A popular Christmas destination has been accused of discriminating against ‘single parents, grandparents, and carers’ over a new ticket policy.
Ruxley Manor Garden Centre is facing scrutiny over its three-ticket minimum purchase policy for the Christmas grotto.
This year’s pricing will set visitors back £42 for up to three people, £56 for up to four, £70 for up to five, £80 for up to six, £90 for up to seven and £99 for up to eight.
Individual tickets for the 20-minute tour cannot be purchased, which many say discriminates against single parents, grandparents, carers, and, in some cases, those with autistic children.
The grotto opens on weekends on November 8 and then daily from November 20, with many slots already sold out.
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It is so popular that tickets go on sale in August.
The tour includes a North Pole area, Mother Christmas’s rooms and a toy workshop, as well as a visit to Santa.
However, when Metro visited the venue in Sidcup, south London, this week, even those who said the three ticket rule wouldn’t apply to them agreed it wasn’t fair.
Others said it would push them to look at other venues due to their circumstances.
Laura Grice, 44, from Sevenoaks in Kent, has one daughter, Talia, five, and said: ‘My husband works shifts as a key worker and it can be difficult to plan festive outings for the three of us as his work patterns change all the time.
‘It seems unfair to have to pay for a ticket for someone who isn’t attending. A minimum of one child and one adult would be better.’
Katie Wise, 36, of Chelsfield, is married with two children, but said: ‘I think you should be able to buy individual tickets. I have friends who might not book because of the policy.’
Barbara Crane, 71, from Swanley, added: ‘I have got a young grandson, so to take him I would have to invite some of his friends. I’d rather take him on his own. He will probably miss out because of that.’
Christine Dickson was visiting with her granddaughter, Sasha, 13.
Sasha said: ‘I have an autistic sister – she might not be able to go, and I wouldn’t be able to go with one parent.
‘There are lots of situations where you do not have people to go with, and it would be too expensive if it’s just the two of you.’
Chloe Stowell, 38, of Bexley, said: ‘It’s disgusting. They should sell single tickets. It would put me off going.’
A spokesperson for the garden centre said: ‘Our grotto is an extremely popular event and we work hard to ensure it remains accessible while also being commercially viable.
‘The three-ticket minimum was introduced to encourage small groups to book together, which not only creates a better experience for families 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 grotto in groups at a lower per-person price compared to other similar events.
‘We categorically do not design our policies to exclude or disadvantage single parents, grandparents, or carers, and we value the diverse make-up of our local families. Over the last couple of years, we have added an ever growing number of Special Educational Needs sessions.
‘We are always mindful of inclusivity and will, as with all feedback, review the policy when planning the 2026 grotto.’
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