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

Accommodation
Search
Things to Do
Search

What's On Search

Food & Drink Search

Shopping Search

Food & Drink Search

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.

Featured

Highlights

Revitalise Jubilee Lodge

Revitalise Jubilee Lodge is located in leafy Chigwell on the edge of Epping Forest.

WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre

WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre is run by WWT, the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust – the UK’s leading…

Calvert Exmoor

We are Calvert Exmoor, home of accessible activity breaks in Devon; a residential activity centre…

Number of results: 57

, currently showing 21 to 40.

Sort By: A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest

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.

More Details
Calvert Kielder

Address

Kielder Water & Forest Park, Falstone, Hexham, Northumberland, NE48 1BS

Telephone
01434 250232

enquiries@calvert-kielder.com

Falstone, Hexham

Calvert Kielder has been providing amazing and memorable holidays, days and experiences for people of all abilities for 35 years creating a deep understanding of the relationship between fun challenges, learning and living – for anyone and everyone.

More Details
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.

More Details
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…

More Details
Buxton Opera House & Pavilion Arts Centre

Address

Water Street, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 6XN

Telephone
01298 72050

customerservice@boh.org.uk

Buxton

Buxton Opera House & Pavilion Arts Centre offer a variety of performances as well as cinema for everyone. Please see our accessible performances on our website.

More Details
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.

More Details
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.

More Details
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

More Details
Mount Stewart – National Trust

Address

Portaferry Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT22 2AD

Telephone
02842788387

Sunniva.mcdowell@nationaltrust.org.uk

Newtownards

Explore the historic house at Mount Stewart in County Down, Northern Ireland and discover the famous garden, cared for by the National Trust.

More Details
Broadgate Farm Cottages

Address

Beverley Road, Walkington, Beverley, North Humberside, HU17 8RP

Telephone
01482 888111

elaine@broadgatefarmcottages.co.uk

Beverley

The perfect place to stay in Yorkshire, look no further than our holiday cottages at Broadgate Farm. Two, three, four and six bedroom cottages, 7 of our cottages have ground floor accessible accommodation and four are particularly suitable for…

More Details
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.

More Details
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.

More Details
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…

More Details
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…

More Details
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…

More Details
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…

More Details
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.

More Details
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.

More Details
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.

More Details
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…

More Details