Aberdeen market accessibility
Plan a comfortable route through your festive visit.
Start with the exact part of the event you want to visit. The Christmas Village is on Broad Street and surrounding streets; Curated in the Square uses Marischal Square. These are neighbouring city-centre locations with different trading days. Ask Aberdeen Inspired or Charlie House about the 2026 entrance layout, cabins and any temporary route changes before travelling if you need a particular width, surface or step-free approach.
Getting there
Aberdeen station is a National Rail Category A station, with step-free access to all platforms, lifts and accessible toilets. Passenger assistance is available; arrange help with your operator and check live lift information before the journey. Step-free station access does not mean every train boarding gap or onward street is suitable for every wheelchair. National Rail highlights larger stepping distances towards the rear of some platforms, so explain your requirements when booking assistance.
The bus and rail arrival area is around Union Square and Guild Street. Use a street-level route towards Broad Street, allowing time for crossings and winter conditions. The walking map is a planning aid, not an audited accessible route. If slopes, kerbs or distances would make the walk difficult, discuss an accessible taxi or suitable bus with the operator in advance, including space for your mobility equipment.
Toilets and breaks
Use the council’s venue and public-space access guidance and Changing Places finder to identify a suitable toilet before leaving home. Confirm opening hours, key arrangements and whether a hoist and adult changing bench are required. A general accessible toilet is different from a Changing Places facility. No market-specific 2026 toilet plan was published in the visitor information checked, so ask the organiser for the nearest operational facility and the route from the cabins.
Time your visit
Try a daylight first circuit and keep an indoor break in reserve. That is a planning suggestion rather than an advertised quiet session. Attractions, music and weekend shopping can add noise and queues; ask whether a quieter period or relaxed skating session is available for your particular date. Recheck the weather and the event’s daily updates, especially if a closure would leave you with a difficult return journey.
Ask before you travel
Contact Aberdeen Inspired at info@aberdeeninspired.com for the Village’s current visitor arrangements, and Charlie House for Curated-specific questions. Describe the help you need: an assistance-dog policy, seating, a toilet, a ramp, a quieter entry point or space alongside a cabin. Confirm accessible hotel-room features directly with the property rather than relying on a general facilities badge.
Sources: National Rail station access; Aberdeen council access guidance; Charlie House market information.
Plan the whole journey
Ask about the route from your arrival point, surfaces, gradients, accessible toilets and any attraction you intend to book. Confirm room and bathroom requirements directly with your hotel before paying. Allow time for crowds and a warm break.
Official access information ↗Find arrival points and facilities on the map
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