Bedgebury is holding a Christmas 'Lapland UK' Experience

[TheDuchessOfNorksBride]

... covering a part of the forest with fake snow, Christmas village, Raymond Briggs 'The Snowman' ride, Father Christmas visit, mulled wine to fortify parents, reindeer, husky dogs, trumpeters and all sorts. I'm soooo excited. Er, for my children, obviously...

It's quite expensive though (I just paid £167 for a family of 5). Here is the link. And here is the itinery.

And it's selling out quite quickly.

I have booked to go on the 15th as well. We went to Lapland last year (for the second time) for 4 days and it DIDN'T snow. The first time we went the snow as about 1 metre deep (even in town). Last year, there was snow in the woods, but no snow in the town. This looks good.

Bumble would be sooo dissapointed to go all that way and not get any snow

We're going on the 8th - I hate doing anything Christmassy before DHs birthday on the 18th but there is way too much going on already in the last week before Christmas. And we're going with friends who can't do the weekend of the 15/16th.

Can we report back on what we thought and pass any tips onto those who haven't yet been?

I noticed there were a lot of afternoon slots still available but it will be dark by 4pm - which will be really pretty - but which might not suit very young children. Also, if you go in the morning you can spend the rest of the day on the trails/play areas etc.

Good idea Duchess, i will take dp laptop so i can log on at hotel Sat night.
Thanks am so excited can't decide whether to tell dc's or leave it as surprise.

Oh I'm so jealous We only discovered Bedgebury a week ago (and have been twice, last Tuesday when the heavens opened, and Monday which was fab ) We were lookinga t the Christmas thing, it looks lovely, but I just can't afford it this year as we're saving for Disneyland Paris in February. Next year, definitely, if you lot come back with good reviews

Actually I think the post Christmas thing might be nice, and it's not that pricey. Might have to think about it......

Booked for the 15th and sent the link to lots of pals, thank you so much DoNB!

Oh I really want to go, dont think we will be able to afford it before it sells out. Might plan for lapland for real next year when DS will be nearly 3.... or hopefully they will have it every year.

Wow that looks fab.

Miles to far and miles too expensive, but fab.

Anyone any idea how long it would take us to get from Hastings to Bedgebury ?

We do the 'Christmas Countdown' thingy at Center parcs- have done for past 5 years.

Bedgebury looks good though.

According to google earth hastings to bedgebury is about 19 miles so 33 mintutes. It'll take us about 1 hour 45 mins but we'll leave early in the morning and drive home afterwards. Not staying in a hotel again yet with the 3 chidlren if I can help it!

Thanks Jodie

bumping for anyone who missed it earlier....

PLEASE don't bump - I want there to be spaces left on the 18 when I can afford to book!!

Sorry seeker!

I think there will be spaces left if you don't mind when & what time you go. There are LOADS of weekday spaces - the Kent & Sussex schools don't break up until 20/21st so they'll all have to bunk orf!

,whispers back> dcs are at Kent schools and we can't bunk off (first term at secondary school) Oh well - we might be lucky!

Okay. I have just booked this for the 21st December. I am in Australia. Am coming to UK for 3 months including Christmas. Am travelling around so have no fixed address in UK. Very very excited as we couldn't afford the real Lapland. 1400 pound x 2.5 for exchange rate is very very expensive $$$AU. If I ask nicely will they send the invitation to me in Australia now? Have I done a silly thing?

Why Fio ?

Well we will most likely stand out. Spot the Aussie accent .

i'm going to look out for you fruit shoots Fio. Going to book today too thanks for link.

for your fruit shoots i mean..