Last week, we visited Lapland UK – and it was absolutely magical! I’ve had so many questions on Instagram about our visit, so I thought I’d share a full review here. It’s probably the most expensive Santa experience out there, so it’s completely understandable that people want to know if it’s worth the money. Hopefully this helps you decide…
What Is Lapland UK?
Not to be confused with Lapland in Finland, Lapland UK is located in Ascot and offers a “secret immersive experience” based on the original myth of Father Christmas. Before your visit, your children receive a beautifully crafted invitation from Father Christmas – a special keepsake they’ll treasure for years.
This is not your typical Santa’s Grotto. Over the course of about four hours, you journey through an enchanted forest, take part in interactive workshops, and finally meet Father Christmas himself.
Arrival and Check-In
Upon arrival, we were directed to the parking area – which was very busy, so definitely allow extra time to park. Once inside the welcome area (which includes a shop, toilets, and food stalls), you’ll wait for your slot to begin. When called, you’re led through grand doors for check-in, where each child receives a passport that will be stamped throughout their journey.
The Toy Factory
In the Toy Factory, children help the elves make cuddly snow leopards for Father Christmas. While they don’t get to keep them right away, parents are quietly handed the toys on the way out, to be secretly gifted on Christmas morning. It’s such a thoughtful touch – I nearly cried thinking about how magical that will be for them!
Mother Christmas’ Kitchen
Next stop: Mother Christmas’ cosy kitchen, where kids decorate gingerbread men (Father Christmas’ favourite treat!). Afterward, Mother Christmas reads a charming festive story. Thankfully, the kids do get to take their decorated gingerbread home – crisis averted!
The Elven Village
We reached the Elven Village at 6pm, with our Father Christmas slot at 7–7:30pm. That gave us about an hour to explore, though much of that time was spent eating (the food is pricey, so consider eating beforehand). The ice skating was a hit with the kids – though I found it a bit overwhelming due to the crowds.
We missed out on writing letters at the Elf Post Office, which was disappointing. This part felt rushed and is one of my few criticisms of the experience.
At 7pm, the huskies came out – a highlight for my daughter! Just note that once you go to meet Father Christmas, you can’t return to the Elven Village, so be sure to do everything beforehand.
Meeting Father Christmas
Our time slot was 7–7:30pm, and we arrived right at 7pm expecting to be near the front of the queue – but still waited almost an hour. For a £400 experience, I think that’s a bit much. That said, the kids were entertained by reindeer along the way.
When we finally entered Father Christmas’ log cabin, it was absolutely worth the wait. He was warm, kind, and incredibly convincing – he even knew personal details about the kids and our dog, Poppy! Instead of generic gifts, they each received a soft husky toy, which they adored.
So… Is It Worth It?
We paid around £400 for four tickets (though we don’t have the exact amount), which is a huge splurge for us – only made possible by having extra funds from selling our house.
So, is it worth the money?
✅ Yes, if it’s a one-time experience and you can afford it comfortably. The detail, atmosphere, and magic are incredible – something your kids will remember forever.
❌ No, if it would strain your finances or if you’re expecting to do it every year – the novelty would wear off.
What Could Be Improved?
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Too busy in places – especially the ice rink and Elven Village.
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More time in the Elven Village – an extra 30 minutes would make a big difference.
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Long wait for Father Christmas – a better queuing system is needed.