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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.
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.
You are here: Hidden Disabilities
Not all disabilities are visible. In fact, hidden disabilities account for the majority of disabilities worldwide and include conditions such as autism, dementia, multiple sclerosis (MS), Crohn's disease, and a wide range of other medical, neurological, and mental health conditions. At Tourism for All UK, we are committed to making travel, accommodation, and attractions as inclusive and accessible as possible, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a stress-free and enjoyable experience.
Going on holiday or staying overnight somewhere new can be incredibly stressful and overwhelming for those with hidden disabilities, particularly if they need to take medication at specific times,...Read More
Not all disabilities are visible. In fact, hidden disabilities account for the majority of disabilities worldwide and include conditions such as autism, dementia, multiple sclerosis (MS), Crohn's disease, and a wide range of other medical, neurological, and mental health conditions. At Tourism for All UK, we are committed to making travel, accommodation, and attractions as inclusive and accessible as possible, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a stress-free and enjoyable experience.
Going on holiday or staying overnight somewhere new can be incredibly stressful and overwhelming for those with hidden disabilities, particularly if they need to take medication at specific times, have a stoma, or rely on routine for their well-being. New environments, unfamiliar sounds and smells, and disruptions to daily schedules can heighten stress and impact their overall experience.
Fortunately, many accommodation providers have undergone specialist training to ensure they are equipped to support guests with hidden disabilities. Many offer:
Ground floor rooms for ease of access
Quiet areas to reduce sensory overload
Sensory rooms for relaxation
Minimalist decor to create a calming environment
To explore accessible accommodations that cater to hidden disabilities, click here.
According to the National Autistic Society, more than 1 in 100 people in the UK are autistic. Despite this, many individuals on the autism spectrum struggle to find accessible places to stay and visit. Autism is a hidden disability that affects how people perceive the world and interact with others, and because it exists on a spectrum, each individual has unique needs. This means that there is no "one-size-fits-all" approach when it comes to being autism-friendly.
Common accessibility considerations include:
Visual aids and signage to assist with communication
Reducing bright lights and loud noises to minimise sensory overload
Quiet rooms for those who may need a space to decompress
Clear and structured information to help visitors plan their visit in advance
Thankfully, many UK attractions and accommodations are actively working to become more autism-friendly. To find autism-friendly destinations, click here.
One widely recognised initiative supporting individuals with hidden disabilities is the Sunflower Lanyard Scheme. This program allows individuals to wear a sunflower lanyard, subtly signalling to staff that they may need additional assistance, extra time, or patience during their visit. The scheme is embraced by various sectors, including:
Airports
Train companies
Supermarkets and shopping centres
Tourist attractions and leisure venues
Retailers and shopping centres across the UK are also introducing quiet shopping hours, where background music is turned off, and lighting is dimmed to create a more sensory-friendly shopping experience. Additional initiatives, such as the JAM Card, further support individuals with communication barriers by allowing them to discreetly indicate that they need “Just A Minute” of extra time or patience.
Making Tourism More Inclusive
By implementing key accessibility measures such as well-lit and clearly marked exits, controlled lighting and sound levels, interactive displays, and quiet spaces, businesses can ensure they are accessible to a broader audience. These considerations benefit not just individuals with autism or sensory processing disorders but also those with dementia and other cognitive conditions.
At Tourism for All UK, we are dedicated to promoting inclusive tourism and ensuring that travel is accessible for everyone. Whether you are looking for accommodation, attractions, or transport options tailored to hidden disabilities, we are here to help.
To explore hidden disability-friendly accommodations, click here.
To find attractions suitable for visitors with hidden disabilities, click here.
By raising awareness and improving accessibility, we can create a more inclusive travel experience for all. Let’s work together to make UK tourism truly for everyone!
Read Less
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Throughout the year there are a wide range of activities including wheelchair-accessible Wild…
All our cottages are accessible with level entrances, wider width doorways and ramps up to the…
Our dedicated Even Calmer days create a more relaxing sensory experience for any customers who may…
Free wheelchairs are available at the centre. There is a mobility scooter available to hire. A £10…
The play area has a range of accessible elements aimed at challenging different abilities,…
The National Gallery aims to make access to the paintings enjoyable and welcoming to the widest…
The entire site is accessible for most people, offering level pathways across the Zoo. We have our…
Our accessible 19th Century cottage is a perfect base to explore the beautiful delights of the…
Throughout the year there are a wide range of activities including wheelchair-accessible Wild…
All our cottages are accessible with level entrances, wider width doorways and ramps up to the…
Our dedicated Even Calmer days create a more relaxing sensory experience for any customers who may…
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Stratford upon Avon
All our guests are encouraged to get involved with the displays and interact with the tactile objects. All the displays work together to create an exciting multi-sensory experience. The staff have experience with a wide range of additional needs, so…
Anchor Wharf, The Historic Dockyard, Chatham
WHEELCHAIRS: You are welcome to bring any type of mobility vehicle. A limited number of manual wheelchairs are available for loan at the admissions point; if you require one of these, please book in advance to avoid disappointment.
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