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Planning a trip to God’s own county this festive season?
Here is our accessible guide to spending Christmas in North Yorkshire where you can enjoy the festivities of the region’s popular markets and get some last-minute day trips in too!
Yorkshire is the UK’s biggest county, so naturally this is just a selection of what is on offer.
York Christmas Market
One of the biggest festive events in the region is York Christmas Market which is running until 22nd December. From 10 am – 7pm each day, you can step into a winter wonderland around Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square where you’ll find a host of alpine chalets full of festive treats and gift ideas.
The city centre is fully accessible to residents and visitors, the market itself will feature fully accessible stalls and stands with ramps for access to raise structures. The layout has been revised in the last few years to allow for wider paved areas with no enclosed spaces to improve crowd density and there will be no strobe lighting throughout the market.
If you have sensory issues, make sure to plan your visit to coincide with the market’s designated quiet periods, from 10am – 12noon each day. You can find details of Blue Badge parking across York here.
The city also has several accessible toilets. The newest public toilets are around 40 metres from the market. Accessible facilities can be found at St Leonard’s Place, Coppergate Shopping Centre, Nunnery Lane, St George’s Field, Rougier Street, Silver Street and Union Terrace. These toilets will need a RADAR key.
Full details of accessibility at the Christmas Market can be found here.
More festive fun
If you have some extra time while in and around York, there are several must visit attractions including Helmsley Walled Garden, who are open until 22nd December for visitors this winter.
For more festivities jump on board the Santa Express with North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Starting from Pickering or Grosmont Station, enjoy a magical ride like no other and meet Santa himself!
Alternatively, Harrogate isn’t far from York. Their Christmas Market takes place between 1st and 17th December and features a mix of local traders and traditional European Christmas stalls. The market will take place in the pedestrianised town centre around Cambridge Street and Market Place.
If you want to explore Harrogate or stay somewhere enchanting this Christmas, Rudding Park, a privately owned luxury hotel with its own spa, restaurants, golf courses and private cinema is located on the outskirts of Harrogate. There are Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year breaks available, as well as a visit from Santa!
There are Christmas breaks available at Keld Head Farm Cottages in Pickering too. These stone cottages set in open countryside on the edge of town are ideal for a Christmas break and are conveniently located to explore York, Whitby, Scarborough and Filey, as well as being close to the North York Moors Railway and the North Yorkshire Moors National Park if you fancy a bracing winter adventure. The National Park has accessible parking and a RADAR accessible toilet located at the Scarborough end. The park also has several accessible trails that are suitable for wheelchair users and is serviced by a variety of Tramper hire companies.
Other markets to visit
One picturesque place to visit, whatever the weather is Knaresborough, home to Mother Shipton, one of the UK’s best remembered witches. The Christmas Market is held annually on the first full weekend in December and allows you to truly get into the spirit of things with its Dickensian atmosphere.
Knaresborough is accessible by road, rail or bus and has connections to the cities of Leeds and York. There will also be a free Park and Ride service running all weekend from Manse Lane, with buses running 8am – 6pm. Parking is limited, but there are spaces available at Chapel Street, Fisher Street and York Place car parks, all of which are council run. The Park and Ride buses are wheelchair and pushchair accessible and visitors can find a 24 hour disabled toilet facility at Fisher Street carpark.
Please be aware that there will be a firework display on the Sunday starting at 4.30pm and lasting around 10 minutes.
Related
Visit this beautiful and historic walled garden in the North York Moors Discover our vibrant borders, glasshouses, apple orchards and stop for a delicious lunch or coffee and homemade cake at The Vine House Café. Built in 1759, the garden sits beneath the imposing ruins of Helmsley Castle and has been welcoming visitors to North Yorkshire for over 25 years.
Visit the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and be transported back to the past aboard the world's most popular heritage railway.
Rudding Park Hotel in Harrogate, North Yorkshie understands that every guest has different needs and is committed to ensuring the facilities are accessible to all. Voted “Best Hotel in England” by Visit England Awards for Excellence 2018 this elegant hotel is set in 300 acres of parkland.
A picturesque courtyard of individually designed cottages furnished with emphasis on comfort, each with beamed ceilings and fireplaces. Attractive gardens with play area.
