FAQs

General Information
Do you take credit cards at The Enchanted Winter Garden?

Yes card machines are available at Antrim Castle Gardens, however, not all vendors will have card machines so we recommend bringing some cash.

Please note, card payments are accepted at Our Garden Gift Shop.

There are bank machines near the entrance to the event in Antrim Town Centre.

Are the attractions free?

Visitors can access attractions using tokens or by card payment at the attraction booths. Tokens are £1 each

Tokens can be purchased in advance by buying either online or contacting our culture team on 0300 123 7788 or email culture@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk.
If you purchase in advance you may take advantage of our 12 for the price of 10 tokens. These tokens will be available to collect on the night of the event on proof of purchase.

On the night of the event, you can ‘pay as you go’.  All our attractions accept card payment or you may also purchase more tokens from the token kiosks located at various sites or at our onsite gift shop.

How can I purchase attraction tickets?

Ways that you can book your ride tickets:

You can purchase tokens in advance when booking you tickets and receive a special Token Offer of £10.00 for 12 tokens

You can pay as you go on site – Use your contactless card at the attractions on the day.

Can I get a refund on my tokens if I don’t use them all?

Unfortunately, we cannot offer refunds on tokens.

Are there toilets in the Gardens?

Yes, there are toilets in the Gardens and these are clearly signposted including accessible provision, and an Accessoloo will be in situ on our Inclusive evening of Enchantment.

Can I bring my dog to Enchanted Winter Garden?

Yes, dogs are very welcome at the Enchanted Winter Garden.

Any dogs attending the event must be on their leads at all times. We do ask that you be aware that the site can be busy in places, and that there are very hot lights, electricity cables and loudspeakers often situated at curious doggy level.

Dogs are permitted on the shuttle bus from The Junction.

I am a photographer. Can I use a tripod or monopod at the event?

Yes, you are most welcome to bring a tripod or monopod to help with photographing the event.

Just be careful not to block any pathways when you’re creating your photographic masterpieces and we do ask that you are respectful of other visitors who may not fully understand your need to spend a little more time capturing the perfect shot. Please bear in mind that the site closes at 10PM so if you want to make the most of your time, please book an early slot.

Is alcohol permitted at The Enchanted Winter Garden?

You are only permitted to drink alcohol sold by one of our licensed caterers once in The Enchanted Winter Garden.

Any alcohol brought onto the site will breach our licensing agreement and will be confiscated.

Can I use tokens from last year’s Enchanted Winter Garden?

Only official Enchanted Winter Garden tokens will be accepted. Official tokens from last year’s event will be accepted.

Tickets
Where can I buy tickets?

Tickets are available online here: enchantedwintergarden.com

If you are unable to book online or require ticket assistance, you can contact our Arts and Culture Customer Hub via direct telephone number T. 0300 123 7788 (calls charged at local rate) or dedicated email address E. culture@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk.

The Customer Hub operates Monday – Friday 9AM-5PM and Saturday and Sunday 10AM-5PM.

Can I buy tickets at the gate?

We encourage everyone to pre buy their tickets to avoid disappointment.

How do I get my tickets once I have booked?

Your tickets will be emailed to you as soon as your order has been processed.

We want to promote paperless ticketing as much as possible and encourage visitors to display their tickets using their smartphones. However, we will, of course, still accept printed tickets as well.

Please be aware that screenshots will not be accepted. As this is a ticketed event, tickets or proof of purchase must be shown at the entrance.

I haven't received email confirmation - what do I do?

If you have not received a confirmation email once your ticket sale has been processed, you can login in to your account via https://enchantedwintergarden.com/my-account/ to download your tickets

Please remember to check your Junk email folder.

For further assistance, please contact the Arts and Culture Customer Hub via T: 0300 123 7788 (calls charged at local rate); or E. culture@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk, and we will investigate and respond.

Can I exchange my ticket for another date?

Tickets can be exchanged subject to availability with a £1.50 exchange fee.

Please ring our Culture hub on 0300 123 7788 to speak to the team about ticket exchanges.

Is there a waiting list for tickets if they are sold out?

Unfortunately, we are not able to add names to a waiting list when the tickets are sold out. Please also note when a session is sold out there is no option to pay at the gate.

