THE WEATHER OUTSIDE IS FRIGHTENING SANTA CLAUS IS COMING

FESTIVE SWIMS, UK-WIDE

Prepare to get cold. There are fun swims taking place around the UK and most are for a good cause. Weymouth (below), Exmouth and Lowestoft all have Christmas Day swims. Alternatively, just watch and laugh. Free; Dec 25; weareweymouth. co.uk

FUN RUN AT WALLINGTON, NORTHUMBERLAND Not only will the house at Wallington be beautifully lit, but families are also invited to get off the sofa and join a Jingle Bell Jog in view of it one Sunday morning this month. The jog follows a cycle trail and is a mile long. Santa hats will be provided. The grounds here also contain 50 Christmas trees that have been decorated in order to celebrate Wallington’s 50th anniversary. Entry £9.20 (child £4.60); jog £10 on Dec 16; nationaltrust. org.uk

THE SANTA EXPRESS, UK-WIDE

A train ride to see Santa is an exciting prospect for any child, and many steam railways now offer festive rides: The Spa Valley Railway heads to Tunbridge Wells West, with snowman spotting along the way. The MidHants Railway Watercress Line, Avon Valley Railway and Staffordshire’s Churnet Valley Railway (above) also offer trips. Spa Valley Santa ride £16 (child £14); various dates; spavalleyrailway.co.uk

LEEDS CASTLE CHRISTMAS MARKET, KENT

With a beautiful backdrop of the dramatically lit castle floating on a lake, this weekend fair includes birds of prey, craft stalls, food, gifts and live music. There is also a Victorian fairground with a Ferris wheel that affords good views. Allow time to explore the maze and its central grotto. Family entry £70; until Dec 16; leeds-castle.com