SENDsational mornings @ NHM, Tring
2025-11-09 10:00 - 12:00 (Europe/London) | National History Museum, Tring, Tring, HP23 6AP
SENDsational Mornings at Tring

An opportunity for children with neurodiverse conditions to enjoy the Museum at a quieter time.

Book your tickets

The Natural History Museum at Tring

Sunday 17 August and Sunday 9 November, 10.00–12.00

Free, booking required

Pre-visit information (PDF 185KB)Pre-visit visual guide (PDF 3.5MB)

We are excited to present SENDsational Mornings at Tring, Hertfordshire.
Our SENDsational mornings offer children with neurodiverse conditions, including autism and other sensory processing difficulties, the chance to take part in activities and enjoy our galleries with their families and siblings away from the hustle and bustle of the general public.
This event is best for children aged five to 15 and siblings are welcome.
What can you expect from the experience?

Visitors have access to a few activities including specimen handling, crafting and a gallery trail.
All activities are supported by experienced, autism-aware facilitators.
A sensory space will be available for those children needing a quieter and calmer space.
All of the galleries, outdoor spaces and the shop will be accessible throughout the event.
Each event has a different theme. In May it’s rainforests, in August it’s Oceans and the theme for November is Autumn.

Walk-ups are not possible – you must have a ticket. Adult tickets are limited to three per group.
We will email more information about your visit a week in advance, to help you prepare for your visit. On the day you will be given a programme and map to let you know what you can do.
The Museum in South Kensington has been successfully running a similar event called Dawnosaurs for the past four years.
Before your visit take a look at our pre-visit information including a visual guide and logistics and facilities information.

Relaxed Early Opening for Families - Secret Maps @ British Library
2025-11-09 09:00 - 11:00 | British Library, London, NW1 2DB, United Kingdom
Relaxed Early Opening for Families
Join us for a free sensory friendly early opening of the Library. For families with children aged 2 – 11.
Sunday 9 November, 9.00
Book now
Location
British Library, London
Duration
09.00 – 11.00
Age
Suitable for ages 5 – 15, but all ages are welcome
Price
Free but booking required
Additional Information
Relaxed Opening
A child and adult taking part in a family workshop at the British Library
Credit: British Library
This early opening is for families with children with special educational needs including those on the autism spectrum and with other sensory needs. Enjoy the Library free from the hustle and bustle of the general public.
At this special early opening, you’ll get the opportunity to visit our Secret Maps exhibition and take part in a workshop in our Learning Centre with Artist Hazel East.
A dedicated sensory room will also be available for children needing a quieter and calmer space.
This event is free and suitable for parents and carers with children aged 5 – 15 years and their siblings.
All visitors to this special early opening will receive a visual story in advance to provide an idea of what to expect on arrival. Please note that the Library opens to the general public at 11.00.
Find out further useful information about facilities at the Library and how to find us.
Your support
The British Library is a charity. Your support helps us open up a world of knowledge and inspiration for everyone. Please consider adding a donation to your basket.
Dates and times
Sunday 9 November
09.00

Relaxed Wonderlab: The Bramall Gallery @ National Railway Museum, York
2025-11-08 15:00 - 17:30 | National Railway Museum, York, YO26 4XJ, United Kingdom
Relaxed Wonderlab
Relaxed Wonderlab is a sensory friendly event for families with members who would like a quieter environment to enjoy the gallery.
This event is suitable for anyone that would benefit from visiting the museum free from the hustle and bustle of the general public (for example, individuals with autism spectrum conditions or sensory processing differences).
Sessions will have adjusted lighting and sound, a flexible learning offer and designated quiet areas for visitors.
Selected dates:
Book here for 13 August 2025
Book here for 8 November 2025
Book here for 1 February 2026

