Hidden Disabilities

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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 and Accessible Tourism in the UK

Not all disabilities are visible. In fact, hidden disabilities account for the majority of disabilities worldwide and include conditions such as autism, dementia, multiple sclerosis (MS), Crohn's disease, and a wide range of other medical, neurological, and mental health conditions. At Tourism for All UK, we are committed to making travel, accommodation, and attractions as inclusive and accessible as possible, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a stress-free and enjoyable experience.

Travelling with a Hidden Disability

Going on holiday or staying overnight somewhere new can be incredibly stressful and overwhelming for those with hidden disabilities, particularly if they need to take medication at specific times, have a stoma, or rely on routine for their well-being. New environments, unfamiliar sounds and smells, and disruptions to daily schedules can heighten stress and impact their overall experience.

Fortunately, many accommodation providers have undergone specialist training to ensure they are equipped to support guests with hidden disabilities. Many offer:

Ground floor rooms for ease of access

Quiet areas to reduce sensory overload

Sensory rooms for relaxation

Minimalist decor to create a calming environment

To explore accessible accommodations that cater to hidden disabilities, click here.

Autism, Dementia, and Other Sensory Conditions

According to the National Autistic Society, more than 1 in 100 people in the UK are autistic. Despite this, many individuals on the autism spectrum struggle to find accessible places to stay and visit. Autism is a hidden disability that affects how people perceive the world and interact with others, and because it exists on a spectrum, each individual has unique needs. This means that there is no "one-size-fits-all" approach when it comes to being autism-friendly.

Common accessibility considerations include:

Visual aids and signage to assist with communication

Reducing bright lights and loud noises to minimise sensory overload

Quiet rooms for those who may need a space to decompress

Clear and structured information to help visitors plan their visit in advance

Thankfully, many UK attractions and accommodations are actively working to become more autism-friendly. To find autism-friendly destinations, click here.

Sunflower Lanyard Scheme: Discreet Support for Hidden Disabilities

One widely recognised initiative supporting individuals with hidden disabilities is the Sunflower Lanyard Scheme. This program allows individuals to wear a sunflower lanyard, subtly signalling to staff that they may need additional assistance, extra time, or patience during their visit. The scheme is embraced by various sectors, including:

Airports

Train companies

Supermarkets and shopping centres

Tourist attractions and leisure venues

Retailers and shopping centres across the UK are also introducing quiet shopping hours, where background music is turned off, and lighting is dimmed to create a more sensory-friendly shopping experience. Additional initiatives, such as the JAM Card, further support individuals with communication barriers by allowing them to discreetly indicate that they need “Just A Minute” of extra time or patience.

Making Tourism More Inclusive

By implementing key accessibility measures such as well-lit and clearly marked exits, controlled lighting and sound levels, interactive displays, and quiet spaces, businesses can ensure they are accessible to a broader audience. These considerations benefit not just individuals with autism or sensory processing disorders but also those with dementia and other cognitive conditions.

At Tourism for All UK, we are dedicated to promoting inclusive tourism and ensuring that travel is accessible for everyone. Whether you are looking for accommodation, attractions, or transport options tailored to hidden disabilities, we are here to help.

To explore hidden disability-friendly accommodations, click here.

To find attractions suitable for visitors with hidden disabilities, click here.

By raising awareness and improving accessibility, we can create a more inclusive travel experience for all. Let’s work together to make UK tourism truly for everyone!

Highlights

The National Gallery Trafalgar Square

The National Gallery aims to make access to the paintings enjoyable and welcoming to the widest…

Hertfordshire Zoo

The entire site is accessible for most people, offering level pathways across the Zoo. We have our…

WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre

Free wheelchairs are available at the centre. There is a mobility scooter available to hire. A £10…

Number of results: 73

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voco Leicester

Address

101 Welford Road, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE2 7QS

Telephone
0116 366 5693

SALESMANAGER@HOTELBROOKLYNLEI.CO.UK

Leicester

We have 10 adapted bedrooms to make life easier and the ambience more appealing. There are super wide lifts, special assistance for guests with hearing impairments and we even have a suite with an electric hoist. The ceiling track has been designed…

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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

From the cavern tour to the visitor centre and café, we’ve designed our facilities and tours to be inclusive and accommodating. Wheelchair users can explore the main cavern chamber, which is 100 metres/300ft long, with no steps.

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Merton Suites

Address

Merton Hotel, Belvedere Hill, St Saviour, Jersey, Channel Isles, JE4 9PG

Telephone
01534 724 231

reservations@mertonsuites.com

St Saviour, Jersey

Situated adjacent to the Merton Hotel, the Merton Suites offer contemporary, self-catering accommodation designed with flexibility and comfort in mind. Perfectly suited to families, groups of friends, and business travellers alike, the suites…

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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

The Stadium tour is perfect for football fans, whatever their age and with a range of accessibility features, everyone can have a memorable day out. Our self-guided tour offers a British Sign Language digital guide that visitors can use at their…

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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. We welcome guests with physical disabilities, hearing or visual impairments, autism spectrum…

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Princesshay Shopping Centre

Address

9 Catherine Street, Exeter, Devon, EX1 1QA

Telephone
01392 459838

enquiries@princesshay.co.uk

Exeter

But for persons with a disability, and all those with accessibility requirements, visiting somewhere for the first time can be a daunting prospect. We know that 98% of people with disabilities and carers look for accessibility information before…

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Oxford University Museum of Natural History

Address

Parks Road, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 3PW

Telephone
01865 272 950

foh@oum.ox.ac.uk

Oxford

There is are a number of touchable exhibits on the Ground Floor of the Museum, including a ‘Touch Table’ in the Main Court, in front of the skeleton parade. The Table has touchable specimens, Braille text, and raised imagery. Other touchable…

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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

All our guests are encouraged to get involved with the displays and interact with the tactile objects. All the displays work together to create an exciting multi-sensory experience. The staff have experience with a wide range of additional needs, so…

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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

All of our lodges have standard wheelchair-width doors, concrete pads to park on at the front door, and level access into each house. All houses have bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, dining, and living areas on the ground floor. All light switches,…

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Cardinham Woods

Address

Bodmin, Cornwall, PL30 4AL

Telephone
01208 76787

Cardinham.rangers@forestryengland.uk

Bodmin

Visitors with reduced mobility can explore the forest with our all terrain mobility scooter, available to hire via the Countryside Mobility scheme. Our easy-to-use Tramper can tackle forest terrain come rain or shine. Trampers are available Sunday…

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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 is a multi-award-winning attraction in the heart of the countryside; recently winning Visitor Attraction of the Year and the Green Award, in the Skegness Business Awards 2023.

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The WonderWorks

Address

Hornby Hobbies Limited, Westwood Industrial Estate, Margate, Kent, CT9 4JX

Telephone
01843 233500

wonderworksmargate@hornby.com

Margate

WonderWorks will surprise and delight all generations, connecting them with their passions and the brands they love.

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Autism-friendly UK

Hidden Disabilities and Accessible Tourism in the UK

Travelling with a Hidden Disability

Autism, Dementia, and Other Sensory Conditions

Sunflower Lanyard Scheme: Discreet Support for Hidden Disabilities

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