The centre of it all

Never say never.   It's sage advice, especially if you still cherish childhood dreams of meeting up with Wendy, John & Michael in Neverland.   From 7 November you can explore some of the fantastical scenes described in J.M. Barrie's 1904 play Peter Pan at thecentre:mk in Milton Keynes.   There's the lost boys' tree house, Captain Hook's galleon, the mermaid lagoon, & Indian encampment to see - as well as Peter Pan, himself.   In keeping with the theme, Santa's Grotto is set inside the Darling family home.

What sets thecentre:mk's Christmas display apart is the sheer scale of it: it covers nearly 20,000 square feet - & with careful attention to detail.   Beyond Neverland, the double-decker carousel (pictured) & traditional nativity scene complete the spectacle.   We reckon Scrooge himself would give in to the cheery atmosphere.  

Of course, beyond the fantastic display there are over 230 stores, cafŽs & restaurants to explore, including John Lewis, House of Fraser, Marks & Spencer, & Next.   thecentre:mk enjoys around 30 million visitors every year, & prides itself on its customer service - particularly for groups.   There's a designated coach parking area, meet & greets, & refreshment discount vouchers for coach drivers & GTOs.   For more information, contact Yvonne Shuttleworth on 01908 398118 or email yvonne.shuttleworth@thecentremk.com.

The Olde Watermill Shopping Village in Barton Le Clay, Bedfordshire is the closest thing to Lapland in the UK.   You won't find Santa's workshop or any reindeer, but you can count on a treasure trove of unusual gifts & gift ideas - & some tasty seasonal food, too.

From the beginning of October, The Olde Watermill transforms into a winter wonderland with over 3500 square feet of Christmas-themed decorations & displays.   The Christmas Cabin's a good place to pop in for some decorative inspiration: there are more than ten colour-themed rooms to browse that'll give you some fresh ideas for table linen, accessories & centrepieces.   Speaking of fresh, you might want to pop into the Garden Centre where you'll find a large selection of real Christmas trees, wreaths & poinsettia.

Once you've got the house in order, there are Christmas presents to consider, & the shops at the Olde Watermill - which include a crafter's, a jeweller's, an Indonesian furniture importer's, & an old-fashioned sweet shop - make a nice break from the monotony of the high street.   For a personalised touch, you can get your portrait taken at the photography studio - & be certain of a one-of-a-kind gift.

The Lakeview Tea Room & Restaurant's got a good Christmas menu, which includes a roast turkey dinner with all the trimmings.   Yum.   And for something a bit lighter, there's always minced pies & mulled wine.

Before heading home, make sure to check out the illuminated Mill Pond, which is at its best in the late-afternoon as the sun starts to set.

You can get more information about a day out at the Olde Watermill Shopping Village by calling 0845 4502012.   Coach parties need to book in advance so be sure to give them a ring before you go.

Sitting down for a traditional Christmas dinner's one of the highlights of the season.   At Denby's new home store you can browse their latest kitchenware & tableware - & get some first-class bargains from their Factory Seconds Shop while you're at it.

And there's plenty more for your group to do at Denby Pottery besides shopping.   There are fully-guided pottery tours, free cookery demonstrations, & a small museum.   There's also a newly-refurbished restaurant in the visitor centre where you can take your tea as part of your visit - or where you can schedule a coffee stop on your way to other attractions in Derbyshire.   Ring 01773 740 799 for a group information pack.

In Victorian times, Wigan Pier was an important loading & unloading building for the mills & collieries along the Leeds-Liverpool Canal.   These days, it's better known for its museum & entertainment venue, & while it mightn't spring to mind when you're thinking of places to do a spot of Christmas shopping, it's got a wonderful gift shop with loads of unusual ideas for presents.   You'll find different Victorian toys, including skipping ropes & marbles, as well as miniatures, period prints, & quirky collectables like a Victorian egg timer.   For group bookings call 01942 323666.