We’ve listed events and places that are accessible, autism-friendly, sensory-friendly or audio-described. Also included are places you can visit any time in York that offer great accessibility or additional support for neurodivergent visitors.
You can also find details of various support groups, useful services and further information that you may find useful. You can use the links below to jump to the section you need. We update the school holidays section a few weeks before the start of each school break.
Note: We have included places that have informed us they are accessible or businesses and organisations providing specific services and events for people with additional requirements. If you have more information or places to visit that could help others, please email us here.
If you’d like to put up a copy of our poster within your business please download a copy HERE.
We’ve listed all the activities and events in York during the school holidays that you and your family can enjoy. Activities we’ve listed are often quieter versions of seasonal events or activities held specifically for families with additional needs and specifically designed for them. We recommend you check the full details of any events and activities listed with the individual provider if you have any further questions to ensure it is suitable for your family’s needs.
We will be adding to this section right up until the Christmas holidays, so do keep on checking back!
If you spot, or are running, an accessible activity in York this Christmas that could be listed here, please email [email protected].
🎅 City Cruises York Autism-Friendly Santa Experience: 15th December 2024, 11:00am,
We are working with York Inspirational Kids to host this special event. For more details and to book, please contact us at [email protected]. This event is pre-book only.
🎅 Murton Park Christmas Experience: Makaton Friendly
Murton Park has been awarded the Bronze Makaton Friendly Accreditation.
PLUS: SEN Quiet Day: If you’re looking for a quieter experience, we recommend booking tickets on the first day, 30th November.
🎅 Dobbies’ Garden Centre Santa’s Quiet Grotto: Friday 6th December 2024, from 2.30pm
These sessions for children with additional needs can only be pre-booked, with no queuing on the day and a reduced number of families attending in each slot. PLUS: All music is off / Twinkling lights are removed or switched off / You can choose to have your child’s gift wrapped or not / Prior to your visit, we’ll email a photo of your specific grotto to prepare children for what they will see on the day.
Find out more and book here. £12.99 per child.
🎅 Castle Howard Christmas 2024: relaxed performances and BSL Interpreted performances
Father Christmas in the Castle:
Relaxed Performance – Friday 6th December, 6.30pm
BSL Interpreted Performance – Saturday 7th December, 10.15am
Santa’s Grotto in the Boathouse
Relaxed Performance – Sunday 8th December 11.45pm
BSL Interpreted Performance – Saturday 14th December 13.10pm
More info and tickets here.
🎅 The Web Christmas SEND Event: Tuesday 17th December 2024
On the afternoon/evening of 17th December, The Web is running a more relaxed Christmas session, especially for children with SEND who may not enjoy the busier Christmas experience. The offering will be similar to our standard Christmas experience, only tweaked to be more enjoyable through small changes. Find out more details here.
🎅 Boston Park Farm SEN Christmas session: 21st December 3.30-5.30pm
Enjoy a magical trailer ride to see Santa in his Grotto, have an individual chat with him and receive a special gift. Plus visit our elves’ workshop. BOOK HERE.
Boston Park Farm, Bawtry Road, Hatfield Woodhouse, DN7 6DS
🎅 Shine21 Christmas fair with Makaton-friendly Santa’s grotto: Sunday 8th December 2024, 10am – 3pm
At Burnholme Sports Centre (YO31 0HA). £5 per child, gift included. Shine21 is a registered charity supporting parents/carers who have a child aged 0-5 with Down Syndrome in North Yorkshire.
🎅 Wacky Warehouse (Flying Legends) SEND Breakfast With Santa: Sunday 22nd December, 9-11am
Visit from Santa, Breakfast and drink plus a gift. £11.99 – Bookings are now open via FB message or in house. Payment to be taken before the event. We will also have a SEND Christmas-themed play session on Tuesday 17th December at 3.30pm.
🎅 ZEN’s Santa Sensory Extravaganza: various dates
Santa Sensory Sessions at our multi sensory centre, inclusive and accessible to all ages and abilities. Our most popular session of the year, complete with messy play, biscuit decorating, snowball fights, a visit from Santa, story time with Mrs Claus as well as a tailored sensory gift. Exclusive hire also available for Santa sessions, subject to availability. More details here.
ZEN Sensory Ltd, Skipton Road, Felliscliffe, Harrogate HG3 2LP
🎅 Blueberry Pop Up Shop – Santa’s Grotto: Sunday 8th December 2024, 10am – 3.30pm
This Santa’s Grotto supports the Blueberry Academy York (which provides specialist support for young people and adults with learning differences, autism, social, emotional and mental health needs and/or other disabilities with supported employment). For £5, each child can choose a gift bag which contains lovingly handmade festive items* created by our trainees and staff members (*Please note that these will be cute decorative gifts, not toys*). Prebooking essential via TicketSource here.
109 Walmgate, York
🎅 Santa at Brodsworth Hall (near Doncaster): BSL supported sessions
We will have British Sign Language (BSL) supported sessions on the following days for this event:
Saturday 7 December, 11am & 2pm AND Sunday 22 December, 11am & 2pm
For more details about this Santa experience in general, see our main listing here.
