Hyde park's fabulous Winter Wonderland opened last weekend and we were invited along to have a wander around and to see two of the fantastic new shows being performed in the MegaDome. We hadn't been to Winter Wonderland for a couple of years and it is now bigger and better than ever, with a multitude of exclusive shows, and myriad food, drink and shopping opportunities. Here are our top 6 reasons to visit Winter Wonderland this festive season.
1. A Big Dose of Festive Spirit
I dare you to come away from Winter Wonderland not feeling Christmassy! With Christmas trees, fairy lights, gingerbread men and snow everywhere you look. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...
2. The Sooty Christmas Show
Every morning at 11am, that beloved veteran of stage and screen, Sooty, hoofs the boards once again with his sidekicks Sweep, Soo and Richard - plus a surprise, unexpected guest. In 45 minutes hilarious minutes of slapstick, lunacy and mayhem, Sooty and gang are as entertaining as ever, with their human foil Richard Cadell joining in the fun, sometimes willingly, sometimes not. The girls were in stitches at their antics, with tears running down their cheeks at one point. Thoroughly recommended.
3. Rides and Fun a-Plenty
With rides suitable for all ages from simple vehicle carousels to proper big rollercoasters, there is plenty to entertain all ages. In fact there are more than 100 rides and games, so plenty to keep everyone entertained, including Munich Looping, the world’s largest transportable rollercoaster. A word of warning, if you are taking little ones, start early to avoid the queues as it can get very busy. All rides require tokens which are available from kiosks for £1 each. The costs of the rides vary between 2 and 9 tokens.
4. Ice and Snow
It's everywhere! While our prospects of a white Christmas remain as low as ever, get your fix of the white stuff with the UK’s largest outdoor Ice Rink, Europe’s largest indoor ice and snow sculpture experience The Magical Ice Kingdom Deep Sea Adventure, or the wonderful Cinderella on Ice show.
5. Zippos Christmas Circus
Performing three or even four times a day, Zippos Christmas Circus features jaw-dropping acrobatics, comedy, illusion, escapology, feats of strength and more. Tatiana loved the giant polar bears dancing, Sophia thought the acrobats were incredible with their balances and strength, and all were mesmerised by the sensational Wheel of Death performance, all without safety nets. Amazing stuff.
6. Food, Drink and Shopping
Perfect winter al fresco dining is yours at every turn. Crepes, hot chocolate, candy floss, pretzels, marshmallows to roast, popcorn, gluhwein and much more, bring a group of friends or make it a family day out, you won't go home hungry! Try Bar Hütte, a unique take on 'Alpine Après-Ski' and top up your present stash at the 150 chalets in the Angels Christmas Market.
The Practical Stuff
Winter Wonderland is open daily until 1st January 2018, from 10am to 10pm. Entry to the site is free.
To find out more about what to see, show times and book tickets, visit www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com
The easiest way to get to Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is via public transport, with the nearest tube being Hyde Park Corner (Piccadilly line).
Please note: Bag searches are in operation, the site is huge, and you need to be in your seats 20 minutes before performances begin, so leave plenty of time.
Although the MegaDome is heated, Winter Wonderland is an outdoor event so do wrap up warm!
And don't forget to enter our competitions!
1. A Big Dose of Festive Spirit
I dare you to come away from Winter Wonderland not feeling Christmassy! With Christmas trees, fairy lights, gingerbread men and snow everywhere you look. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...
2. The Sooty Christmas Show
Every morning at 11am, that beloved veteran of stage and screen, Sooty, hoofs the boards once again with his sidekicks Sweep, Soo and Richard - plus a surprise, unexpected guest. In 45 minutes hilarious minutes of slapstick, lunacy and mayhem, Sooty and gang are as entertaining as ever, with their human foil Richard Cadell joining in the fun, sometimes willingly, sometimes not. The girls were in stitches at their antics, with tears running down their cheeks at one point. Thoroughly recommended.
3. Rides and Fun a-Plenty
With rides suitable for all ages from simple vehicle carousels to proper big rollercoasters, there is plenty to entertain all ages. In fact there are more than 100 rides and games, so plenty to keep everyone entertained, including Munich Looping, the world’s largest transportable rollercoaster. A word of warning, if you are taking little ones, start early to avoid the queues as it can get very busy. All rides require tokens which are available from kiosks for £1 each. The costs of the rides vary between 2 and 9 tokens.
4. Ice and Snow
It's everywhere! While our prospects of a white Christmas remain as low as ever, get your fix of the white stuff with the UK’s largest outdoor Ice Rink, Europe’s largest indoor ice and snow sculpture experience The Magical Ice Kingdom Deep Sea Adventure, or the wonderful Cinderella on Ice show.
5. Zippos Christmas Circus
Performing three or even four times a day, Zippos Christmas Circus features jaw-dropping acrobatics, comedy, illusion, escapology, feats of strength and more. Tatiana loved the giant polar bears dancing, Sophia thought the acrobats were incredible with their balances and strength, and all were mesmerised by the sensational Wheel of Death performance, all without safety nets. Amazing stuff.
6. Food, Drink and Shopping
Perfect winter al fresco dining is yours at every turn. Crepes, hot chocolate, candy floss, pretzels, marshmallows to roast, popcorn, gluhwein and much more, bring a group of friends or make it a family day out, you won't go home hungry! Try Bar Hütte, a unique take on 'Alpine Après-Ski' and top up your present stash at the 150 chalets in the Angels Christmas Market.
The Practical Stuff
Winter Wonderland is open daily until 1st January 2018, from 10am to 10pm. Entry to the site is free.
To find out more about what to see, show times and book tickets, visit www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com
The easiest way to get to Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is via public transport, with the nearest tube being Hyde Park Corner (Piccadilly line).
Please note: Bag searches are in operation, the site is huge, and you need to be in your seats 20 minutes before performances begin, so leave plenty of time.
Although the MegaDome is heated, Winter Wonderland is an outdoor event so do wrap up warm!