I've found a slice of Lapland right here in Hampshire!

Ten Christmases into motherhood, I'm rather seasoned at these Father Christmas visits and, I dare say, I've finally found one to top the lot locally - Santa's Winter Wonderland at Stewarts Abbey Garden Centre in Titchfield. 

I've been fortunate enough to go to Lapland, a bucket list trip which costs families thousands, and Lapland UK, the Berkshire attraction considered the next best thing but which sets you back several hundred pounds for the pleasure. 

(Image: Newsquest / Lorelei Reddin) READ MORE: Top Hampshire Christmas days out with National Trust

At £18.50 for a child aged up to 12, this joyful Christmas experience at any one of the three family run garden centres in the South is just the ticket. It may only be mid November, but it certainly had my family and I feeling festive! 

After checking in with the elves, who made conversation with our six and ten-year-old girls to find out all about them, what they like doing and what they might like to receive in their stocking this Christmas, we spent 20 minutes or so enjoying the really spectacular walkway to Santa's cabin. 

Expect singing snowmen, a North Pole train, snow covered Christmas trees aplenty, and twinkling tunnels of lights, baubles and candy canes.

(Image: Newsquest / Lorelei Reddin) See elves enjoying a pint in the Snowman's Arms, smile at the stockings on show at Ann Winters, marvel at the soft toys, dolls and gifts stocked in the toy shop and stock up for the season in The Ski Hut. 

There's animatronic reindeer, a sleigh covered in snow and you can peek inside the toy factory and see a video projection of the elves busy wrapping all the gifts on a conveyor belt. 

Following a knock on the door, we were greeted by Santa's Elves, who took us to meet the big man himself. Our daughters spent a good few minutes chatting with Father Christmas, about football, their hobbies and whether they were on the nice list.

(Image: Newsquest / Lorelei Reddin) They were gifted thoughtful good quality presents - a large colouring puzzle for the six-year-old and a sewing set and craft activity for the ten-year-old - as well as stickers confirming they were on Santa's nice list. Daddy's naughty list sticker also gave them the giggles. 

A professional framed photograph of the visit was available in seconds and we couldn't resist capturing more pictures at the free selfie walkway, sitting in Santa's sleigh, transforming into his elves and playing inside a gingerbread house.

Previously known for their now retired reindeer, Stewarts has really stepped it up with their wonderful winter wonderland this year. 

(Image: Newsquest / Lorelei Reddin) Before or after your experience, a visit to the garden centre cafe is a must. The delicious afternoon tea featuring finger sandwiches, cream scones and cakes was a real treat.

There's also a lovely Christmas shop, fish to feed and the whole garden centre to enjoy. 

Lots of thought has gone into this fantastic experience and it's sure to leave you feeling festive - without travelling or breaking the bank. 

Book at santa.stewarts.co.uk

(Image: Newsquest / Lorelei Reddin)