I spent summer in Lapland and it was like being in Christmas heaven in July

When you think of a summer holiday, Lapland probably isn't the first place that springs to mind. It's famous for Father Christmas, reindeer and snow - but has it's own charm in the summer, as celebrity and TV writer Elizabeth Cotton discovered.

The Manchester Evening News reporter spent a week basking in the midnight sun and discovered it's actually the perfect family destination. She said: "The Midnight Sun season is an unforgettable experience, and the views are truly magical. It typically lasts from late May to late July, with the sun remaining visible above the horizon for 24 hours a day.

It's certainly not a budget-friendly holiday, but ideal for every type of family. Whether you're super active, interested in local culture, or love the idea of seeing Santa before the Christmas rush - it's a must-do visit."

In the summertime, temperatures can soar to a comfortable late 20°C, and even when it's cooler, the glowing horizon is beautiful.

A mere two-hour and 40-minute flight from Manchester will land you in Helsinki. This vibrant city serves as Finland's gateway, providing easy access to even the most remote northern destinations.

Elizabeth said: "Finnair offered a wonderful service, where the check-in process was plain sailing, and the journeys to Helsinki and beyond were just as smooth.

"Visit Finland looked after me during the trip, and provided a schedule filled to the brim of everything Finland has to offer."

Each destination boasts its own unique charm, but for a chance to meet Father Christmas himself, Rovaniemi - the capital of Lapland - is the place to be.

Elizabeth took a one-hour flight from Helsinki to Rovaniemi Airport. From there, it's just a quick 15-minute transfer to Lapland Hotel Sky Ounasvaara.

For a family of two adults and two children under 10, expect to pay around £215 per night during peak season, which is August.

Your hotel room will come equipped with a traditional Finnish sauna, perfect for unwinding after a busy day and letting your worries evaporate.

The price includes breakfast, and Elizbeth said the porridge was delicious, saying: "it's far more exciting than it sounds!"

She said: "The hotel felt like sheer luxury, but perhaps the most unique thing of all was the stunning views from the dining room. The windows showcased a lush forest, and even though it was grey when I arrived, I couldn't have asked for a more perfect start to my trip."

Santa's Village

While Lapland has more to offer than just Christmas, Elizabeth wanted to explore just how festive it can feel in summer. Santa's Village was the perfect place to start.

The village was a stones throw from her hotel and stepping into Saint Nick's workshop instantly rekindles the pure delight of childhood.

She said: "As you walk past presents wrapped and ready for the sleigh, you'll soon come face to face with Father Christmas himself. He's there every day of the year to meet anyone who steps into his home, and is happy to hear anyone's wishes - young or old.

"I must admit, once spotting a cheerful Father Christmas donned in his finest off-duty uniform as he sits in his armchair, the room fell silent as every one of us stared in complete awe, met with murmurings of "is that really him?!"."

Even in the height of summer, the sight of twinkling Christmas lights and the aroma of freshly baked gingerbread is enough to warm even the most sceptical heart.

You can also meet Mrs Claus and quiz her on how she helps spread Christmas cheer. As you say goodbye, she hands you a scroll with a tip for how to spread the Christmas spirit.

After a visit to the post office, where you can send festive letters to your loved ones, the Husky Park is an unmissable experience.

Hop onto a sleigh and let a team of energetic Huskies whisk you around the park.

Admission starts from €50 (£44) for adults and €35 (£30) for children aged four to 12.

Within a short stroll, you can also encounter Santa's reindeer, where you have the opportunity to pet and feed these enchanting creatures.

In Rovaniemi, the population of approximately 12,500 reindeer is a testament to the centuries-old tradition of reindeer husbandry. The local herders live in harmony with their animals throughout the year, with many relying on them for their livelihood.

Northern Lapland

Once you've had your fill of Christmas festivities, Elizabeth suggests venturing further north. She had the pleasure of staying at the stunning Wilderness Hotel Muotka, nestled in Sodankyla.

The journey from Rovaniemi takes around three hours, and she broke up the trip with a visit to Kultamuseo in Tankavaara. This unique gold museum is the only one of its kind globally, dedicated to the history and contemporary practice of gold panning and prospecting.

Elizabeth said: "After an informative guided tour delving into the history of gold panning, I was given the chance to try my hand at finding my own gold - it's quite a thrill to strike it rich!

"One of the highlights of my trip was undoubtedly the midnight cruise on Lake Inari. As the largest lake in Lapland, boasting over 3,000 islands, it's a sight to behold."

This is the perfect way to appreciate the light night skies, perhaps with a glass of sparkling wine in hand to toast the midnight sun. It's an experience not to be missed when visiting Lapland - there's something truly magical about sailing across the shimmering waves, with the sun trailing behind you.

Activities

There's a wealth of options to suit any holiday preference.

For the culture

Elizabeth described the pleasure of meeting Irene and Ari Kangasniemi, a charming married couple residing in a snug workshop in Saarenkyla, Rovaniemi.

She said: "They live in a cosy workshop in Saarenkyla, Rovaniemi, where they welcome visitors to learn about their life, local culture, and how to create Lappish crafts.

"They utilise every part of their reindeer for their work, particularly the antlers. Ari focuses on making spectacular chandeliers out of antlers, with some pieces taking up to five years to craft. They can be seen around various locations - if you stay at the Wilderness Hotels you'll spot them.

"Irene then treated us to a glass of homemade blueberry juice - a Finnish speciality - and a slice of delicious spiced cake. As Irene said: "Nature is my supermarket."

