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, Crohn'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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Great Western Railway

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Head office, Milford House, 1 Milford St, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 1HL

Telephone
0800 197 1329

MobilityAndInclusion@gwr.com

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We are Great Western Railway – or GWR for short – one of the largest train companies in Britain. More than 100 million customers a year join us on board to travel to some of the most popular cities, historic towns and beautiful regions in south west…

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Trafalgar Square, London, London, WC2N 5DN

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+44 (0)20 7747 2885

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Hertfordshire Zoo

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White Stubbs Lane, Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, EN10 7QA

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01992 470 490

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WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre

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Fish Lane, Burscough, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L40 0TA

Telephone
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Calvert Exmoor

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Wistlandpound Reservoir, Kentisbury, Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 4SJ

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01598763221

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We are Calvert Exmoor, home of accessible activity breaks in Devon; a residential activity centre and charity that provides inclusive breaks for people with disabilities alongside their families, friends and carers.

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London Zoo

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Outer Circle, Regents Park, London, London, NW1 4RY

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07966294022

communityengagment@zsl.org

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Bosinver Farm Cottages

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Trelowth, St. Austell, Cornwall, PL26 7DT

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Revitalise Jubilee Lodge

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Grange Farm, High Road, Chigwell, Essex, IG7 6DP

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020 8501 2331

JubileeLodge@revitalise.org.uk

Chigwell

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Crealy Theme Park & Resort

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Sidmouth Road, Clyst St Mary, Exeter, Devon, EX5 1DR

fun@crealy.co.uk

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Crealy Theme Park & Resort is the South West’s number one family value day out, home to the most rides in Devon and an exciting calendar of seasonal events throughout the year during the Devon School Holidays.

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Asheston Eco Barns

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Pen Y Cwm, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, SA62 6NH

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07786 266248

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Revitalise Sandpipers

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Fairway, Southport, Merseyside, PR9 0LA

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Southport is a quintessentially English seaside resort, boasting beautifully preserved Victorian promenades and arcades as well as one of the oldest piers in the UK.

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WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre

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WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Slimbridge, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL2 7BT

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

Telephone
+44 (0)20 7306 0055

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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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Ightham Mote, National Trust

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Mote Road, Ivy Hatch, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN150NT

Telephone
01732 810378

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South Beach, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY4 1BB

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01253 340745

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Sparham Hall Farm Holidays

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

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Midlands Arts Centre, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, West Midlands, B12 9QH

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Midlands Arts Centre, better known as MAC, is a contemporary arts centre nestled in the magnificent surroundings of Cannon Hill Park. We are an independent registered charity and our mission is to make art an important part of people’s lives.

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

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