Not every disability is visible, which is why accessible places to stay and disabled-friendly attractions offer staff training and have a host of facilities, including sensory backpacks and quiet rooms, as well as an atmosphere of kindness and acceptance.

Hidden disabilities present differently depending on the person, and some people might have low support needs, while others have high support needs. Some may need access to a disabled parking spaces or toilet facilities, while others will need lower lighting and less music and distractions.

Autism-friendly UK

According to the National Autistic Society, more than 1 in every 100 people are autistic, but despite this huge number, many of the people who are on the autism spectrum report that they still struggle with finding accessible things to do and places to stay. This is in part due to a lack of awareness of the condition but also because of how vastly it differentiates between each individual – however, there are an increasing number of organisations and companies across the UK who are working hard on making sure that they are as autism friendly as possible and you’ll find them here.

Because the range of access needs across hidden disabilities is so vast, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all all approach to hidden disabilities, like autism, but you will find that businesses are offering adjustments to the environment and facilities that suit a wide range of conditions and this is great for peace of mind.

You’ll find a wide range of things to do, from relaxed theatre performances to dedicated movie screenings, sensory displays and more.

Don’t miss out on having amazing holiday experiences at these attractions and accommodation providers.

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Hidden Disabilities

Not all disabilities are visible, hidden disabilities account for the majority of disabilities and include conditions including autism, dementia, MS, Chron's and a plethoria of other conditions.

When it comes to going on holiday or staying over night somewhere new, we know it can be incredible stressful and overwhelming for those with hidden disabilities, especially if they have to take medication at certain times or have a stoma for example. New places, new smells and of course, a break in the routine can cause anxiety for everyone and can really affect how they experience their break. Luckily, there are accommodation providers who have had effective training so they are ready to offer a helping hand. Many accommodation providers have ground floor rooms, quiet areas, sensory rooms and rooms that have minimal decoration, so take a look at what is available to you below.

Autism, dementia, anxiety and other sensory conditions

Autism is a hidden disability that affects how people perceive the world and interact with others. Because autism is a spectrum, those that have it can react to the world in different ways and no two cases is the same. This means that there isn’t a one fits all approach when it comes to being autism friendly, but you can take steps to make sure that you make your environment as welcoming and friendly as possible.

Autistic people can have difficulty communicating, so having visual symbols or sign language can help while others can easily become overwhelmed by bright lights, loud noises and crowds. With the rise in awareness regarding hidden disabilities and conditons such as autism, you’ll find that there are loads of attractions and accommodation providers who are working hard to make sure that they are as autism friendly as possible.

Sunflower Lanyards

One way you can show that you are inclusive is by joining schemes like the Sunflower one, this scheme allows people with hidden disabilities to wear a lanyard which will discreetly indicate that they may need additional time or assistance. Lots of companies all over the UK are part of the scheme, including airports and train companies. You'll find it isn’t just travel companies, attractions and shops are getting involved too.

Speaking of shops, there are a number of shops, malls and other retail outlets offering quiet shopping times where they turn off the music and dim the lights, creating a better environment for visitors with sensory conditions and with incentives such as JAM cards and the Sunflower lanyards becoming more widely used, shopping with hidden disabilities has become so much easier.

Hidden disabilities

By working to make sure that exits are well lit and signposted, that the lighting and sound levels are accessible to all and adding in interactive displays and areas where possible, you’re actually making your business accessible to a whole bunch of people. Those on the autism spectrum or with sensory conditions aren’t the only ones that will benefit, so will those with anxiety disorders, as well as conditions such as dementia.

Want to look at accommodation, suitable for those with hidden disabilities, click here. For attractions that are suitable for people with hidden disabilities, click here.

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North Hayne Farm Cottages

Address

North Hayne, Bishops Nympton, South Molton, Devon, EX36 3QR

Telephone
01769550807

info@northhaynefarmcottages.co.uk

South Molton

For an award winning accessible farm holiday, take a look at North Hayne Farm in the north of Devon. Voted best self-catering farm stay in the South West (2020) and winner of both Gold and Silver for Accessible Tourism (2019 & 2020), plus receiving…

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Noah's Ark Zoo Farm

Address

Clevedon Road, Wraxall, Bristol, Somerset, BS48 1PG

Telephone
01275 852606

info@noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk

Bristol

Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm is the home of the big zoo animals including African Elephants, White Rhino, Giraffes, Lions and Bears. You’ll be amazed at the variety of nature you’ll see within the biggest zoo in the South West.

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Hoe Grange Holidays

Address

Hoe Grange, Brassington, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 4HP

Telephone
01629 540262

info@hoegrangeholidays.co.uk

Matlock

Hoe Grange is a working farm in the heart of the Derbyshire Peak District. David and Felicity Brown provide multi award winning accessible accommodation in four purpose-built log cabins, all with amazing views of the surrounding countryside

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Ightham Mote, National Trust

Address

Mote Road, Ivy Hatch, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN150NT

Telephone
01732 810378

ighthammote@nationaltrust.org.uk

Sevenoaks

Hidden away in a secluded Kent valley, is this perfectly preserved medieval moated manor house. Emerging from the natural landscape almost 700 years ago, Ightham Mote is built from Kentish ragstone and great Wealden oaks.

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Strawberry Field

Address

Beaconsfield Road, Woolton, Liverpool, Merseyside, L25 6EJ

Telephone
0151 252 6130

Liverpool

Strawberry Field, the site immortalised by John Lennon in The Beatles hit, ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’, opened its iconic red gates to the public for the first time in 2019.

