The People
9 December 2007
Lapland of Hope & Glory
Can I share a secret with you? I longed to go to Lapland for 33 years, but now, as if by magic, Lapland has come to me. Well, Kent to be precise...
Lapland UK opened at the end of November in the beautiful surroundings of Bedgebury Forest, and offers a trip to Santaland without the air miles.
We weren't disappointed. Jessica, six, could barely speak as she tried to relay details of the letter to me over the phone. "Father Christmas... needs our help at the toy factory," she panted.
A week later, we were there. Stepping into the snow-covered forest, with all the pine trees beautifully lit up, we really felt like we were somewhere special - a tree to rival the one in Trafalgar Square, icicle-covered wooden chalets providing delicious hot chocolate, 6ft tall toy soldiers playing trumpets, elves playing and snowfalls every 15 minutes.
Snowy paths, winding off into the forest, took us to more treats. One led us to real reindeer. Yet another took us to Santa's post office where the kids helped sort letters. There was storytelling and beautiful huskies to stroke. The kids were spellbound.
But the highlight of the day was the much-awaited meeting with Father Christmas.
The kids were blown away ... But I'll just have to wait for kids of my own.
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