There are a number of venues and places to visit that may be beneficial for autistic people – discover more details by clicking on the boxes below
Some are specifically for autistic people and others are not – but might still be suitable
Remember that each autistic person has unique needs and preferences, so it’s best to check suitability with each organisation
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The listed services and links to websites maintained by other organisations are included on here to assist you and are provided in good faith. Some may incur costs. Their inclusion does not imply that the Leicestershire Partnership Trust endorses or supports them, nor does the absence of a service imply that we do not support them
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For information on how to make your organisation, service, environment or information autism friendly, click these links:
www.leicspart.nhs.uk/autism-space/getting-out-and-about/autism-friendly-public-spaces/
www.autism.org.uk/learn/knowledge-hub/guides-and-resources/accessible-service
www.autism.org.uk/learn/knowledge-hub/guides-and-resources/accessible-environments
www.autism.org.uk/learn/knowledge-hub/guides-and-resources/accessible-information
Autism friendly schemes
Hidden Disabilities sunflower friendly places
The hidden disabilities sunflower is a simple tool for you to voluntarily share that you have a disability or condition that may not be immediately apparent -and that you may need a helping hand, understanding or more time in shops, at work, on transport or in public spaces.
Click this link to search for places that support people with invisible disabilities:
National Autistic Society Autism Friendly Award
The National Autistic Society Autism Friendly Award is designed to support customer-facing organisations to provide an autism-friendly environment and inclusive customer care
If your organisation wants to take part in this scheme, click the following link:
www.autism.org.uk/learn/what-we-do/autism-accreditation/autism-friendly-award
Shopping
Highcross Leicester
Highcross Leicester is an indoor shopping centre in the centre of Leicester. Every Saturday morning 9am – 10am they have a quiet hour where retailers and staff work to create a quieter shopping environment than normal.
Website: www.highcrossleicester.com
Address: 5 Shires Lane, Leicester, LE1 4AN
Tesco
Tesco is a sunflower member so all staff should know that anyone with a sunflower lanyard may need a little extra help or time. All Tesco stores have a quiet hour on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9am – 10am with reduced lighting also in larger stores. You can also download visual guides and shopping lists from the Tesco website.
Asda
Asda have a quiet hour every 2pm-3pm Monday – Thursday where they turn off the radio and limit tannoy announcements to emergencies only. They offer an ‘Every customer matters’ learning module for their staff and train staff to be Sunflower Allies within the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme.
For more information about this and what else they do to create inclusive shopping environments, click this link:
Morrisons
Morrisons offers a quiet hour every Saturday from 9am – 10am where lights are dimmed, the radio is switched off and checkout/till noise is reduced. They also say on the website that all staff in stores have undertaken disability training and will ensure that as far as possible any additional needs are met. Please ask at the Customer Service Desk if you require any assistance.
For more information click this link:
Eating Out and Socialising
World Peace Cafe
The World Peace Café is open Tuesday to Saturday. This vegan and vegetarian cafe offers a peaceful space to enjoy some delicious food cooked by volunteers. There are meditation classes available where you can learn Buddha teachings and how to meditate
Website: meditateinleicester.org/worldpeacecafeleicester
Address: 17 Guildhall Lane, LE1 5FQ
Phone: 0116 262 0317
Re-Roll Board Game Café
Re-Roll Board Game Café. If you enjoy boardgames or trading cards games, this is a great place to hang out with likeminded people – where you can enjoy use of the boardgames library, social games nights and special events. You can just turn up – or reserve games and tables in advance. Snacks and drinks are on sale too.
Website: www.rerollcafe.com/
Address: 36 Granby Street (upper floors), Leicester LE1 1DE
Email: rerollcafe.com/contact/
Phone: 0116 2513773
Cinemas
CEA Cinema Card – helping disabled people to access cinemas
The CEA Card is a national card scheme for UK cinemas.
When cardholders buy a full-price cinema ticket, they can get a free ticket for someone to go with them – when they watch a film at a participating cinema.
