Families: ideas for days out

Being able to go out and about and enjoy the activities that all families enjoy is important for children with autism. It is also important for their brothers and sisters. 

The following attractions have been recommended to us, and many offer concessions to visitors with special needs. If there are any attractions you particularly like and would recommend to others, please email webeditor@nas.org.uk 

Alton Towers offers special discount rates for people with disabilities and up to two helpers. If you book your tickets in advance they allow for priority access to the park, which means you can queue jump on arrival but can't queue jump for individual rides.

Bekonscot Model Village in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, is recommended by the family of a person with autism, who suggest getting there when the village opens. The attraction features six miniature villages and, for train lovers, a light railway for visitors to ride on and a model railway. The model railway usually has seven to ten trains running on it.

Bournstream is an adventure playground for children with special needs or disabilities. It is completely enclosed and is situated near Wotton-under-Edge in the Cotswolds.

Bowood House in Calne, Wiltshire, is recommended by the NAS's branch in Avon. There is an adventure playground featuring a full-size pirates' galleon and, for younger visitors, the Soft Play Palace. Registered disabled visitors and a carer receive half-price admission to the house and grounds. Bowood House is open between April and October.

Brimham Rocks, near Harrogate in North Yorkshire, are cared for by the National Trust. The area features dramatic rock formations and families are invited to go 'scrambling' on the rocks and enjoy the spectacular views. The property is open year-round but may get busy in July and August.

Butlins (Minehead)

"We received a letter from [Butlins] allowing our son to enter the disabled queue and get in minutes before the main crowd. And if you can prove disability (doctor's note/DLA info/blue badge) you can get a parking space on site to help with movement of luggage - they have been great to us for a number of years and it's great for our other two kids." Mother of a boy with autism

Chessington World of Adventures, part of the Tussauds group which also includes Madame Tussauds, Alton Towers and Warwick Castle, is recommended as a fun day out for families.

"Chessington allows you to go on rides ahead of the queues if you have a wristband - we had to produce our DLA award notices [to obtain wristbands]. They have also introduced free, annual passes for carers if you buy a pass for a disabled person. These can be used at all Tussauds attractions. We had a great day out at Chessington." Mother of a ten-year-old with ASD and nine-year-old with ADHD

Cinema exhibitors' cards cost £5 and last for three years. The card is for people with a disability, who can use it to obtain one free cinema ticket for the person accompanying them. 

Craggy Island indoor climbing centre in Guildford, Surrey is recommended by the parent of a child with autism:

"We booked an instructor for one-and-a-half hours and had a really great time. They had no problem with one of the party having an ASD and appeared to be used to having climbers with additional needs."

Disneyland Paris and the other Disney theme parks are normally happy to allow guests with special needs to use special entrances to the rides which often means they do not have to queue.

"Disneyland was cool. Because my sister got a special pass we got to queue jump on lots of the rides. Unfortunately we couldn't convince her to go on any of the really scary rides so we had to wait for those!" Brother of a six-year-old with autism

"We were very impressed with the way the resort helped us enjoy our visit. Our 12-year-old son has Asperger syndrome and when we produced a letter from our GP highlighting this and the difficulty we would have in standing in lengthy queues for rides/character greetings, we were given an Easy Access Pass. This does not guarantee priority at the queues; however, our experience was that we had very short waits (three to ten minutes at most). This really added to our enjoyment. The pass also allows other people in your party to accompany the passholder, so a family group can all stay together." Nicholas Crawford, father of a young person with Asperger syndrome

Drayton Manor Theme Park near Tamworh in Staffordshire features rides, a zoo and Thomas Land, where children can go on the Thomas the Tank Engine ride. A parent recommends Drayton Manor as, with proof of of disability their son with Asperger syndrome and friends did not have to wait in long queues.

Drusillas Park in Alfriston, East Sussex, has a Thomas & Friends visitor attraction, which takes children on a magical ride through landscaped gardens featuring the familiar faces and places in Sodor, Thomas the Tank Engine's home. The park also has a zoo and pet area, and Playland, which is packed with slides, swings, ropes and play equipment.

Edinburgh Zoo admits visitors with disabilities at a concessionary rate and one carer goes free. The zoo features hippos, penguins, monkeys, lions and much more and has several play areas, a maze, cafes and a free hilltop safari ride.

Hartlepool's Maritime Experience admits one carer without charge when accompanied by a child with special needs. Located on the north east coast, it is a superb re-creation of an 18th century naval seaport. A fascinating day out with lots of indoor and outdoor activities. See the costumed guides who can tell you all about life during the time of Nelson.

Legoland Windsor admits one carer without charge when accompanying a disabled child. Visitors should bring evidence of disability.

