Now that December’s upon us, there are lots of fun activities to help you get into the festive spirit. Rough Guides have chosen some of the best accessible days out to kick off your seasonal celebrations – check them out here.
The festive season is upon us again! There’s plenty to put in your diary this season, with a thrilling range of accessible Christmas events and activities around the UK. From ice skating at Somerset House in London to chilling at the Polar Ice Bar in Edinburgh, there are plenty of things to help you get in the festive spirit this year.
England
Lanterns and Light, Chester Zoo
15 November 2024 – 1 January 2025
This year, the magical trail of lights around the gardens at Chester Zoo is longer than ever. It takes 60–90 minutes to explore the beautiful displays of fairy lights, ribbon tunnels and neon walkways. You can interact with animal puppets, including meerkats, peacocks and snow leopards, and meet Father Christmas.
Chester Zoo is almost completely accessible for disabled visitors. There is a bumpy wooden bridge but wheelchair users can skip the bridge and rejoin the trail on the other side. There is music around the trail and some flashing lights. Admission to the light trail is free for carers.
Check the accessibility page for details.
Skate at Somerset House, London
13 November 2024 – 12 January 2025
The iconic ice rink at Somerset House is one of London’s most popular winter attractions.
Fortunately, it’s also one of the most accessible. Wheelchairs users can glide out over the ice during all public sessions in this historic courtyard (be sure to book ahead). Neurodiverse visitors and people with sensory-processing conditions may benefit from visiting during the chilled out sessions when there are fewer people in the rink and the music is low. A visual story is available to download from the website.
Frankfurt Christmas Market, Birmingham
1 November – 24 December 2024
You don’t need to travel to Deutschland to make the most of a German market. Birmingham has been home to its iconic Frankfurt Christmas Market since 2001, and it attracts roughly five million visitors every year – the largest German market outside of the country. Sip on plenty of German beer, tuck into traditional foodie favourites such as schnitzels and pretzels, soak up the pretty lights and enjoy the live music.
The Frankfurt Christmas Market is held in Victoria Square and on New Street. The entire area is accessible for wheelchair users along a route that avoids steps. Scooters and wheelchairs can be hired from the Shopmobility Centre in the Bullring. There are accessible toilets on site, too, and plenty of parking. Note that Friday and Saturday evenings can be very busy.
Take a ride on Cumbria’s Winter Warmer Train
26 December 2024 – 1 January 2025
The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway is one of the oldest narrow-gauge railways in the world. The heritage steam and diesel engines journey from the seaside village of Ravenglass to Dalegarth in the Lake District National Park, winding through a particularly scenic swathe of the Cumbrian countryside. At Christmas this year, you can enjoy a mince pass and the festive atmosphere in the carriage, while admiring the stunning views of Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain.
The main railway platforms are accessible and there are train carriages specially adapted for wheelchair users. There is detailed access information about both stations on the AccessAble website.
Scotland
Get lost in Edinburgh’s Christmas Tree Maze
22 November 2024 – 24 December 2024
Part of the Scottish capital’s annual festive event, the Christmas Tree Maze is exactly what it sounds like: a glittering labyrinth of spruces in Edinburgh’s city centre. This festive maze of 450 decorated trees lights up St Andrews Square and is one of the largest illuminated trails in the UK.
There is step-free access around the maze, and indeed the whole of Santa Land where the attraction is based, is suitable for wheelchair users – the paths are flat or ramped. Plus, there’s disabled parking nearby.
Elsewhere in St Andrew’s Square, children can meet Santa and his magical elves at Santa’s Stories. The relaxed venue sessions have smaller groups, quieter music and no flashing lights.
Polar Ice Bar, Edinburgh
25 November 2024 – 4 January 2025
Chill out at the Polar Ice Bar on George Street. The temperature drops to -8°C at this pop-up venue where everything is made of ice – even your table, chairs and glasses! Wrap up warm and enjoy a mulled wine or a non-alcoholic cocktail while you admire the ice sculptures and engraved ice walls.
