Wheelchair Accessible Festive Activities 2024

With Christmas approaching, it’s the perfect time to dive into some festive fun that is accessible to all.  Whether you are wheelchair user, require parking for your Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) or have a disability, everyone can be part of the joy this holiday season with the below festive activities!

Christmas at Kew – Royal Botanic Gardens

Until 5th Jan 2025 at 4:20pm to 8:00pm (Except for the 25th of Dec)

Step into the world of winter magic and celebrate the festive season with Christmas at Kew’s 3km enchanting and illuminated trail.

On this magical stroll, you will come across over 20 spectacular installations including glistering tunnels, magnificent lakeside reflections and sparkly trees. Along the way, you’ll also get the chance to enjoy a variety of food vendors offering savoury and sweet festive treats. While you appreciate the festive lights, don’t forget to stop by the fire garden to enjoy its cozy glow, you might even get the chance to meet Father Christmas!

Last entry times for the gates are:
Brentford & Elizabeth: 18:20pm
Victoria: 19:00pm

You can buy your ticket here.

Accessibility

Christmas at Kew offers quiet access sessions on the 28th of December at 16:00pm, which is suitable for customers with hidden disabilities and can be booked here.

The trail will take around 2 hours to walk and enjoy the attractions and refreshments. There are several varying gradients which can become challenging during wet weather. Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are welcome on this trail but there are wheelchairs available to loan at the entry gates on a first come, first served basis.

Dogs and pets are not allowed but registered disability assistance dogs are, providing documental proof upon entry is required.

Free disabled parking is available at Kew’s car park (TW9 3AF) for drivers displaying a Blue Badge.

Fully accessible toilets can be found at the Family Kitchen, the main Food Village on the trail and the gates. At the Brentford gate, you can find a Changing Places facility.

Skate at Sommerset House

Until 12th Jan 2025

Skate is back again at Sommerset house offering a premier skating experience. You can expect to skate along to modern music by DJ Rock Angel and enjoy food and drink from pop-up restaurants and bars. You will also be able to browse festive pop-up store, Shelter Boutique, where you can find a variety of gifts, secondhand clothing and homewares.

You can buy your tickets here.

Accessibility

Wheelchair users are welcome to skate using a manual wheelchair during all public sessions. Each wheelchair user is entitled to one companion ticket which can be booked by phoning 03432081497.

Wheelchair users can attend ‘chilled out’ sessions on the following dates: 4th Jan (10:00-10:45am) and 9th Jan (11:00-11:45am). These sessions offer reduced capacity, lower music levels, an extra chill-out area located indoors and an overall quieter and more spacious environment.

Accessible toilets can be found in the south, east and new wing.

Christmas at Edinburgh

Until 4th Jan 2025

Whether you’re attending Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, Christmas or Winter Festival, there’s plenty of accessible things to do and enjoy in Edinburgh over the festive period. If you’re a wheelchair user, you can try any of the following activities:

• LNER Big Wheel – Manual wheelchair users are welcome.
• Christmas Tree Maze – This step free access trail is filled with festive attractions, Christmas inspired photo spots and magical lights throughout the maze.
• Uniqlo Ice Rink – Wheelchair accessible ice skating.
• Santa’s Stories (until the 24nd Dec) – Bring your child to meet Santa and receive a gift.
• The Bubble Show (until the 22nd Dec) – Featuring Mr Bubbles and his famous soap bubbles in every shape and size!

Accessibility

This event is fully wheelchair accessible. Dogs are welcome to visit most of the sites with exception of St Andrew Square or any ride/attraction. Dogs need to be kept on a lead at all times. Disabled toilets are available on site.