AN ACTIVITY 'wonderland' enjoyed its best Christmas yet as families flocked to a festive paradise.

Fairytale Farm, in Southcombe, near Chipping Norton, put on its biggest 'Christmas Fairytale' event ever, with a range of attractions for children and adults alike.

The Santa's grotto's new walk-through castle was the main attraction and represented the farm's biggest investment since opening in 2013.

Owner Nick Laister revealed the new addition paid off, with some days seeing 70 families - double the number who came last year.

He said: "It's been hugely popular and really shot up in visitor numbers.

"We've been delighted with how it's gone.

"People were saying how it's a lot better than last year."

The event ran on Saturdays and Sundays throughout December, before finishing on Christmas Eve.

Mr Laister revealed the site boasted about £100,000 worth of attractions, with several light installations featuring alongside the walk-through castle.

Visitors enjoyed the farm's animal areas and adventure playground until darkness fell and the Christmas lights came on, illuminating enchanting features such as seahorses and mermaids.

The farm's owner insisted the festive attractions were designed to appeal to adults as well as children, which he said was a key selling point.

The Chipping Norton resident added: "People like that we give a bit of time to the families.

"Adults love it as much as children - there's little touches that make them smile."

Many younger visitors were drawn to the Santa's grotto to receive a present from the great man, while others enjoyed the usual Fairytale Farm attractions.

Activities including Christmas cookie decorating and a festive-themed hunt proved popular, while mulled wine and mince pies were on offer for parents.

The Christmas Fairytale went hand-in-hand with the farm's 'Illuminated Evenings', its other winter attraction, which has run since October.

Features including the Mermaid Garden, Giant's Camera and Light Fountains were lit up in a blaze of colour to increase the festive atmosphere at the West Oxfordshire wonderland.

For more information visit fairytalefarm.co.uk