Last week, we were invited to visit the Blithbury Reindeer Lodge. Even though it was raining cats and dogs, my children and I had such a wonderful magical time there, which is home to over 150 reindeer who roam freely across the beautiful 30-acre site.
It is located in the small hamlet of Blithbury, on the outskirts of Rugeley. I had used my sat nav to help me to get to the place, but in the end, it took me away from Blithbury. Luckily after driving around, I found the pub car park (The Bull & Spectacles) which is next to the lodge. The lodge’s green sign is not very visible at dusk, so if you travel there during the daytime, you should be able to spot it more quickly.
There car park is a good size and is free to park. Going through the shop, we were soon greeted by the staff who showed us their winter wonderland traditional wooden buildings with open fireplace.
Before we went to the event, I had a look at their website where they mention a list of things to do. And indeed, they exceeded to my expectations. This is one of the best proper traditional Christmases with Santa, Mrs Claus, elves and reindeers. The open fireplace with burning woods add an even more magic to the place. You could easily spend two hours or more there as there are many activities to do. These are the activities:
Sleigh & Feeding Reindeer
As the weather was really terrible, we missed the riding in a sleigh pulled by the reindeer but we all did get to feed their young reindeer calves. We were each given a cup of their favourite food – moss and place it on our hands to feed those super cute reindeer. Some of them are quite shy, some of them are quite friendly and with some, you have to be careful with their antlers. Mr K enjoyed feeding them and gave them stroke on their noses.
Photo with Sven in ‘Frozen’ barn
The Disney film ‘Frozen’ has been a massive hit and many children (and adults alike) have been enchanted by it. This barn is designed to please their little customers. They have set up a ‘Frozen’ scene with cardboard cut-outs of Elsa and Anna with big snowy mountain landscapes. We all sat on the sleigh while we had a photo with Sven the reindeer, who was very obediently munching his hay. My daughter was so pleased with the photo that it now sits pride of place on her window sill.
Letter to Santa
Next, they both got their face painted and wrote/drew letters to Santa, hoping Santa will remember to buy their favourite toys!
Elf School
At the elf school, they were taught to make the magic potion to help the reindeer to fly and each received a bag to fill up the magic dust to leave outside the house on Christmas Eve. They also learnt the names of nine reindeer and ended with the Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer song!
Mrs Claus’s Story Time and Cake Decorating
It was a great idea of having Mrs Claus read the children a story over the open fireplace while mummy enjoyed a bit of Me time! As the weather was very cold, both children were happily sat next to the fireplace on the wooden trunk, while listening to the story.
Later they all got to decorate their own reindeer cupcake. Both children were very excited and had learnt something new!
Santa’s Grotto
Last but not least, we were ushered to Santa’s grotto to have a little chat with him. Both of my children were quite nervous but after Santa’s warm welcome, they both fell at ease and started telling him what they want!
Then we headed out the grotto to pick up their Christmas gift. There are a lot of gifts to choose from and both children got so carried away pondering that they couldn’t decide. There is a big selection of unwrapped gifts for children to pick!
Thanks to Blithbury Reindeer Lodge for such a fantastic time. We all enjoyed this great experience and would highly recommend them. The prices start from £6.95 for an adult and £9.95 for a child which is very reasonable and great value for money.
They can be found at this address: New House Farm, Uttoxeter Road, Blithbury, Rugeley WS15 3HY.
PS: Blithbury Reindeer Lodge is now permanently closed and is no longer trading.
Disclosure: We were invited to attend the event for the purposes of writing this review, however, all thoughts and opinions remain our own.
