Families complain about three-ticket limit at popular Christmas grotto | UK News

A popular Christmas destination has been accused of discriminating against ‘single parents, grandparents and carers’ over its new ticket policy.

Ruxley Manor Garden Center is facing intense scrutiny over its minimum purchase policy of three tickets for its Christmas grotto.

This year’s prices will see visitors pay £42 for up to three people, £56 for up to four people, £70 for up to five people, £80 for up to six people, £90 for up to seven people and £99 for up to eight people.

Individual tickets for the 20-minute tour cannot be purchased, which many say discriminates against single parents, grandparents, caregivers, and, in some cases, those with autistic children.

The cave opens on the weekend of November 8th and then daily from November 20th, with many slots already sold out.

It’s so popular that tickets go on sale in August.

The tour includes the North Pole area, Mother Christmas’ room and toy workshop, as well as a visit to Santa.

However, when Metro visiting the venue in Sidcup, south London, this week, even those who say the three-ticket rule doesn’t apply to them agree it’s unfair.

Others said it would encourage them to look elsewhere because of their circumstances.

Laura Grice, 44, from Sevenoaks in Kent, has a daughter, Talia, five, and said: ‘My husband works shifts as a key worker and it can be difficult to plan holiday events for the three of us as his work patterns are always changing.

“It doesn’t seem fair to have to pay for tickets for someone who isn’t there. A minimum of one child and one adult would be better.”

Katie Wise, 36, from Chelsfield, is married and has two children, but said: ‘I think you should be able to buy individual tickets. I have friends who may not order because of the policy.’

Barbara Crane, 71, from Swanley, added: ‘I have a grandson, so to bring him I had to invite some of his friends. I prefer to carry it myself. He might be absent because of that.’

Christine Dickson visits her granddaughter, Sasha, 13.

Sasha said: ‘I have a sister who is autistic – she probably couldn’t go, and I wouldn’t be able to go with either parent.

‘There are many situations where you don’t have a friend to ask, and it would be too expensive if it was just the two of you.’

Chloe Stowell, 38, from Bexley, said: ‘This is disgusting. They have to sell single tickets. That would discourage me from going.”

A garden center spokesperson said: ‘Our caves are a hugely popular event and we work hard to ensure they remain accessible as well as commercially viable.

‘A minimum number of three tickets was introduced to encourage small groups to book together, which not only creates a better experience for the family and friends attending, but also helps keep costs down for everyone.

‘Many of our visitors have expressed appreciation for this arrangement as it allows them to enjoy the cave as a group at a lower price per person than other similar events.

“We categorically do not design our policies to exclude or disadvantage single parents, grandparents or carers, and we value the diversity of our local families. Over the last few years, we have added a growing number of Special Educational Needs sessions.

‘We are always mindful of inclusivity and, as with all input, we will review the policy when planning the 2026 cave.’

Contact our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

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