Rovaniemi, the beating heart of Lapland, is a centre for arts, science, and cultural exploration. For those keen to delve into the region's history and traditions, the Arktikum museum is a must-visit.

With entry starting at £17, you can engage with interactive exhibits that provide a deeper understanding of Finland's rich heritage.

At Wilderness Hotel Muotka, guests can relax in the sauna and, for the more adventurous, take a plunge into the nearby stream. Elizabeth embraced this Finnish tradition for the first time during her stay, and described it as undeniably an authentic way to experience Finnish culture - an essential part of any visit.

For a true connection with Finnish nature, Arctic Sky Lapland offers an unforgettable experience led by guide Minna Kataja. She escorts you through the enchanting forest, engaging all five senses in the process.

From the crisp crunch underfoot to the melodic birdsong filling your ears, and the tactile sensation of rough tree bark, you'll depart in a state of blissful peace.

For those keen to delve deeper into Finland's rich history, a visit to the Sami Museum and Nature Centre Siida comes highly recommended. Here, you can immerse yourself in the Sami culture and its profound historical significance across the nation.

Entry fees stand at £18 for adults, with family discounts on offer. This is an ideal excursion for holidaymakers who value understanding the local history of their destination or those seeking a respite from Finland's active pursuits!

For the energetic:

Active families won't want to miss the E-bike trail facilitated by the hotel. This offers a fantastic opportunity to traverse the picturesque trails of the surrounding area and Urho Kekkonen National Park on an environmentally friendly e-bike.

Next, head over to River Juutua for an exhilarating river rafting experience. Guides Peeter Veltson, Visa Ruokokoski and Tanja Ohenoja will be delighted to show you the ropes.

As you navigate two major white-water rapids and several smaller streams, don't forget to take in the stunning views from your rubber raft.

For those seeking a taste of local life:

For a more intimate encounter with reindeer, consider visiting Tuula's reindeer farm. Remember to book ahead as it's situated within a private residence.

At the farm, you'll be greeted by Jenni Hakovirta who will acquaint you with her reindeer herd before inviting you into her family abode to display her collection of Sami handicrafts.

During the balmy summer months, you'll have the delightful opportunity to meet the young reindeer, still sans their majestic antlers!

Cuisine

Whilst there's a plethora of activities to keep you engaged during your Lapland sojourn, it's essential to carve out some time to savour the local gastronomic delights. Fresh, seasonal ingredients are aplenty in both Rovaniemi and the northern locales.

A Finnish escapade wouldn't be complete without sampling reindeer meat, served in a myriad of ways. However, if that doesn't tickle your fancy, Elizabeth heartily recommend the glow fried salmon, freshly caught from local waters, at Kota-restaurant.

This snug wooden hut features a central fire, providing much-needed warmth amidst the chillier climes.

For a more laid-back dining experience back in Rovaniemi, do pop into Roka Kitchen and Winebar. It offers a tantalising fusion of Northern Finnish cuisine with a European twist.

At this eatery, as well as Wilderness Hotel Muotka's restaurant Tuisku, Award-Winning Restaurant Aanaar and Wilderness Hotel Inari's Restaurant Ukko, you can opt for their set menu to get a comprehensive taste of all the local specialities.

Travel fact-file and full price breakdown

Elizabeth was a guest at the following hotels:

• Lapland Hotel Sky Ounasvaara - For a family of two adults and two children under 10, the cost is approximately £215 per night during peak season (August).
• The hotel is conveniently located just a 15-minute drive from Rovaniemi airport. The flight duration from Manchester Airport to Helsinki Airport is around 2 hours and 40 minutes with Finnair.
• Private transfers can be arranged through Visit Rovaniemi, costing upwards of £78 for a group of six.
• Round-trip flights per adult in June are estimated to start from £300.
• From Helsinki, a further flight to Rovaniemi Airport is required, which takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes with Finnair, costing upwards from £80 per adult for a one-way ticket.
• Wilderness Hotel Muotka - A two-night stay for two adults and two children aged between 4-14 will set you back upwards of £814 in August.

• The journey from Rovaniemi to this northern destination takes just under three hours by car. Private transfers can be booked through Visit Rovaniemi, but expect to pay upwards of £500 for the trip.
• Wilderness Hotel Juutua - For a three-night stay, anticipate paying upwards of £640 per person during peak season. This price includes the Inari Summer package that offers full-board accommodation and airport transfers.
• Elizabeth returned to Manchester from Ivalo Airport via Helsinki. The flight from Ivalo to Helsinki with Finnair takes just over 2 hours and costs upwards of £94 per person.

Activity price list:

• Arktikum museum at Rovaniemi - Starting from £17, visitors can enjoy interactive and educational exhibits to learn more about Finland.
• Kultamuseo (Gold Museum) - A guided tour will set you back £9 per person, while gold panning is priced at £20 per person.

• E-fatbike tour - A three-hour session comes with a price tag of £127 per person.
• Midnight Sun Cruise by Visit Inari - This two-hour cruise costs £104 per person, with children eligible for a 30% discount.
• River rafting experience by Luontoloma - This adult and teenager-only experience is priced at £113 per person.
• Meeting Tuula's reindeer - Simply meeting the reindeer costs around £40 per person, but if you wish to learn about Sami handcrafts as well, it's £58 per person.
• Sami Museum and Nature Centre Siida - Adult tickets are priced at £18, with family discounts available.
• Elizabeth journeyed with Finnair and explored Lapland courtesy of Visit Rovaniemi and Lapland North Destinations.