Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen glad that improvements will bring a Christmas experience closer to his 'original ravishing design'

Organisers of The Magical Journey, based at The Belfry hotel have closed the experience, created with the help of the celebrity interior designer, until Wednesday.

The attraction, which was only open for a day, received thousands of messages on their Facebook page from disappointed visitors, and ticketholders yet to attend who were concerned about poor reviews.

In a statement issued on Twitter, a spokesman for Llewelyn-Bowen said: "We are pleased that the owners of the Magical Journey are making every effort to rectify the high profile and disappointing teething problems.

"Everyone involved is committed to providing a wonderful family Christmas experience. Laurence's involvement has been purely creative with nothing to do with production or management of the event and we very much hope that the efforts being made will make the experience much closer to his original ravishing vision."

Refunds are being given to customers who visited the attraction on Saturday and to those who had tickets for the three days the Magical Journey is closed.

A statement on their website says the time will be used "to ensure that improvements to the journey are made so that we can reopen with an experience that is truly magical for all."

The Magical Journey is billed as "your ultimate Christmas experience", but many customers were left disappointed and complained on Facebook and Twitter of lacklustre decorations, unwrapped presents and high prices.

The experience, which lasts up to 90 minutes and includes a Santa's Grotto, costs £15 for an adult and £22.50 for a child at peak times.

Karen Walker wrote on the site: "My family and I attended yesterday and did not enjoy. The experience we felt let down and ripped off with the price for what we got."

Jacqui Evans said: "My partner has booked his final day's holiday for tomorrow especially to experience this visit. Now it is too late to change his holiday leave."

Sam Hinch described the experience as a "disappointment", saying: "My boys seven and three were bored waiting in tents with chav elves.

"Dark rooms with elves talking to children for too long. No atmosphere, songs or Christmas spirit. Builders walking around with cigarettes and tools drilling whilst we are standing there! My boys reviewed unwrapped rubbish presents, a Frisby and a wood giraffe for babies?"

But others said they enjoyed the experience or at least backed the decision to close and make improvements.

Joanne Whitfield wrote: "Went yesterday with hubby and eight year old boy and four year old girl. Your experience is what you make it - you need to be ready to join in with Merry Christmas in panto style."

Sue Fairburn posted: "Well done to the Belfry. They have listened and they are sorting the problems. How many companies these days listen to the customers? People who have been get a refund."

Paul Dolan, organiser of the experience, said the site was hampered by bad weather and should not have opened.

He told ITV News: "We were hammered with four weeks of torrential rain which really affected the site and slowed us down. We were very far behind but I didn't want to disappoint children.

"We thought there was enough there that people wouldn't see the small details that weren't there but there were too many small details and it built up. We shouldn't have opened yesterday.

"I can't apologise enough."

The firm said customers who have booked between 23 and 25 November had been contacted directly and anyone wishing to contact them should email support@magicaljourney.co.uk.