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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TransPennine Express

Address

Whitworth Street, TransPennine Express head office, Manchester, Lancashire, M1 6LT

Telephone
0345 600 1671

TransPennine Express head office , Manchester

TransPennine Express is the intercity train operating company for the North of England and into Scotland, connecting key towns and cities with fast, high quality rail services.

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White Stubbs Lane, Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, EN10 7QA

Telephone
01992 470 490

info@hertfordshirezoo.com

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Great Western Railway

Address

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

Telephone
0800 197 1329

MobilityAndInclusion@gwr.com

1 Milford St, Swindon

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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The National Gallery Trafalgar Square

Address

Trafalgar Square, London, London, WC2N 5DN

Telephone
+44 (0)20 7747 2885

information@nationalgallery.org.uk

London

The National Gallery, in the centre of London, houses one of the world’s greatest collections of paintings. It tells the story of European art, masterpiece by masterpiece. These pictures belong to the public and entrance to see them is free.

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WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre

Address

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

Telephone
01704 895181

Info.martinmere@wwt.org.uk

Ormskirk

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Visit Jersey

Address

Commercial Street, St. Helier, Jersey, Channel Isles, JE2 3RU

Telephone
+44 (0) 1534 859000

info@jersey.com

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Whether you want a unique self-catering property or coastal campsite, a beachside guest house or luxury boutique hotel, choose the accommodation to suit your requirements and enjoy an island break your way in Jersey.

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London Zoo

Address

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

Telephone
07966294022

communityengagment@zsl.org

London

At London Zoo, we welcome everyone to enjoy time connecting with wildlife. Our aim is to ensure everybody has a great day out that is accessible for people of all needs and abilities.

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Revitalise Sandpipers

Address

Fairway, Southport, Merseyside, PR9 0LA

Telephone
01704 538 388

Sandpipers@revitalise.org.uk

Southport

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Calvert Exmoor

Address

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

Telephone
01598763221

receptionexmoor@calvert-trust.org.uk

Barnstaple

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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WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre

Address

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

Telephone
01453 891900

info.slimbridge@wwt.org.uk

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Asheston Eco Barns

Address

Pen Y Cwm, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, SA62 6NH

Telephone
07786 266248

stay@eco-barns.co.uk

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Asheston Eco Barns are a collection of 4 luxury self-catering cottages with an eco focus in the beautiful unspoilt county of Pembrokeshire in wild West Wales.

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Revitalise Jubilee Lodge

Address

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

Telephone
020 8501 2331

JubileeLodge@revitalise.org.uk

Chigwell

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Crealy Theme Park & Resort

Address

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

fun@crealy.co.uk

Exeter

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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Bosinver Farm Cottages

Address

Trelowth, St. Austell, Cornwall, PL26 7DT

Telephone
01726 72128

reception@bosinver.co.uk

St. Austell

Welcome to Bosinver Farm Cottages in Cornwall - Visit England’s Family Friendly Accommodation of the Year.

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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

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The Grand Pier

Address

Marine Parade, Weston-Super-Mare, Avon, BS23 1AL

Telephone
01934 620 238

info@grandpier.co.uk

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The Grand Pier, is an extraordinary English landmark that has stood proudly along the stunning coastline of Weston-super-Mare since 1904. For generations, The Grand Pier has been offering entertainment and unforgettable experiences to visitors of…

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Address

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

Telephone
01434 250232

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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.

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Address

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07764493593

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Noah's Ark Zoo Farm

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Clevedon Road, Wraxall, Bristol, Somerset, BS48 1PG

Telephone
01275 852606

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National Portrait Gallery

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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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