Relaxed Hours: Gilbert & George: 21ST CENTURY PICTURES @ Hayward Gallery, London
2025-11-04 10:00 - 15:00 | Hayward Gallery, London, SE1 8XX
Relaxed Hours: Gilbert & George
Tue 4 Nov & Wed 26 Nov 2025
Experience our current Hayward Gallery exhibition, Gilbert & George: 21ST CENTURY PICTURES, in a more relaxed environment with access to additional support.
More details forHayward Gallery
Tickets £20 / Members freeView more time and price information
Dates & tickets
Unlimited entry for Members, with no need to book, from just £60 per year.
Become a Member today
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Overview
Times & tickets
Access
For your visit
We welcome everyone to our exhibitions whenever our gallery is open, but we also recognise that some visitors may require a more relaxed approach to noise and movement in the space, or may welcome additional support to experience the exhibition fully.
Our Relaxed Hours are shaped around the needs of visitors with sensory processing differences, neurodivergent visitors or those living with neurological conditions, as well as early-year visitors, parents and carers.
During Relaxed Hours there is reduced capacity inside the galleries, spotlight talks and chill-out spaces.
Need to know
Age guidance
There is no age guidance for this exhibition but please be prepared to have age appropriate conversations with children about the content of the work. Our staff are available to support you if you would like any further information.
Content warnings
The exhibition contains images and language that some viewers may find offensive, including swear words, sexually explicit and violent language.
Event information
Advance booking is essential and you’re asked to choose a time slot when you book. However, for this event your ticket allows you to arrive, leave and re-enter at any time throughout the Relaxed Hours event.
There is a preparation story available for visitors who may benefit from preparing for the exhibition. The preparation story will be available to download from this page within a couple of weeks of the exhibition opening, and sent to bookers in advance.
To receive our registration form for Community Connect free tickets which remove financial barriers to attending for organisations from Lambeth and Southwark, email haywardrelaxedhours@southbankcentre.co.uk. There are a limited number of these available per session. The deadline to register is 12 noon on Tuesday 21 October.
Times & tickets
Dates, times and prices
Dates & times
Tue 04 Nov, 10am – 3pm
Wed 26 Nov, 3pm – 6pm
Standard entry
£20 / Members free*
* No booking fee
Ticket prices may be adjusted without notice to reflect demand.
Concessions
Concessions available for full-time students, Lambeth and Southwark residents, under-30s and recipients of Universal or Pension Credit. Under-30s tickets are only available to book online.
Limited availability
About concessions
Become a Member
Become a Member
Members get free entry to the Hayward Gallery and the first chance to book our entire programme of events, including go-down-in-history gigs, concerts with world-class orchestras, and talks from cultural icons and political giants.
Join today from £60
Access
Accessible events
The performance on
Tuesday 4 November at 10.00am
is A Relaxed Performance
Book now
The performance on
Wednesday 26 November at 3.00pm
is A Relaxed Performance
Book now
This session has a relaxed approach to noise and movement, a reduced capacity, and nearby chill-out spaces available to access for the duration of the session whenever needed. Feel free to come and go as you please.
The following adaptations are in place during Relaxed Hours:
Reduced capacity in the gallery.
Nearby chill-out spaces with low lighting and comfortable seating including beanbags, cushions, to rest, lie down and get comfortable on.
Sensory backpacks for children are available from the gallery ticket office including ear defenders and stim toys.
Touch materials inside the gallery.
A limited number of Community Connect free tickets for organisations from Lambeth and Southwark, to remove financial barriers to attending.
If you have a particular requirement or any questions ahead of your visit, email accesslist@southbankcentre.co.uk or call us on 020 3879 9555.
You can join our free Access Scheme through your online Southbank Centre account or via email.
Find out more about our Access Scheme
All our access information

Quiet Hour @ Brooklands Museum, Surrey
2025-10-31 09:00 - 10:00 | Brooklands Museum, Weybridge, KT13 0QN, United Kingdom
Half Term Quiet Hour, Friday 31 October, 9am – 10am
We will be opening our Motoring Village which includes the Jackson shed – British Grand Prix: Where it all began, Campbell ERA Shed – Fastest on earth: Racing Legends of Brooklands and the Barnes Wallis’ Stratosphere Chamber, for visitors who are neurodivergent to enjoy these areas of the Museum, free from the hustle and bustle of our normal opening hours.
Our Sunbeam Café will be open for our ‘Brooklands Breakfast offer’ and our half term family activities will be running from 9am.
The Museum will then be open as normal from 10am – 5pm when all our exhibit areas will be open.

