Relaxed Morning Opening @ Oxford University Museum of Natural History and Pitt Rivers Museum
2026-01-31 09:00 - 10:00 (Europe/London) | Oxford University Museum of Natural History, Oxford, OX1 3PW
Relaxed Morning Opening
Saturday, 31 January 2026
09.00 – 10.00

About the event
Relaxed morning openings allow visitors to experience the Museum of Natural History and Pitt Rivers Museum early in the day, when the buildings are quiet. We open an hour early to welcome visitors who may struggle in the museums at peak times. The number of visitors is capped, which reduces ambient noise levels and how full the space is.
The relaxed morning openings are designed for visitors who may benefit from a calmer environment, including those on the autism spectrum, have additional learning needs or sensory and communication difficulties, and anyone who feels they would benefit from this session.
Family members are welcome to support the visit.
Quiet spaces are available during the opening.
You will be able to visit both the Museum of Natural History and the Pitt Rivers Museum during this session.

Accessibility information

Wheelchair accessible?
Yes

Hearing loops?
No

Seating?
Some seating is available in the Museum

Refreshments?
No

Flashing lights?
No

Loud noises?
No

For more information, please visit our accessibility webpage.

Museums, My Way @ The Museum of English Rural Life, Reading
2026-02-16 10:00 - 14:00 | Museum of English Rural Life, Reading, RG1 5EX
About this event
Free sessions developed with Autism Berkshire
“This was our first (museum) event and to be honest I felt quite emotional. I was touched by such a supportive environment and welcoming faces. Thank you!”
Join us for this free, bookable session which will take place on a Monday when the museum is closed to the public. Siblings, families, carers and friends are all welcome. All activities are optional and you can visit at any point within the event times.
The session will offer:

sensory backpacks and ear defenders
break out spaces
themed facilitated hands-on activity
themed gallery trail

Please visit our Museums, My Way page to find out more about the Museums Partnership Reading programme at The MERL, Reading Museum and other partner venues, and our Access page for downloadable resources (sensory map, and social story) to help you prepare for your visit.
Parking
Please note that the museum’s car park can fill up quickly at busy times. If The MERL car park is full, you can use a special parking permit, valid throughout half term, to park in the University car parks on Acacia Road adjacent to the museum, or White Gates car park found at the second left off Crown Place, a short walk from the museum. (Please note the permit is not valid in the private car park on Crown Place)
View the car park locations, driving and walking routes.
You can collect a permit from reception at the museum or download the permit here and print at home (link coming soon).
If you do not display a permit, you may be issued with a penalty. We apologise for any inconvenience, but this solution means we can continue to offer free parking in the nearby University car parks. If you have any questions, please call 0118 378 8660 or email merlevents@reading.ac.uk
We would always encourage you to use alternative means of transport where possible. See our Getting Here page for details.
Museums, My Way is part of The MERL and Reading Museum’s Arts Council funded programme, Museums Partnership Reading

Date & Time

Monday 16 February 2026

Cost

Booking required

Book your place

Audience

Public

The Museum of English Rural Life

The Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Road, Reading, United Kingdom, Berkshire, RG1 5EX

Relaxed Opening @ History of Science Museum, Oxford
2026-02-21 10:45 - 11:45 | History of Science Museum – University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3AZ, United Kingdom
Relaxed Opening
Saturday 21 February | 10.45-11.45am
Autism Friendly Openings Backpack in use
Email Helen to book for your family: learning@hsm.ox.ac.uk
A relaxed morning for exploring the Museum in a quieter setting. Created for neurodivergent and SEND visitors, those with sensory processing differences, and anyone who would enjoy a calmer environment for their visit.
SEND RAL Autism Friendly backpack
At the Welcome Desk you can pick up a backpack* with activities to help the whole family explore the museum together.
Although this is a relaxed opening, there may still be some noises around the Museum, so please do bring along ear protectors if you need them.
All ages welcome.
Book a space by emailing Helen: learning@hsm.ox.ac.uk
*The Museum’s SEND-friendly backpacks for families were developed in collaboration with RAL Space and Iffley Academy specialist school.
You can join our mailing list to hear about future events.
And don’t miss Autism-Friendly openings at the Museum of Natural History.
Want to see more events?

