Get in the Christmas spirit in London

If you’re heading to the capital during the festive season, why not inject some Christmas spirit into your trip by visiting one of the many markets and seasonal attractions that are popping up across the city?

London is a perfect place for exploring the Christmas season, it is after all the setting of Dickensian stories like A Christmas Carol and there is never a shortage of things to see and do.

Across the city, there are Christmas events going on, perhaps the most famous being Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland, which is running from 17^th November until 1^st January.

Accessibility for Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

The site operates a PA scheme for complimentary tickets and quiet spaces throughout. The accessibility for individual rides can be found on their website, as well as a map of where to find the accessible toilets and parking.

Getting to Winter Wonderland

There is parking available at the Triangle Car Park on West Carriage Drive, which is around 850 meters from the entrance of Winter Wonderland.

Alternatively, using public transport, there is step free access on the tube from Green Park station and use the Blue or Green gate to get into Winter Wonderland. Connections are available from mainline stations, and the Victoria, Jubilee and Piccadilly lines all have step free access.

While you’re in London, you’ll find plenty of things to see and do to make the most of your trip. If you’re visiting the iconic Hyde Park, where you can see landmarks like Marble Arch and Park Lane, you might as well add another iconic sight! Tower Bridge is not just a way of crossing the river, it is also a fascinating way to explore some of the city’s heritage. There are guided tours with BSL interpreters, relaxed opening hours and concessions available, as well as nearby Changing Places facilities, which can be found at the Tower of London and London Bridge station.

Much like Winter Wonderland, there are several ways to access Tower Bridge, including bus, tube or train. It is on a designated red route so there is no stopping or parking, however, you can find Blue Badge parking at the nearby Minories car park, where there is step free access to the ticket office. Tower Hill and London Bridge stations both have step free access and there is also step free access from Tower Bridge City Hall and Tooley Street bus stops.

Find more accessible information here.

Image: National Gallery

For a free day out after all the expense of London at Christmas, make sure to visit the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square. Entrance to the collection is free, but you can book in advance if you want to check how busy it is or ensure that there is space for you and a carer. The site has accessible toilets and seating throughout as well as wheelchairs and rollators available to hire. You can find more details on accessibility here.

You can get to the National Gallery via car, bus or tube/train. There is designated Blue Badge parking on Orange Street, nearby though you will need to book this in advance, alternatively, there are spaces in St Martin’s Street and in nearby Leicester Square. The nearest tube station with step free access from platform to street level is Westminster station.

Looking for more Christmassy fun?

Winter Wonderland isn’t the only Christmas event taking place in London. You can also find festive fun at Southbank Centre, Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden among others.

Trafalgar Square

The Southbank Centre’s Winter Festival is running from the end of October through to 7^th January. There is something for the whole family here, including a market and various pop ups, as well as entertainment. The Southbank Centre’s accessibility information can be found here. There is Blue Badge parking available on Belvedere Road and at the National Theatre car park when open.

Want to find somewhere to stay while visiting London? AbleStay is located on the outskirts of South London and has excellent transport links. It’s the only property within the M25 area with this level of accessibility. It is close to a train station with a direct service into the centre of London, you can find out what accessibility facilities they have here.

Image: Ablestay

Plan your trips around the UK this Christmas and into the new year with Tourism for All, here.