Christmas experience in Dale Abbey
A Derbyshire designer has transformed his glamping lodges into a Christmas experience for local families.
Christmas-lover Carl Insley has spent the last 12 months bringing Driftwood Land in Dale Abbey to life ready for the opening on 26th November.
Carl, who was a Channel 4, Four in a Bed winner in 2021, created Driftwood Lodges Luxury Glamping near Spondon in 2020.
“I love Christmas,” said Carl. “I am literally Mr Christmas, so I’d been dreaming of turning my glamping lodges into a festive, winter wonderland.
“I have transformed two of the lodges into a Santa’s Grotto, where children can meet Father Christmas and a Reindeer Room, where children are invited to mix their own reindeer food.
“I have designed and created every room to make them as Christmassy as I can. It has taken me months and months to source and buy all the furniture, make props and give the site the biggest Christmas makeover ever!
“I knew I could make a really spectacular Christmas experience for families and I am thrilled with it. I wanted to make the event affordable for families so I have kept ticket prices low. For me, it’s about putting a smile on people’s faces this Christmas and creating something magical.”
Santa’s Lodge – which looks like a little Hobbit house and overlooks the lake – has been designed by Carl and will delight young visitors. The surrounding woodland has been lit with festoon lights, decorated with six feet tall gingerbread characters and a traditional posting box has been installed for children to post their letters to Father Christmas. Each child will receive a gift from Santa’s treasure chest and a beautiful magic key so he can visit them on Christmas Eve.
Carl said: “I am so excited for this. I have kept the event exclusive so families can take their time and enjoy what I’ve created.
“As the children walk through Driftwood Land, I want them to feel the magic. I want them to enjoy the excitement of Christmas as much as I do.”
Since Carl launched Driftwood Lodges Luxury Glamping he has been rushed off his feet with guests wanting to stay. But organising a Christmas experience for families was another dream for the former interior designer.
He said: “I have loads of space here in Dale Abbey, and it was crying out for someone to wave some Christmas magic!
“It has been a labour of love and I can’t wait to welcome guests in November.”
To book, visit the Driftwood Land Facebook page or click on www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/driftwood-land-tickets-314857345797
