LOOKING at their four young sons meeting Father Christmas in the early Noughties, Alison and Mike Battle wanted to bring even more festive magic into their lives.
But with a trip to Lapland easily costing over £6,000 for their family and there being no similar alternative in the UK, they were at a loss.
Alison and Mike Battle set up the UK’s magical answer to Lapland[/caption]
Children can meet Father Christmas and Mrs Claus, as well as attend toy making sessions and gingerbread classes[/caption]
There’s also the opportunity to meet Rudolph and his pals[/caption]
“We were very frustrated that when our boys were little 20-odd years ago, we couldn’t find anywhere that matched this moment of importance,” Alison says.
“Somewhere you could really revel in instant belief as a child, but also as a parent.
“Christmas is the most joyous time in parenting.
“So, we gave up our professional jobs 17 years ago and we set about creating the dream of Christmas.”
After quitting her job as an infant school teacher, Alison and Mike then remortgaged their home for a cash lump sum to dedicate to their dream of creating the UK’s answer to Lapland.
Lapland stretches across northern Finland and is roughly a three-and-a-half-hour flight from London.
It is hailed as the home of Santa Claus and on millions of Britons’ travel bucket lists for a magical, festive experience straight out of a fairy tale.
Picture snow-covered forests, charming log cabins and more reindeer than people.
But it’s an expensive trip, and certainly not one parents could afford in the financial crash of 2008 and now in the cost of living crisis.
Alison and Mike wanted families to be able to experience Christmas magic for a fraction of the price.
The couple appeared on ITV’s This Morning to share how they brought Lapland UK to life.
“When we first came up with the concept, we were embarrassed to tell people about it,” Alison tells.
“It just seemed so wacky.
“We were professional people in our Forties with four sons.
How to save money on Christmas shopping
Consumer reporter Sam Walker reveals how you can save money on your Christmas shopping.
Limit the amount of presents – buying presents for all your family and friends can cost a bomb.
Instead, why not organise a Secret Santa between your inner circles so you’re not having to buy multiple presents.
Plan ahead – if you’ve got the stamina and budget, it’s worth buying your Christmas presents for the following year in the January sales.
Make sure you shop around for the best deals by using price comparison sites so you’re not forking out more than you should though.
Buy in Boxing Day sales – some retailers start their main Christmas sales early so you can actually snap up a bargain before December 25.
Delivery may cost you a bit more, but it can be worth it if the savings are decent.
Shop via outlet stores – you can save loads of money shopping via outlet stores like Amazon Warehouse or Office Offcuts.
They work by selling returned or slightly damaged products at a discounted rate, but usually any wear and tear is minor.
“Passion and values were powering us.
“People thought that we’d had a bit of a midlife crisis.”
Mike adds: “I used to wonder if I’d gone mad and didn’t realise.
“We had a really big vision of creating a really magical and extraordinary space that is really believable.”
People thought that we’d had a bit of a midlife crisis
Alison Battle
To ensure the experience felt authentic, they called in a team of Hollywood set designers and West End production experts to craft the extraordinary, enchanting world that we now know as Lapland UK.
The setting was designed to let families immerse themselves in the fleeting magic of their children’s belief in Father Christmas.
“Christmas time is a time of awe and belief for a child,” Alison says.
They’ve welcomed over one million visitors in 17 years, including celebrities like Elton John and Holly Willoughby.
Lapland UK was created by Hollywood set designers and West End production experts[/caption]
Alison and Mike appeared on ITV’s This Morning to share their story[/caption]
Lapland UK can be found in the heart of Swinley Forest, Bracknell and is nearly fully sold out for 2024.
On arrival guests are presented with their own ‘Elf Passport’ to give them permission to travel along the elven pathways and through a magical door.
They also get the chance to convert money into ‘Jingle’ currency, which they are able to spend at the park.
In addition to all of that, guests get to meet huskies and reindeer before the children are treated to an audience with the big man himself, Father Christmas.
There is also an ice skating rink, cafes, a post office and sweet shop, while further festive treats can be found in Pumpernickel’s restaurant.
The whole tour takes around four hours.
