Planning a family holiday involves numerous considerations, especially when accommodating the unique needs of an autistic family member. An autism-friendly accommodation is designed to provide a comfortable and supportive environment tailored to sensory sensitivities and individual preferences. Features that may contribute to such an environment include:
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- Quiet Locations: Situated away from noisy areas to minimize sensory overload.
- Predictable Environments: Consistent room layouts and routines to help guests feel secure.
- Sensory Rooms or Equipment: Spaces equipped with calming tools and activities.
- Flexible Dining Options: Menus accommodating dietary needs and preferences.
- Staff Training: Personnel educated in autism awareness to provide appropriate support.
Ultimately, the suitability of accommodation depends on personal preferences and what your family finds comforting. It’s essential to communicate specific needs with the accommodation beforehand, read reviews and investigate the listing information to ensure a pleasant stay.
Below is a selection of accommodations across the UK that offer autism-friendly features:
Scotland
- Airhouses, Lauder
Awarded Scotland’s first Autism Friendly Award by the National Autistic Society, Airhouses offers luxury self-catering lodges in a tranquil setting. They provide additional photographs and information upon request to help guests prepare for their stay. For more information on what you can do nearby, check out my post about the Scottish Borders with autistic children.
Airhouses Accessibility Information - Craig Tara Caravans, Ayr
This business has more than one caravan in the Craig Tara holiday park in Ayr. The caravans are absolutely packed with sensory equipment and toys and offer themed rooms like one being a Minecraft bedroom! I’ve done an entire post on visiting Ayr with autistic children, you can view our Instagram stories from Ayr and we visited Heads of Ayr Farm Park during our visit which is right beside Craig Tara holiday park.
Autism-Friendly Caravans Craig Tara Information - Forest Holidays, Glentress
Forest Holidays are known for serene and quiet holidays in the forests around the UK. Glentress is very special – set up in the hills between Peebles and Innerleithen, it boasts a lovely and quiet location away from the chaos. Each cabin has it’s own hot tub – and the disabled cabins even offer hoists for the hot tubs too (along with many other accessibility features inside). For more ideas on what to do nearby check my Scottish Borders with autistic children post and my bucketlist of ideas for the Scottish Borders with kids.
Lodge at Forest Holidays Glentress
We actually have a caravan in Dunoon. It is in the Hunters Quay Holiday Village. The caravan iteself doesn’t have anything special to make it autism-friendly but the area is quiet and calm and both of our autistic sons love it there.
Caravan at Hunters Quay, Dunoon
For more travel ideas, why not check out my South of Scotland travel Instagram & Facebook accounts!
England
- The Thomas Centre, Lincolnshire
A holiday park specifically designed for individuals with autism and related conditions, offering fully accessible facilities in a safe and non-judgmental environment.
The Thomas Centre - Hoe Grange Holidays, Peak District
Provides self-catering log cabins on a working farm, offering a calming environment suitable for autistic guests and their families.
Hoe Grange Autism-Friendly Holidays - Broadgate Farm Cottages, Yorkshire
Offers virtual tours of their cottages to help guests familiarize themselves with the environment before arrival, aiming to accommodate the needs of autistic individuals.
Broadgate Farm Autism-Friendly Cottages - Beverley Holidays, South Devon
A family-run holiday park offering autism-friendly holidays with facilities tailored to meet the needs of neurodiverse guests.
Beverley Holidays Autism-Friendly Options - North Hayne Farm Cottages, Devon
Provides inclusive farm holidays with supportive activities designed for families with autistic children.
North Hayne Farm Autism-Friendly Holidays - The Hartlands, Isle of Wight
An autism-friendly holiday centre offering fully equipped luxury self-contained apartments and various activity rooms, including sensory and art rooms.
Spectrum Breaks at The Hartlands - Todsworthy Farm Holidays, Cornwall
Provides disabled-friendly cottages with features catering to guests with hidden disabilities, aiming to create a comfortable stay for autistic individuals.
Todsworthy Farm Accessibility - YHA Hostels, Various Locations
YHA offers autism-friendly accommodation throughout England and Wales, suitable for family breaks in various settings.
YHA Autism-Friendly Accommodation - Earlston House Hotel, Paignton
Aims to be recognized as the UK’s first autism-friendly hotel, working towards compliance with the National Autistic Society’s standards.
Earlston House Autism Initiatives - Broom Lane, Manchester
A specialist residential scheme providing innovative housing solutions to young adults with complex needs, particularly those on the autistic spectrum.
Broom Lane Information - Dawny’s Autism-Friendly Caravan, Whitley Bay
Located within the Parkdean Resort at Whitley Bay, this caravan has many adaptations to make it more enjoyable for those with autism. The Facebook page hasn’t been updated in a while, so I am unsure if this place still takes bookings.
Dawny’s Autism-Friendly Caravan Information
There is also a Facebook group for autism-friendly caravans in Blackpool.
Wales
- Cwmcrwth Farm, Carmarthenshire
Offers autism-friendly holidays on a farm, regularly hosting families with autistic members and providing a supportive environment.
Cwmcrwth Farm Autism-Friendly Holidays - Harriet Davis Trust – Caerwen House, Narberth
Specially equipped for families with children with autism and other special needs, located close to Pembrokeshire beaches and attractions.
Harriet Davis Trust - The Sen-Den Caravan, Porthcawl
An autism-friendly caravan aiming to create safe and inclusive environments, making holidays more accessible to families with autistic members.
The Sen-Den Caravan Facebook Page
Please do get in touch if you know of any others I should add to the list! You can DM me on Instagram or send me an email: autismfamilytravelguide@gmail.com
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