Neurodivergent & Autism-Friendly Days Out in London for Kids and Teens

London’s brilliant—but if your child is autistic or has sensory differences, it can be a bit of a chaotic minefield. But here at KidRated, we believe every family deserves great days out, and we’re here to help make the planning easier.

So, we’ve rounded up the best autism and SEND-friendly attractions in the capital – places that understand and welcome neurodivergent kids, teens and families. Expect early entry, chill-out zones, supportive staff and thoughtful touches.

You’ll also find helpful tips and useful links toward the bottom of the page to help those who need accessibility guidance too. Enjoy!

RAF Museum – Hendon

This is an award-winning museum for autism access. Families can borrow free sensory backpacks (complete with squishy planes and smell pots), follow special aircraft trails, and use quiet rooms if things get too much. Staff are trained and genuinely lovely.

Little Angel Theatre – Islington

Perfect for puppet-loving kids who prefer a calm space. Their relaxed performances feature low lighting, gentle sound, and no pressure to join in. A downloadable visual guide helps prep your visit.

Kew Gardens – Quiet Sessions in the Children’s Garden

Held on special Sundays at Kew, these free sessions offer a quieter, more sensory-friendly experience in the nature-themed Children’s Garden. Ideal for kids aged 2–12. Pre-booking required.

London Transport Museum – Covent Garden

On select days, the museum opens early or after-hours for SEND families. Sounds are switched off, staff are trained, sensory bags are available, and there’s even a bespoke stimming board. Under-18s go free; carers go free too.

The Charterhouse Museum – Islington

A peaceful, historic space with sensory packs, downloadable visual stories and quiet vibes. Great for budding historians who prefer things slow and steady.

Discover Children’s Story Centre – Stratford

A magical storytelling hub that’s SEN-friendly every day. They also run sensory-adapted sessions, BSL events, and have downloadable social stories to help kids prep.

Dawnosaurs – Natural History Museum – South Kensington

Explore the museum before it opens to the public. Free, relaxed morning access with activities, live animals, sensory rooms and autism-aware staff. Perfect for ages 5–15 (and their siblings!).

Flute Theatre – Touring London

Interactive Shakespeare designed for autistic kids. They can join in—or not! There’s no pressure, just a warm, gentle space to enjoy the experience however works best.

The Golden Hinde – Southwark

Climb aboard a real galleon on the last Sunday of each month. Lighting’s lowered, noise is off, and quiet breakout areas with cushions and books make it a stress-free voyage.

National Maritime Museum – Greenwich (SENsory Sailors)

The museum has monthly sessions that encourage creativity, exploration, and calm connection with the exhibits. Flexible, friendly and totally free.

The Postal Museum – Clerkenwell (Post Early Events)

Designed with Ambitious about Autism, these £3.50 events offer Mail Rail rides, sensory play spaces, crafts, and low lighting/sound. You can even borrow sensory kits. Carers go free.

Tower Bridge – Relaxed Openings

Explore this iconic bridge before opening hours with fewer people, sensory toolkits, paper towels instead of hand dryers, and visual stories to prep your child ahead of time.

SEA LIFE London – South Bank

See over 6,000 creatures in a chilled-out setting at SEA LIFE. On special mornings, music is off, lights are dimmed and TVs are turned right down. Penguins and turtles without the sensory stress.

St Paul’s Cathedral – Sensory Sound Tour

A gentle, immersive experience designed for neurodivergent kids. Explore the soundscape of the cathedral in a safe, welcoming space. No pressure, just peaceful curiosity.

Theme Parks – Merlin Annual Passes & Access Tips

Merlin Passes are great value if you go regularly – make sure you visit our dedicated page. You get a free carer pass, access passes to skip queues, and 20% off food and drinks. Top picks: Chessington and LEGOLAND.

Cinemas – Relaxed Screenings (Odeon, Vue, Cineworld, Showcase)

Most big cinema chains offer relaxed screenings with low sound, lights up, and no trailers. You’re free to move, stim, snack loudly or just enjoy the show your way. Check Dimensions UK for what’s on near you.

Go Live Theatre Projects – West End Shows

Go Live Theatre helps families experience the magic of live theatre—no matter their background or needs. They offer low-cost tickets and tailored support for SEND children, making world-class shows accessible, inclusive and unforgettable. It’s all about removing barriers and creating lasting memories for kids and teens across London.

Autism-Friendly & Accessible Days Out – What to Look For

If your child finds crowds, loud noises or unpredictable settings overwhelming, look out for phrases like:

• Relaxed sessions
• Quiet hour
• Autism-friendly screening
• Access mornings

• Lower lighting and reduced sound
• No trailers (for cinemas)
• Fewer visitors
• Shorter queues or queue-free entry
• Spaces where your child can move freely or stim comfortably
• Permission to bring your own snacks or comfort toys

Venues offering these typically provide:

Museums, play parks, galleries and even libraries now often advertise specific sessions like these—check websites or call ahead to find out what’s on.

And don’t forget to search local listings, charities, or sites like AccessAble and Euan’s Guide for detailed access reviews from other families.

Check Accessibility in Advance

• Step-free access
• Wheelchair-friendly routes
• Accessible toilets
• Free carer tickets
• Websites that help:
• AccessAble
• Euan’s Guide
• Motability’s Guide to Accessible Days Out

Help Other Families – Leave a Review!

If you’ve been to one of these amazing places, we’d love you and your child or teen to leave a review on our KidRated attraction pages.

Your experience might be exactly what another parent needs to feel confident about booking. The review could include:

• What worked well (or didn’t)?
• Did the staff seem understanding?
• Were the quiet spaces actually quiet?
• Did your child give it a 9/10 or a “never again”?

Useful Websites 

• The National Autistic Society is a great website providing tons of advice, information and support for people with autism and aspergers. They also provide information about autism-friendly events.
• Ambitious about Autism are the national charity for children and young people with autism. They provide services, raise awareness and campaign for change and opportunity. They aim to make the ordinary possible for people with autism. The website also provides a forum where people can share their experiences and offer advice to each other as well as providing details about events.
• The Autism Directory is literally what is says on the tin. It is a directory of support that is out there for families with autism. The directory covers entries from all over the UK and is starting to attract entries from all over the world. They provide information about loads of things, from autism friendly hairdressers, to treatments and therapies available.
• Disabled Go is the leading website for access information and they provide access information for thousands of venues across the UK and the Republic of Ireland. They help to make planning day to day life that much easier.
• Genetic Disorders UK is a registered charity with a vision to improve the lives of individuals and families affected by genetic disorders.
• Special Needs Kids’ Disabled Sports page is a great directory of websites about special needs sports throughout the UK from wheelchair basketball to sailing and horse riding. 
• Motability’s Guide to Accessible Days Out highlights inclusive UK attractions with step-free access, quiet zones, and facilities for wheelchair users and disabled visitors.
• The Accessible Guide is a great guide for planning a family day out for  those who have disabilities. With over 100 family-friendly attractions, there’s bound to be something that fits your needs.
• Euan’s Guide features reviews for disabled people about places with disabled access. It includes reviews of attractions, but also places that are visited as part of everyday life, for example train stations, or post offices.
• Share Community is a charity helping disabled adults gain independence through training, wellbeing programmes, and inclusive activities in London and the surrounding areas.