Relaxed Hours, Late Opening @ Imperial War Museum, London
2025-10-29 17:00 - 19:00 | Imperial War Museum, London, SE1 6HZ, United Kingdom
Relaxed Hours
Late Opening
29 October 2025
5pm to 7pm
IWM London
Everyone
Free event
Booking required
Book Tickets
The Blavatnik Art, Film and Photography Galleries at IWM London
IWM
Join us for a relaxed late opening of IWM London. This is a sensory-friendly event for families and individuals. The event is suitable for individuals or families with members who may have sensory processing differences, autistic spectrum conditions or would otherwise benefit from a quieter environment to explore IWM London.
As part of our late opening, you will be able to explore all our current exhibitions and have the opportunity to participate in family-friendly activities.
There will also be quiet rooms for those needing to take a break, a breakout space, and an indoor eating area for anyone wishing to bring their own food.
To help ensure a smooth entry to the museum, we kindly ask visitors to book a free ticket online in advance. However, we will still have capacity available onsite for those who are unable to book tickets.
We will send all visitors an email around a week before the event with more information and a visual walkthrough to help you fully plan for your visit. Please be aware, the museum will be open to the general public for the first hour of your visit.
Access
We ask those attending the Relaxed Hours event to please use the West Entrance, which can be found by following the path along the right side of the museum’s main entrance. There will be staff in the surrounding park to help direct people to the entrance. A map can be downloaded here, or use What3words: ///dairy.chef.full. See IWM’s Accessibility Page for more information.
Tickets are limited to 6 per group
IWM London is fully accessible by wheelchair. There are manual wheelchairs available for loan on a first-come, first-served basis. These are provided free of charge and are located at the West Entrance.
There are some limited designated disabled parking bays available (located off Brook Drive, behind IWM London). Any visitors wishing to use these bays must book them prior to the event by contacting us at RearYard@zeglobal.com or calling 020 7416 500. Please provide your vehicle model and registration number, your expected time of arrival and a contact number when requesting a space.
If the museum is busy, there will be one tannoy announcement during this event at 5:45 pm, alerting existing visitors that the museum will be closing to members of the public not in attendance for the Relaxed Hours session. There are no other planned announcements. Fifteen minutes before closing at 6:45 pm, you will be approached by staff to let you know about the upcoming closure.
A visitor walks through the Second World War Galleries at IWM London
Exhibition Information
There will be a temporary exhibition running called Emergency Exits: The Fight for Independence in Malaya, Kenya and Cyprus, exploring the wave of independence movements that followed the end of the Second World War, as many of Britain’s former imperial territories gained independence.
Please be aware that areas of our galleries can be dark and contain loud noises and potentially distressing images. Details of where these areas are located can be found in the visual walkthrough. There will be signage at the event.
The exhibitions are designed to encourage visitors to consider the experiences of people during conflict. In our First World War Galleries, there is a short, optional section that takes visitors through a replica trench. The floor in this area is textured, with low lighting and sound effects. Visitors using mobility aids, with mobility impairments, sensory processing differences or with buggies may wish to take extra care in this area or take an alternative route that avoids this experience.
Facilities
· The café will be open for hot drinks and cold snacks.
· Accessible toilets and baby change facilities are available throughout the museum and are signposted.
· There are a small number of ear defenders and sensory backpacks containing items that may help your visit. They are available upon request on a first-come, first-serve basis and are free to use. Examples of what they may contain include:
Ear defenders
Sunflower lanyard.
2x fidget toys.
A simple map.
Magnifying glass.
Cuddly toy.
Pencils and grips.
Emotions fan.
Reading overlays.

Relaxed Opening - Blitz: the club that shaped the 80s @ Design Museum, London
2025-10-29 10:00 - 12:00 | Design Museum, London, Greater London, W8 6AG, United Kingdom
Wednesday 29 October 2025, 10:00 – 12:00
Open from September 2025.
Location: Level -1 (wheelchair entrance via Level -2)

Visit the exhibition webpage for further information about Blitz: the club that shaped the 80s
Book your tickets here

The Relaxed Opening allows you to visit our exhibitions with fewer people in the gallery, a more relaxed attitude towards noise and movement, and additional support.
Special adjustments will include:

Fewer tickets are available per time slot, so the galleries will be less busy than usual
A small Chill Room will be available on Level -1, near the gallery entrance and exit
A selection of tactile materials from the exhibition will be available to touch during the relaxed opening
You can download a Sensory Map and a Large Print Guide for each exhibition space from our Access Information webpage, and also on this page (please scroll down to find out more)
A print copy of the Sensory Maps and Large Print Guides will be available onsite during the Relaxed opening. Please ask a member of staff for assistance

Please note:

You must purchase a ticket to each exhibition
The museum’s cafés, shops, and other displays are also open to the public from 10:00am
A video description of the entrance journey to the museum will be added to this page soon
You can use the museum’s free Wi-Fi during your visit by setting up a free account
The recommended time to see the exhibitions is approximately one hour for each gallery space, but this really varies from visitor to visitor

How to book your ticket:

Pre-booking online is required as spaces are limited
Ticket sales are limited to 50% capacity, so we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment
Tickets are non-refundable. If you cannot make it to the event, please contact the team via the email bookings@designmuseum.org as soon as possible, and we will get in touch to exchange your ticket for another time.
After your booking, you will receive an automated email to confirm your purchase. And, 4 days before the event date, you will receive an email with further information to help you prepare for your visit
Suitable Age: 12 +. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible, ticket-holding adult

Scroll down for more information and booking links.

