Williamson Park Lancaster reviews by real event-goers

Review of The Big Christmas Day Out - Saturday Afternoon

Review of The Big Christmas Day Out - Saturday Afternoon

Tickets were seriously overpriced and event was far too busy. Spent over half an over queuing with my 7 year old twin boys and 4 year old nephew to go on a small train ride. Only 3 small rides in total suitable for toddlers really. The dressed up Olaf finished at 4.30pm. On returning to car park there was no lighting or security staff which was bit scary. Had potential to be so much better. Very disappointing.

Review of The Big Christmas Day Out - Saturday Afternoon

Poor activities, way too young for my 9 year old even though advertising said 10 and under. Rides not as described - no carousel just baby rides. I'd have preferred a simple walk around Williamson park without the buggies and people. Couldn't even get in the butterfly house as so crowded. Total waste of money I'm afraid.

Review of The Big Christmas Day Out - Saturday Morning

It was a fabulous mornings. Both kids - 2 and 7 loved it. The staff were great and there was a range of activities available. Can't wait to come back next year :)

Review of The Big Christmas Day Out - Saturday Afternoon

The event had alot of potential however sadly the events for the younger children were inside the Ashton memorial which has alot of steps into it so it is not easily accessible for prams and not accessible at all for wheelchair users. My daughter really wanted to see story jars but it was put all the way up at the very top of the Ashton memorial which meant climbing a dark spiral staircase I have mobility issues and found it extremely difficult to help my young child up. The face painting resulted in queuing for an hour. So sadly I was unable to do see alot or do alot with my daughter.

Review of The Big Christmas Day Out - Saturday Afternoon

Something that could have been so good and magical just didn't get it right. Not as advertised and an absolute let down. The advert stated Christmas films and maze, where were these? There was no entertainment for older children. As a family with 3 under 6 this didn't affect us but what about families with mixed ages, very disappointing.

The cafe oke stopped at 4:30 when the session was until 6:30, this caused tears from the children and is unacceptable. Everything else started shutting before 6:30 too. It was basically a few stalls and rides, nothing much different from other events in Lancaster except being charged for standing there unlike the other venues. Shouldn't have made such a big deal of it being a big Christmas day out then it wouldn't have been so disappointing, should just have been a turn up event and pay for what you use or do the whole thing properly.

The thing my children enjoyed most was the playground and we use this all the time for free throughout the year! The people working on the German sausage stall were drinking beer in see through cups so you could see exactly what it was. This not only looked bad but I wonder if this is allowed whilst working? Especially on a food stall?

There was a huge queue to see Olaf the snowman which lasted seconds. Pointless, there should have been more people walking round dressed up to create more of a Christmas atmosphere. The baby sensory in the memorial was too chaotic, lots of people and a few mats on the floor with no actual organisation. This would have been better used to screen a Christmas film like advertised giving older children somewhere to go. There was a lack of festive music (carollers or brass band would have been good). The butterfly house was open but nothing Christmassy about it. The paths were quite dark in the evening, missing some lanterns or Christmas projectors. Overall I would not recommend this event at all.

Positive points

The rag tag roadshow did a Christmas party in the tent, while this was short but sweet it was the only thing that really made the afternoon feel Christmassy and they are very good at what they do. I've never heard of them before and they are fantastic, will be looking out for more events involving them. Also the face painters within the tent are very good. I have seen them at many events and they have a really friendly manner about them and are great at what they do. The lady elf greeting on the way through the arch where the wristbands were was very friendly and good with the children and also the gentleman elf with the ears at Olaf's dome was very good.

Review of The Big Christmas Day Out - Saturday Afternoon

It was over sold as the queue to get our children on to do anything was a nightmare. Far to many people queuing. We came away having only coloured in a picture and making reindeer food . So it was not good value for money.

Review of The Big Christmas Day Out - Saturday Morning

The event details should have been clearer that this was all about kids. There was very little for adults. The amount of activities just didn't represent value for money even if you did have kids with you. Total waste of money. Merry Christmas.

Review of The Big Christmas Day Out - Saturday Afternoon

Review of The Big Christmas Day Out - Saturday Afternoon

Review of The Big Christmas Day Out - Saturday Afternoon

Review of The Big Christmas Day Out - Saturday Afternoon

For the price, very poor. Not a lot
Going on in regards to the fair, stalls, food, drink. I've been to much better free events. You would be better off going to a city's Xmas markets if you want plenty food, drink and activities to do with the kids . It's a shame because Williamson park is a lovely location

Review of The Big Christmas Day Out - Saturday Afternoon

So small. Complete waste of money. Decorations looked unprofessional. Everything was just a bit amateur for the money that was paid.
There was also nothing for my 8+ daughter to do as all the rides/shows/crafts were too young.

Review of The Big Christmas Day Out - Saturday Afternoon

A tea & coffee van that can't make a ready made/just add water over-priced hot chocolate and serves cold mulled wine. Pizzas that were pretty burn't but could have been good, an amazing location but lacked festive atmosphere, music and anything authentic. Very dissapointing for thew money.

Review of The Big Christmas Day Out - Saturday Afternoon

I felt they'd let too many people into the venue, the queues for the rides were very long and with small children, not ideal. Everywhere just felt very busy and not being able to go on the rides without waiting for 35 mins for each one was very disappointing!

Review of The Big Christmas Day Out - Saturday Afternoon

Overpriced. Only three rides with massive queues for everything, no maze as indicated on the event guide. Very disappointing and very poor value for money.

Review of The Big Christmas Day Out - Saturday Morning

Review of The Big Christmas Day Out - Saturday Morning

We had a fabulous time the set up and things to do was amazing ! We will be booking for next year if it's on again !

Review of The Big Christmas Day Out - Saturday Afternoon

Review of The Big Christmas Day Out - Saturday Afternoon

Lovely Christmassy afternoon for all ages.