Log Cabin

OK - it was about 7 years ago now, but it was one of the most magical experiences ever. It was more than we would normally pay, but worth every penny. My daughter found an invitation to visit him from Father Christmas in our fireplace because he had heard she had been kind. We also took letters from all of her class when we visited him -so there was lots of preparation all adding to the excitement. I also particularly liked the fact that Canterbury Travel place a financial limit on what you can buy for FC to give to your child so that no child is seen to receive more than others. FC himself really did have twinkling eyes and he had the letter that my daughter had sent him (handed to the reps on arrival with the present)and although the elves were patently young adults with very rouged cheeks my daughter was totally convinced they were elves.
The activities were wonderful, no they didn't last long but were enough of a taster and the sort of thing that you would never do anywhere else, to be exciting. The whole trip was made worthwhile to us when my daughter said , when asked why she hadn't said anything to Father Christmas " I couldn't, I was too busy smiling inside."

Hello to everyone - I've just joined the forum and came across this thread amongst a few others. All very interesting! Thought I would add this here as it may help as I know Canterbury are one of the most 'well knownn' operators doing this kind of trip...

I too have been looking at so many Lapland day trips from First Choice to Cosmos to Transun to Canterbury but after extensive comparing, etc have subsequently booked with an independent company called Metier Travel, based in Kent who are running their own day trip. They are fully bonded and regulated so money is safe, etc.

It goes from Gatwick on Sat 18 December and they are just doing one day this year (with a view to doing more in 2011) and one of the best parts is that only 30 families will go on the trip - so really nice and exclusive! This company really go in for attention to detail and ensuring that everyone has the best personal experience; the place looks amazing and its got so much to do and is fully inclusive, you don't pay for anything extra. We're all very excited I can tell you! The trip is called Father Christmas Adventure and the website is www.fatherchristmasadventure.co.uk.

If anyone wants to know anymore - just ask! Be happy to impart what I've found out :)

We stayed in one of teh log cabins and ate at the upmarket restaurant with selections. We went in 2006 so it was a little while ago and our friends gave it rave reviews before we went. I wouldn't as I hate being herded about and it wasn't how I had hoped. May be it has gone down hill since we were there. It wasn't cold enough to do teh sleeping a an eskimo which was disapointing and it was very expensive!

We booked a christmas trip to lapland with canterbury travel. It cost a fortune and was really not worth the money. One to avoid.

Please do not book with Canterbury Travel. We went to Luosto over Christmas and the Santa was dreadful - really young, obvious false beard, obvious stuffing up his tunic etc. Our 6 year old son wasn't convinced and it made us really sad. Canterbury Travel do not want to acknowledge any criticisms. They reply to letters with arrogance and have absolutely no concern for their customers. They seem to think they are above criticism. Please do not waste your money on this company - there are plenty of others out there and I suggest you shop around.

This being a once in a lifetime trip, and costing a lot of money, we were very disappointed with the whole tour by Canterbury Travel. We travelled with them because their brochure was good and travel agents seemed to recommend them, but we would certainly not use them again.
Santa himself was very convincing and all you would have expected, the log cabin accommodation was very traditional set in scenic setting - but everything else was a poor standard.
Your rides on sleighs pulled by huskies, horses and reindeer lasted 4-5 mins - queueing for your turn took longer.
Rides on skidoos lasted generally 5-10 mins - again you would have to wait your turn.
Tobogan runs were not very thrilling (apart from one which we visited on last day of tour) probally size-wise similar to what you might find in your park.
Food in log cabin resturant was bog standard buffet style - always slightly warm.
The tour reps are Finnish and not very sympathetic.
All day long you would be getting on a coach to drive to the above mentioned activities, stay there for appx 30 -60 min and then have to get back on the coach to drive to the next activity . You would do this probably 6-7 times in the day. It was really not what we expected.
There is a whole theme with elves helping you to find Santa on your tour which was quite good and the children enjoyed - but overall I was very disapointed and have since read other tour operators brochures and they seem to be much better, with more real content and specified activities lasting longer and more lifelike... not just a reindeer ride around a roped off circled area.

Think seriously before booking with Canterbury Travel, I would advise you not to.