SEND Family Workshop: Sensory Storytelling @ British Library, London
2025-10-28 14:15 - 16:30 | British Library, London, NW1 2DB, United Kingdom
A child looking through a kaleidoscope in the Story Explorers Exhibition
This workshop is designed for families with children with special educational needs and/or complex needs.
There are two separate bookable sessions 2.15-3.15pm and 3.30-4.30pm
Enjoy our family-friendly exhibition, Story Explorers: A Journey Through Imaginary Worlds, and take part in a sensory storytelling workshop. Families will be able to explore the space and discover imaginary worlds through multi-sensory storytelling, song and music.
All visitors to this event will receive a visual story in advance to help prepare for the visit. All tickets need to be pre-booked for everyone in your group.
If you require any access support, please contact us on outreach@bl.uk.
Find out further useful information about facilities at the Library and how to find us.
British Library, London
Duration
14.15 – 15.15 and 15.30 – 16.30
Age
Parent or carer with children aged 2 – 11, but all ages are welcome
Price
Free, booking essential

Seacole Sessions Family Activity:Creepy Crawlies & Collections Conservation @ Museum of the Order of St John, London
2025-10-28 11:00 - 14:30 | Museum of the Order of St John, London, EC1M 4DA
Discover how insects and other things can affect the condition of our collection and make your own bug with storytelling by Olivia Armstrong.
Seacole Sessions are sensory friendly events for families. They are designed to support autistic and neurodiverse families and are suitable for people who would benefit from visiting the museum when it is less crowded and noisy. Spaces for these activities are limited and free tickets must be booked in advance. All those who sign up will be sent a visual story via email.
Important information:
•Our programme is recommended for 3-10 year olds but siblings and babies are very welcome.
•Children must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the activity.
•The workshop will take place in the Museum’s Learning Centre, beside the Priory Church, on the north side of St John’s Square. For an exact location, please use what3words:///pardon.thing.fuzzy.
•If you can no longer attend the activity, please let us know so that we can give another family the opportunity to participate.
•If anyone in your group has sensory needs please contact us (museum@sja.org.uk) and we will ensure that your table is located in a quieter environment, provide you with a visual story or talk through how else we can best assist you on the day.

Quieter Time @ Tower Bridge, London
2025-10-28 09:30 - 11:10, 2025-10-24 13:50 - 14:50, 2025-10-11 09:30 - 11:10 | Tower Bridge, SE1 2UP
Quieter Time
A calmer way to explore London’s defining landmark
We know that visiting a busy attraction can be challenging for people who experience the world differently. That’s why we offer Quieter Time: a specially-designated period, designed to create a more inclusive and comfortable environment for all.
About Quieter Time
Quieter Time is ideal for:
Neurodivergent individuals
People living with dementia
Blind or visually impaired visitors
Deaf or hearing-impaired visitors
Anyone seeking a more tranquil experience
Families, friends, and carers accompanying any of the above
What to expect:
To help make your visit as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we:
Limit the number of visitors inside the Bridge
Turn off loud hand dryers and provide disposable hand towels
Reduce the volume of soundscapes and video
Run regular disability and access awareness training for our staff
Provide a visual story to help you plan ahead
Offer Access Toolkits with sensory items for those who may feel overwhelmed
Please note there are approx. 200 stairs up the North Tower (there is Lift access available if required).
Whether you’re visiting with others or on your own, Quieter Time helps you explore inside Tower Bridge in a way that suits you best.
On the second Saturday of every month, we are more relaxed with even further reduced capacity from 09:30 to 11:00. Previously called Relaxed Openings.
Booking information
Upcoming dates
Saturday 13 September, 9:30-11:10. The attraction will open to the general public at 11:30 but you are welcome to stay for as long as you like.
Saturday 11 October, 9:30-11:10. The attraction will open to the general public at 11:30 but you are welcome to stay for as long as you like.
Friday 24 October, 13:50-14:50. The attraction will open to the general public at 15:10 but you are welcome to stay for as long as you like.
Tuesday 28 October, 9:30 -11:10. The attraction will open to the general public at 11:30 but you are welcome to stay for as long as you like.
Price: Standard entry charge
Guarantee your entry to Tower Bridge by booking your tickets online.
Book now
Important information
If you have access needs, please plan your route in advance.
Getting here
If you have further questions, please contact us:
+44 (0)20 7407 9191
bookings@towerbridge.org.uk
For more detail about your visit, view our Visual Story in advance:
View the Visual Story

Relaxed Visits @ Newton Abbot Museum, Devon
2025-10-27 13:00 - 15:00 | Newton Abbot Museum, Newton Abbot, TQ12 1JQ, United Kingdom
Upcoming Relaxed visits
Newton Abbot Museum welcomes anyone who might benefit from visiting the Museum at a quieter time.
Upcoming Sessions:
Monday 11th August, 1pm-3pm
Monday 27th October, 1pm-3pm
Monday 16th February, 1pm-3pm
In the meantime you can contact the museum to find out when the quieter times in the museum are.

