LAPPING IT UP

Get ready for the ultimate Christmas family adventure at LaplandUK in Berkshire

- CHRISSIE REEVES

As Christmas experiences go you would be hard pushed to find a more special one than this. A visit to LaplandUK will transport you to an immersive festive world like no other – and you won’t have to jet off to the North Pole, either, as the site is actually in Berkshire.

Toy-making workshops, gingerbread decorating with Mother Christmas, ice-skating and more are all on offer in a stunning winter wonderland setting. Time your visit towards the end of the day, when the colourful fairy lights make it all the more enchanting. The magic will start before you arrive, with each child receiving a special wax-sealed boxed invitation from Santa.

LaplandUK is a favourite with celebrities and royalty, too. The Beckhams, the Prince and Princess of Wales, Sir Elton John, Tom Hardy, Holly Willoughby, Idris Elba, Peter Andre and Liv Tyler have all paid a visit.

A WARM WELCOME

On arrival in LaplandUK, all visitors – “big folk” and their “small folk” – will be led by friendly elves through an enchanted fir-tree forest into the mystical elven world.

Here, woodland aromas fill the air and candlelit lanterns guide you to the departures area for Lapland. Pick up a copy of The Lapland Times newspaper and enjoy an elven hot chocolate while waiting for your departure time. Try to arrive 30 minutes ahead of your scheduled time slot to avoid having to rush.