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.

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 of us mums and kids had our photo’s taken and then we had hot drinks inside Flirt Café while we waited for the train to come back.

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 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 and this 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 haha.

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 Sundays and after 4pm on Thursdays during the festive period.  

• 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 our great day with friends!