Eight of the best festive day trips in the UK and Ireland this Christmas

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Tickets cost from £36 for the festive bus ride and two drinks; tootbus.com Best for young children Walby Farm Park, Cumbria open image in gallery Asta the baby reindeer Set to be a seasonal star, seven-month-old baby reindeer Asta is a big attraction for visitors to Walby Farm Park in coming weeks. Best for old fashioned fun Christmas By The Sea, Blackpool open image in gallery Slip on your skates and head to the rink Britain’s well-loved Lancashire seaside town lights up every day of the year, but it’s especially dazzling at Christmas. Runs from November 15 to January 5; visitblackpool.com Best for novelty value Santa Island, Shropshire open image in gallery The big man of Christmas makes his way to Alderford Lake. Children from £34, adults £32 per adult including a full day’s pass to Alderford Lake; alderford.com Best for grandeur Polesden Lacey, Surrey open image in gallery Bring a touch of class to Christmas The fairy on the Christmas tree of stately festive events, the dressing up of this historic home is inspired by the opulent Devonshire House festive ball attended by former owner Mrs Greville in 1897.