Garden Court, MetroCentre, Gateshead, 0191-4930219

SET within the busy surroundings of the MetroCentre, this Santa is easy to reach via public transport or car and there are free car parks on site. The grotto is set within garden court, the yellow quadrant of the shopping centre. It begins with a snowy, scenic walk through moving gingerbread men and bears leading the way to Santa's throne. A story is told which begins at the main gingerbread display, not far from Santa and concludes when you finally reach Santa Claus. Aidan was very excited until he met Santa, at which point he never said a word.

Santa seemed very realistic and cheery but was a bit intimidating, especially for the smaller children, as he was looking down on them in his large thrown. Being able to see Santa from the end of the queue was a bit disappointing too. Visits are free (although there is a donation barrel) and children receive a goodie bag with a CD and a gingerbread man.

* Opening times: Mon-Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 9am-7pm, Sun 11am-5pm.

The Prince Bishops shopping centre, Durham city,

0191-3750416

THIS shopping centre is also easily accessed via public transport and parking facilities are on site for those travelling by car. A mini, wooden lodge-style grotto is located outside BHS. A garden with fountains and figures surround Santa's lodge and a quaint path leads up to his front door. Even at the very mention of Santa while we were half way down the queue, Aidan became adamant that he definitely was not going to see him. His exact words were: "Santa's scary". We didn't even get to see how authentic Santa looked. Maybe the long queue put him off.

It did appear to be the most commercialised grotto we'd visited.

Visits to see Santa are £3 and an extra £2.50 is charged if you want your child to have their picture taken with him. Youngsters receive a badge, gift and voucher for a burger at McDonald's.

l Opening times: Mon, Tues closed. Wed-Sat 11am-5pm, Sun 12pm-3pm.

Hall Hill farm, Lanchester, (01388) 731333

NOT the easiest grotto to visit unless you're travelling by car, but excellent to get away from the bustling shopping centres for a bit of tranquillity. Free car parking is provided.

A small shed in the courtyard was transformed into a richly decorated grotto where Santa sat in a chair jingling his sleigh bells. Aidan wouldn't go inside the grotto, but stood at the door. Santa was friendly, believable and very jolly. He also popped his head out of the grotto occasionally and seemed to have more time to talk to the children.

Aidan preferred this visit, maybe because he got to see the animals with no shops in sight and he was fascinated by the carol singing which took place in the barn.

There is an entrance fee (£3.75 for adults, £2.75 for children over three) to the farm, but visits to Santa are at no extra charge.Children receive a bar of chocolate from Santa and there were no queues to see him.

l Santa is available from 11am-1pm and 1:30pm-3:45pm. The farm has opened especially for the Santa weekends throughout December.

Fenwick's, Eldon Square, Newcastle, 0191-2325100

AGAIN, this grotto is easily accessed via public transport and car, although parking is a nightmare at busy periods. Santa's located on the third floor (in the toy section) of this large department store.

This grotto was the most impressive. With a wooden lodge exterior, the grotto inside resembled the setting of what looked like Santa's living room.

A beautiful Christmas tree stood in the corner, toys and wrapped presents littered the shelves and a flame fire added to the warmth and cosy effect.

The room was spacious and Santa sat in his armchair - a little foot stool was placed next to him for the children. Santa was authentic-looking but seemed to be getting the kids in and out as soon as possible, which is disappointing as it takes Aidan a couple of minutes to feel comfortable enough to start talking to Santa. Visits to see Santa are free and children receive a badge.

l Opening times are Mon-Sat 9am-6pm, Thurs 9am-8pm, Sun 11am-5pm.

After seeing Santa in various grottos I came to the conclusion that Aidan either had a secret phobia of him or at nearly three, was still a bit too young for such visits. Maybe next year.