"HELLO there Millie" boomed Father Christmas as he awoke from a little winter slumber to be greeted by a rather excited young fan bursting into his cosy grotto.

It may still be November, but a meeting with the big man couldn't come soon enough for my six-year-old granddaughter, who had a look of sheer joy on her face as he started a lovely personal chat with her.

It was touches like this that made Marwell at Christmas such a magical experience for Millie.

The visit to Santa and the lovely wrapped gift he passed her certainly made quite an impression, but the attention to detail during the whole topsy turvy Alice in Wonderland themed experience was superb.

After meeting the Mad Hatter at the gates, it was all aboard the Wonderland Train for an illuminated ride up to Marwell Hall where the experience would begin with mince pies and shortbread biscuits plus mulled cider for the grown ups and squash for the kids.

A screen displayed Santa’s ‘Nice List and ‘Naughty List’ and, luckily, Millie found her name exactly where she wanted it as well as enjoying the fact that some of the baddies from Harry Potter, Paw Patrol and Star Wars were in trouble with Father Christmas.

We were then invited on a storytime adventure. Young guests perched on tree trunk cushions to hear a very theatrical telling of the Alice in Wonderland story by Mother Christmas, Alice herself, lots of teddies and various other props.

Next stop was the workshop where each child was invited to decorate an elf door using a host of sparkly Christmas stickers and brightly coloured pens as they wait for their meeting with the main man.

Sat on his throne in front of a fireplace in his grotto, Father Christmas greeted each child by name and took the time to have a conversation with them about their year and what they would like in their stocking next month if they continue to be good between now and then, while a talented photographer elf took some candid shots which were available to purchase at the exit.

There was plenty of time to enjoy some garden games in a marquee before boarding the train back to the gates at the end of our 80 minute experience.

We enjoyed a wonderful few hours walking around the zoo enjoying the winter sunshine along with many of the animals and completing the Chesire Cat Trail earlier in the day, but evening sessions do not include zoo access this year.

Christmas at Marwell is available on selected dates until Christmas Eve.

Visit marwell.org.uk/christmas