Whitehouse Farm Centre — Attraction in Stannington

We came here to meet Santa with our baby, I have terminal blood cancer so I'm shielding so this was a risk, but before hand my wife contacted the farm about the event and it was said that toward the end there was a bit where your child could decorate cookies, but they said someone could just bring it out for us to take home and that the rest of it will mostly be outdoors.

We arrived and the first thing to happenw as to be taken for our son to write his letter to Santa, I'm an absolute cripple and my wife had our baby in a wrap so she had to get him out to write his letter, within a couple of minutes we were dragged away without giving us a chance to have our baby scrawl on some paper, which is all part of the experience for him, to a café which was not supposed to happen until toward the end, so we were going to skip that and see the animals (with me shielding)* the place was rammed. Then it totally broke the structure and could have potentially left us standing outside in the freezing cold, me in agony on crutches and with little to do, none of the staff really knew what to do until my wife flagged someone down and complained. They said they will try and squeeze us on the next train, but I saw that it had sides on and was not open sided, so I wasn't pleased about that as I'd have to sit amongst loads of people who could potentially be ill. Anyway, thanks to one of the girls who helped us they managed to get us on a one quickly with just one other family. On the way over a bald bloke who possibly ran the place came over to ask how we were, I think he was expecting us to be full of joy and compliments and wasn't prepared for what I told him. He could only say "I can only apologise" not sounding very sincere, and then he said "well this is a working farm" as if we should have known and shouldn't have bothered if we were shielding or disabled, totally contrary to how helpful the lady was on the emails.

Anyway, the staff the rest of the day were absolutely amazing and really looked after us and made it really magical for us. I know a lot of people will probably think "well don't go then if you're ill and it's dangerous" but I'm told by doctors I might not have long left, so I have to take some calculated risks and if I think it's safe enough I'll make sure my baby boy doesn't miss out and makes some lovely memories with me before I'm gone.

At the beginning of our visit I would have given this place 1 star, but the rest of the staff including another lady who seemed quite senior and was dressed as an elf really looked after us. It was if everyone we met now knew the situation with us and did everything they could to help.

I couldnt thank them enough for how much they really made our Christmas and most importantly they made it magical for our little boy.

Santa was fantastic too, and pretty much all of the staff we met.

So at the start it would have been 1 star, but the amazing staff throughout our visit really saved it for us, and that's why I'm...

First time visiting although has been on our list for a long time. Decided to visit today although the weather forecast showed a high chance of rain and was a bit nervous as taking a toddler and mobility scooter in our group (farm, mobility scooter and rain often don't mix well).

However, all of the paths were tarmacked and smooth, so no gravel or mud to bog down the scooter and everywhere was wheelchair accessible . The farm largely consists of large barns where the different activities take place, so it's actually a decent rainy day place to visit.

We didn't have time for all the activities because we were so busy all day. We didn't see the magician's magic show for example. The indoor soft play was fantastic, with the soft play in a barn with multiple levels, lots of climbing and lots of slides and enough obstacles to tire out any kids.

Parents were allowed in to help after taking their shoes off which made all the difference to us! We were able to help our little boy climb and navigate and helping him onto the slides with us initially! There are many levels and different slides to explore making it suitable for a wide range of ages, confidence and abilities! In fact my partner said it would be worth the entrance fee alone simply for the soft play!

There was a lovely little outdoor playground with swings and multiple slides and climbing structures which we spent a long time on.

The item we spent the most time on was bouncing on the inflatable bouncy air cushions (like a bouncy castle but without the sides and bouncier). My little boy, and young family members absolutely loved bouncing and jumping on this and it was safe with rubber on the ground to make any landings safe.

We barely had time for anything in the petting barn with baby goats, llama, ponies etc that were friendly to pat and feed. A bag of animal feed was offered at reception when purchasing tickets for £1 which was good value.

The café was really nice although popular items sold out after lunch which can't really be helped when it was really busy. We got some teas and it wasn't very expensive. There was also a picnic barn if you bring your own and a baby change in the soft play with toilet.

We had a lovely tractor ride around the field, seeing sheep and cows which was peaceful and safe.

We only planned on staying for a couple of hours but ended up just having time for the very well stocked gift shop before closing time and our five hours had passed so quickly we were left wondering when we should next visit again to "complete it". Overall a fantastic day out and the weather wouldn't stop it being fun, although the sun makes everything better. Well done to everyone at Whitehouse farm. We will be back (probably...

I am not one for posting reviews on any sites, in fact this is the first time I ever have. We visited Whitehouse Farm Christmas 2017 and again for Christmas 2018 and the change for the better was phenomenal which is why I felt I should review on this occasion. Christmas Eve 2017 we came with the kids and after being stood in a queue to see Santa for over an hour and a half we left without seeing Santa. The staff were clearly stressed to death and the overall experience wasn't good. I spoke to a member of staff Joan I think before we left and raised my concerns, she seemed to take everything on board and was very apologetic about the whole thing. So we saw 2018 a new way was being launched so we gave it a shot as we do actually really like the farm. In a stark contrast to last year things were so different and this is a place who seem to actually listen and act on feedback from paying customers as all the things that hasn't worked in 2017 were gone. Happy smiling staff everywhere, the atmosphere was amazing the time in the Grotto was so lovely, so calm, so happy, so fun our time with Santa was precious making love,y memories that will stay with us. The gift was good quality and age appropriate, the addition of quality touches the nicer letters from Santa, keepsakes to make and take home all added to the improvements. The staff helping Santa were bubbly and great with the kids cannot praise everything enough.

I've read a few moaning reviews about people not just turning up to see Santa but all I can say is this is miles better, the old way was pretty disorganised but this was pretty much seemless. My one and only grumble would be that after paying £25 per child which was worth it don't get me wrong but to then have to pay £2 to decorate biscuits was a bit steep but other than that well done to all responsible for the changes. The decorations were brilliant, the Elf school was hilarious, the staff Festive jolly and fun. Can't wait to see what's in store for 2019 and all the moaners who didn't get to see Santa check before you leave the house, then your kids aren't disappointed....