Getting Here
When and where do I have to arrive?

The entrance to the Enchanted Winter Garden is at the Barbican Gate in Market Square in Antrim Town Centre.

The time on your ticket is the entrance time for your visit. We would ask all customers to please arrive on time as this helps to reduce queues and improves the event experience for everyone. Please have your QR code ready to be scanned.

How long does a visit last?

Once you arrive you can stay as long as you like.

The event invites visitors to follow our Enchanted Way through the Gardens with various points of interest and attractions along the way and you should expect to be at the event for between 90 to 120 minutes to fully appreciate the experience. The show closes at 9:30PM

Is there car-parking onsite?

There is no parking available on-site. However, there are public parking facilities available in Antrim Town Centre.

Additionally, there will be a free shuttle bus service from The Junction to the event entrance in Market Square.

There will also be a free park and ride service running from 4pm to 10pm

Where do I get the shuttle bus and how long does this journey take?

Shuttle buses will be available from The Junction at the stop beside Funky Monkeys.

The shuttle bus journey between The Junction and the Barbican Gate at Antrim Castle Gardens takes approximately 10 minutes. At peak times, buses may run slightly slower and it may take longer to clear the queues. The last bus heads back to The Junction between 9.30PM and 10.00PM.

Accessibility
What is an Evening of Inclusive Enchantment?

An Evening of Inclusive Enchantment will run on both the 4 & 11 December. The key features of the Inclusive evenings are:

  • Reduced capacity meaning a more relaxed/ calm environment
  • Lighting will be kept static, no strobe or strong effects
  • Reduced sound and music levels
  • Sensory & Quiet rooms, ideal for children and adults with additional needs
  • Attractions and rides will be slowed down
  • Mobility Assistance (Mobility Scooters/ Wheelchairs can be hired by appointment only)
  • Changing Places Facility onsite as well as a Mobile Changing Places Facility called AccessoLoo
Is the Enchanted Winter Garden suitable for the elderly or children?

This event has been designed to cater to all ages and abilities. However, care should be taken on paths and they are not suitable for very large buggies. Paths are suitable for some push wheelchairs.

All visitors should take care as the event is an outdoor winter experience with low light levels so conditions underfoot can be slippy in places with uneven surfaces in some event areas due to the historical and woodland nature of the site.

Is it suitable for visitors with mobility challenges?

Antrim Castle Gardens are accessible to some push wheelchair users but we recommend that you check the site for more detailed information on the walk and gradients to assess whether it is suited to your specific access needs prior to booking.

Do you have wheelchairs or mobility scooters on site for public use?

Mobility Support

To arrange your personal appointment in advance of event, please ring the following numbers:

07860709876

02894227130

This service is strictly by appointment only. You will be unable to access a mobility aid if you don’t book in advance.

Will there be accessible parking onsite?

There are no car parking facilities at all on site, but, there will be access to plentiful accessible parking in any of the Antrim Town car parks or at The Junction with the shuttle buses all accessible for wheelchair users.

Are strobe effects used at the event?

While no single source of lighting regularly strobes at high frequency, the volume of light fixtures on site could raise the frequency of light flashes and strobing across multiple sources to a level where it may be considered unsafe for people who are affected by photosensitive epilepsy. It is recommended that photo-sensitive epileptics attend The Enchanted Winter Garden on our Inclusive Nights on Wednesday 4 & 11 December.

An Evening of Inclusive Enchantment will run on both Wednesday 4 & 11 December with reduced numbers, lighting and sound levels, Sensory & Quiet room, ideal for children and adults with additional needs. Attractions and rides will be slowed down, music levels lowered and strobe lighting and other strong lighting will not be used on this evening.

Are there toilets in the Gardens?

Yes, there are toilets in the Gardens and these are clearly signposted including accessible provision, and a mobile changing places facility called AccessoLoo which will be in situ for the duration of Enchanted Winter Garden.

Will there be a Changing Places Facility available?

Yes, there is a Changing Places Facility onsite as well as a Mobile Changing Places Facility called AccessoLoo for the duration of the event.

Will there be a Quiet Room/space?

Yes, there is a dedicated quiet space the duration of the event.

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