Eligibility: To apply, the person requiring assistance must be 5 years of age or older and be in receipt of one of the following:
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Attendance Allowance (AA)
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Adult / Child Disability Payment (ADP / CDP in Scotland)
- Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)
- Or hold the following cards:
- Severely Sight Impaired Registrations (formerly Registered Blind)
- Sight impaired Registration (formerly Partially Sighted)
For more information visit their website here: www.ceacard.co.uk
Local participating cinemas: The Phoenix Leicester
The Phoenix Cinema
The Phoenix Cinema in Leicester offers an Access Cinema programme.
This includes regular relaxed screenings where films are shown with reduced sound levels, partially raised lighting, the freedom to move around and use sensory aids – plus a quiet space to take a break from the film. These screenings are for everyone though are described as being particularly suited for autistic people, those with ADHD or any other sensory processing differences. They also have audio described screenings, helpful for people who are blind or who have sight loss and screening with descriptive subtitles for people who are deaf or who have hearing loss.
Website: www.phoenix.org.uk
Address: 4 Midland Street, Leicester, LE1 1TG
Email: www.phoenix.org.uk/about-phoenix/contact-us/
Phone: 0116 242 2800
Odeon Leicester
Odeon Leicester hosts one autism friendly movie screening a month on a Sunday morning. Use the filter ‘Autfriend’ when viewing all movies to find a suitable screening.
Website: www.odeon.co.uk/accessibility/autism-friendly
Address: Freemens Park, 90 Aylestone Road, Leicester
Phone: 0800 138 3315
Showcase Leicester
Showcase Leicester offers autism friendly screenings every Sunday at 10am with lowered volume, no trailers and soft lighting.
Website: www.showcasecinemas.co.uk/sensory-friendly-screenings
Address: 7 Highcross Lane, Leicester LE1 4SD
Phone: 0116 2615959
Vue Leicester
Vue Leicester has autism friendly screenings on the last Sunday of every month. Although guests are asked to choose specific seats when booking they welcome anyone who wants to move around or make some noise.
Website: www.myvue.com/cinema/leicester/whats-on
Address: Meridian Leisure Park, Lubbesthorpe Way, Braunstone Leicester LE19 1JZ
Phone: 0345 308 462
Theatre and performance
De Montfort Hall
De Montfort Hall has an essential companion scheme for customers who need to come to performances with an assistant. If you need to bring a friend, family member or carer to support you, you can apply to receive a free companion ticket.
Click here for more information: www.demontforthall.co.uk/companion-scheme
They also offer relaxed performances for week-long shows and family pantomimes. You will find information about these relaxed performances on the individual show pages.
If you need to visit De Montfort Hall before you attend a performance, they are happy to help. You would need to book your visit in advance with the box office. The box office is open 10am to 6pm Monday to Friday, Saturday 10am to 2pm (6pm on performance days).
Website: www.demontforthall.co.uk
Address: Granville Road, Leicester, LE1 7RU
Phone: 0116 2333111
Email: dmh-office@leicester.gov.uk
The Curve Theatre - Leicester
The Curve Theatre offers relaxed performances to anyone who would benefit from a more relaxed performance environment. This may include children, young people and adults with neurodivergence such as autism, learning disabilities and other sensory or communication needs.
Several adaptations will be made to shows to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable environment for everyone, including:
• Changes to the show’s lighting and sound.
• Elements of surprise reduced to a minimum.
• A relaxed attitude to movement and audience responses during the performance.
• A quiet space available before, during and after the show.
• Extra staff on hand to support audiences during their time with us.
A pre-show information pack will be made available to audiences before their visit, including a visual story for our theatre, details about the performance and other ‘good-to-know’ information.
Familiarisation visits are also available by request and walk-through photographs are available on the website.
An essential companion scheme is available for customers who need to attend performances with an assistant. If you have evidence to support your request, you can apply for a free companion ticket.
Website: www.curveonline.co.uk
Address: Rutland Street, Leicester, LE1 1SB
Phone: 0116 242 3595
Email: tickets@curvetheatre.co.uk
MMC Venue - contemporary community and arts centre.
The MMC Venue offers an Essential Companion Scheme to disabled customers or those who need somebody to assist them to access their theatre and facilities. An essential companion scheme is available for customers who need to attend performances with an assistant. If you have evidence to support your request, you can apply for a free companion ticket via their website.