🎭 Aladdin at York Theatre Royal
Accessible Performances of this year’s Pantomime as follows:
Book Aladdin Tickets: Box office 01904 623568 or book online at yorktheatreroyal.co.uk. The theatre’s general accessibility information is here.
🎭 Beauty & The Beast at Grand Opera House
Accessible performances of this year’s pantomime as follows:
🎭 Mother Goose at Joseph Rowntree Theatre: Saturday 7th December 2024, 2pm – BSL/captioning
Another Rollicking Romp of a Panto From Rowntree Players. The matinee performance on Saturday 7 December will have a BSL interpreter and live captioning. More details here.
🎶 York St John University Christmas Carol Service (with BSL interpreter): 2 December 2024, 7.30 – 8.30pm
Come and celebrate with the staff and students of York St John University in the glorious surroundings of York Minster. There will be a performance from our musical theatre students, as well as the chance to listen to readings and sing traditional carols.
Free event, but tickets must be prebooked via Eventbrite, or call 01904 876318.
A British Sign Language interpreter will be in attendance for this event. If you need to access this service please contact [email protected] to arrange this.
🎶 YIKS Inclusive Carol Concert at York Minster: Saturday 14th December 2024, 1.30 – 2.30pm
Join us for our 2nd annual inclusive carol concert at York Minster. Come and listen to disable/autistic children and young people perform with a variety of organisations working with these amazing children. Entry is free and open to all, but please book your places in advance on the TicketTailor website here.
🎄 Wacky Warehouse (Flying Legends) SEND Christmas-themed play session: Tuesday 17th December, from 3.30pm
£6. Bookings are now open via facebook message or in house. Payment to be taken before the event.
🎶 Baby Band SEND Christmas Party: 8th December 2024, 11am (Clifton Moor)
This 1 hour session is for all children with SEND who want to celebrate the festive season in a safe and fun environment. It will feature Christmas music, dancing and instruments and fun for the kids to be themselves. It’s basically a Christmas disco, kids aren’t expected to follow any routines, just come be happy and enjoy themselves getting into the festive spirit.
You can bring along any items your child needs to make them comfortable, however big or small. If your child has specific needs please let the organisers know. The building is ground floor level and wheelchair accessible.
This is an inclusive space for all children. Siblings are of course welcome too so families can celebrate together. The session is restricted to just 16 children for a relaxed environment. Tickets are £8 per child and supporting grown ups are free. Non SEND siblings are welcome so you can enjoy the session as a family, but please do book a ticket for each child coming. Book here. This event is co-organised with Hive and Mind – find their facebook page here and more event details here.
⛸ Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland (Designer Outlet): Relaxed Ice Skating Sessions
With reduced capacity, quiet music, low level lighting, and no flashing lights.
10.15am – 11.00am every Friday and 9.15am – 10.00am every Sunday, until 15th December 2024.
Book your session here.
❄ York Castle Museum at Christmas: Quieter afternoons – Tuesday 19 November and Tuesday 10 December
Want to experience a quieter Christmas? Tuesday 19 November and Tuesday 10 December will be quiet afternoons for those wanting to experience the festive joy in calmer settings.
🐇 Castle Howard: Alice’s Christmas Wonderland
Calm Sessions – 22, 23, 24 November, 9.30am – 10am. Fewer slots available making for a less-busy environment, and reduced lighting and sound effects.
Touch Boxes are also available on every date in certain rooms of the House route – Objects and materials from the installation for any visitor who would benefit from an additional sensory experience.
More info here.
💂🏼♂️ York Nutcracker Trail (with Braille): 14th November 2024 – 1st January 2025
With the help of the RNIB’s transcriptions team, York’s Nutcracker Trail statues will this year feature braille to the collar of every Nutcracker, to share which country is being celebrated on each statue – helping people who might be blind or live with severe visual impairments to engage with the trail too. Find out more details about the trail on the Mumbler blog here.
🎁 York Christmas Market: 14th November – 22nd December 2024, 10am – 7pm
🚂 Trainmaster SEND Sessions (York and Selby)
We have two SEND sessions of our popular train-themed play sessions running in December. These run in Selby (7th December, 9am) and York (Haxby) (21st December, 9am). These sessions run at half capacity.
Further details and booking can be found here.
🎬 City Screen Cinema
There is a whole programme of events for this year’s York Disability Week. Their annual programme includes talks, workshops, musical events, creativity, advice sessions, exhibitions and much more. With something for all ages and organised by their network of community groups and organisations.
Find out more here.
🤫 St Sampson’s Centre, Church Street, York, YO1 8BE: Open Monday to Saturday, 10am-4pm
If the city centre’s Christmas hustle and bustle feels a bit intense, St Sampson’s Centre will serve the community as a peaceful and welcoming retreat this Christmas for a serene moment amid the seasonal celebrations. Just moments from the city’s festive celebrations, this accessible space will serve as a “quiet oasis” offering a relaxing environment, complete with a cosy café and facilities to recharge. Perfect for those seeking a break during the excitement of the season.
Find the places that are accessible, autism-friendly, sensory-friendly or audio-described that you can visit any time in York. We’ve put the list into categories from active things to do, theatres & cinemas and fun places to visit.
