Father Christmas arrived and took residence in his grotto on Saturday, December 7, 2013. He’ll be there on Saturday and Sunday, December 7/8 and December 14/15 from 11 till 4. There’s a charge of £3.50 for children to visit the Grotto, where they’ll meet Santa, receive a small gift, and some sweets.

Queen Victoria also visited, brought to the Arcade in a carriage, drawn by Shire horses, Jeff and Bob. Accompanied by Ryde Mayor, Cllr Wayne Whittle, and Ryde Town Crier, Steve King, the Royal party toured the Centre and met Father Christmas. More photographs on the Gallery pages. Return to homepage.