Northern Lights will take place in the beautiful grounds of Temple Newsam, which creates a magical backdrop for our trail to take place. However, the topography of the route does mean that it may prove hard for some wheelchair users to navigate. 

Paths and the trail

The trail route follows existing paths through the site, some of which are hard tarmaced paths, others are softer ground. The trail is just over 1 mile long, it loops from the Christmas Village next to Temple Newsam House, down and around the ponds, up through the wooded area, and then there is a long, uphill path to return to the Christmas Village. 
There are a number of inclines and descents along the route, some of which may prove hard for some wheelchair users to navigate. In dry conditions electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters should be capable of handling the trail. We will have stewards along the route, available to help, particularly in spots that may be slightly more difficult to traverse. 

Wheelchair loans

We will have several wheelchairs available to borrow on site, but these are distributed on an ad hoc basis and cannot be booked ahead of time. We would recommend bringing your own where possible. However, we would like to reiterate that this trail may not be suitable for all wheelchair users, due to the hilly and potentially muddy nature of the parks paths.

Neuro-divergent Guests 

There is two evenings with a reduced audience capacity and reduced audio volume, which may be a preferable experience to people with neurodivergent conditions. These will take place on Wednesday 4th and Wednesday 11th December from 4:15pm – 5:15pm. The trail will have a lower level of noise and the capacity will be reduced by 60%.

Seating availability at Temple Newsam  

For guests who need to sit regularly, there will be some seating at the Christmas Village, which can be accessed at the start & finish of the route, plus at an additional stopping point halfway along. There are also a number of park benches on the route, should you need to rest during your walk. You are also welcome to bring your own folding chair if required. Northern Lights stewards are stationed at points along the trail so can support when required. They are easily identifiable in high visibility jackets.

Disabled Toilets

Accessible toilets can be located in the Courtyard area of the Christmas Village, before you enter the trail, and mid-way round the trail at the Marshmallows Toasting area. These are permanent toilets, in buildings, not portable toilets. There are also baby changing facilities within these toilets.

Disabled Parking

There will be onsite parking with accessible spaces. Disabled parking spots are on a first come, first serve basis, we have a traffic management team that will help you park in the most suitable bay we can, should you need to park closer to the event entrance. Please bear in mind this will be at least a 5 minute walk from the start of the trail, with an incline and descent on the path leading from the main car park to the Christmas Village and trail entrance. All parking must be booked in advance and paid for, whether you need a normal parking space or disabled parking space.