Longleat Marks Neurodiversity Celebration Week

Longleat is highlighting the initiatives in place to make visits to the Wiltshire estate as inclusive as possible as part of Neurodiversity Celebration Week (17 – 23 March).

Sensory signage is in place around the park to help visitors prepare for what they may encounter inside the various attractions.

These includes temperature indicators, places to be quiet or that may be noisy, as well as more unique signs such as low flying bats and animals may land on you for more immersive areas.

Scott Ashman, Head of Operations, said the signage was first introduced last summer to coincide with a sensory map which guests can request on arrival or download via the website.

“Our Education and Engagement lead Kim Ovens has led on the project, and we have built on the initial work to include accessible times during our events and increased the type of signs available.

“We know from experiences that guests have shared with us that public spaces can be overwhelming for those with neurodiversity when trying to deal with too much information.

“It’s not always possible to change temperatures, particularly in animal areas, but with the new signage and sensory map we can inform guests of what they may encounter. 

“We know there is more for us to do, and we have set up an accessibility group to prioritise this work so we can make our guests as comfortable as possible.”

The Safari Park also has accessible play equipment in its Adventure Castle.

Guests visiting Longleat this Easter, 5 – 21 April, can enjoy an accessible performance daily of Mystery of the Lost Eggs Live, which will see the house lights on, and amplified sound will be slightly quieter.

Headphones are optional for all shows and sound will be played via the speakers for all shows. These accessible performances will take place at 2pm daily and are included as part of the day ticket, alongside other Easter activities.

There is a dedicated accessibility area on the Longleat website, where guests can find social stories, information on queue assist and more.

The signs have been well received by guests, with lots of positive feedback including: ‘Our 12-year-old daughter is autistic, and it was SO helpful to see signs about potential noise/heat/busy-ness!

The small notification meant she was prepared and she really enjoyed her day - as did the rest of us! Great job on making an already awesome attraction even better for all!’

Other feedback has included ‘There were signs indicating where places could get crowded or noisy and I've never seen these before.

‘It actually really moved me, because not many venues provided accessibility beyond (essential) ramps or lifts.

‘We were able to find lots of quiet spaces particularly around the house to reduce the stress of sensory overload caused by busy places and noise.

‘All staff we encountered were informative, professional and friendly. We were greeted warmly at the train and boat stations and were able to ask questions, sometimes lots of questions which is a bit of an autistic trait!

‘I struggle with days out and don't go on many because of sensory issues with crowds and noise, so I don't get to visit many places. But we're now considering becoming members because it turns out Longleat is safe place for me.