back as many times as you wish within 12 months!
Is the Grotto experience accessible?
Yes. The Grotto is on one level and accessible to visitors with mobility needs. Please note that the historic Gatehouse entrance has uneven cobblestones, which may mean the surface is uneven.
Booked an Afternoon tea?
Afternoon tea slots run in two sessions from 11.30 – 1.00 or 1.30 – 3.00. Please note your grotto experience will last around 40 minutes so be mindful of your exit time when you book.
How many Adults can attend?
A maximum of 2 per booking but a minimum of 1 adult is required per party. Adult tickets are £5.00 each. There is a café nearby for those that aren’t attending the experience
Want to book more than 4 children?
If you wish to book more than 4 children, you will need to make separate bookings.
Can we take photos?
Yes, you can take photo’s and there will be an opportunity at the end of the experience for photo’s to be taken.
Are there options to purchase photographs or souvenirs?
Unfortunately, not however you will be invited to take photos at the end of the session.
Can I change my ticket?
Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable.
Can we bring a buggy?
There will be available space to park your buggy inside, please ask the check in team on arrival.
Leeds Castle opening hours
The Castle: 10:30am to 3.30pm | Last entry 2.30pm
Grounds and Gardens: 10:00am to 4pm | Last entry 2.30pm
Is the experience indoor or outdoor?
The experience is indoors although you may need to queue for a short period outside.
What happens if I miss my timeslot?
Unfortunately, due to limited capacity there is no flexibility on time slots.
Adverse weather information?
In the event of adverse weather, we may contact you to arrange an alternative entrance to the experience. if for any reason we have to fully cancel the experience we will let you know as soon as possible.
For all Grotto ticketing enquires please contact Great Grottos:
Phone: 01306 886 989
Email: bookings@greatgrottos.co.uk
For enquiries about the experience please contact Leeds Castle:
Phone: 01622 765400
Email:events@leeds-castle.co.uk
Great Grottos Ltd. Independent House, Glebelands Centre, Vincent Lane, Dorking RH4 3HW. VAT Number: 797523088. Your use of any information or materials on this website is entirely at your own risk, for which we shall not be liable. It shall be your own responsibility to ensure that any products, services or information available through this website meet your specific requirements. This website contains material owned by or licensed to Great Grottos. Reproduction is prohibited and forms part of these terms and conditions. Unauthorised use of this website may give rise to a claim for damages and/or be a criminal offence. Your use of this website and any dispute arising out of such use of the website is subject to the laws of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
