SEND Attractions & Events Across the UK

SEND Events in the UK

The UK offers a wide range of attractions and events tailored for children and families with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

From interactive museums and sensory-friendly theatres to accessible theme parks and outdoor adventures, there are experiences designed to be inclusive, engaging, and enjoyable for all abilities.

Whether you’re planning a day out, a weekend trip, or a special event, these SEND-friendly options ensure everyone can join in the fun with confidence and comfort.

George’s SEND Explore Your Way Relaxed Day at The Roald Dahl Museum in Buckinghamshire

This March, visit The Roald Dahl Museum in Buckinghamshire on a special relaxed day, designed especially for visitors with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) and their friends and families. On this day, museum sounds will be turned down and visitor numbers reduced to create a calm, welcoming environment where everyone can enjoy the museum at their own pace. The museum provides SEND resources, including Explorer Kits and Quiet Space Kits, available to borrow free with Museum entry.

Autism Friendly Early Opening at Knebworth House in Hertfordshire

Take advantage of the Autism Friendly Early Opening at Knebworth House in Hertfordshire on Thursday 2nd April. The Gardens, Park, Adventure Playground and Dinosaur trail will be open from 8.30am so families with children and adults on the autistic spectrum, as well as those with learning disabilities or sensory and communication disorders, can enjoy a calmer and quieter environment. From 10.30am the attractions will be open to the general public as normal.

Sensory-Friendly Family Days at Science Oxford Centre in Oxfordshire

Suitable for ages three years and over, Science Oxford Centre’s Sensory-Friendly Family Days have been designed to better accommodate and support families who experience autism and/or other additional needs. A reduced number of tickets will be issued, loud exhibits signposted, hand-dryers switched off and lighting switched to a dimmer setting. Ear defenders will be available if requested. Saturdays 4th April and 4th July only. Sessions run 10am-12noon, 12.30-2.30pm and 3-5pm (woodland access is available all day).

Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum in West Midlands

An accessibility program for autistic people and those with similar disabilities, Morning Explorers at Thinktank in Birmingham usually runs on the second Saturday of each month. Visitors can expect some adaptions to the usual museum experience and an optional autism-friendly planetarium show.

On these mornings the museum opens at 9am so the museum can be explored at a quieter time. Most of the sound-making exhibits will be muted until 11am. Ear defenders and sensory maps will be available at the entrance.

Quiet Days at the National Roman Legion Museum in Newport

On Quiet Days, the National Roman Legion Museum in Caerleon, South Wales, takes away certain barriers, noise and bright lights. By removing features that can cause sensory overload, the Museum aims to create an environment that is calm, inclusive and safe for people to explore. In addition, sensory packs are available from the front desk.

Relaxed Sessions at Techniquest in Cardiff

Techniquest runs Relaxed Sessions once a month on the first Sunday, offering a calmer experience for visitors who book 10am or 11am General Admission tickets.

During these hours, the centre reduces noise and lighting where possible, limits visitor numbers, turns off PA announcements (except emergencies), and provides a chill-out area with beanbags, books and sensory toys, along with extra activities on the exhibition floors.

Everyone is welcome, and tickets remain valid all day, though normal operations gradually resume from 12 noon, including Star Tours in the Planetarium and Live Science Shows in the Science Theatre. Ear defenders can be borrowed and Sensory Bags hired from the front desk for additional support.

Calm at the Oceanarium in Dorset

The Oceanarium in Bournemouth has introduced Calm at the Oceanarium, a regular event designed for families with sensory needs. This event invites visitors to enjoy a magical underwater experience at a quieter period of the day. Lighting will be more relaxed, screens and music will be turned off and there will be no daily talks.

Calm at the Oceanarium usually takes place on the last Thursday of the month in term time only, from 3.45pm (end times vary depending on the season).

Eureka! National Children’s Museum in Yorkshire

Sunday 17 May 2026 — A quieter, low‑capacity day designed for disabled visitors & families. The supportive team at Eureka! are offering a flexible entry, chill out room away from the main museum, and ear defenders available at the Information desk.

Pre‑book via Eureka! tickets.

Quiet at the Aquarium – SEA LIFE Manchester

Visitors with autism and other sensory requirements can enjoy a quieter experience at SEA LIFE Manchester every Wednesday morning and on selected Sunday mornings during 2026. The centre is home to over 2,000 creatures, including black-tip reef sharks and green sea turtles. Quiet at the Aquarium is available every Wednesday morning from 10am until 12noon and on selected Sundays from 9.30am until 11am.

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More SEND Events...

Girls pointing to fish swimming in an aquarium.

Quiet at the Aquarium – SEA LIFE Manchester

Those with autism and other sensory requirements can enjoy a more comfortable visit to SEA LIFE Manchester every Wednesday morning and on selected Sundays.

Autism Friendly Tours at the Royal Mint Experience

Smaller group sizes and reduced sensory triggers on Autism Friendly Tours at the Royal Mint Experience in South Wales on the first Sunday of the month.

Quiet Days at the National Roman Legion Museum

On Sunday 8th March the National Roman Legion Museum in South Wales creates a calmer environment by taking away certain barriers, noise and bright lights.

Child on walkway at Knebworth House's adventure playground.

Autism Friendly Early Opening at Knebworth House

Explore the amazing family attractions at Knebworth House in Hertfordshire at a more relaxed pace on Thursday 2nd April with Autism Friendly Early Opening.

Morning Explorers at Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum

Visit Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum at 9am on the second Saturday of each month to enjoy the museum at a quieter time, before it opens at 10am.

Two children in blue light area at Eureka! the children's museum.

Relaxed SENDay at Eureka! National Children’s Museum

Visit The National Children's Museum for their relaxed SENDays on various dates, at both venues throughout 2026!

Quiet Hours at Winchester Science Centre

Available on certain dates from 9.30am to 11am, Quiet Hours at Winchester Science Centre offer a sensory-friendly time to families who need a calmer visit.

Relaxed Sessions at Techniquest Cardiff

Techniquest Cardiff runs Relaxed Sessions for a few hours on a Sunday morning once a month, usually on the first weekend. Everyone is welcome.

Calm at the Oceanarium

Explore the Oceanarium in Bournemouth with more relaxed lighting, music and screens off and no daily talks on selected Thursday afternoons, from 3.45pm.

Sensory-Friendly Family Days at Science Oxford Centre

Science Oxford Centre has designed Sensory-Friendly Family Days to better accommodate families who experience autism and/or have other additional needs.