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.

You are here: Hidden Disabilities

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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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Number of results: 57

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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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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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LFC Stadium Tours & Experience

Address

Liverpool Football Club, Anfield Road, Liverpool, Merseyside, L4 0TH

Telephone
01513379887

Alison.lamb@liverpoolfc.com

Liverpool

Go behind the scenes inside one of the world’s most iconic and historic stadiums, during the interactive and immersive Liverpool FC Stadium Tour.

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Beresford Street Kitchen

Address

Beresford Street, St. Helier, Jersey, Channel Isles, JE2 4WN

Telephone
01534 509644

Info@aspirejersey.je

Jersey

Beresford Street Kitchen is a social enterprise that provides education, training and employment for people with learning disabilities and/or autism.

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Princesshay Shopping Centre

Address

9 Catherine Street, Exeter, Devon, EX1 1QA

Telephone
01392 459838

enquiries@princesshay.co.uk

Exeter

Princesshay is home to over 65 of the best high street names together with a mix of specialist and independent shops. Its unrivalled cosmopolitan café culture features a great line up of restaurants and cafes catering for every taste.

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Lincolnshire Wildlife Park

Address

Dickon Hill Road, Friskney, Boston, Lincolnshire, PE22 8PP

Telephone
01754 820107

admin@lincswildlife.com

Boston

Lincolnshire Wildlife Park has become a premier attraction for all ages & a great family day out. The park recently became a Dementia and Age Friendly business, to reach out to the local community and open doors to all those wanting to get out in…

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Farmer Palmer's Farm Park

Address

Wareham Road, Organford, Poole, Dorset, BH166EU

Telephone
01202 622 022

shop@farmerpalmers.co.uk

Poole

There’s a FARM-FUL of Family Fun at Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park!

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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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Poole’s Cavern & Country Park

Address

Poole’s Cavern Visitor’s Centre, Green Lane, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 9DH

Telephone
0129826978

info@poolescavern.co.uk

Buxton

Discover Poole’s Cavern, Buxton’s Hidden Wonder.

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The MAD Museum

Address

4-5 Henley Street, Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 6PT

Telephone
01789 269356

info@themadmuseum.co.uk

Stratford upon Avon

The MAD Museum does what it says on the tin! This quirky attraction located in the centre of Stratford upon Avon houses around 60 interactive pieces of kinetic art and automata. With a whole host of interactive displays so kids big and small can…

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Todsworthy Farm Holidays

Address

Todsworthy Farm, Albaston, Gunnislake, Cornwall, PL18 9AW

Telephone
01822834744

jon@todsworthy.co.uk

Gunnislake

Todsworthy Farm is a mixed enterprise of 70 acres. Each cottage is disabled friendly providing M3 Mobility Access where needed. The cottages are specifically designed for disabled visitors with ground floor bedrooms, wet-rooms, wide doors, no steps…

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Elderburn Lodges

Address

5 Elderburn Lodges, Denhead, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 8PA

Telephone
07840 801114

anne@elderburnlodges.co.uk

St Andrews

Elderburn Lodges in Fife are 5 self-catering lodges near St Andrews in Fife, just outside the small village of Denhead. All of our houses were designed and built to suit people who may have additional access requirements so we can provide luxurious…

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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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Lady Heyes Holiday Park

Address

Kingsley Road, Frodsham, Cheshire, WA6 6SU

Telephone
019258 788 557

jennifer@ladyheyespark.com

Frodsham

Lady Heyes Holiday park is a family run holiday park set in 14 acres of Cheshire countryside on the outskirts of the historic market town of Frodsham. A perfect base to explore, with a host of attractions across the Northwest, they offer glamping…

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voco Leicester

Address

101 Welford Road, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE2 7QS

Telephone
0116 366 5693

SALESMANAGER@HOTELBROOKLYNLEI.CO.UK

Leicester

SO, YOU’VE MADE IT TO LEICESTER... That’s voco LEICESTER, of course. Located beside the expanded Mattioli Woods Welford Road Stadium, home of the famous Leicester Tigers rugby team, voco Leicester boasts 191 stylish bedrooms and offers a window onto…

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WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre

Address

Llwynhendy, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, SA14 9SH

Telephone
01554 741087

info.llanelli@wwt.org.uk

Llanelli

One of the most popular places to visit in South Wales, Llanelli Wetland Centre is home to a breath-taking 450-acre mosaic of lakes and to some of the world's most spectacular birds. With peaceful wetland hideouts and all kinds of habitats and…

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Freshwater Beach Holiday Park

Address

Burton Bradstock, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 4PT

Telephone
01308 897317

sandysp@freshwaterbeach.co.uk

Bridport

Surrounded by beautiful Dorset countryside yet located on the beach, our campsite near West Bay covers over 20 acres of level grassland and hard standing pitches.

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