LaplandUK review: Elves, reindeers and a Santa Claus experience that is a magical Christmas must for the family

WHAT: LaplandUK, Whitmoor Forest, Ascot, Berkshire. laplanduk.co.uk
ADMISSION: It varies for ‘small folk’ (that’s children between 1-16), ‘big folk’ (you guessed, adults) and ‘big folk over 65’ (seniors). There are also special prices for ‘superstar’ families (those with additional needs) and carers.


Prices range from £65 per person to £130 (all inclusive, premium visit), with the venue closing on Christmas Eve. The ticket price includes child Elf passport, all activities (including ice skating), a luxury gift from Father Christmas, a souvenir photograph for each family and a Thank You card for each child on Christmas morning.
WHERE: Nestled neatly in Berkshire’s beautiful Whitmoor Forest, LaplandUK is located just off the M25 and M3, with links to the M4. There is free on-site parking or it is a short one-and-half-mile taxi (buses on the hour) ride from Ascot station, where trains run from London and Reading.

Freddie, nine, and Lilly, three, had a magical time at the Ascot attraction (Photo: Daily Mirror)

PERFORMANCE: Incredible. From the outset, you are led into an unforgettable four-hour adventure through the Enchanted Forest. In fact, it begins before you arrive, with ‘small folk’ Freddie, nine, and Lilly, three, receiving exclusive invites in post from Father Christmas.
They are tasked with helping Santa’s busy Elves in the build-up to the big day on their journey to earning a honorary golden bell. It is complete with theatrical scene-setting tales throughout, including hands-on toy-building tasks and gingerbread making with Mother Christmas and her Elves. An hour interval is neatly broken up with various festive-themed boutiques and an ice skating rink (for all ages).


There are huskies and reindeers on show too before you are whisked away for a personalised meeting with the big man.

QUIBBLES: It’s expensive. Upon arrival, you need to transfer money into Christmas ‘jingles’ to spend on site. These can be transferred at no additional cost at the end. But food and drink fees are a tad heavy on the old Elf wallet, with a hot dog costing eight jingles (that’s £8 to you and I) and 4 jingles for a hot chocolate. Given the admission fees, it could be cheaper.
VERDICT: There may be less costly alternatives around, but LaplandUK is a truly unique and immersive experience that leaves ‘small folk’ and ‘big folk’ alike seamlessly believing in the magic of Christmas. 9/10