Website: www.mmcvenue.co.uk
Address: 105 Leicester Road, Mountsorrel, Leicestershire LE12 7DB
Phone: 0116 230 4877
Email: reception@mmcvenue.co.uk
Inclusive Youth Arts Programme
The Inclusive Youth Arts Programme provides opportunities for children and young people with complex needs and disabilities to be creative outside of school, promoting their wellbeing and enjoyment of being with others. participants have a range of disabilities which without additional support, make it difficult for them to participate in culture and creativity.
The range of disabilities supported include but are not limited to PMLD (profound and multiple learning disabilities), autism, ADHD (attention deficiency hyperactive disorder), auditory, speech and visual impairments, Down’s syndrome and global developmental delay.
All workshops and performances are free to children and young people aged 0 – 18 years old with complex disabilities and needs (escorted by an adult parent or carer). Sessions take place at weekends and during school holidays.
Tailored to the individual needs of the participants, the workshops are limited to small groups and are run by skilled professional artists experienced working with disabled children and young people.
There are also performances specifically designed for children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND).
The building is designed to be welcoming and accessible for a range of needs, and staff are trained to be understanding and supportive.
To register on the programme and gain access to their events, please contact the Attenborough Arts Centre.
Website: attenborougharts.com
Address: Attenborough Arts Centre, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 7HA
Phone: 0116 252 2455
Email: arts-centre@le.ac.uk
Activities and days out
Nature
Bradgate Park
Bradgate Park is a beautiful forest park with good accessibility and paths throughout. It has free-roaming deer, some ruins, and the River Lin running through the area. It is busy at weekends and bank holidays.
Address: Bradgate Park, Bradgate Road Newtown Linford, Woodhouse Eaves, Leicestershire LE6 0HB
Watermead Park
Watermead Park is one of the best parks in Leicestershire for bird watching. A large park with plenty of areas to explore, with multiple lakes, reed-beds, and wildflower meadows. Surfaced paths throughout, providing good accessibility. Angling available – plus model boating, sailing, and windsurfing via the local clubs, who are responsible for these activities. The local Park run can make this park busy on a Saturday morning. For more information
Address – South entrance: Alderton Close, Leicester LE4 7RN
Address – North entrance: Wanlip Rd, Syston, Leicester LE7 8PF
Website for South Watermead: Leicester City Council – South Watermead
Website for North Watermead: Leicestershire County Council – North Watermead
Leicester University Botanic Garden
The University of Leicester Botanic Garden and Attenborough Arboretum is 16 acres of lovingly cultivated grounds and greenhouses with a wide range of planting, including an arboretum, herb garden, woodland, herbaceous borders, rock gardens, a water garden and several glasshouses. It focuses on the importance of global biodiversity. Here you can see and learn about a wide range of plants that grow in their extensive collections from around the world. The Botanic Gardens are a lovely quiet place to visit – entrance is free for all visitors except for special events
Website: le.ac.uk/botanic-garden
Address: Glebe Road, Leicester LE2 2LD
Phone: 0116 252 3666
Email: botanicgarden@le.ac.uk
Museums, galleries and visitor centres
National Space Centre
The National Space Centre in Leicester has a wide range of interactive exhibits and the UK’s largest planetarium to make space educating, engaging and enjoyable for all. They have multi-sensory backpacks available to borrow, which include ear defenders and lots of tactile sensory items. During busy periods they will fast track autistic visitors and there are quiet spaces available for those who may need it. Please note that a few of the exhibits do feature loud noise/flashes, if you wish to avoid those, please tell a member of staff who will be able to guide you.
They also have the following special autism friendly events:
- Space Lates – Quieter evenings with talks and workshops for those who want to delve deeper into space science.
- Accessible Afternoons – An afternoon to support children, young adults and families with additional needs and disabilities, designed for visitors with special educational need or disabilities (SEND) who would benefit from a quieter experience.