View of Newton Abbot Museum from the Welcome Desk

Explore our galleries in a calm and relaxed environment where we will ensure our sound levels are reduced. There will be a quiet space available away from the galleries, and you are welcome to borrow our new sensory bags and ear-defenders.
These sessions are great for visitors with Autistic Spectrum Disorder or other communication and sensory needs and their families / carers but are suitable for all.

‘Chill Out’ Room

To help you prepare for your visit we have made a visual story which you can see if you click here. For other access information please visit our Museum Access page.
If you have any questions about the Museum’s relaxed visits or require any further information, please email museum@newtonabbot-tc.gov.uk or phone 01626 201121

Relaxed Mondays @ The Cartoon Museum, London
2025-10-27 11:00 - 17:30 | Cartoon Museum, London, W1A 3AE
Relaxed Mondays: Events this year: February 17th. April 7th. May 26th. July 28th. August 4th. August 25th. October 27.

Overview
Our free Relaxed Monday events have been specifically designed for children and young people with autism spectrum conditions or sensory processing differences.
Events this year: February 17th. April 7th. May 26th. July 28th. August 4th. August 25th. October 27.Events are free, but advance booking is essential. One ticket per person, and one member of the group needs to be aged 5-25 with autism spectrum conditions or sensory processing differences. Drop-in workshops are most suitable for ages 8-14. Drinks and snacks will be available. Join us for a free morning or afternoon event specifically designed for children and young people with autism spectrum conditions or sensory processing differences. The event offers children and young people the opportunity to visit the museum without the distraction of other visitors, accompanied by their families, carers or friends. Throughout each session there will be drop-in cartoon workshops with our cartoonist Steve Marchant, as well as a self-led trail of the museum – or you can just use the time to explore the museum at your own pace. We cannot be responsible for any attendees. However, if there are any access requirements you would like us to know about or discuss, as well as any questions you may have, please email learning@cartoonmuseum.org and our Learning and Outreach Officer, Steve, will be happy to talk through everything. If you have booked tickets, we will email you our accessibility information ahead of the visit, including: Visual Story of the day, exhibition videos along with accessible descriptions, sensory descriptions of the museum, and the best accessible routes to get to the museum using public transport.

Location

Noises Off Morning @ Army Flying Museum, Hampshire
2025-10-27 09:00 - 12:30 | Army Flying Museum, Stockbridge, SO20 8FB, United Kingdom
Noises Off Morning

9am to 12.30pm on the last Monday of the month

Book Now

Our ‘Noises Off’ mornings run on the last Monday of the month between 9am and 12.30pm, however, please check the sessions by clicking on the button below because we occasionally have to cancel/move a session.
On these mornings sound effects in the Museum will be turned off, or down, so that visitors that may have sensory processing issues can explore in a quieter environment. Our booking system will also ensure that the Museum isn’t crowded on these mornings. We would advise visitors who wish to experience our normal sound effects and Helicopters in Action show to avoid visiting on these mornings, which will be marked on our booking system.
You can find information about what to expect when visiting the Museum and read our Accessibility statement HERE.

Quiet Afternoon @ Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh
2025-10-26 15:00 - 18:00 | Dynamic Earth, Holyrood Road, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 8AS, United Kingdom
Join us for a Quiet Afternoon on Sunday 26th October 2025, from 3pm – 6pm.
During our Quiet Afternoons, you will find reduced visitor numbers and a designated a quiet space for all to use. Additionally, all videos in our galleries will be captioned and the 5pm Planetarium show includes BSL interpretation.
Accessibility is essential to what we do at Dynamic Earth to allow everyone to discover understanding and empathy for the Earth. In addition to reduced capacity, our standard accessibility features include additional resources such as sensory bags, social stories, and sensory maps. Our staff undergo disability and neurodiversity awareness training, and we offer a wide range of sensory aids.
Further information on visitor accessibility can be found here. If there are any other adjustments we can make to facilitate your visit please get in touch with us at enquiries@dynamicearth.org.uk

Relaxed Opening: '1880 THAT' @ Wellcome Collection, London
2025-10-26 10:00 - 12:00 | Wellcome Collection, London, NW1 2BE
What you’ll do
Join us for a relaxed opening of the exhibition ‘1880 THAT’. Relaxed openings provide a calm, friendly atmosphere with additional support and facilities.
You will find:

extra staff available to help you
fewer people in the exhibition
sensory-support equipment (including ear defenders, tinted glasses and visors, stim toys and weighted lap pads)
comfortable cushions and mats if you need to sit or lie down in the exhibition
a chill-out space.

For a break from the exhibition and gallery spaces, take advantage of our chill-out space. The chill-out room has low lighting, comfortable seating, cushions, mats and space to move around and be yourself.

Dates

15 June 2025 – 26 October 2025

Events
Sunday 15 June 2025

10:00 – 12:00

Relaxed opening

Relaxed Opening of 1880 THAT
Gallery 2
Join us for a calm and friendly opening of the ‘1880 THAT’ exhibition, with additional support and facilities.

