With twinkling lights, music in the air and festive sights and smells at every turn, the Christmas season can be an assault on the senses – something which is particularly true for those with additional needs. With that in mind, The Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust will be running a number of ‘relaxed’ sessions at their popular Coalbrookdale grotto later this month, to ensure that nobody misses out on the Christmas magic.

Taking visitors on a magical journey through Father Christmas’ enchanted forest, the Winter Wonderland grotto lets families enjoy festive music and entertainment as they weave their way through Christmas trees before settling down in the woodland glade ready to meet the man himself.

The relaxed sessions, which will take place on dates throughout November and December will feature modified lighting levels to create a more calming environment for those with light sensitivity as well as significantly lower noise levels for a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere.

While the sessions are designed to be more accessible for those with additional needs, they are open to anyone who feels that they would benefit from a slightly calmer grotto experience.

The sessions are just one of the ways that the Trust is working to make its sites more accessible, says Abbie King, the Trust’s Chief Operating Officer: “Christmas is an exciting time in the Ironbridge Gorge and that excitement is something that we want to share with every single one of our visitors though we understand that it’s a time that for some can feel very overwhelming.

“Having seen the popularity of things like our Ironbridge Early Birds sessions at Enginuity for families who benefit from visiting the museum at a quieter time, we wanted to introduce a similar option for those wishing to visit the Winter Wonderland Grotto. Nobody should miss out on meeting Father Christmas and we hope that these adapted sessions will mean that everyone can take part in the family fun we have in store but in a way that meets their individual needs.”

Grotto tickets are priced at £12 per child with up to three accompanying adults. The ticket price includes a small gift. As an additional treat, everyone visiting Santa in Coalbrookdale will receive a voucher entitling them to half price entry to Enginuity on the day of their visit where they can also access the museum’s Bright Spark sensory room. Filled with a range of resources to stimulate the senses the specially designed room is suitable for visitors of all ages.

For full information on available sessions or to book your tickets, visit www.irobridge.org.uk