The team at a garden centre in Otley is broadening its family appeal by introducing special festive events, including a special Grotto launch weekend on November 25th and 26th.

Otley Garden Centre, formerly Stephen H Smith's, was acquired by Yorkshire Garden Centres in July last year and the team is looking forward to celebrating Christmas with a variety of family activities, including Santa's Grotto, breakfast with Santa, donkey rides, Santa's magical post box, singing princesses and elf antics.

"We're excited to bring our Christmas experiences to our new centre at Otley. The grotto at Tong Garden Centre is always hugely successful, with visitors saying how much they love the professional performers taking them on a magical journey," said Andy Bradley, Centre Manager.

"Our Grotto launch weekend will be full of fun and starts with Santa's arrival and Grotto opening at 10am on Saturday, 25th November. The fun continues with our cheeky elves, who will be painting Rudolph red noses, singing, dancing and teaching Christmas sign language, and Mrs Claus who will be sharing heart-warming stories and spreading festive cheer. At 1pm on Sunday, 26th, we welcome singing princesses to Otley for a seasonal sing-a-long and selfies. It should be great!

"The centre is full of inspirational festive looks and there's an impressive range of gift ideas for all the family. It feels very special, and we can't wait to share the magic with our visitors young and old this festive season."

Tickets for the Grotto cost £20.95 per child and are free for up to two accompanying adults. Breakfast with Santa starts on December 16, costs £19.95 for children and includes a set breakfast, juice, a cracker plus a toy and a visit from Santa.

Otley Garden Centre is part of the Yorkshire Garden Centres family with Tong, Tingley and Bingley Garden Centres.