Check for tickets
Tickets via Eventbrite

Sunday 7 September 2025

10:00 – 12:00

Relaxed opening

Relaxed Opening of 1880 THAT
Gallery 2
Join us for a calm and friendly opening of the ‘1880 THAT’ exhibition, with additional support and facilities.
Booking opens Thursday 7 August 2025 14:00

Sunday 26 October 2025

10:00 – 12:00

Relaxed opening

Relaxed Opening of 1880 THAT
Gallery 2
Join us for a calm and friendly opening of the ‘1880 THAT’ exhibition, with additional support and facilities.
Booking opens Thursday 25 September 2025 14:00

Relaxed Opening @ History of Science Museum, Oxford
2025-10-25 10:45 - 11:45 | History of Science Museum – University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3AZ, United Kingdom
Relaxed Opening
Saturday 25 October | 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?

Space: Could Life Exist Beyond Earth? Relaxed Exhibition Viewing @ Natural History Museum, London
2025-10-25 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-10-15 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-10-04 10:00 - 12:00 | Natural History Museum, London, SW7 5BD, United Kingdom
Space: Could Life Exist Beyond Earth? Relaxed Exhibition Viewing
Experience our out-of-this-world exhibition away from busy daytime crowds at one of our relaxed exhibition viewings, designed specifically for disabled and neurodiverse visitors.
Book your tickets
4 June 2025 – 7 February 2026, first Saturday and first Wednesday of each month
Adult: £7–£16.50, Child: £3.50–£8.25, Disabled person’s companion: Free, Member: Free
Waterhouse Gallery
Exhibitions
Relaxed visit
Audio-described
Our newest exhibition transports you to distant worlds as you explore space in the search for life.
Travel from Earth’s extreme environments to asteroids, go back in time on Mars, dive beneath the surface of icy moons and venture beyond our solar system. Explore the latest science and get up close to the technology that’s bringing us nearer to discovering if anything is out there. Smell planets, touch parts of our solar system, design your own space mission and see what scientists believe could exist in our out-of-this-world exhibition.

The Big Draw: Relaxed Family Morning @ Wallace Collection, London
2025-10-25 09:00 - 11:00 | The Wallace Collection, Manchester Square, London, London, E1 3AQ, United Kingdom
The Big Draw: Relaxed Family Morning
Event details
Date Saturday 25 October 2025
Time 09.00 – 11.00 BST
Location At the museum (Learning Studio and Exhibition Galleries)
Speakers Paul Rubinstein and Miranda Lopatkin
Join us for a relaxed morning visit tailored for neurodivergent children and their families.
Experience sensory storytelling in our current exhibition Grayson Perry: Delusions of Grandeur. Take part in a creative workshop in the Studio, exploring ideas of collecting and home. The activities will be suitable for all skill levels and abilities, as part of our celebration of The Big Draw.
Take this opportunity to explore our exhibition at a quieter time. Please note that the exhibition and rest of the museum will open to the public from 10.00.
All tickets need to be pre-booked by contacting Amy via schools@wallacecollection.org. All visitors to this early opening will receive a visual story in advance to provide an idea of what to expect during the visit.

Early Birds @ Science Museum, London
2025-10-25 08:00 - 11:00 | Science Museum, SW7 2DD
Early Birds is a sensory friendly event for families with members who need a quieter environment to enjoy the museum.
Next Early Birds: Saturday 25 October 2025
Early Birds visitors will also have an opportunity to book tickets to lower capacity sessions in Wonderlab at a reduced rate.
Future dates
Saturday 25 October 2025 8.00–11.00
Sunday 14 December 2025 8.00–11.00
Saturday 24 January 2026 8.00–11.00
Sign up to our Accessible newsletter to be the first to hear when new dates are announced and tickets are available.
More about Early Birds
This event is suitable for those who benefit from visiting the museum free from the hustle and bustle of the general public (for example, individuals with autism spectrum conditions or sensory processing differences).
Taking place on selected Saturdays and Sundays across the year, we open the museum exclusively before or after hours, and wherever possible will have adjusted operations and/or lowered volume levels on exhibits.
As well as exploring some of the galleries, you can enjoy a selection of fun workshops in a gallery space. There will also be quiet areas for those needing to take a break. More details on exactly what to expect on the day will be sent out in advance of each Early Birds event.
The Early Birds accessible events are completely free and suitable for families with children aged 4–15. Siblings are welcome to attend, but all children and adults attending the event will need to book.

