Gordale's Burton grotto runs 28 November to 23 December at £8.50 a child, and all ticket money goes to the Hospice of the Good Shepherd. Updated November 2026.

Gordale’s Charity Santa’s Grotto at Burton opens on Saturday 28 November 2026 and runs until Wednesday 23 December, at £8.50 a child, and the garden centre keeps none of the money: every ticket goes to the Hospice of the Good Shepherd. The grotto raised £38,500 last year, Gordale says, and this year it is aiming to pass £40,000.

Overview

  • When: Saturday 28 November to Wednesday 23 December 2026.
  • Hours: 11am to 5pm at weekends and 1pm to 6.30pm on weekdays, according to Gordale’s release; the slot you book sets the exact time.
  • Tickets: child £8.50 and infant £4.50, both including a gift from Santa; £1 for each accompanying adult. Book online at gordale.co.uk.
  • Quiet-Time sessions: Tuesday 1, Wednesday 2, Wednesday 9, Thursday 17 and Monday 21 December, 10.45am to 6.45pm.
  • Where: Gordale Garden and Home Centre, Chester High Road, Burton, Neston CH64 8TF.
  • Who benefits: 100% of ticket proceeds go to the Hospice of the Good Shepherd.

Built by hand over four weeks

The grotto is built each year by Gordale’s own staff, the in-house team it calls its “elves”, and takes four weeks to put together. Everything in it is handmade and hand-painted, from the painted reindeer boards to the scenery inside.

A hand-painted board reading My Visit to Santa at Gordale, with reindeer pulling across a snowy hillside
The hand-painted My Visit to Santa board at the grotto. Photo: supplied by Gordale Garden and Home Centre

Gordale said: “What makes Gordale’s Charity Santa’s Grotto so special is that it remains proudly traditional, capturing the nostalgia, magic and excitement of Christmas that we all know and love.”

“But what really sets our grotto apart is its charitable purpose,” the garden centre added. “Gordale makes no profit from the grotto, with 100% of ticket proceeds donated directly to local charity, Hospice of the Good Shepherd. We have a wonderful relationship with the team at the Hospice and are incredibly proud to continue supporting the vital work they do, helping to raise much-needed funds while creating magical Christmas memories for local families.”

Where the money goes

The grotto is organised in partnership with the hospice. Peter Nicholson, Gordale’s managing director, said: “We’re proud to continue hosting the Charity Santa’s Grotto at Gordale. It’s a beloved tradition for many local families. Not only is it a magical experience, but it also makes a meaningful difference to our community.”

Sam Eastwood, community and events fundraiser at the Hospice of the Good Shepherd, said: “The funds raised will have a real and lasting impact on our patients and their families. We’re incredibly grateful to the Gordale team, our volunteers, and everyone who attends. We look forward to welcoming both returning visitors and first-time guests to experience the joy and magic of the Grotto this Christmas.”

A giant teddy bear drummer in a red and white soldier's uniform and tall black hat, sitting behind a wooden picket fence at Gordale
A giant teddy bear drummer beside the picket fence at Gordale. Photo: supplied by Gordale Garden and Home Centre

Quiet-Time sessions for children who want it calmer

The Quiet-Time Grotto is back for 2026, this time on more dates and with sessions through the whole day. It is meant for children who would rather have a calmer, more sensory-considerate visit: fewer people are let in, the music is softer and the twinkling lights are switched off.

The five Quiet-Time days are Tuesday 1, Wednesday 2, Wednesday 9, Thursday 17 and Monday 21 December, from 10.45am to 6.45pm. Prices are the same as the main grotto: £8.50 a child, £4.50 an infant and £1 an adult.

What it means for you

  • Book ahead. Tickets are sold online at gordale.co.uk; pick a Quiet-Time slot if your child finds crowds and flashing lights hard.
  • Every child’s ticket includes a present from Santa, for infants as well as older children.
  • Adults pay £1 each, and that goes to the hospice too.
  • The grotto runs until Wednesday 23 December, so weekday slots are the ones to look at if the weekends fill.

Gordale is on the A540 Chester High Road at Burton, at the southern end of the Wirral. Our Santa’s grottos on the Wirral page compares it with the Floral Pavilion’s Storytime with Santa and the other Christmas visits on the peninsula, and Gordale’s real Christmas trees are in our Christmas trees near Wirral round-up.

Thanks to Gordale Garden and Home Centre for the photographs and details.