Website: https://www.spacecentre.co.uk/
Address: Exploration Drive, SPACE CITY, Leicester, LE4 5NS
Phone: 0116 2610261
Email: info@spacecentre.co.uk
Retro Computer Museum
Retro Computer Museum
A little-known museum open at weekends and bank holidays where you can play on classic consoles spanning decades. With original hardware and a vast software library it will keep you entertained for hours. Normal opening hours are Saturdays and Sundays from 10am-3.30pm. Open on select bank holidays. Accessible for people in wheelchairs.
Website: retrocomputermuseum.co.uk/
Address: RCM House, Unit Q, Troon Way Business Centre, Humberstone Lane, Leicester, LE4 9HA
Phone: 0116 2982127
Leicester Museum and Art Gallery
Described by Leicester City Council as New Walk’s World of Discovery, Leicester Museum and Art Gallery has galleries that include a range of artworks, plus historical exhibits such as Ancient Egypt, Dinosaurs and the Leicester Stories gallery. It also hosts a vast array of temporary exhibitions featuring works from the collections, touring exhibitions from national museums, plus other activities such as entertaining talks, children’s handling sessions and lunchtime concerts. It is also available to hire for wedding ceremonies and celebrations. Entry is free.
Website: www.leicestermuseums.org/museum-art-gallery
Address: 53 New Walk, Leicester, LE1 7EA
Phone: 0116 454 4554
Abbey Pumping Station
Abbey Pumping Station is described by Leicester City Council as Leicester’s Industrial Museum. It opened in 1891 as the City’s main sewage pumping station and the beautiful Victorian building still houses the 4 massive steam powered beam engines from its original use. Stepping through the doors beneath the 150-foot chimney, you will discover how Leicester’s Victorians tackled some of the big issues of the day, including how to keep clean water flowing for the growing city. This museum is not only interesting a fun for for the steam enthusiast, it also has exhibits that encourage all the family to get hands-on with science, industry, transport, health and hygiene. Entry is free.
Website: https://www.leicestermuseums.org/abbey-pumping-station/
Address: Corporation Road, Leicester. LE4 5PX
Phone: 0116 2995111
Newarke Houses
Newarke Houses is described by Leicester City Council as their Social History & Regimental Museum. This museum is made up of two 16th century residences originally owned by William Wygston and Thomas Skeffington. One of the buildings, Skeffington House, which was built between 1560 and 1583, is the only surviving Elizabethan urban gentry house in Leicestershire.
Since 1953, Newarke Houses has brought together a collection of the things which make up people’s everyday lives. Come to see the collection of toys from the beginning of the 1500s to the present day, a thought-provoking regimental collection and First World War trench, a 1950s street scene with its shops and pub, and hear the stories of people who call Leicester their home. Entry is free.
Website: www.leicestermuseums.org/newarke-houses
Address: The Newarke, Leicester. LE2 7BY
Phone: 0116 225 4980
King Richard III Visitor Centre
The King Richard III Visitor Centre is described by Leicester City Council as the museum about Dynasty, Death and Discovery. It stands on the site of the medieval friary of the Grey Friars, where the King’s remains were buried over 500 years ago.
The exhibition charts the king’s life and death – and explains the events that led to his hasty burial and eventual rediscovery. It reveals one of the greatest archaeological detective stories ever told and features the first-ever genome sequencing of ancient DNA.
Visitors will be able to see the exact place where Richard’s remains were buried over 500 years ago. This poignant place has been transformed into a glass-floored contemplative space.
An entry fee is charged to enter the visitor centre.
The centre is a stone’s throw away from Leicester Cathedral, which has housed the tomb of King Richard III since a reinternment ceremony in March 2015.
There is additional support available on site for people with disabilities, their helpers and official carers and there is a downloadable accessibility guide with plenty of information.
To get the accessibility guide please click this link: kriii.com/your-visit/accessibility
Website: kriii.com/
Address: 4A St Martins, Old Town, Leicester, LE1 5DB
Phone: 0116 299 4444
Email: info@kriii.com
Great Central Railway Leicester North
The Great Central Railway Leicester is the UK’s only double track, main line heritage railway. Although the trains can be loud it’s a wonderful place to go to either just sit quietly watching the railway or purchase a ticket for a special train ride of your own. They often run special events which are listed on the website.