"You can either ask for your carer's pass at the customer service window to the right of the ticket office or better yet call ahead and it will be waiting for you! Also ask for their leaflet 'Guide for guests with disabilities'. The handicapped parking is very close to the entrance. I suggest being there by 9.30am so you are ready when the doors open at 10.00am and have about an hour before the crowds arrive. When it does get crowded go to the miniature village for an hour. The kids love it. The park is very brightly coloured and very visual. Now they have extended the season to include bonfire night and a special Christmas event. We bought off-peak season tickets and we go all year, except the summer holidays, and we all thoroughly enjoy it." Father of a four-year-old with high-functioning autism

Legoland Windsor also allow children with with ASDs to go on rides without queueing.

"... as Declan is unable to understand the concept of queuing, this was a Godsend and allowed him to enjoy the 'full experience' of a theme park. If you have a list of 'ASD-friendly' places to visit Legoland Windsor should go to the top of the list! When we visited, all four of us had a fantastic time.

"The exit pass scheme allowed Declan to really enjoy himself and he found himself going on rides that he would just not be able to stand and wait for. Every one of the staff was superb. They all made us feel very welcome and they all made a fuss of Declan (and his little brother). There was one girl (staffing the Extreme Challenge ride) who really did make a fuss of him. He was very nervous and crying, yet she took him by the hand, stood him next to the slope, showed him the ride, explained it to him and told him he would be the winner. He went on the ride and loved it! She really made his day!" Robert Gibbs, parent of a boy with an ASD

Another recommendation on the caring attitude of staff at Legoland:

"In April 2006 I took four boys (my two and two nephews) to Windsor Legoland. My six-year-old is autistic: ability level four years old, size of a nine-year-old.
 
"Our day - his and mine - was made by a young lady seeing he was distressed at the 'learn to drive' ride. He had seen the safety video with his seven-year-old cousin, though of course not really taken it in, then had a real 'I want to' paddy when I tried to explain he could not ride. The member of staff came over, asked what was wrong and said, 'No problem, someone can drive on the back with him'. We were all made up. And I didn't forget to go to customer services and fill in an excellent worker award!" Christine Hatton, mother of Ian (and Mark, aged three)

"I just wanted to praise Legoland. We have had our best day out ever. Jacob (six) who is autistic was made to feel welcome, he could participate with his brother on all the rides and attractions which was very important to us. The staff were excellent with him, especially in the driving school when he was hugging the young girl helping him! The big, bright lego shapes and colours were ideal for keeping Jacob's attention. The exit pass scheme was fantastic and well-managed. Thank you, Legoland." Darren Walsh, father of Jacob, aged six, who has autism

The London Eye offers a special discounted rate to disabled guests booking through the disabled booking line. An accompanying carer will receive a free ticket for the same 'flight'. Discounted rates vary for adults, children and the under-fives, so be sure to state the age of the person applying for the special rate. Tel: 0870 990 8885 or book online.

"We visited the London Eye - it was amazing. As parents of an autistic child, we are full of praise for the way staff go out of their way to help disabled visitors. Our son is non-verbal and cannot tolerate long queues. However, when we explained the situation to staff, they quickly and efficiently led us to the head of the queue. This meant that we were all able to relax and thoroughly enjoy ourselves." Mother of a child with autism

Middleton Railway, near Leeds, is the oldest working railway in the world. Visitors can ride on steam- and diesel-hauled trains and take part in various special events throughout the year. The railway welcomes visitors with disabilities, who are charged the normal ticket price but an accompanying carer goes free.

Mr Clown's Fun Zone in Hadfield, near Manchester, opens exlusively for children with special needs every Tuesday morning (10am-noon), and in the evenings of the first and third Tuesday of every month (5.30pm-7.30pm). It has a soft play centre with large slides, tunnels and sensory rooms. Recommended by a parent who took her family there.

Thorpe Park has a special guide for visitors with disabilities. Discounted tickets are available for people with documentary proof of disability and up to two helpers. Visitors who are unable to use normal queue lines may be able to receive preferential ride access, as may a helper who is boarding the ride with them.

The Tower of London welcomes all visitors and has produced a short guide for children with autism and Asperger syndrome, their parents and families. The guide will tell you about the Tower's most popular sites, what you can expect to see, and how you can best plan your visit. Carers accompanying a person with a disability are admitted for free.

The Transport Museum in Covent Garden, London, has a resource pack for visitors with learning disabilities and British Sign Language interpreted tours. Staff are trained in disability awareness and some staff are also trained in Makaton.

Wingham Bird Park, near Sandwich in Kent, is enjoyed by the NAS Dover and Deal Branch. As well as the birds, there are other animals to see and the park organises hands-on days where children can hold some of the animals. There is also a play area with trampolines. Tel: 01227 720836 for more information.

Useful websites

For more general information on events and attractions, you may like to visit the official UK tourist office website, Visit Britain, or the national tourist boards for England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland. The four national sites also contain contact details for local tourist information centres. 

London has its own official website with a section containing information for visitors with special needs.

Another website which allows you to search for events, entertainment and activities throughout the UK is Days Out UK.

Related resources

• Days out: planning your day
  
• Holidays: preparation and practicalities
  
• Holidays: autism-friendly venues
  

• National Key Scheme
• National Rail Enquiries
• Transport for London