Otter gets set for another Festive Adventure in aid of Hospiscare

Christmas magic is returning to Otter Garden Centre in Ottery St Mary this December, as its popular Festive Adventure returns for a third year in support of local charity Hospiscare.

Last year’s family-friendly event raised an impressive £23,000 for the charity, and hopes are high that this figure will be topped in 2026.

Created by Otter’s own team, the Festive Adventure takes families on a journey through a series of magical Christmas zones, each with something different to discover.

Children can post their letters to Santa in the Christmas Mail Room, meet animated reindeer singing festive tunes and explore an enchanting snowy Winter Wonderland, complete with plenty of photo opportunities. There is also a Christmas Kitchen where children collect their special cookie mix, while a visit to the atmospheric stable includes the chance to make reindeer food ready for Christmas Eve.

And the adventure doesn’t end there. Once families have completed their festive journey, a short train ride takes them back to the main garden centre.

Jacqui Taylor, Managing Director at Otter Garden Centres, said: “We are very excited to bring our Festive Adventure back for another year and to continue our partnership with Hospiscare.

“We hope families will come together with us to create magical memories in our Festive Adventure, whilst also getting ready for Christmas and helping us raise much-needed funds for this vital local charity. We’re particularly proud that the event is created by our own team and brought to life by volunteers from the Otter Vale Friends Fundraising Group. We think it’s a fantastic way to celebrate the season of goodwill to all and make a real difference in our community.”

The Festive Adventure is designed to offer families plenty of festive fun while keeping the focus firmly on fundraising. Tickets cost £10 for children aged 1 to 14, £6 for under ones and £8 for adults.

Each ticket includes cookie mix and magical reindeer food for children and babies, as well as reindeer antlers for children and adults. It also includes the all-important donation to Hospiscare. To keep the event affordable for families and maximise the amount raised for Hospiscare, the Festive Adventure doesn’t include a visit to Father Christmas.

Sharon Collins, Area Fundraiser at Hospiscare, said: “This festive season, we’re celebrating a truly special partnership with Otter Garden Centres, a much-loved family-run business that has supported our local community for six decades.

“We’re delighted that Otter has chosen to continue supporting Hospiscare as its charity partner. Their commitment to local causes, especially at this time of year, brings real warmth and hope to families facing incredibly tough moments.

“This partnership is about much more than fundraising. It is a heartfelt connection that makes a real difference to the lives of the people we support.”

The Festive Adventure will run from Wednesday 9 to Wednesday 23 December 2026, with various time slots available. Tickets must be purchased in advance and go on sale at 11.30am on Monday 21 September.

Sharon added: “A huge thank you to everyone at Otter Garden Centres, and to every Otter customer who has supported this partnership. Together, you’re helping to bring comfort, care and compassion to our community this Christmas and beyond.”

For further information visit: Festive Adventure: Great Fun for your Little Elves! - Otter Garden Centres