Longleat is taking steps to ensure that everyone feels welcome and comfortable during their visit, with a range of initiatives designed to support neurodivergent guests. The Wiltshire estate is highlighting its commitment to accessibility as part of Neurodiversity Celebration Week, running from 17th to 23rd March.
To help guests prepare for their visit, sensory signage has been introduced throughout the park. These signs provide helpful information about temperature changes, quiet and noisy areas, and more unusual features such as low-flying bats or the possibility of animals landing on visitors in immersive spaces.
Scott Ashman, Head of Operations at Longleat, explained that the signage was first introduced last summer alongside a sensory map, which visitors can request upon arrival or download from the website.
“Our Education and Engagement lead, Kim Ovens, has spearheaded this project. Since launching the sensory map, we’ve expanded the range of signage available and introduced accessible times for our events,” said Scott.
“We understand that public spaces can be overwhelming for neurodivergent guests when they are faced with too much sensory input. While it’s not always possible to control elements like temperature, particularly around animal enclosures, we can at least provide guests with the information they need to prepare.”
Longleat has also introduced accessible play equipment within its Adventure Castle to further enhance the visitor experience. Over the Easter period (5th to 21st April), the park will offer accessible performances of Mystery of the Lost Eggs Live at 2pm each day. These shows will feature softer lighting and reduced sound levels, with optional headphones available.
Guests have been quick to praise the improvements, with one parent sharing how the changes made a real difference: “Our 12-year-old daughter is autistic, and it was SO helpful to see signs about potential noise, heat, and busy areas. The small notifications meant she was prepared, and she really enjoyed her day — as did the rest of us!”
Another visitor commented: “It actually really moved me. Not many places provide accessibility beyond ramps or lifts. We could easily find quiet spaces, particularly around the house, which helped reduce sensory overload. All the staff were friendly and happy to answer lots of questions — which, as an autistic person, made me feel really comfortable.”
Longleat’s commitment to accessibility reflects a broader effort to ensure that everyone, regardless of their needs, can enjoy a stress-free and welcoming experience. Visitors can find more details about accessible features, including queue assist and social stories, on the Longleat website.