We’ve included lots of useful information you may need to know before you visit. Here’s a reference key explaining all the topics we have covered.
📍 Address & postcode
🚙 Displayed if accessible car parking for blue badge holders is available
✅ Displayed if the venue is accessible in a wheelchair/mobility scooter
🤫 Displayed if quiet sessions are available, if sensory packs/ear defenders are available to borrow or simply when the most quiet & calm time is to visit
🎟 Displayed if carers get reduced or free entry
🦮 Displayed if Guide/Assistance animals allowed
ℹ️ Displayed if British Sign Language Interpreted, Audio Described or Captioned information (eg for performances or any visual displays) if available
🚾 Displayed if the venue has an accessible toilet
➡️ Displayed if wheelchair/mobility scooter access is an issue, along with more information to help you
♿️ Displayed if wheelchair/mobility scooters can be borrowed from the venue
❓An external link to the venue’s website & their accessibility/FAQ page
On Thursdays, Flip Out is transformed for youngsters with additional needs. The environment caters for those on the autistic spectrum. Siblings are welcome, and a maximum of 2 Parents/Carers can supervise for free in the arena (socks will need to be purchased).
📍 3-7 Rose Avenue, York, YO26 6RU
🚙 Accessible car parking for blue badge holders
✅ Accessible in a wheelchair/mobility scooter
🤫 Quiet sessions: ‘Friendly Sessions’ – every Thursday
🎟 Carers go FREE at ‘Friendly Sessions’ – every Thursday from 6-7 pm
🚾 Accessible toilet
❓More information
Hollywood Bowl are proud to offer bowling and minigolf which everyone can participate and have a good time. They have taken care to make sure that their facilities are accessible to everyone.
📍 Kathryn Ave, Huntington, York, YO32 9AF
🚙 Accessible car parking for blue badge holders
✅ Located on two floors and the ground floor is fully accessible, including access to the lanes for bowling. There is lift to access the floor above for the mini-golf which is also fully accessible. Both bowling and mini-golf are activities that are accessible to everyone.
🤫 Ear defenders are available upon request.
🎟 The carer price for a game of bowling is £3.65 rather than £8.55 full price and for the golf is £3.38 rather than £8 full price (prices as of Nov 2024)
🦮 Guide/Assistance animals allowed
🚾 Accessible toilet
❓More information
Peaceful Play sessions are specially designed to be all the fun of Activeplay, just a little calmer every Wednesday and Sunday. They over plenty of space, music turned down and strobe lighting turned off. Entry for a carer.
📍 Clifton Moor Centre, Hurricane Way, York, YO30 4XU
🚙 Accessible car parking for blue badge holders
✅ Accessible in a wheelchair/mobility scooter
🤫 Quiet sessions: Peaceful Play sessions on Wednesdays 5-6pm and Sundays 4-5pm
🦮 Guide/Assistance animals allowed
🎟 Carers free with ID
🚾 Accessible toilet
❓More information
A unique 50-yard Edwardian swimming pool offering swimming lessons, Swim for Fitness, Swim for All sessions.
📍 Haley’s Terrace, Clifton, York, YO31 8SB
🚙 Accessible car parking for blue badge holders
✅ Accessible in a wheelchair/mobility scooter. The pool is accessible by hoist. Although spectating on the balconies is inaccessible by wheelchair, there is space to spectate from the poolside.
🤫 You can look at the app or on the website where you book to see if a session would be quiet.
🦮 Guide/Assistance animals allowed – someone to look after the guide/assistance animal while the customer is swimming
🎟 Careers go in for free
🚾 Accessible toilet, plus if any support getting to and from the changing cubicles to the pool, the Better staff are happy to assist.
❓More information
Facilities include a 9-hole Golf Course, Crazy Golf course, Foot Golf and Golf driving range.
📍Towthorpe Lane, York, YO32 9ST
🚙 Accessible car parking for blue badge holders
✅ Accessible in a wheelchair/mobility scooter (except the Crazy Golf Course)
🦮 Sight and hearing dogs allowed in all areas
🎟 20% off for the Carer
🚾 Accessible toilet
❓More information
Great facilities include swimming pools, a gym, fitness classes, 3G Football pitches, and cycle tracks available on a membership or Pay & Play basis.
📍 York Sport Village, Lakeside Way, York, YO10 5FG
🚙 Accessible car parking for blue badge holders
✅ Accessible in a wheelchair/mobility scooter. Flat entry into the building from car park to reception, poolside and cafe. Lift to first floor gym, studios and viewing balcony. Pool hoist for access into the pool.
🦮 Guide dogs allowed in Reception areas and cafe
🎟 Carer goes free with the paying person
🚾 Accessible toilet
❓More information
Step back in time and discover this Hidden Gem of York! Barley Hall is a medieval townhouse that has been restored to its former glory after being rediscovered in the 1980’s.
📍 2 Coffee Yard, York, YO1 8AR
🤫 Barley Hall is a tactile, immersive experience and you can touch and interact with everything in the museum. The Hall is generally not too crowded, but if you do become overwhelmed, your ticket is valid for 12 months, so you can leave and return any time you like. Sensory packs, ear defenders, lanterns for dark spaces, and magnifying lenses are available. Plus there is a “traffic light sticker” system that allows visitors to indicate what level of interaction they would like.
