Christmas at Cockington
The Big Christmas Weekend!
29th & 30th November 2025
Santa in the Clouds
Come join us at Cockington Court Craft Centre for a magical experience with Santa himself. Get ready to be transported to a winter wonderland where you can meet Santa in the Clouds! This in-person event is perfect for families looking to create lasting memories this holiday season. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to share your Christmas wishes with Santa in a truly enchanting setting. Get your cameras ready for this one-of-a-kind experience!
Meet your dedicated Elf at the North Pole in the centre of Sea Change Studios 10 minutes before your ticket time and enjoy a guided craft session before joining Santa in his Sleigh whilst he hovers above the earth and learn all about his preparations for Christmas Eve. Take the opportunity to ask Santa anything you like in a Q&A and have photos taken in his sleigh. Approximate duration 50 minutes.
Tickets £15 plus £1.96 booking fee. Your ticket is entry for one child and one supervising adult.
We are sorry that we cannot accommodate more
than one adult per child due to room capacity. If any further adults wish
to attend, please book a ticket for them.
A gift from Santa
Cockington Court is part of the English Riviera Geopark and as such we must adhere to sustainable practices. With that in mind we are moving away from disposable gifts made using plastics, and instead your child will leave the Santa experience with a personalised bag full of Christmas crafts and a delicious handmade luxury hot chocolate drink provided by the Seven Dials cafe that they can enjoy decorating at the end of the experience.
Your elf will help your child decorate the top of the drink with whipped cream, marshmallows, edible glitter, snowflakes and stars. A full list of allergens is available, all treats are nut and peanut free and there will be a dairy free hot chocolate option.
Each ticket holder can also take advantage
of 10% off at participating studios, market traders and the Seven Dials Cafe on
the day of their Santa in the Clouds booking.
Discount T&C's: discount only
available on the day of the ticket booking. Please show your Santa ticket to
the trader to get the discount. The discount can be used at multiple traders on
site, but only for one transaction at each. Further terms and conditions may apply;
individual traders may set minimum transaction amounts to apply the discount.
The Big Christmas Weekend!
Santa in the Clouds is part of the Big Christmas Weekend on the 29th and 30th November 2025 10am - 5pm at Cockington Court Craft Centre. Soak up the festive atmosphere and enjoy live music, fresh roast chestnuts, artisan craft market and festive food. Treat yourself to a Mulled Wine or Mulled Cider at Torbay Gin, and shop at our Craft Studios for handcrafted unique Christmas decor and gifts.
Suggested donation of 20p entry to the site, proceeds will help us bring back our Christmas Weekend in 2026.
Location
Sea Change Studios and Stable Yard Studios are located behind Cockington Court Manor House. From the village centre follow the browns signs to 'Craft Centre'. Follow the road past the Drum Inn up to the Manor House. The North Pole meeting point in the centre of Sea Change Studios - look out for your Elf!
Cockington Court North Pole What3Words location ///retailing.places.sleeps
The artisan market stalls will be located around the front of the Manor House (don't forget to stop at the Seven Dials cafe for refreshments) and visit the Gallery and Hub craft shop. More stalls will be located at Sea Change Studios, the Old Stables and Stable Yard Studios.
Entry to the craft market is a suggested donation of 20p to assist with covering some of the costs of running the event. Buckets will be placed at entry points.
Food and Drink
Sample some of Torbay's finest food and drink at the Big Christmas Weekend.
The Seven Dials Cafe will be open all day for hot drinks, lunches, lite bites and home made cakes. The Drum Inn in the Village will offer a welcome pit stop for a cold pint next to an open fire and visit Weavers Cottage, Sanctuary Coffee and the School House in the centre of Cockington Village for homemade food and more festive treats.
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Mulled Wine and Mulled Gin
Visit Torbay Gin in the Stable Yard and enjoy a heart warming mulled wine or cider. Why not taste their award winning Gin and Rum, and buy their ever popular gin baubles and miniatures - they make perfect stocking stuffers!
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Fire Dining
Sample the Fire Dining festive menu.
Awesome festive food from the BBQ train to get you in the Christmas Spirit!
Fire Dining only use traditionally raised native and heritage bred meat, locally sourced to support local business wherever possible.
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Breadfords Sourdough
Take away the best sourdough in Torbay from Will at Breadfords Sourdough. Our newest artisan at Cockington Court, Will will also be serving up some sweet treats including his legendary Cinnamon buns which are sure to get you in the mood for the festive period. Don't forget to pre order your Christmas loaves!
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Cave Aged Cheddar from Kents Cavern
The unique, natural conditions of Kents Cavern (consistent temperature and humidity) are ideal for maturing cheddar through a process called ‘cave-ageing’.