Access-Friendly Day @ The Story Museum, Oxford
2026-03-21 10:00 - 16:30 | The Story Museum, Oxford, OX1 1BP
Access-friendly Day

Suitable for all

Join us for our Access-friendly Museum Day and enjoy a chance to explore all the Museum Galleries (including Small Worlds) for a single entry ticket. Our Access-friendly days are suitable for everyone.

Enjoy a day of access to both the Galleries and Small Worlds with a single ticket and explore the Museum in whatever way best suits you and your family. Our access-friendly days are suitable for all families but particularly those who prefer a more relaxed experience as the museum spaces will run with adjusted lighting and sounds and the tickets are limited to keep numbers small.
Entry is by timed ticket to help avoid crowds and includes entry to both the Galleries (including our Here Be Dragons exhibition in the Treasure Chamber) and Small Worlds.
If you’d like to find out more about our Access-friendly Day or have any specific enquiries, please send us an email.

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£14 Per Person

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Relaxed Day - Wildlife Photographer of the Year 61 @ The Base, Greenham, Berkshire
2026-03-26 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-09 10:00 - 17:00 | The Base, Greenham, Greenham, RG19 6HN, United Kingdom
Wildlife Photographer of the Year 61

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Dates
Fri 27 Feb – Sun 26 Apr | Open Tue – Sun, 10am – 5pm

Venues:
The Base Greenham

Categories:
Exhibition

The world’s finest nature images are revealed as Wildlife Photographer of the Year 61 comes to The Base!

The world-renowned exhibition, now in its sixty-first year and on loan from the Natural History Museum in London, features some of the most exceptional nature photography taken today from across the globe. The exhibition shines a light on powerful and fascinating images that capture hidden animal behaviour, spectacular species and the breathtaking diversity of the natural world. Using photography’s unique emotive power to engage and inspire audiences, the images share stories and species from around the world, encouraging a future of advocating for the planet.

Dates and Times: Fri 27 Feb – Sun 26 Apr (Open Tue to Sun, 10am – 5pm*)
Tickets: £0* Base Pass holder, Full Price £11.20 (£9.50 concs, £9 groups of 10+, £7 under-16s and FREE entry for under-5s)
Songs & Stories in the Gallery: Sat 7, Thu 19 Mar, Thu 2 & Sat 11 Apr
*Gallery Lates: Thu 12 Mar & Thu 2 Apr, Gallery open until 8pm
Poetry Open Mic Night: Thu 19 Mar
Family Day: Sat 21 Mar
Relaxed Day: Thu 26 Mar & Thu 9 Apr
PLEASE NOTE: We recommend booking online in advance of your visit – the exhibition can get busy at times and we can’t always guarantee availability for walk-ups.
**Concessions Price: Concessionary rate tickets are available to students, Blue Light Card Holders and Universal Credit claimants. The Blue Light Card concessionary rate is only valid for the card holder’s ticket. The card holder must be in attendance and may be asked to show their card when they arrive at the exhibition.
Content warning: Visitors may find some images distressing due to images of animal cruelty and animal death. If you prefer not to view this content, please steer clear of the ‘Photojournalism’ and ‘Photojournalist Story Award’ sections.

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Relaxed Opening @ History of Science Museum, Oxford
2026-03-28 10:45 - 11:45 | History of Science Museum – University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3AZ, United Kingdom
Relaxed Opening
Saturday 28 March | 10.45-11.45am
Autism Friendly Openings Backpack in use
Email Helen to book for your family: learning@hsm.ox.ac.uk
A relaxed morning for exploring the Museum in a quieter setting. Created for neurodivergent and SEND visitors, those with sensory processing differences, and anyone who would enjoy a calmer environment for their visit.
SEND RAL Autism Friendly backpack
At the Welcome Desk you can pick up a backpack* with activities to help the whole family explore the museum together.
Although this is a relaxed opening, there may still be some noises around the Museum, so please do bring along ear protectors if you need them.
All ages welcome.
Book a space by emailing Helen: learning@hsm.ox.ac.uk
*The Museum’s SEND-friendly backpacks for families were developed in collaboration with RAL Space and Iffley Academy specialist school.
You can join our mailing list to hear about future events.
And don’t miss Autism-Friendly openings at the Museum of Natural History.
Want to see more events?