Relaxed Opening – Pilot Session @ Sir John Soane's Museum, London
2025-10-19 09:00 - 10:00 | Sir John Soane’s Museum, London, WC2A 3BP
We welcome you to come and explore the museum at our relaxed morning. This special event is for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and or Neurodivergence and their families.
This is a self-guided session but there will be sensory activities, symbol trails and fidget toys you can borrow if you like and our friendly staff will be available to help.
This is the first time we have offered a relaxed opening and we’d love your feedback on the day as we plan to have more accessible activities.
What to expect
Fewer visitors than usual (maximum 25, instead of 80), so the Museum will be quieter than usual, with minimal queuing outside
Lighting will be adjusted for a calm experience
Noise will be adjusted where possible, with hand driers in the toilets switched off and hand towels available instead
A selection of tactile materials related to the Museum will be available to touch
A chill out space will be available – just ask one of our friendly staff
Visual story and a SEND family trail will be made available shortly
Visiting & access information
We are in a Grade I listed, 19th-century building, so access to the Museum isn’t always straightforward. When planning your visit, it might be useful to know the following:
Please get in touch before your visit and we’ll do everything we can to make sure you have a positive experience. Rhiannon, our Public Programmes & Young People Manager, will be in touch with everyone who books in advance of the session to learn about their access needs
Due to the historic nature of the space, we are only able to accommodate one wheelchair user per Relaxed Opening slot
Everything in the Museum is on open display, and we ask visitors not to touch anything
There is historic furniture throughout the Museum – please don’t sit on the chairs. Please ask our friendly staff if you need to sit down
The Museum has some uneven flooring, with grilles in some places, through which you can see the floor below
The walls are covered with objects, some of which are extremely fragile
Some areas are dark and narrow
Please note that the Museum will open to the public at 10am, when we will remove the sensory baskets. Please feel free to continue your visit, being aware that the Museum can get very busy and some spaces can feel a bit cramped
Tickets are free, with limited spaces available, and pre-booking is required. We are very sorry we will not be able to welcome anyone who has not pre-booked a ticket
For more information on accessibility, please visit our dedicated access page: https://www.soane.org/visit/accessibility
As there are a limited number of spaces available for this event, please email Rhiannon Litterick (rlitterick@soane.org.uk) to register your interest or join our waitlist for tickets. You will receive an email from Rhiannon with further information.

Autism Friendly Opening @ Pitt Rivers Museum, Oxford
2025-10-18 09:00 - 10:00 | Oxford University Museum of Natural History, Oxford, OX1 3PW
Saturday 18 October, 9.00 – 10.00
A relaxed morning opening to explore the Museum collections in a quiet environment for families with members on the Autism spectrum. More information, including a visual guide, will be emailed to attendees a week prior to the event to help you to prepare for your visit. Please note that although this is a relaxed opening there may still be noises in the Museum so please bring along ear protectors if required. This is a joint event with the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.
Booking is essential. Please contact education@oum.ox.ac.uk to book your place.

Relaxed Mini Marvels @ Estorick Collection, London
2025-10-15 10:00 - 11:00 | Estorick Collection, London, N1 2AN, United Kingdom
Relaxed Mini Marvels: A Sensory-Friendly Museum Adventure!
Introducing Relaxed Mini Marvels, our new monthly workshop series designed for neurodivergent children and their families, plus families with learning differences. Explore the museum at your own pace in a calm, open-ended environment with tailored sensory activities and hands-on creative stations.
The families’ area, located in the temporary exhibition galleries, includes a wealth of sensory and creative resources that will captivate and delight children under 5.
Free for children accompanied by a paying adult. Advanced booking is required.

Dawnosaurs @ Natural History Museum, London
2025-10-11 08:00 - 10:00 | Natural History Museum, London, SW7 5BD, United Kingdom
Dawnosaurs: Relaxed Morning Visit

Event information

Neurodivergent children and their families have the opportunity to explore the museum before anyone else and enjoy activities around different themes.
19 February, 10 May, 23 July, 11 October, 6 December
08.00-10.00
Free, booking required
Tickets for February and May will go on sale in early January

Dawnosaurs is a free event for neurodivergent children (including autism ADHD, Tourette’s, OCD and other sensory processing difficulties).
Enjoy the Museum, free from the hustle and bustle of the general public. Visitors have access to a wide range of galleries and activities, supported by and led by experienced, neurodivergent-aware facilitators.
This event is best for children aged five to 15, and siblings are welcome.
Tickets
It’s essential that all visitors book a free ticket online in advance. Tickets are released for each event a few months in advance.
Please read the essential information before booking.

Dawnosaurs Visual Story (PDF 3.40MB)

Essential information

FAQs

Can’t make it to the Museum?

If you can’t make it to the Museum but still want to join in on the Dawnosaurs fun, take part in our free online activities from home at a time that suits you.