🦮 Guide/Assistance animals allowed
🎟 Carers receive free entry
ℹ️ An audio-described tour of the artefact room is available and large print guides are available. visual story available prior to your visit and a large print sensory map available when you arrive.
➡️ The venue does not have any car parking. Due to the historic nature of the building, Barley Hall has steps and raised thresholds throughout the building. There is no lift but this is a temporary ramp into the Great Hall and the Steward’s Room. Toilets are available but neither are accessible toilets.
❓More information
This National Trust estate is a popular place for families to explore and relax together. Enjoy the extensive gardens and head in the hall to see the latest exhibition.
📍 Beningbrough, York, YO30 1DD
🚙 Accessible car parking for blue badge holders
✅ Accessible in a wheelchair/mobility scooter. The Visitor Reception, main shop, Walled Garden Restaurant, and picnic areas all have step-free level access into, and throughout. Other points of interest are accessed via ramps/slopes or steps. Main routes around the property have steep ramps/slopes and cobbled or uneven surfaces.
🤫 Ear defenders available on request, sensory bags within the hall and sensory interactives within the gallery exhibition space.
🦮 Guide/Assistance animals allowed
🎟 Carers receive free entry
ℹ️ Large print leaflets or Braille guides available, BSL can be provided if pre booked
🚾 Accessible toilet
♿️ Recommend booking due to high demand – there are four mobility scooters and two wheelchairs, including a wheelchair at the house. Mobility scooters cannot be used in the hall due to tight turning circles and narrow doorways. To book please call the property on: 01904 472027
❓More information
Meet lots of rare breeds from donkeys to llamas, alpacas to pigs, there are lots of wonderful animals. A place to play and explore – Let off steam in the fields, go wild in the adventure playground, have fun in the sand pit or ride on the tractors and play with the inflatables.
📍 Moor Lane, Murton, York, YO19 5XDess
🚙 Accessible car parking for blue badge holders
✅ Accessible in a wheelchair/mobility scooter – more of the site is flat and the reception, barn, toilets and cafe are easily accessible. Fields are accessible when the ground is solid.
🤫 No specific quiet sessions – Thursday is the quietest day but generally quieter during the weekdays out of school holidays. Beetle Bank is a Care Farm for people with Dementia on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
🦮 Guide/Assistance animals allowed
🎟 One free carer per disadvantaged person & Blue Light are concessions.
🚾 Accessible toilet
❓More information
Can You Escape is a live room escape game for 2-16 people in York. You and your team will be locked in a room and the countdown will begin. Can you beat the clock?
📍 15 Micklegate, York, YO1 6JH
🤫 Quiet sessions: The escape rooms can be tailored to each group, so if members of the team would prefer a quieter session ambient and clue sounds can be turned off or down.
🦮 Guide/Assistance animals allowed
ℹ️ There is a clue screen inside Contagion, so teams can receive clues visually rather than audibly.
➡️ The venue does not have any car parking & is not accessible in a wheelchair/mobility scooter
❓More information
Discover 2,000 years of battles, imprisonment and near destruction! Explore the history of York City Walls and meet some of the characters whose stories are intertwined with Micklegate Bar. Open February –October.
📍 Micklegate Bar, Micklegate, York, YO1 6JU
🤫 In general, the City Walls Experience is fairly quiet – the quietest time is generally during the week, particularly during term time. Sensory packs and ear defenders are available. Plus there is a “traffic light sticker” system that allows visitors to indicate what level of interaction they would like.
🦮 Guide/Assistance animals allowed
🎟 Carers receive free entry
ℹ️ All videos have automatic captions on them, and Braille guides are available. A visual story is available prior to your visit.
➡️ The venue does not have any car parking & is not accessible in a wheelchair/mobility scooter. Due to the historic nature of the building, the City Walls Experience can only be accessed via stairs (25 steps with a handrail). Likewise, the upper floors can only be accessed via stairs. There are no toilets and no lift.
❓More information
Four excavation pits are filled with Roman, Viking, medieval and Victorian finds, so you can grab a trowel and dig up the clues that show how people lived. DIG is a great experience for ages 5-12 with a fun play area for younger children.
📍 DIG St Saviour Church, St Saviourgate, York YO1 8NN
✅ Accessible in a wheelchair/mobility scooter. Lift to the upper floor, Due to the historic nature of the building, some areas are quite small and there are several manual doors.
🤫 During term time, afternoons after 3pm tend to be quieter as well as most weekends, especially in the morning. Outside of term time, Sunday mornings tend to be the quietest time. If you want to schedule a visit for a quieter time, contact the reservations team at [email protected] and they’ll be able to find a time that suits you. DIG offers a sensory pack, and ear defenders, and operates a “traffic light sticker” system so that visitors can show what level of interaction they prefer. We also have a visual story available prior to your visit. DIG is a very hands-on experience with an emphasis on tactile learning. Due to the nature of the building, the sensory environment of DIG can vary widely depending on how busy it is. DIG is based in a medieval church with lots of open space and hard surfaces, so noise travels and echoes a lot. During school holidays, the classroom is available as a quiet space if you need it and a small number of ear defenders can be borrowed. The quietest times are Sundays, especially during the morning, and most afternoons during the week after 3pm.