To be classed as ‘cave-aged’, wheels of cheddar must be kept underground for at least 6 weeks. Spending this time in the cave enhances the texture, taste, and aroma, creating a bold and robust flavour. The longer the cheese is kept in the cave, the more mature it will be.
This traditional technique is centuries old and continues to produce some of the finest cheeses in the world.
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Bumblebee Bakehouse
Dont miss Bumblebee Bakery and treat yourself to freshly baked festive goodies — whoopie pies, festive millionaires, Christmas cupcakes and more, all handmade with love. Perfect for some early Christmas cheer. See you there for something delicious and delightfully local!
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Glitzy Girls Sweet Treats
Dont miss the Glitzy Girls horse box in the Stable Yard serving festive sweet treats including
🧇Chocolate Dipped Waffle Sticks
🧇Fully Loaded Waffle Sticks
🍩Donuts
🍓Strawberry and/or Marshmallow Skewers and 🍬Candy Floss
Traders
✨ We’ve got some exciting news! ✨
We have two 3m x 3m gazebo spaces available for the Big Christmas Weekend and we’d love to welcome two more brilliant local artisans to join us for this magical festive family event.
With over 5,000 people already interested and tickets for Santa in the Clouds selling fast, it’s shaping up to be a truly special weekend.
We’re especially keen to hear from:
🍹 Small-batch, locally sourced drinks makers
🎁 Artisans with beautiful handmade gifts.
If you’ve already applied, thank you — no need to send your details again.
We can’t wait to hear about what you do and how you could be part of bringing festive cheer to the Big Christmas Weekend!
Email cockingtonchristmas@icloud.com for an application form
Live Music
Join us for local live music at Sea Change studios, the performance area will be in front of our giant Christmas Tree.
The Big Noise Chorus
We are delighted to announce that the Big Noise Chorus will be performing on Saturday 29th November at 11am.
Harbour Bells
Nothing says Christmas quite like the joyful sound of handbells!
Join us in the Manor House foyer on Sunday 30th November at 11:15am to enjoy their festive jingles and bring a little extra sparkle to your day.
Mezzo Mammas
Torquays newest choir, the Mezzo Mammas, will be performing on Saturday and Sunday at 2pm.
Musical Theatre Choir
Led by professional West End performers, the Sing Space Musical Theatre Choir sprinkle a little stage magic wherever they go. Don’t miss their performance on Saturday 29th at 3pm – it’s guaranteed to lift your spirits!
Are you part of a local choir or band and would like to perform at the 'Big Christmas Weekend'? If yes, send us an email cockintonchristmas@icloud.com we'd love to have you perform!
Santa Paws
🐾✨ Christmas Photo Fun for Your Doggo! ✨🐾
Strike a pose! 📸 Our festive doggy photo booth is coming to the Big Christmas Weekend at Cockington Court on 29th & 30th December – and it’s here to spread Christmas cheer all season long at Big Green Hound.
🎄 For just £10, you’ll get:
🐶 Take a Christmas photo of your doggo (or you + your pup together!)
🎁 A festive goody bag to take home
🎩 Fun props to help your furry friend look extra adorable
Whether it’s a solo glamour shot or a family paw-trait, this is the paw-fect way to capture your dog’s Christmas sparkle. ✨🐕
📅 Available all through the festive period whenever Big Green Hound is open. Don’t miss it!
Our Sponsors
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Santa Paws Sponsors
Huge thanks to Greenbay Vets who are sponsoring our Santa Paws Experience.
Greenbay Vets are an independent family run veterinary practice, with surgeries in Torquay and Paignton.
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North Pole Sponsors
Huge thanks to Greenlight Mortgages who have sponsored our North Pole!
Whether you are looking to purchase your first home, move to a new home, re-mortgage your existing property or invest, we are here to help.
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Santa Paws Sponsors
Huge thanks to WBW Solicitors who are sponsoring our Santa Paws Experience.
WBW Solicitors is one of the largest law firms in the South West, offering a full range of legal services for both individuals and businesses. Our experienced team provides clear, practical advice tailored to your needs, with a focus on delivering excellent client service.
Become a Sponsor
We are inviting local businesses to support this community event, with a range of sponsorship opportunities available starting at as little as £25. The earlier you confirm your sponsorship, the sooner we can begin promoting your business, allowing you to make the most of the benefits and visibility that come with supporting this event.
If possible, we kindly ask that you apply before 3rd October ready for Cockington Court’s famous Apple Day (12th October), so that we can showcase and promote your business as part of this major occasion as well. This will give you even greater exposure within the community. The final date to apply is 30th October.
Why not be part of making Cockington sparkle again this Christmas!
We would be delighted to have your support and look forward to hearing from you soon!
Why Sponsor?