Museums, My Way Craft Sessions @ Reading Museum
2026-03-30 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-03-30 11:15 - 12:15 | Reading Museum, Reading, RG1 1QH, United Kingdom
Museums, My Way Craft Sessions

Monday 30 March 2026
Venue: Reading Museum
Price:
Suggested donation £4, booking essential

What:
Special craft sessions based on our Easter events aimed at neurodivergent visitors and their families to complement our regular Saturday sessions.
A breakout room, Quiet areas with tents and cushions and sensory bags will be available.
Please note that the Museum will be closed, except for those taking part in the sessions.
Who:
Families
When:
1-hour sessions starting at 10am &11.15am
Bookings:
Suggested donation £4, booking essential

Relaxed Opening @ Oxford University Museum of Natural History and Pitt Rivers Museum
2026-04-25 09:00 - 10:00 | Oxford University Museum of Natural History, Oxford, OX1 3PW
Relaxed Morning Opening
Saturday, 25 April 2026
09.00 – 10.00

About the event
Relaxed morning openings allow visitors to experience the Museum of Natural History and Pitt Rivers Museum early in the day, when the buildings are quiet. We open an hour early to welcome visitors who may struggle in the museums at peak times. The number of visitors is capped, which reduces ambient noise levels and how full the space is.
The relaxed morning openings are designed for visitors who may benefit from a calmer environment, including those on the autism spectrum, have additional learning needs or sensory and communication difficulties, and anyone who feels they would benefit from this session.
Family members are welcome to support the visit.
Quiet spaces are available during the opening.
You will be able to visit both the Museum of Natural History and the Pitt Rivers Museum during this session.

Accessibility information

Wheelchair accessible?
Yes

Hearing loops?
No

Seating?
Some seating is available in the Museum

Refreshments?
No

Flashing lights?
No

Loud noises?
No

For more information, please visit our accessibility webpage.

Relaxed Mornings in the Magic Garden @ Hampton Court Palace, Surrey
2026-05-09 09:30 - 11:00, 2026-06-07 09:30 - 11:00, 2026-07-28 09:30 - 11:00, 2026-08-02 09:30 - 11:00, 2026-08-19 09:30 - 11:00, 2026-09-13 09:30 - 11:00, 2026-10-04 09:30 - 11:00 | Hampton Court Palace, Surrey, KT8 9AU, United Kingdom
A relaxed morning event for Neurodivergent and Disabled children aged 3 to 16, and their families and friends.

Skip the event ticket details and go to event summary.

When
09 May, 07 June, 28 July, 02 August, 19 August, 13 September and 04 October 2026.
09:30 – 11:00

Where

Magic Garden

Ticketing information
Tickets cost £1.00.

Separate ticket (advance booking required)
Book tickets

The fountains will not be switched on during the sessions.

Events
Families
Access

Start of the events summaryJoin us for quiet sessions in The Magic Garden at Hampton Court Palace, aimed at Neurodivergent and Disabled children, and their families/friends.
We welcome all families who identify as Neurodivergent or Learning Disabled including ADHD, Autism, Anxiety, OCD, Tourette’s and all other sensory and processing difficulties.
During this session, we have lower visitor capacity than usual and lower noise levels. We turn off bathroom hand dryers, implement adaptations to staff operations such as using earpieces for radios, and do not use the tannoy system.
The session begins at 09.30 and ends at 11.00.
Ticket cost £1.00
This offer was formally known as Rise and Roar. The name, price and age range of the event has changed owing to the launch of our new Relaxed Events Programme for Children and Families. The change was made to bring these two offers closer to each other. For exact changes please see our FAQ’s page.
Dates in 2026

09 May
07 June
28 July
02 August
19 August
13 September
04 October

Each group member, including our valued Members and those aged under three years, must have a palace entry ticket.
Relaxed Mornings in the Magic Garden FAQs

Relaxed Opening @ History of Science Museum, Oxford
2026-05-30 09:00 - 10:00 | History of Science Museum – University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3AZ, United Kingdom
Relaxed Opening
Saturday 30 May | 9:00-10.00am

Email Helen to book for your family: learning@hsm.ox.ac.uk

A relaxed morning for exploring the Museum in a quieter setting. Created for neurodivergent and SEND visitors, those with sensory processing differences, and anyone who would enjoy a calmer environment for their visit.

