The new site will be named LaplandManchester, as its creators know it’s the city name that will put it firmly on the map for tourists, who will likely visit the attraction from across the UK and beyond
LaplandUK has announced plans to launch a second location in the UK.
After the success of their first UK site in Ascot, Berkshire, LaplandUK is expanding to a site in Cheshire but will be named LaplandManchester. The new site is due to open for Christmas 2025. The decision to expand follows high demand and also to allow more families across the UK to experience LaplandUK. The new site is due to be at Capesthorne Hall and will be set across over 173,000 square metres.
The site aims to host over 178,000 guests. The immersive experience will last around four-and-a-half hours and will run for a limited six week period in the lead up to Christmas.
The site is expected to create substantial economic benefits for Manchester and in the first year, is projected to contribute over £24.5 million in economic impact. The site is also anticipated to create 1,200 jobs. Mike and Alison Battle, founders of LaplandUK, said: “We’ve been so overwhelmed by the incredible response to LaplandUK and the strong connection so many people have with our event.
“It has always been our dream to bring the magic of LaplandUK to as many families as possible, so we are thrilled to announce our plans to launch a new site in Manchester. We look forward to welcoming more families to share in the magic of LaplandUK next year and to create more treasured Christmas memories.”
LaplandUK was voted the UK’s best tourist attraction in 2022 and last year alone, more than 300,000 people fled to the website in hopes of securing tickets to the Christmas experience. Tickets sold out in a record-breaking time, of under four hours.
LaplandUK emerged in 2007 and since has welcomed families and some celebrity names, including the Prince and Princess of Wales, Tom Hardy, the Beckhams and Elton John.
The current experience at LaplandUK’s Ascot site starts in the Enchanted Forest, where families get the chance to meet some of Santa’s elves. Then, families can explore The Magical Portal, Pathway Control, The Enchanted Glade, Father Christmas’ Toy Factory, Mother Christmas’ Kitchen, The Elven Village, Father Christmas’ Reindeer, Ambolt the Elfsmith’s Forge, Compass the Pathfinder’s Lobby, before finally meeting Father Christmas.
The 2024 experience is sold out, but prices ranged from £60 to £190 per person, with the higher prices being applied to weekends and dates closer to Christmas.