· Showcase your business as a supporter of local culture, creativity, and community
· Gain visibility with hundreds of visitors to Cockington Court
· Create lasting impact by funding inclusive and family-friendly activities
· Over 5k expressed interest on social media so far, tickets selling fast for Santa experience.
· Engage directly with local families, tourists, and visitors during the festive season
If you’d like more information about any of the sponsorship opportunities, please don’t hesitate to get in touch, please email cockingtonchristmas@icloud.com. We’d love to hear from you.
Be part of making Cockington sparkle again this Christmas!
SEND, Looked After, Pupil Premium and Disadvantaged Children Sessions
We have applied for funding to run FREE Santa in the Clouds sessions tailored to children in Torbay who may otherwise be unable to attend a Santa Experience this Christmas. We would welcome any sponsorship to help make these sessions accessible to as many children as possible. If you can help, please contact cockingtonchristmas@icloud.com
If we are successful in our grant application we will be contacting local organisations, clubs and schools to make sure that we can reach as many of these children as possible and help to make their Christmas magical.
Transport and Parking
With unprecedented interest in the Big Christmas weekend we are expecting a lot of visitors and so please do plan ahead. If you are attending Santa in the Clouds we recommend arriving 45 minutes before your time slot to ensure a stress free parking and arrival at the North Pole. There will be plenty to see and do if you are a little early.
During the winter months parking around Cockington along the lanes is free, please do park in designated bays only. Why not enjoy a wintry walk to Cockington Court through the Water Meadows from the Sea Front, or through the park from the Village.
Buses: the 62 bus service drops off in the centre of the village near the visitors centre. Please allow at least 15 minutes to walk up to the North Pole meeting point.
There are car parks in the village and at the Craft Centre (please note, charges apply).
Village Centre Car Park
Enjoy a winter walk through the grounds of Cockington up to the Manor House, the crafts studios are located to the rear of the Manor House. Please allow 15 minutes to walk from this car park to the North Pole meeting point.
Cycle Hub Car Park
Next to the Drum Inn. Please allow 10 minutes to walk from this car park to the North Pole meeting point.
Disabled Parking
Located at the craft studios next to the Rose Garden and in the main craft centre car park.
Craft Centre Car Park
Located next to Sea Change studios, overflow car park adjacent to Cob Barn (please note that Cob Barn is for staff parking only).
Could you be one of Santa's Elves?
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Bin Around
Bin Around is an older elf with years of experience. Think half moon glasses, wearing slippers and the guardian of 'The List'. Bin Around will meet and greet our guests at the North Pole and then take the group in to their craft experience.
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Dusty
Dusty will lead our guests through the craft session. She is firm but fair, a bit like Mary Poppins, and will help the children make their crafts before they are transported through the magic tunnel to meet Santa.
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Sugarplum Mary
Sugarplum Mary has had waaaay too much sugar! She is like a walking fizz bomb, full of excitement and cheer for the holiday season. Sugarplum Mary will transport the children up to Santa in the Clouds and remain in the room to help Santa with the children, set up photographs and at the end of the session help the children decorate their hot chocolate.
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Shinny Upatree
Shinny Upatree is an action elf! Full of energy, he is Santa's personal trainer and will bring bundles of energy to the experience. He will transport the children up to Santa in the Clouds and remain in the room to help Santa with the children, set up photographs and at the end of the session help the children decorate their hot chocolate.
How to apply
Please send us an email which includes a full length photo and a description of why you would make the perfect elf.
Performers must be over the age of 18.
An enhanced DBS check would be an advantage, if you don't have one then be willing to undergo the necessary checks.
Costumes provided, you can add to them as appropriate for your character if you wish.
You must be fun, outgoing, have good time keeping, be able to perform under direction, be ready for anything and be quick witted to ad lib with the children. You must be overflowing with Christmas cheer!
Hours of work:
Thursday 27th November 1pm - 5.30pm
Friday 28th November 3pm - 5.30pm
Saturday 29th November 9am - 5.30pm
Sunday 30th November 9am - 5.30pm
Fee £295
Cockington Makers CIC
This event is entirely maker led. Cockington Makers CIC (Community Interest Company registered number 16602269) are a not for profit organisation consisting of the makers based at Cockington Court Craft Centre.
MooBoo Home Ltd | Torbay Gin | Our Glass | Big Green Hound | Jo Bradford & Sons | Chrystine Jones Artist | Dandelions and Pearls | Flower La Vita | Nicola Axe | Takahashi McGill | Gaff Interiors & Upholstery | Chocolate Heaven Made in Devon | Tez Roberts Ceramics | Janet Ventre Mosaic | Soapersudz | Lisa Richards Art
Whilst the event is supported by Cockington Court and Torbay Council, it is organised and managed by Cockington Makers CIC. Please direct any queries regarding the event to cockingtonchristmas@icloud.com.