Quick answer
William’s Den near North Cave is an indoor and outdoor adventure play attraction built from wood, rocks, sand and water. Its Indoor Den helps on wet days, and there are outdoor play areas too. William’s Christmas Experience runs on selected dates from 28 November to 24 December 2026. Christmas Fridays run on 27 November and 4, 11 and 18 December. On 13 November the calendar showed no opening days from 16 to 26 November 2026. That day the ticket shop listed paid Christmas Experience tickets at £13.70 to £45.70 each, including the booking fee. On 13 November the ticket shop said pushchair frames cannot go into the Indoor Den.
Is it right for my child?
- Ages: William’s Den says children aged 2 to 12 get the most out of its adventure play. Pre-schoolers can enjoy the sand, water play and mud kitchens.
- Not soft play: the Indoor Den is built of wood and trees, with streams, stepping stones, rope bridges, sand play and a real treehouse.
- Outdoors: zip wires, tyre swings, den building, a huge sandpit and mud kitchens, plus a dedicated Toddler Area.
- Risk: the safe play policy says the play areas involve some risk. The recommended minimum age varies by equipment, and the adult decides what suits each child.
- Getting wet: the play guide for 2 to 3 year olds says the Rainmaker and water play areas are very popular and splashy.
Plan your visit: a parent’s checklist
- Check the calendar first. A site banner says it opens Friday to Sunday from 10am, but the calendar showed no days from 16 to 26 November 2026.
- Book online in advance. The FAQ says online tickets are cheaper than at the door, and peak times can sell out.
- Pack outdoor clothes, robust footwear or wellies, a change of clothes and a towel.
- One responsible adult (18 or over) may supervise at most 5 children.
- Leave cords and jewellery behind, tie long hair up, and wear glasses only with shatterproof lenses.
Prices and tickets
William’s Christmas Experience runs on 28 and 29 November and on 5, 6, 12, 13 and 19 to 24 December 2026. It opens 9.30am to 5.30pm, or 9.30am to 4pm on Christmas Eve. On 13 November the ticket shop gave last entry as 2pm, or 12.30pm on Christmas Eve. The time you book is your Father Christmas visit, and the ticket covers the whole day.
The Christmas page says tickets range from £23.70 to £45.70. On 13 November the ticket shop showed these prices per ticket:
- Adult (18+), booking calendar, including the £0.75 fee: £20.70 in November and on 5 and 6 December, £25.70 on 12 and 13 December, and £30.70 from 19 to 24 December.
- Child (1 to 18), booking calendar, including the fee: £33.70 in November, on 5 and 6 December and on 24 December. It was £40.70 on 12 and 13 December and £45.70 from 19 to 23 December.
- Seniors (60 and over), ticket options: £15.95 to £25.95 plus the booking fee, with proof of status.
- Participating baby (under 12 months), ticket options: £12.95 to £22.95 plus the booking fee.
- Non-participating baby (under 12 months): free, with no toy, gingerbread, marshmallow, letter writing or return voucher.
- Essential Companion: free, only with a William’s Den Digital Access Pass or Nimbus Access Card (see below).
The ticket includes a visit to Father and Mother Christmas with a family photo, a Christmas show and the Magical Post Office. Children on the nice list get a token for a Toy Shop gift. Children decorate gingerbread and toast marshmallows, and adults get a mince pie and a seasonal tipple. All-day Adventure Play is included. On 13 November the ticket page said the toy, gingerbread, marshmallow and return voucher were for full-paying children’s tickets only. The Christmas FAQ says every participating adult, child, baby and senior gets a return voucher, so ask if this matters. Vouchers are valid on eligible Adventure Play days until 20 March 2027, excluding February half term and Mother’s Day. Build a Teddy, the Giant Snow Globe photo and photo bundles cost extra.
Christmas Fridays pair brunch or afternoon tea in the Pizzeria with a Father Christmas visit, a Toy Shop gift and all-day play. They do not include the Christmas show, gingerbread or marshmallows. On 13 November the ticket shop listed brunch at £26.95 per child and £24.95 per adult, and afternoon tea at £28.95 and £26.95. Each added a £0.75 booking fee. Babies up to 12 months were free, with no food or activities.
Pushchairs, babies and toilets
- Pushchair frames: on 13 November the day admission ticket page said no prams or buggies in the Indoor Den. Detach the carrycot to take inside and leave all frames in the designated area.
- Large family loos in the main toilet area each have a baby changing table.
Food and drink
William’s Pizzeria, in a converted barn, serves wood-fired pizzas and home-cooked dishes. You can book a table online. Uncle James’ Coffee Stop and an Ice Cream Parlour are also on site. Picnics are welcome in the outdoor picnic areas, but not in the Pizzeria, Coffee Shop or any indoor area. No glass or alcohol is permitted with picnics. For Christmas Fridays, email dietary needs at least 72 hours ahead.
Getting there and parking
William’s Den is at Castle Farm, Wold Hill, North Cave, East Riding of Yorkshire HU15 2LS. Parking is free, with an overflow car park. There are 8 accessible bays near the main entrance; display your Blue Badge. The nearest station is Brough, 5.5 miles away.
When to visit
- 16 to 26 November 2026: on 13 November the calendar showed no opening days.
- Christmas Fridays: 27 November and 4, 11 and 18 December, 9.30am to 4pm. Brunch sittings start from 10am, and afternoon tea is at 2pm or 2.30pm. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your sitting.
- Christmas Experience: the dates above. Allow at least 4 hours.
- Twixmas: 28 to 31 December 2026, 10am to 4pm, with extra activities on New Year’s Eve.
Additional needs and disability support
William’s Den publishes these access details.
- Essential Companion tickets: free with a Nimbus Access Card or an approved free William’s Den Digital Access Pass. The scheme page names the +1 or +2 symbol for Access Cards, and a card or pass showing +1 on arrival. Companions must be 14 or older. Without valid proof, the companion pays standard admission.
- Changing Places toilet: in the main toilet area, with a ceiling track hoist and a height-adjustable changing table.
- Public facilities have level access, with ramps at all public doors. The narrowest automatic doors measure 173cm.
- Quieter sessions: reduced-capacity SEND sessions run from 4pm to 7pm on selected dates. On 13 November the page listed no upcoming dates.
- Sensory notes: the Christmas show has live performers and larger-than-life characters.
Frequently asked questions
Is William’s Den open in November 2026?
The calendar showed play days on 13 to 15 November and no opening days from 16 to 26 November. Christmas Fridays start on 27 November and the Christmas Experience on 28 November.
How long should you allow at William’s Christmas Experience?
On 13 November the ticket page recommended at least 4 hours, and the Christmas FAQ says at least 4 to 5 hours. On 13 November it gave last entry as 2pm, or 12.30pm on Christmas Eve.
Is William’s Den good for toddlers?
It has a dedicated outdoor Toddler Area with a toddler slide and Hobbit Hill.
Can you take a picnic to William’s Den?
Yes, to the outdoor picnic areas. Own food is not allowed in the Pizzeria, Coffee Shop or other indoor areas.
Can I bring my dog to William’s Den?
No. Only guide or assistance dogs are allowed, including on the private woodland walk.
Do adults need a ticket at William’s Den?
Yes, for the play areas. On 13 November the ticket shop asked for a ticket for everyone, including babies under 12 months. Adults must come with at least one child. The FAQ says the restaurant, shop and loos are free to visit without a ticket.
Checked on 13 November 2026 against the official calendar, Christmas, Christmas Fridays, FAQ, accessibility and ticket shop pages of William’s Den. Prices and times can change, so check before you travel.
