Review: Winter Wonderland Walk at Springfields Outlet Shopping and Leisure in Spalding

The dark post-clocks change nights are a depressing prospect, aren’t they? We could all do with a little more light in our lives - and Springfields’ newly-opened Winter Wonderland Walk can be just the tonic.

The attraction is a regular festive fixture at the Spalding outlet shopping venue and returned this week until January 5.

The walk is a third-of-a-mile route - and is probably just about perfect for families. I’ve been to National Trust walks of this ilk that struggle to maintain the attention of the youngest visitors but that shouldn’t be a worry here. There are also plenty of social media-worthy selfie spots for the rest of us (don’t pretend you’re not here for the ‘gram…)

This year’s route twists and turns around the festival gardens — weaving through a giant sparkling bauble, a tunnel festooned with twinkling lights and a snow cannon that ensures there’s a sprinkling of the white stuff for your visit. The 12-metre high Christmas tree that you’ll have seen on the posters is worth dwelling by to take in all of the many lights variations — and the colourful baubles early on are a highlight not be missed if you’re in a rush for a photo with the big hitters.

The garden’s trees are beautifully lit and there’s a backdrop of suitably festive music to get you in the mood — all making for an excellent use of a setting that many will have visited for spring and summer floral fun.

It was a mild evening - but we made sure to clutch a festive beverage in advance to see us through.

I know some of you will say it’s all a bit early. I hear you. As someone with an end-of-November birthday, Christmas was a ‘hold your horses until December’ thing for me. But this can be a nice staging post ahead of the more hectic countdown or, of course, you can save it until you’re ready.

For this reviewer, it was a really enjoyable way to unwind at the end of the working day and wasn’t a full on ‘Noddy Holder on repeat’ assault on the senses. A colourful gateway to the season ahead with plenty of highlights to fill up your camera reel.

Yes, it’s Christmassy - but if you’re not ready to go full ‘Santa and snowmen’ yet then that’s not a problem. Instead, embrace the glow of the of the displays, take some blessed relief from the gloom and banish any winter blues. Plus, the event helps support the Lincolnshire Lowland Search and Rescue charity - a cause that is well worth your backing.

Tickets cost £5 for adults and £1 for children and those under 12 months can enter for free. Book here or call 01775 760909 with queries.

Have you been along? What did you think to the Winter Wonderland Walk? Let us know your views in the comments below…