Website: www.gcrailway.co.uk
Address: Off Station Rd, The Sidings, Leicester LE4 3BR
Phone: 01509 632 323
Email: sales@gcrailway.co.uk
Other activities and days out
King Power Stadium – Leicester City Football Club
King Power Stadium is the home of the mighty Leicester City Football Club, and it strives to be as inclusive as possible to all visitors. This includes providing free autism packs on home match days. The packs, which include ear defenders, sensory tangles, an ID lanyard and further matchday information, are available for every game at King Power Stadium for autistic supporters, their families, or carers.
Find out more about these packs by clicking this link: LCFC sensory packs
The club has also introduced a new Access Card for disabled people, to ensure easy access to the accessible entrances, toilets and seating. To apply for the sensory pack and / or the Access card, contact by email at this address: disability@lcfc.co.uk
Website: www.lcfc.com/
Address: Leicester City Football Club, King Power Stadium, Filbert Way, Leicester, LE2 7FL
Phone: +44 (0) 344 815 5000
Email: help@lcfc.co.uk
Tree Top Adventure Golf
Quiet Time in the Jungle takes place every second Sunday of the month (9am – 10am)
There is turning off music in the lobby area, toilets, and ‘The Market’. Reduction of the background noise and interactive holes, with all strobe lighting turned off, for a calmer journey through the jungle. Find out more by clicking this link: adventuregolf.com/noticeboard/it-s-oh-so-quiet
Website: adventuregolf.com/leicester
Address: The Highcross, Shires Lane, LE1 4AN
Phone: 0116 402 8333
360 Play
360 Play is an indoor play area, open most days from 10:00am to 6:00pm. They run some sessions particularly for children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND)
This is an evening session which runs every first Friday of the month from 6.30 to 8.30pm.
For more information about the SEND sessions, click this link: https://360play.co.uk/schools-clubs/children-with-send/
Website: 360play.co.uk/360-play-leicester/
Address: Meridian Leisure Park, Lubbesthorpe Way, Leicester,
LE19 1JZ
Phone: 0116 2894731
Email: leicester@360play.co.uk
Rebound Ashby – indoor inflatable park
Rebound Ashby is an indoor inflatable park, which runs relaxed sessions, every Sunday at 10:00am. These sessions are aimed at children and teenagers with special needs, in particular autism, ADHD, sensory issues and other learning difficulties or vulnerabilities. Siblings are also welcome to book onto the session.
The sessions run at 50% capacity to reduce the volume of noise and queues for equipment.
The lights are turned down low and the music is off for the duration of the session. The sessions are during quiet times, to reduce time spent waiting around at check-in.
Free water and squash is offered and the court monitors are selected based on their ability to stay calm under pressure and for their patience, understanding and maturity. The founder of the sessions and the senior leader both have autistic children with and fully appreciate what these sessions mean to parents.
Website: www.reboundashby.co.uk/relaxed-sessions
Address: Rebound inflatable park, Smisby Road, Ashby-De-La-Zouch, Leicestershire LE65 2BS
Phone: 01530 567 045
Email: info@reboundashby.co.uk
Jump Giants - indoor trampoline park
Jump Giants runs support sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 11:00-12:00 during term time, and 09:00 – 10:00 on Saturdays only, during school holidays.
The price of the session at Loughborough includes admission for one jumper and one carer.
For more information about the support sessions, click this link: www.jumpgiants.com/groups-events/events
Website: www.jumpgiants.com/locations/loughborough
Address: Unit 1, Wymeswold Industrial Park, Burton On The Wolds, LE12 5TR
Phone: 0844 414 1141
Holidays and hotels
The Thomas Centre – holiday park with facilities and environment suitable for the needs of many autistic people
The Thomas Centre is a holiday park especially for families of autistic people and those who have epilepsy and/or any other special needs, including neurodivergent conditions. It is in Lincolnshire – so not too far from Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
They have range of accommodation options on a dedicated 25-acre site in a safe & non-judgemental environment. Click here for information on how they cater for the needs of neurodivergent people:
www.thethomascentre.co.uk/adultholidayautismaspergersadhd
Website: www.thethomascentre.co.uk
Address: Covenham, St Bartholomew, Louth, Lincolnshire
Phone: 01507 363 463