Jackets and gloves are provided on arrival. There is ramped access for wheelchairs into the bar. However, the flooring inside the cold section of The Polar Ice Bar is frozen bark chip. Admission is for over-18s only.
Monteviot Lights on the Scottish Borders
Selected dates from the 6 – 22 December 2024
The spectacular gardens at Monteviot House shine bright during the winter months. Throughout this 1.8km route the woodlands and gardens glow with rainbow colours while shadows and light displays dance across the pond.
The gardens have accessible paths, but note that the route is uneven in places and has some inclines. Blue Badge parking is available and carers get in free.
The Big Christmas Party at Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall
20 December 2024
Rock into the festive season at Glasgow’s grand Royal Concert Hall. At the Big Christmas Party, the Scottish Concert Orchestra provides the soundtrack of Christmas. The live ensemble band featuring four headline singers performs a mix of festive favourites, from fifties classics such as Rockin Around the Christmas Tree to pop hits including Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas.
The venue’s north entrance on Killermont Street is suitable for wheelchair users; lifts provide access to all floors, and there are several disabled toilets.
The Royal Concert Hall has a packed programme of Christmas concerts in 2024.
Wales
Discover the magical grounds of Powis Castle
Courtyard Christmas Illuminations: 13 – 23 December 2024
The manicured grounds of National Trust gem Powis Castle are a delight year-round – but they have an added charm in winter. The elegant terraces and formal gardens are laced with lights, and the trees are strung with baubles. The castle’s grand state rooms are also bedecked for the season. If you’ve little ones in tow, it’s worth booking breakfast with Father Christmas and joining them afterwards in the library to hear a festive tale.
There is a step-free route around the grounds, but there are some steep slopes. The Courtyard, café and shop are fully accessible. Please note that there’s no step-free access to the castle. A shuttle vehicle is available from the Blue Badge car park to the Courtyard. Northern Ireland
Silent Disco at Plas Newydd, North Wales
30 November – 29 December 2024
This Christmas, Plas Newydd House is hosting a silent disco. More than 100 years ago, the 5th Marquess of Anglesey held his own Christmas party at this historic home on the island of Anglesey. Now the music and atmosphere will be rather different. Wear your headphones, choose your channel and move your feet to 90s pop and Christmas family favourites!
This event is suitable for all ages. There is a step-free route to access the House but note that it’s a 10-minute walk from the visitor centre.
Northern Ireland
Have a Magical Christmas at Titanic Belfast
27 November – 23 December 2024
A great bet for families, Titanic Belfast’s Magical Christmas Experience is packed to the gills with festive cheer. You’ll venture into a winter wonderland, complete with an enchanted forest, Santa’s elves’ workshop and Mrs Claus’ kitchen, then pay a visit to Father Christmas himself. Throw in some Christmassy arts and crafts, festive storytelling and free tea and coffee for the adults, and you’ve got the perfect December day out.
The venue is fully accessible with level entryways and lifts throughout. Quiet sessions for families and children with autism or additional needs are taking place on 11th and 14th December. There is a sensory guide on the website, and VIP wristbands are available for assistance in areas where increased sensory input, queues or crowds may be encountered.
A Santa Cruise at Strangford Lough
30 November – 22 December 2024
Join Santa for a speedboat “sleigh” ride around Strangford Lough. On this guided boat tour of the islands, you’ll fly across the water, singing carols and Christmas hits as you go. On your return to dry land, warm up with minced pies and a hot toddy in the cabin, before visiting Santa in his grotto.
The Santa Cruise runs from Sketrick Island on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout December. There are pathways and ramps to the boat, but you’ll need to be able to transfer to the boat, as there is no hoist. Contact Strangford Lough Activity Centre (tel: 07909 721898; Email: strangfordloughactivitycentre@hotmail.co.uk) to discuss your specific needs.
Santa Land: © Eoin Carey
Related Articles
Five accessible spots for rainy days
Days out for foodies: the best accessible food and drink experiences in the UK
The best accessible art and sculpture around the UK