🦮 Guide/Assistance animals allowed
🎟 Carers receive free entry
ℹ️ All videos with speaking have captions. BSL interpretation can be provided with advanced notice. Both large print and Braille guides are available.
🚾 Accessible toilet
➡️ The venue does not have any car parking
♿️ Wheelchairs can be borrowed on arrival
❓More information
Discover the Vikings and celebrate 40 years of wows! Travel around 10th century York, experiencing what it was like living in the city. The sights, sounds and even the smells of the Viking Age are brought vividly back to life as you journey back 1,000 years.
📍 19 Coppergate, York, YO1 9WT
✅ Wheelchair and mobility scooter users must pre-book via phone on 01904 615505 or via email at [email protected]. Since most of the attraction is underground, fire regulations dictate that only one wheelchair user may be inside JORVIK at any one time. Mobility scooters cannot be used within the centre due to the limited space in the galleries and some large electric wheelchairs can sometimes struggle to get on the ride. In these cases, there is a manual wheelchair you can use if you are able to transfer yourself. If you are able to walk there is a lift to use to get into the centre and all of our galleries are flat and wheelchair accessible. The Admissions and Shop areas are both accessed from street level and our admissions doors are always open to allow for easy access for wheelchair users and pushchairs. The Admissions area is a flat smooth surface with a lower desk area to the right as you enter. There is a lift that will take you to the start of your visit. One of the capsules is fitted with a modified space for wheelchair users to enjoy the ride without having to leave your wheelchair. Once you are inside the attraction, a member of the Technical team will come and talk to you about experiencing the ride and will escort you to the boarding point to provide assistance. To access the Shop at the end of your visit, you will need to go back up in the lift then leave through our Admissions doors, re-entering the shop through the external door to the right as you exit the Admissions area.
🤫 Because it is an underground museum, JORVIK can feel somewhat claustrophobic when it gets crowded. Noise levels are generally never very high, but if the museum starts to become overwhelming, you are welcome to leave and come back at any point. All tickets are valid for a full 12 months, so you can return at any time in those 12 months – and as many times as you like! The quietest periods are during the Winter months, and most days after 2pm. You can always contact our Reservations team ([email protected] or 01904 615505) to determine the best time for your visit. Sensory packs, ear defenders, lanterns for dark spaces, and a “traffic light sticker” system is available that allows visitors to indicate what level of interaction they would like. There is a visual story available prior to your visit.
🦮 Guide/Assistance animals allowed
🎟 Carers receive free entry
ℹ️ The ride has an audio description track available. The English tracks on the ride have automatic captions. BSL interpretation can be arranged with adequate advance notice. Both Large print and Braille guides are available
🚾 Accessible toilet
➡️ The venue does not have any car parking
♿️ Wheelchair and mobility scooter users must pre-book via phone on 01904 615505 or via email at [email protected].
❓More information
Home to iconic locomotives and beautiful collections, you can wander through halls and explore the stories, places and engineering marvels behind the railways. See world-changing inventions like the Japanese Bullet Train and stand face-to-face with the world’s fastest steam locomotive, Mallard.
📍 Leeman Rd, York YO26 4XJ
🚙 Accessible car parking for blue badge holders
✅ The building is accessible in a wheelchair – all areas of the museum have step-free access by lifts or ramps.
🤫 The quietest times are weekdays, during term time. Queues rarely form at the entrance to the museum. The Museum’s busiest periods are during school holidays and half terms. Ear defenders are available to borrow from the welcome desk, as you enter the museum, and at the Wonderlab ticket desk inside the museum.
🦮 Guide/Assistance animals allowed
🎟 Free carer tickets for all paid activities and exhibitions. However, these are currently unavailable to book via the website. To book free carer tickets, you can either call or email the Contact Centre (033 0058 0058 / [email protected]).
ℹ️ A large-print version of our map is available from the welcome desk at the entrance. Wonderlab: The Bramall Gallery has large-print guides for visitors to use. These can be found on the wall to the right of the entrance of the gallery after the ticket desk.
🚾 Accessible toilet
♿️ Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are available and can be either pre-booked or borrowed on arrival.
❓More information
The NCEM is a wonderful, family-friendly and accessible music venue in the heart of York.
📍 St Margarets Church, Walmgate, York, YO1 9TL
🚙 Accessible car parking for blue badge holders
✅ The NCEM is flat-floored throughout. Please see here for more details, and also there are more photos and full details at AccessAble’s website.
🤫 A quiet space is available during most events. Please check in advance as it is not possible to provide it at every event.
🎟 The NCEM offers a complimentary ticket to an essential personal assistant. Please read more here.
🦮 Registered assistant dogs are allowed
ℹ️ Whilst the NCEM doesn’t offer interpreters for our concerts, they run a music-making project for D/deaf young people, which has BSL interpreters at each session.
🚾 Accessible toilet
❓More information
Home to York’s entrepreneurs for 660 years – and counting. Half price admission for York residents and free for under 16’s, come and explore its fascinating tales and awe-inspiring architecture. Also enjoy a tasty drink, freshly baked cakes & snacks at the coffee house. .
