The extremely popular Magical Kingdom at Otter Nurseries in Ottery St Mary is set to open this year on Saturday November 14th, and everyone’s invited.

Visitors will be able to enjoy shows from the Dartmoor Reptiles team with the opportunity to get up close not only to reptiles but also spiders and ‘mini-beasts’.

There will also be more traditional activities and entertainment to enjoy, including face painting and a chance to meet the delightful Munchkins ponies. Customers might encounter classic pantomime characters from Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves courtesy of the Exeter Little Theatre Company who are performing the panto at the Barnfield Theatre from December 27.

The team from Otter Nurseries’ charity of the year, Exeter Leukaemia Fund (ELF) will be joining in the fun, and the Grotto’s own Christmas elves will be helping customers in the plant centre throughout the day.

With plenty of time to browse all the displays of Christmas decorations and gifts, the Grotto launch is the perfect way to start getting in the spirit of the season.

The event is open to everyone, but anyone wanting to take children to visit the Magical Kingdom on the day must pre-book online via the Otter Nurseries website www.otternurseries.co.uk.