Having discovered Winter Wonderland last year, we were full of excitement as we set off on Saturday for a return visit. We took the tube to Green Park and walked along Piccadilly against a steady flow of folk going the other way (they had made Hyde Park Corner tube station exit only). The hotels and restaurants were all cheerfully decorated and the Hard Rock Café appeared to be doing a roaring trade.
When we reached Winter Wonderland we were greeted by the sight of unbelievable crowds. We almost turned round and gave up. However, it seemed to move quite quickly – they let large numbers through every few minutes although I really don’t think I would have liked to have been driving a buggy amongst all those people. Luckily, if you had purchased tickets on-line for the ice skating rink, the giant Ferris observation wheel, the Magical Ice Kingdom or the Zippos Circus you were able to use the fast track entry.
We stumbled along with the crowds past the first few stalls which were mainly food and drink oriented – with a strong German flavour – as well as some great gift stalls in the style of a German Christmas market. We stopped to look at furry hats and Christmas tree decorations that you could have your name or other messages written on. But you should be aware that many of the stalls are repeated later in the grounds (and at the final exit through Angel Market (there are 100 wooden chalet shops) – I got some amazing crystal ear rings) so you may want to delay your purchases.
First stop for us was the Waltzer – this was four tokens (£4) a go. Once it got going it was amazingly fast and one of our party had a rather sore neck the next day. We all screamed with laughter and were rather wobbly for several minutes after leaving the ride.
Then my son decided that as a birthday treat (£15) he’d like a go on the incredibly high “Mountain Rescue Zip Line”. It took a while for him to be trussed up like a turkey in all the straps and safety gear and he was given a red helmet. He then walked back to the start while we waited patiently. It was almost 45 minutes before he went sailing past overhead – doing some star shapes. The brakes at the end were fierce. He said it was exhilarating.
Then we walked around the entire park to almost the beginning again where my daughter and son took a turn on a terrifying ride that went round and round and up and down. None of the queues for the rides were very long and there is always something interesting to look at while you wait anyway. The Ice House and Alpine Hotel fun houses were full of happy kids. And thankfully, there are plenty of loos around the park and a good few baby change facilities if you need them.
The mulled wine stalls (£4 a large cup) did a brisk trade and most also sold hot chocolate (£2.80) for the small people. You needed something warm for your hands after standing around watching things. But there is an amazing selection of things to eat and drink at the park – just about everything you could imagine – hot dogs, hog roasts, burgers, fish and chips, candyfloss, gingerbread, coffee, beer, and chestnuts. And all the while there is either festive Christmas tunes or the latest hits playing.
Whilst the rides are expensive (and you need to purchase tokens in advance), you don’t have to pay to enter which means it is possible to just wonder around soaking up the festive atmosphere and looking at all the Christmas lights and models (there are Santas, polar bears, snowmen, toy soldiers and reindeers to name but a few). The Bavarian Village is a blaze of lights and the numerous live music events dotted around the park provide lots of entertainment.
There are a lot of white knuckle rides but there are also a good selection of merry-go-rounds and carousels designed for small people – I particularly liked a bobbing reindeer ride that went around a track as well. And also the Chilly Willy penguin ride where the kids are safely held inside. And there are loads of rides for little folk in SantaLand towards the back of the park. Disabled tickets allow a free carer.
http://www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/ it’s on until 6th January.