📍 The Hall, Fossgate, York YO1 9XD
✅ The building is accessible in a wheelchair
🦮 Guide/Assistance animals allowed
🎟 Carers receive free entry
ℹ️ British Sign Language Interpreted, Audio Described or Captioned information
🚾 Accessible toilet
➡️ The venue does not have any car parking
❓More information
Murton Park is a must-experience, one-stop Living Museum for those who love to create memories that can span the eons of time. Perfect for all generations and crafted to especially engage the young.
📍 Murton Lane, York, YO19 5UF
🚙 Accessible car parking for blue badge holders
✅ Accessible in a wheelchair/mobility scooter – find out more information here
🦮 Guide/Assistance dogs allowed
🎟 Carers go free with a valid carers card. Available to purchase onsite only
ℹ️ Not BSL but Murton Park is Makaton-friendly attraction has various Makaton signs around the park. The staff have basic Makaton training and some of the events include Makaton signing
🚾 Accessible toilet
♿️ A wheelchair is available at reception. Please ask on arrival.
❓More information
A family fun day out with adventurous play, animals to meet and special events. Listen to our animal handlers talk about how we look after all our furry friends, at our daily “Animal Encounters” sessions with a special SEND session each day at 3.30pm . Take a tractor and trailer ride up to the Indoor Play Barn.
📍 Towthorpe Grange, Towthorpe Moor Lane, Strensall, York, YO32 9ST
🚙 Accessible car parking for blue badge holders
✅ Accessible in a wheelchair/mobility scooter, The majority of the paths are self-binding gravel making wheelchairs easier to get around the farm and park. There is a dedicated wheelchair space on the trailer ride.
🤫 During Term Time there is SEN Animal Encounters Session each day at 3.30pm every day
🦮 Guide and assistance dogs are welcome, although cannot access the farm yard trail
🎟 Special entrance fee for carers With a DLA letter
ℹ️ In the SEN Animal Encounters Sessions staff use Makaton sign language
🚾 Accessible toilet
❓More information
To the outside world, this house was York’s first school for girls. To those in the know, it was hiding an illegal convent. Discover this remarkable story of survival through stunning artefacts and engaging interactives in this fascinating exhibition.
📍 17 Blossom Street, York, YO24 1AQ
🚙 Opposite Nunnery Lane pay and display car park which has 12 blue badge parking bays
✅ Accessible in a wheelchair/mobility scooter. There is a separate accessible entrance on Blossom Street, by an electronic gate system. Reception can be contacted to activate this or for support by pressing the gold button(s) outside on 2 pads at entrances at street pavement level. Find out more here.
🤫 The Centre is generally calming and peaceful, but quieter times are between 2pm and 4pm.
🦮 Guide/Assistance animals allowed
🎟 Special entrance fee for carers – 50p Exhibition Admission Fee.
🚾 Accessible toilet
❓More information
Visit York’s only indoor axe-throwing venue for an unforgettable axe-perience! highly trained coaches will be with you every step of the way and they pride themselves on making sure that you feel safe and comfortable.
📍 57B Goodramgate, York YO1 7LS
✅ Accessible in a wheelchair/mobility scooter – 6 inch step at the front of the venue. A portable access ramp can be provided on request.
🦮 Guide/Assistance animals allowed
🚾 Accessible toilet
➡️ The venue does not have any car parking
❓More information
Visit the World’s Most Magical Golf Course in York’s Coppergate Shopping Centre in York, and take on 9 magical golf holes.
📍 14-16 Coppergate Walk, York, YO1 9NT
🤫 Quiet sessions are available throughout the year where the house lights will remain on throughout the venue, smell units will be turned off, the soundtracks will also be turned off, guest numbers are limited, staff on hand to answer any questions. There is a chance to walk around the venue before starting your game. Find out more & the dates here, Sensory bags are available to borrow which include Ear defenders, a sensory unicorn, wiggly wand and a magic potion liquid timer. There is also a Visual Story available to download or collect at the venue.
🦮 Guide/Assistance animals allowed
🎟 Carers are free – bring proof with you which can be a carer card or similar. Carers that are free are there to support the person playing, however, please note that carers wishing to play will need to pay an upgrade cost of £2.49 which will include a magical potion.
🚾 Accessible toilet
➡️ The venue does not have any car parking, Due to the nature of the building and fire restrictions wheelchair users are only allowed on the ground floor, wheelchair users can wait in the tavern (subject to availability) with a complimentary hot drink until the rest of the party has finished. Mobility Scooters are welcome in the tavern area. Access to The Hole In Wand is up a ramp then through the double doors at admissions.
❓More information
Wizards and Witches are invited to attend this magical academy and graduate in the art of broom flying and alchemy lead by our great masters at The Potions Academy. The Potions Cauldron is the World’s most magical drinks emporium and serves magic daily on Shambles in York. You can enjoy a potion drink that comes to life if you do the potion spell
📍 Potions Acadey (1st Floor on 37-38 Shambles, York YO1 7LX, entrance via Newgate Market), Potions Cauldron ( 9¾, Shambles, York YO1 7LZ)
🤫 There are sensory bags which contain a sensory ball, a wiggly wand, a squishy potion cube and a sensory wand. They also include a set of ear defenders. Autism shopping hour dates in 2024 where we will have few people in the shop, no flashing lights or noises, no music and a calmer atmosphere, these are between 9 am – 10 am – find out the dates here.