At the Welcome Desk you can pick up a backpack* with activities to help the whole family explore the museum together.
Although this is a relaxed opening, there may still be some noises around the Museum, so please do bring along ear protectors if you need them.
All ages welcome.
Book a space by emailing Helen: learning@hsm.ox.ac.uk

*The Museum’s SEND-friendly backpacks for families were developed in collaboration with RAL Space and Iffley Academy specialist school.

You can join our mailing list to hear about future events.
And don’t miss Autism-Friendly openings at the Museum of Natural History.

Finish This... 2026/27 - Bookings Now Open!
2026-06-02 - 2026-07-10 | English National Opera, London, United Kingdom
Finish This… is ENO’s inclusive national music making programme for KS2, KS3 and SEND learners; inspiring young composers across the country; bringing a fusion opera, film and animation into schools, as a creative springboard for collaborative composition work. Co-created with teachers the project aligns with the school curriculum and is suitable for all levels of experience and musical ability.

Who is it for?
The programme has three learner strands, co-produced with teacher champions:

KS2 primary

KS3 secondary

SEND schools

Schools can sign up to as many projects as they would like throughout the academic year 2026-27. The programme is free of charge for state schools. Independent schools are welcome to apply to take part at a charge of £200 per class.

As part of the project, schools get access to:

Teacher learning resource pack (including template lesson plans, teaching materials)

Operatic music performed by the world-class ENO Orchestra and Chorus

Composition toolkit, with digital and printed resources delivered to your school

Online CPD and briefings for teachers, introducing the toolkit and new approaches to making music in the classroom

How to join?
Bookings are now open and will close on Friday 10th of July. Schools can book directly on the bookings page: Finish This… Booking Page – ENO

Booking Deadline: 10th July 2026.

Relaxed Morning Opening @ Oxford University Museum of Natural History + Pitt Rivers Museum
2026-08-21 09:00 - 10:00 | Oxford University Museum of Natural History, Oxford, OX1 3PW
Relaxed Morning Opening
Friday, 21 August 2026
09.00 – 10.00

About the event
Relaxed morning openings allow visitors to experience the Museum of Natural History and Pitt Rivers Museum early in the day, when the buildings are quiet. We open an hour early to welcome visitors who may struggle in the museums at peak times. The number of visitors is capped, which reduces ambient noise levels and how full the space is.
The relaxed morning openings are designed for visitors who may benefit from a calmer environment, including those on the autism spectrum, have additional learning needs or sensory and communication difficulties, and anyone who feels they would benefit from this session.
Family members are welcome to support the visit.
Quiet spaces are available during the opening.
You will be able to visit both the Museum of Natural History and the Pitt Rivers Museum during this session.

Accessibility information

Wheelchair accessible?
Yes

Hearing loops?
No

Seating?
Some seating is available in the Museum

Refreshments?
No

Flashing lights?
No

Loud noises?
No

For more information, please visit our accessibility webpage.

Relaxed Morning Opening @ Oxford University Museum of Natural History + Pitt Rivers Museum
2026-09-26 09:00 - 10:00 | Oxford University Museum of Natural History, Oxford, OX1 3PW
Relaxed Morning Opening
Saturday, 26 September 2026
09.00 – 10.00

About the event
Relaxed morning openings allow visitors to experience the Museum of Natural History and Pitt Rivers Museum early in the day, when the buildings are quiet. We open an hour early to welcome visitors who may struggle in the museums at peak times. The number of visitors is capped, which reduces ambient noise levels and how full the space is.
The relaxed morning openings are designed for visitors who may benefit from a calmer environment, including those on the autism spectrum, have additional learning needs or sensory and communication difficulties, and anyone who feels they would benefit from this session.
Family members are welcome to support the visit.
Quiet spaces are available during the opening.
You will be able to visit both the Museum of Natural History and the Pitt Rivers Museum during this session.

Accessibility information

Wheelchair accessible?
Yes

Hearing loops?
No

Seating?
Some seating is available in the Museum

Refreshments?
No

Flashing lights?
No

Loud noises?
No

For more information, please visit our accessibility webpage.