Discover Dawnosaurs online

2025 event dates
Wednesday 19 February (on sale soon)
Saturday 10 May (on sale soon)
Wednesday 23 July
Saturday 11 October
Saturday 6 December

Rise and Roar - Quiet Session in the Magic Garden @ Hampton Court, Surrey
2025-10-05 09:30 - 11:00 | Hampton Court Palace, Surrey, KT8 9AU, United Kingdom
Quiet sessions in The Magic Garden

Skip the event ticket details and go to event summary.

When
Selected dates from April – October 2025 09:30 – 11:00

Where
Magic Garden

Ticketing information

Included in palace admission (Members go free)
Buy Rise and Roar tickets Member tickets

Events
Families

Start of the events summaryJoin us for quiet sessions in The Magic Garden at Hampton Court Palace, aimed at Neurodivergent and Learning-Disabled children, and their families and friends.
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.
Dates in 2025

Sunday 01 June
Sunday 06 July
Sunday 03 August
Sunday 07 September
Sunday 05 October

Visit information
Each group member, including our valued Members and those aged under three years, must have a palace entry ticket.
Up to three infant tickets per booking are permitted (up to two infants for joint and individual members).
No more than one companion/carer permitted per group and one booking per person/membership. For family 1A and Family 2A (or Group) the number of tickets issued will be for those named on the membership account only. Membership card must be shown upon arrival.
Adult child ratio of 1:5.

About The Magic Garden
The Magic Garden is a unique, interactive play garden, inspired by the history and stories of Hampton Court Palace.
Learn more

Access Friendly Day @ Story Museum, Oxford
2025-10-04 10:00 - 16:30 | Story Museum, Oxford, United Kingdom
Access-friendly Day
Suitable for allSmiling child wearing ear defenders
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.

Bright and Early Relaxed Opening @ Horniman Museum, London
2025-10-04 09:00 - 11:00 | Horniman Museum, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ
Bright and Early Relaxed Opening
Back to What’s On
Free, booking needed
A special early viewing for neurodivergent families or families who need a quieter environment when visiting the Museum.
A last chance to see The Robot Zoo exhibition during this accessible, relaxed event.
You will also have a chance to explore some of our other galleries.
The main doors open at 9am. In case you arrive a little early, our Gardens are open from 7.15am.
More detailed information will be in the Social Story, coming soon.
If you have any questions, please contact communitylearning@horniman.ac.uk
About The Robot Zoo
This family-friendly exhibition features larger-than-life animals that have been innovatively recreated using a variety of familiar machine parts and gadgets to reveal how their real life counterparts see, eat, hunt and hide.
Interactive exhibits also give you the chance to try jet-propelled squid racing and shoot a chameleon’s ‘tongue-gun’.
Other galleries
The World Gallery and the Music Gallery, as well as the Aquarium, will be open for this Bright and Early session. Please note the Natural History Gallery is currently closed for redevelopment and won’t be reopening until late 2026. There is a pop-up nature space in our Studio, which is opposite the Robot Zoo exhibition.
Booking
If you would like to book please email communitylearning@horniman.ac.uk or call 020 8291 8690.
Tickets are free, but we welcome donations once – we hope – you’ve had a lovely time.
Please note, companions of disabled visitors, Under 3s, Members and Benefactors always go free.
Information for parents and carers in advance
Welcome to the Horniman. Here is some more information about our Twilight relaxed opening.
What time is the event?
The event will run from 9am-11am. The Museum will open to the general public at 10am but Robot Zoo and the Aquarium will remain exclusively reserved for Relaxed Opening families until 11am.
Please note that the Aquarium will open exclusively for the Relaxed Opening at 10am.
The Café will also be open from 9am.
Interactives in some of the main galleries will be turned off or down until 11am. Hand dryers in all of the toilets inside the Museum will also be turned off until 11am and paper towels will be available instead.
Which spaces will be open?
This is a special opening for The Robot Zoo exhibition located on the Lower Ground Floor. We will also be opening some of our main galleries, details of which to be confirmed shortly.
The Gardens are open from 7.15am daily and are a nice place to relax in good weather. There is also a toilet block in the garden which is open until the Gardens close at 8.30pm.
The Museum and Café are open to everyone during the day until 5pm.
A Chill Out space in our Education Centre will be open during the event. Although there is no eating or drinking allowed in the Galleries you can eat and drink in the Chill Out space.
How do I get there?
Please take a look for directions on our website. There are also some handy videos online that give more details about arriving on site and finding your way around.
If there is anything else we can help you with in advance, please get in touch at communitylearning@horniman.ac.uk or on 020 8291 8690 – we are very happy to help.
Please note, we often get deliveries in the morning, so you might notice big vehicles on the Horniman site when you arrive.
Feedback
It would be great to get your feedback. Please talk to a member of staff or fill in the e-mail survey which we will send you shortly after the event.