🦮 Guide/Assistance animals allowed
🎟 Carers are free at the Potions Academy & Potions Cauldron – bring proof with you which can be a carer card or similar. Carers that are free are there to support the person/s taking part in the experience. For the Potions Class (30-minute) experience, carers wishing to take part will need to pay an upgrade cost of £2.49 which will include a magical potion. For the Adult Only (50-minute) Experience, carers assisting a person/s taking part in the experience will receive a complimentary drinkable potion (non-alcoholic).
➡️ Neither venue has any car parking. Potions Academy is up a flight of stairs so mobility access is not available. Potions Caudron is a small shop located on the Shambles, space is very tight however wheelchair users are welcome.
❓More information for Potions Cauldron & more information for Potiions Academy
The Magic Hatter brings his award-winning entertainment to the streets, with spellbinding magic, comedy, and a dash of York’s history!
📍 York City Centre tour
✅ The tour route has been carefully planned to make it as accessible as possible, there are dropped curbs at all areas and the tour does not visit any locations with steps. There is one low railing at Bedern, but this section is viewable at the side without having to cross the railing.
🤫 For a quieter experience, it is recommended that you book an off-peak tour outside of the main holidays. However, unlike many tours Wizard Walk of York does not visit the most congested areas of York – and this wand-ering wizard knows some hidden gems off the beaten track! A full Social Story can be accessed or downloaded prior to joining a tour. This includes photos and descriptions of what to expect, and highlights possible sudden surprising moments.
🦮 Guide/Assistance animals allowed
🎟 One free registered carer place per group – email i[email protected] before booking
❓Wizard Walk of York is always happy to answer any questions about specific accessibility requirements and can provide a full breakdown of the usual route. This has Google Map locations at each stop on the tour and may be useful in planning access or easing any concerns. More information
2000 years of history are brought to horrible life at the York Dungeon. With immersive sets, incredible actors and unique stories allow you to see, hear, smell and feel York’s darkest history
📍 12 Clifford Street, York YO1 9RD
✅ Accessible in a wheelchair/mobility scooter
🤫 Ear defenders and sensory packs are available to borrow from Admissions – please ask on arrival.
🦮 Guide/Assistance animals allowed
🎟 A support assistant is welcome to accompany any disabled visitor without charge. Only one assistant can receive free entry per guest. Pre-book online or through the contact centre so you can avoid the general admission queue and also book your time slot on the tour. You may be asked for proof of your disability in document form, i.e.: blue parking badge, Access Card, DLA or PIP confirmation, or a letter from a doctor/specialist.
ℹ️ Deaf visitors, guests with hearing impairments and users of BSL can bring an assistant free of charge. The York Dungeon experience is largely delivered by actors and voiceover audio often in low lighting, so some deaf visitors, guests with hearing impairments and BSL users may not fully experience some elements of the attraction. There is also an ‘Impaired Hearing Guide’ – contacting York Dungeon prior to your visit to arrange the use of a guide
🚾 Accessible toilet
♿️ Wheelchair/mobility scooter available to borrow and can be pre-booked. One wheelchair user guest per hour due to our fire evacuation procedures.
➡️ The venue does not have any car parking
❓More information
The Web has a huge indoor play centre and cafe, with areas for babies with their own sensory area right up to bigger children. Plus outside sand and water play zone, climbing and park area, children’s ride-on tractors and den building area.
📍 Clifton Gate Business Park, Wigginton Road, York, YO32 2RH
🚙 Accessible car parking for blue badge holders
✅ Accessible in a wheelchair/mobility scooter – all on foot level, ramps to allow entry to units. The play areas have some adaptions which allow wheelchair access.
🤫 Quiet sessions are listed on the website. Sensory bags and ear defenders are available to borrow. There are areas for quiet if needed
🦮 Guide/Assistance animals allowed
🚾 Accessible toilet
❓More information
Every Tuesday between 9.30am – 11am York Designer Outlet has an Autism-friendly environment. During these times the stores will lower their lighting where possible, the volume of music in-store and on the malls will be lowered and tannoy announcements will only be made when necessary for health & safety updates.
If you need some additional space, the guest lounge is located on the east adjacent to Starbucks.
If you need any assistance during your visit, the guest experience team our located next to the south entrance.
📍 Clifton Gate Business Park, Wigginton Road, York, YO32 2RH
🚙 Accessible car parking for blue badge holders – disabled parking bays are located in the Green (West Entrance) and Red (South Entrance) Zone Car Parks.
✅ Accessible in a wheelchair/mobility scooter
🤫 Quiet shopping environment every Tuesday 9.30am – 11am
🦮 Guide/Assistance animals allowed
ℹ️ We provide BSL for our larger services. Audio Description QR readers for scanning with your smart phones. These are in both the Museum and the St Cuthbert’s Exhibition. Pen Friend which is brail with audio description. (Needs to be asked for on arrival)
🚾 Accessible toilet and Changing Places Facility, located near the West Entrance. Accessible via a RADAR key or by contacting a member of the centre team
♿️ Mobility Hire – Electric scooters and Wheelchairs, free of charge
❓More information
FREE for York Residents. One of the few indoor trails, so a perfect rainy-day option. There are lots of different trails to complete!