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National Portrait Gallery

Address

St. Martin's Place, London, London, WC2H 0HE

Telephone
+44 (0)20 7306 0055

info@npg.org.uk

London

The National Portrait Gallery is home to the most extensive collection of portraits in the world. It is a Gallery for everyone, full of life and filled with life stories. The Gallery is accessible and inclusive to all, and entry to the Collection is…

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Fairytale Farm

Address

Southcombe, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 5QH

Telephone
01608 238014

info@fairytalefarm.co.uk

Chipping Norton

Mixing classic fairy tales, animals and adventure play, children will love Fairytale Farm. With our exciting adventure playground, an enchanted walk with a surprise around every corner and a chance to meet our amazing animals, there is so much to…

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Stubcroft Farm Campsite

Address

Stubcroft Lane, East Wittering, Chichester, West Sussex, PO20 8PJ

Telephone
01243 671469

mail@stubcroft.com

Chichester

Stubcroft Farm Campsite is an award winning, traditional, family run site close to some of the South Coast’s best sandy beaches, Chichester Harbour and the South Downs National Park. The campsite is in level paddocks surrounded by arable fields and…

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Marsham Court Hotel

Address

3 Russell Cotes Road, East Cliff, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 3AB

Telephone
01202 552111

reservations@marshamcourthotel.co.uk

Bournemouth

The award winning, family owned and operated Marsham Court Hotel overlooks Bournemouth Bay and is just a five minute walk to Bournemouth beach and the town centre. The hotel offers free parking for guests who book direct with the hotel.

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The Granary, Larkbeare Grange

Address

Talaton, Exeter, Devon, EX5 2RY

Telephone
07761 008 712

granary@larkbeare.net

Exeter

We (Charlie and Julia) love welcoming guests. Between us we have a lifetime’s worth of hospitality experience: Charlie worked for the Savoy Group, The Halkin and St James’s Club in London; Julia spent fifteen years working in Hong Kong and America.

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Sparham Hall Farm Holidays

Address

Lyng Road, Sparham, Norwich, Norfolk, NR9 5QY

Telephone
07764493593

lottie@sparhamhallfarm.co.uk

Norwich

Sparham Hall Farm nestled in the beautiful Wensum Valley, in the heart of Norfolk, is the perfect place to get away and reconnect with family and friends. Stay in stunningly converted barns designed to cater for every need, with The Buttery being…

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Tower Bridge

Address

Tower Bridge Road, London, London, SE1 2UP

Telephone
020 7403 3761

enquiries@towerbridge.org.uk

London

Tower Bridge has two parts to the visit - the Bridge itself and the Victorian Engine Rooms - both are step-free.

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Coventry Transport Museum

Address

Millennium Place, Hales Street, Coventry, West Midlands, CV1 1JD

Telephone
02476 234270

Ctm.info@cvlife.co.uk

Coventry

Coventry Transport Museum’s current collection of vehicles is acknowledged as being one of the finest in the world, and the largest in public ownership.

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Sandcastle Waterpark

Address

South Beach, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY4 1BB

Telephone
01253 340745

info@sandcastle-waterpark.co.uk

Blackpool

Sandcastle Waterpark is the UK’s largest Indoor Waterpark with more than 18 fantastic slides and attractions including Master Blaster, the longest Indoor Roller Coaster waterslide in the world. There’s something for all the family including…

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Experience Freedom Glamping at Coniston Park Coppice

Address

Park Gate, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8LA

Telephone
01342 777533

enquiries@experiencefreedom.co.uk

Coniston

Accessible glamping at Coniston Park Coppice. Experience Freedom offers accessible glamping pods and cabins suitable for guests with a range of accessibility needs for the perfect break away in the heart of the Lake District National Park.

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Sheffield Park and Garden

Address

Sheffield Park, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 3QX

Telephone
01825790231

sheffieldpark@nationaltrust.org.uk

Uckfield

Sheffield Park and Gardens has acres of Grade I listed landscaped garden and lakes, surrounded by historic parkland and woodlands.

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American Museum and Gardens

Address

Claverton, Bath, Somerset, BA2 7BD

Telephone
01225 460503

enquiries@americanmuseum.org

Bath

Positioned in a gorgeous setting, the American Museum and Gardens was created by an Anglo/American couple, Dallas Pratt and John Judkyn, and opened to the public in 1961 with the ambition to showcase American decorative arts and dispel stereotypes…

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Jersey Kayak Adventures Ltd

Address

La Grande Route De La Cote, St. Clement, Jersey, Channel Isles, JE2 6FW

Telephone
07797853033

info@jerseykayakadventures.co.uk

Jersey

Explore an island shaped by the sea where some of the most astonishing tides in the world circle the coast.

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Cardinham Woods

Address

Bodmin, Cornwall, PL30 4AL

Telephone
01208 76787

Cardinham.rangers@forestryengland.uk

Bodmin

Cardinham Woods is one of Cornwall’s hidden gems, nestling in a beautiful valley with a bubbling stream. The mixed woodland offers a range of waymarked walking trails, mountain biking, and family-friendly play and picnic areas. Discover stunning…

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The Beamsley Project Charitable Trust

Address

Harrogate Road, Hazlewood, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 6JA

Telephone
01756 710 255

info@beamsleyproject.org

Skipton

Our accessible 19th Century cottage is a perfect base to explore the beautiful delights of the Yorkshire Dales.

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