A WINTER wonderland has opened at a seaside holiday park offering families a full festive experience - and it's just a short drive from Hampshire. 

Seal Bay Resort’s Christmas Village in Selsey opened earlier this month and is packed full of fabulous festive fun for the whole family.

Throughout December, day guests can enjoy all ice skating on a real ice rink, visiting Santa in his grotto, painting baubles in the pottery studio or donkey rides for the under 10s.

Visitors can also shop for unique gifts in the Christmas market whilst enjoying some delicious festive treats, and to really get in the Christmas spirit guests can be entertained by the classic panto, Aladdin.

There's also a restaurant serving up Christmas burgers and turkey roasts, as well as a bowling alle, arcade, soft play and fairground rides for a bit of extra family fun.  

A ribbon-cutting event took place to officially open the village on Saturday, December 3, with many special guests attending including the Cove Crew’s very own Sandy Clause, and Medmerry School Choir who filled the air with joyful Christmas hymns.

Basingstoke Gazette:

During the opening event, two lucky competition winners were also invited to switch on the Christmas tree lights.

The winners were selected from entries into a Christmas Card design competition open to the local Medmerry School and children of owners at Seal Bay Resort.

Since Cove UK acquired Bunn Leisure in August 2019 this is the second year running their Christmas event at the resort.

Basingstoke Gazette:

General manager Jonny Green said: "I’m really looking forward to the Christmas period and sharing this festive event with holiday guests and locals alike. There is something for everyone, and we really wanted to spread the Christmas spirit within the local community."

The fun runs until January 1. 

People can book their tickets at cove.co.uk/sealbayresort/christmas-at-seal-bay/

Basingstoke Gazette: