Lapland Ascot vs. Manchester: What Are the Differences? (What You Need to Know)
- Crownwood Charters
- 1 day ago
- 7 min read
Introduction: A Tale of Two Magical Doorways
With the opening of a second Lapland UK location in Manchester, the official trailer promised that for the first time, "two magical doorways will open into Lapland for the human folk to discover our secret Elven World." For families across the country, this news ignited imaginations. While both experiences promise entry into the same secret world, visitor accounts reveal a fundamental and surprising difference between the original Ascot location and its new northern counterpart.
But before you decide, ask yourself: when investing in the premium travel experiences that make up the perfect Christmas day out, how will you ensure the journey matches the magic?
Crownwood Charters, Berkshire's most esteemed chauffeur service, understands that for luxury tourists and affluent clients travelling to Ascot, the journey is an extension of the destination. What is the key difference, and how might choosing the authentic woodland of Ascot over the new indoor venue shape your family's magical day out—and your choice of safe chauffeur-driven rides to get you there?
The Great Divide: Ascot vs. Manchester (Outdoors vs. Indoors)
The single biggest difference between the two locations is the setting: the original Ascot experience is primarily outdoors in a real forest, while the new Manchester location is entirely indoors!
Lapland UK officially states that while the story remains the same, "each immersive world will be thoughtfully designed to suit its surroundings." For Manchester, this means a controlled indoor environment. For Ascot, it means the wild outdoors.
This has come as a "shock" to some visitors, particularly those who have experienced the magic of Ascot previously. For returning families, this wasn't just a different design choice; it was a fundamental shift away from the wild, transportive magic they had come to associate with the Lapland UK brand. The outdoor setting created a uniquely immersive atmosphere, with one parent noting:
"I always felt when we went to Lapland, we had stepped into Narnia."
In contrast, while the set design at the indoor Manchester venue is described as "fantastic," the atmosphere is completely different without the authentic woodland backdrop.
The Practical Magic of a Weather-Proof Christmas
The primary benefit of the indoor Manchester venue is clear: it offers guaranteed protection from unpredictable British weather. For some, this is a game-changer.
Visitors to the Ascot location on a bad day have shared less-than-magical memories. One parent recalled an experience where the rain was "badly," the outdoor walkways were "so very muddy, really awful," and their family was left "ducking for cover." For parents investing in a premium day out, this removes the significant gamble of the British weather, trading the risk of a soggy, miserable memory for the guarantee of a cosy, magical one.
Logistics & Getting There: Avoiding the "Muddy Reality"
While the "wild magic of the woods" at Ascot creates an immersive Narnia-like atmosphere, it brings a very practical challenge: British weather and woodland terrain.
Previous visitors to the Ascot location have noted that on rainy days, the public car parks are often situated a fair walk from the entrance. This means the "magic" often begins with a wet, cold trek across uneven ground—risking costumes and spirits before the first elf is even sighted.
The Stress-Free Solution: A Seamless Chauffeur Drop-Off
When you are investing in a premium Christmas experience, the journey should match the destination. Choosing a luxury chauffeur service eliminates the parking chaos and the weather gamble.
By booking a personal chauffeur service with Crownwood Charters, you ensure:
Door-to-Door Magic: We pick you up from your home or hotel in our meticulously maintained vehicles, ensuring you leave warm and dry.
Zero Parking Stress: Forget navigating muddy fields. Your chauffeur drops you as close to the entrance as permitted, keeping those special Christmas outfits pristine.
Family Comfort: For larger groups, our luxury Mercedes-Benz V-Class offers ample space for excited children, grandparents, and gifts, making the journey part of the memory.
Safety First: With safety and discretion as our priorities, you can relax knowing your family is in the hands of expert chauffeurs.
Don't let the logistics dampen the sparkle. Ensure your journey to LaplandUK is as magical as the destination itself.
Is Lapland Worth the Price Tag?
With tickets for the 2025 season ranging significantly in price, and premium slots reaching up to £195 per person, a family trip can easily become a significant investment. Is it really worth it?
The consensus from travel experts and parents alike is a resounding "Yes." It is widely regarded as the UK’s most uncompromising quality Christmas event.
This is largely due to the production value. The same team of Hollywood set designers and theatre professionals create both worlds, ensuring every detail is cinematic. Whether your Small Folk are making toys with Whittle, Wish, and Conker, or receiving their Golden Bell to become an ‘Honorary Elf,’ the experience is designed to be world-class.
However, high-value tickets demand a high-value experience from start to finish. If you are travelling from London or flying into Heathrow Airport specifically for this event, relying on public transport (which requires multiple changes and a taxi from Ascot station) can devalue the experience. To truly realise the value of your tickets, the entire day—including the long-distance journeys—must be seamless.
Can You Stay Overnight?
A common question for families travelling from further afield is whether you can stay at Lapland UK. The answer is no; there is no accommodation on-site.
However, many of our clients turn the event into a luxury weekend retreat. We frequently perform private venue transfers for clients staying at nearby world-class hotels, including:
Coworth Park (Ascot): Just a 10-minute drive away.
Fairmont Windsor Park: A short transfer for a 5-star spa finish to your day.
The Royal Berkshire: Located conveniently in Ascot.
Our executive travel services can bridge the gap between these luxury hotels and the forest, acting as your private sleigh for the weekend.
The Authenticity Test: Keeping the Magic Alive
For some families, the authenticity of the outdoor setting is crucial to maintaining the illusion. The Ascot location, being in a "real forest," made the Elven world more convincing and left less room for doubt.
The indoor Manchester venue, however, can present challenges for more observant children. One parent noted that the artificial environment broke their child's immersion and prompted difficult questions:
"I had to answer a lot more questions from my 7 year old about things she could see at Manchester like ceilings, projectors and fake trees that I didn’t at Ascot..."
This presents a critical challenge for parents of older children on the cusp of scepticism, where the authentic environment of Ascot provides fewer loose threads for curious minds to pull.
Frequently Asked Questions (2025 Guide)
1. How much does Lapland UK cost?
Ticket prices vary significantly depending on the date and time, but expect a premium price. For the 2025 season, tickets generally range from £60 to £195 per person, with food, drinks, and souvenirs as optional extras. It is worth budgeting for these add-ons, as the overall day is a significant investment.
2. Is everything indoors?
This depends on which location you choose.
Ascot: No. The Ascot experience is famously set in a real, outdoor forest. You will need warm coats and boots (especially if it rains), but it offers a truly authentic "Narnia-like" feel.
Manchester: Yes. The new Manchester location is entirely indoors, featuring a controlled "midnight forest" style lighting. This guarantees you stay warm and dry regardless of the weather.
3. Do I need to buy ‘Jingles’ or special tokens?
At Ascot, converting your pounds into "Jingles" (the Elven currency) is part of the traditional magic for children. However, card payments are widely accepted at both locations. Manchester, in particular, is set up to accept normal card payments everywhere, so you do not need to purchase anything extra before arriving to enjoy the day.
4. How long does the full experience take?
Most families spend around 3.5 to 4.5 hours inside the experience. There is a set sequence of theatrical activities (Toy Factory, Mother Christmas' Kitchen), plus free time for ice skating and exploring the Elven Village.
5. Is the food good?
Food is available throughout the experience at the Elven Village, though many parents note it is "premium priced" (think £11+ for a meal deal). Bringing snacks for younger children can help keep costs down and keep energy levels up between activity zones.
6. What is the best way to travel to Lapland in Ascot?
For families wanting to avoid the stress of muddy car parks or complex public transport, a private chauffeur transfer is the best option. Crownwood Charters offers luxury transfers from London, Heathrow, and local hotels directly to the forest entrance, ensuring you arrive warm, dry, and ready for the magic.
The Final Verdict? It's Still an "Exceptional" Experience
Despite the passionate debate over the indoor versus outdoor setting, the overall sentiment from visitors is that the experience at both locations is overwhelmingly positive.
Crucially, this high praise for Manchester's execution comes even from visitors who ultimately preferred the outdoor authenticity of Ascot. One parent, while missing the 'Narnia' feel, affirmed that the "quality and attention to detail is exceptional." Across the board, the experience is lauded with descriptors like "fantastic" and "incredible," reinforcing its reputation as a top-tier holiday outing. As one visitor concluded:
"But I do believe it is the premium Christmas experience in the UK..."
Conclusion: Which Lapland Will You Choose?
Ultimately, the choice between Ascot and Manchester comes down to a core trade-off for your family: the immersive, "Narnia"-like magic of an authentic outdoor forest versus the guaranteed comfort and convenience of a spectacular, weather-proof indoor world. The 'better' LaplandUK, therefore, isn't a specific location, but a reflection of your family's unique vision for a perfect Christmas adventure.
If your vision includes the unparalleled authenticity of the original forest setting in Ascot, Berkshire, ensure your travel is equally uncompromising. Crownwood Charters specialises in providing seamless, luxury travel for discerning families, whether you need airport transfers from Heathrow or private venue transfers from London.
We offer guaranteed privacy and discretion, ensuring your VIP-style travel is the perfect prelude to your day. Avoid the stress of muddy car parks and embrace four-wheeled luxury.
So, when you dream of your family's trip to the Elven world, and you choose the wild magic of the woods, choose a trusted choice to deliver you there.
Comments