📍 Deangate, York YO1 7HH
✅ York Minster is fully accessible. There is sloped access to the Minster, Lifts to the Museum and Crypt.
🤫 Relaxed hours from 2 – 5pm every Monday. Sensory backpacks available which can be used for Visitor and Worship times.
🎟 Carers are free of charge
🦮 Guide dogs and assistance dogs are allowed for both Visitor and Worship times.
ℹ️ BSL is provided for larger services. Audio Description QR readers for scanning with a smartphone. These are in both the Museum and the St Cuthbert’s Exhibition. Pen Friend which is brail with audio description (request on arrival).
🚾 Disabled toilets and baby changing facilities that are fully accessible
➡️ The venue does not have any car parking
♿️ Wheelchairs can be borrowed from the venue
❓More information
📍 13-17 Coney St, York, YO1 9QL
✅ Accessible in a wheelchair/mobility scooter
🤫 Relaxed screenings are available – find out more here. Quiet area in the lounge upstairs
🦮 Guide/Assistance animals allowed
🎟 Special entrance fee for carers – CEA card accepted.
ℹ️ Audio Describe and Subtitled (Captioned) shows are available – see website or weekly listings for details. Ask at the Box Office if you require a large print copy of the cinema listings or menu. Headphones and a portable hearing loop available at Box Office
🚾 Accessible toilet
➡️ The venue does not have any car parking
❓More information
📍 Clifford and Cumberland Street, York, YO1 9SW
✅ Accessible in a wheelchair/mobility scooter – Level access for wheelchair users via the Stalls
🤫 Relaxed Performance of the Christmas pantomime which has a quiet chill-out room available and loud bangs and noises are removed from the performance. There are also sensory packs available all the time.
🦮 Guide/Assistance animals allowed
🎟 Customers can join an access membership scheme
ℹ️ BSL/AUDIO DESCRIBED performances on many shows – more information here. Mobile Connect app facility which amplifies the performance via personal mobile phone or tablet. Touch Tours on selected shows for those blind and partially sighted.
🚾 Accessible toilet
➡️ The venue does not have any car parking
❓More information
📍 Haxby Road, York, YO31 8TA.
🚙 Accessible car parking for blue badge holders
✅ Accessible in a wheelchair/mobility scooter – level walking access route into the theatre and through the auditorium
🦮 Guide/Assistance animals allowed
🎟 Carers are free
ℹ️ BSL on certain performances only. Hearing Loop throughout the theatre
🚾 Accessible toilet
♿️ Wheelchair/mobility scooter available to borrow on arrival
❓More information
📍 41 Monkgate, York, YO31 7PB
🚙 On-street parking which blue badge holders can use
✅ Accessible in a wheelchair/mobility scooter – access to accessible toilets on the ground floor, lift up to theatre space on the second floor. Accessible seating (including wheelchair seating) is available to pre-book via box office.
🦮 Guide/Assistance animals allowed
🎟 Free ticket when accompanying someone caring for
🚾 Accessible toilet
❓More information
📍 St Leonard’s Place, York, YO1 7HD
✅ Stalls and Dress Circle are accessible and wheelchair seats available for performances
🦮 Assistance animals are welcome and dog sitting can be arranged for audience members
🎟 Half price access concessions including half price for carer
ℹ️ Access performances (BSL Interpreted, Captioned, Audio Described, Relaxed and Dementia Friendly) are available for selected shows. Large print versions of the York Theatre Royal brochure are available from Box Office.
🚾 Accessible toilet
➡️ The venue does not have any car parking
❓More information
Sarah can tailor treatment to meet your needs, using one or more of the following: Aromatherapy Massage, Balancing Reiki, Rejuvenating Holistic Facials, Soothing Warm Paraffin Wax Treatments, Head Massage and Combination Treatments.
She has training from Makaton (sign language), Cancer Care and Dementia UK. She also has several regular clients who are wheelchair users and also offers home visits. This means parents and carers can have treatments at home if they and or if their children prefer to stay at home for any reason. She will always take the time to modify my treatments to assist those with extra support needs.
📍 Visit Sarah in Strensall or request a quote to come to you.
💜 Mention Mumbler for 10% off your first treatment
☎️ 07889423746
❓More information
We’ve listed all the classes and clubs in York for children with disabilities and additional needs.
If you are looking for any additional support groups and services in York to help with your family’s needs then you will find lots of services and groups listed here. We have also highlighted some useful resources below.
Open Country: Open Country directories are produced to help you discover accessible places. You can find the list of North Yorkshire accessible places to visit here.
Visit York: You can find information on York including public toilets with facilities for disabled people and more on Visit York here.
AccessAble: The AccessAble also has a lot of useful information on places to visit including restaurants, cafes and parks.
YIKS (York Inspirational Kids) Parent/Carer Support Line – SEND support
Changing Places Toilets: You can search for locations of changing places toilets in York and across the UK here.
Important information:
