Relaxed Openings of The Coming of Age @ Wellcome Collection, London
2026-08-12 14:00 - 18:00 (Europe/London) | Wellcome Collection, London, NW1 2BE
9 May 2026 – 18 October 2026

Free

Relaxed opening

show credit information for image ‘‘The Coming of Age’ exhibition at Wellcome Collection’

What you’ll do
Join us for a relaxed opening of the exhibition ‘The Coming of Age‘. Relaxed openings provide a calm, friendly atmosphere with additional support and facilities.
You will find:

extra staff available to help you
fewer people in the exhibition
sensory-support equipment (including ear defenders, tinted glasses and visors, stim toys and weighted lap pads)
comfortable cushions and mats if you need to sit or lie down in the exhibition
a chill-out space.

For a break from the exhibition and gallery spaces, take advantage of our Chill-Out Room. This room has low lighting, comfortable seating, cushions, mats and space to move around and be yourself.

Dates

9 May 2026 – 18 October 2026

Events
Saturday 9 May 2026

10:00 – 14:00

Relaxed opening

Relaxed Opening of The Coming of Age
Gallery 1

Check for tickets
Tickets via Eventbrite

Relaxed

Wednesday 12 August 2026

14:00 – 18:00

Relaxed opening

Relaxed Opening of The Coming of Age
Gallery 1
Booking opens Thursday 16 July 2026 14:00

Relaxed

Sunday 18 October 2026

14:00 – 18:00

Relaxed opening

Relaxed Opening of The Coming of Age
Gallery 1
Booking opens Thursday 17 September 2026 14:00

Relaxed

Need to know

Location

We’ll be in Gallery 1. When you enter Wellcome Collection, it’s on the left on level 0.

Place not guaranteed

Booking a ticket for a free, in-person event does not guarantee you a place. You should aim to arrive 15 minutes before the event is scheduled to start to claim your place. If you do not arrive on time, your place may be given to someone on the waiting list.

Waiting list

If this event is fully booked, you may still be able to attend. We will operate a waiting list, which opens 30 minutes before this event starts. Arrive early, and we’ll give you a numbered ticket. If there are any unfilled places just before the start time, we will invite you to enter in order of ticket number.

For more information, please visit our Accessibility page. If you have any queries about accessibility, please email us at access@wellcomecollection.org or call 0 2 0. 7 6 1 1. 2 2 2 2020 7611 2222.
Our event terms and conditions

Jurassic Oceans: Monsters of the Deep Relaxed Exhibition Viewing @ Natural History Museum, London
2026-08-15 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-08-19 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-08-22 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-08-26 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-08-29 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-09-02 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-09-05 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-09-09 10:00 - 11:00 and 2 more dates | Natural History Museum, London, SW7 5BD, United Kingdom
Our relaxed viewings allow our disabled and neurodiverse visitors to see our brand new Jurassic Oceans: Monsters of the Deep exhibition away from the daytime crowds.

Book your tickets

Various dates, 10:00–11:00

From £15
Members: free

Waterhouse Gallery

Exhibitions

Dinosaurs and fossils

Families

Large print guide

Relaxed visit

Experience the exhibition in a quieter setting at one of our relaxed viewings, designed specifically for our neurodiverse and disabled visitors.
With a reduced capacity, careful lighting and low-noise levels, these viewings allow you to explore the depths of the Jurassic oceans, away from the daytime crowds.
Packed with the all monsters you want to see as well as millions-of-years-old fossils, bite-sized science and gigantic fun, Jurassic Oceans: Monsters of the Deep is our latest blockbuster exhibition.
It’s the perfect blend of prehistoric monsters, memory-making moments and hands-on discovery from our expert palaeontologists.

Early Birds @ Science Museum, London
2026-08-15 18:30 - 21:30 | Science Museum, SW7 2DD
Early Birds is a sensory friendly event for families with members who need a quieter environment to enjoy the museum.

Next Early Birds: Saturday 4 July 2026
This event is suitable for those who benefit from visiting the museum without the hustle and bustle of the general public—for example autistic visitors or those with sensory processing differences.
Taking place on selected Saturdays and Sundays across the year, we open the museum before or after hours exclusively to a reduced number of people, and wherever possible, with lowered volume and noise levels.
We will be celebrating all things space this year at Early Birds. Visitors will be able to:

Take inspiration from the Artemis missions with some space exploration themed hands-on workshops and craft activities.
Take part in our out-of-this-world Space Show.
Join our Explainer team on a journey through the Solar System with one of our Space on a Sphere talks.
Explore the Star Trek Warp Trail in a quieter environment and discover how this legendary sci-fi franchise inspired real-world science.
Explore our museum galleries including the iconic objects in our Space gallery.

Early Birds visitors will also have an opportunity to book tickets to lower capacity sessions in Wonderlab and Power Up at a reduced rate.
There will also be quiet areas for those needing to take a break. More details on exactly what to expect on the day will be sent out in advance of each Early Birds event.
The Early Birds accessible events are completely free and suitable for families with children aged 4–15. Siblings are welcome to attend, but all children and adults attending the event will need to book.

Information

Free Accessible event

Date: Saturday 4 July 2026
Time: 08.00-11.00
Price: Free but booking required

Book now
Booking opening soon

In this page

Accessibility at Early Birds
Future dates
FAQs

Accessibility at Early Birds
We are committed to making our Early Birds events open and accessible for everyone and will do our best to make any adjustments which would make the event more accessible for you.
You can find out more about accessibility at the museum on our website. If you have any questions or specific access requirements you’d like to discuss with us, please call the museum contact centre on 033 0058 0058.

Future dates

Early Birds Evening—Saturday 15 August
Early Birds Morning—Saturday 26 September

Sign up to our accessible newsletter to be the first to hear about future dates.

Frequently asked questions
Do I need to book?
What else do I need to know?
I’m a school teacher, can I bring my class?
What if I’m over 15?

SENDsational Mornings @ NHM Tring, Hertfordshire
2026-08-16 10:00 - 12:00 | NHM Tring, Tring, HP23 6AP, United Kingdom
SENDsational Mornings at Tring

An opportunity for children with neurodiverse conditions to enjoy the Museum at a quieter time.

Book your tickets

Sunday 16 August and Sunday 8 November, 10:00–12:00

Free, booking required

The Natural History Museum at Tring

Relaxed visit

Pre-visit information (PDF 185KB)Pre-visit visual guide (PDF 3.5MB)

We are excited to present SENDsational Mornings at Tring, Hertfordshire.
Our SENDsational mornings offer children with neurodiverse conditions, including autism and other sensory processing difficulties, the chance to take part in activities and enjoy our galleries with their families and siblings away from the hustle and bustle of the general public.
This event is best for children aged five to 15 and siblings are welcome.
What can you expect from the experience?

Visitors have access to a few activities including specimen handling, crafting and a gallery trail.
All activities are supported by experienced, autism-aware facilitators.
A sensory space will be available for those children needing a quieter and calmer space.
All of the galleries, outdoor spaces and the shop will be accessible throughout the event.
Each event has a different theme. In February it’s Deserts, in May it’s rainforests, in August it’s Oceans and in November it’s Autumn.

Walk-ups are not possible – you must have a ticket. Adult tickets are limited to three per group.
We will email more information about your visit a week in advance, to help you prepare for your visit. On the day you will be given a programme and map to let you know what you can do.
The Museum in South Kensington has been successfully running a similar event called Dawnosaurs for the past four years.
Before your visit take a look at our pre-visit information including a visual guide and logistics and facilities information.

Relaxed Visit @ Newton Abbot Museum, Devon
2026-08-17 13:00 - 15:00 | Newton Abbot Museum, Newton Abbot, TQ12 1JQ, United Kingdom
The visit will be on Monday 17th August, 1pm-3pm. The museum and the summer exhibition (The Golden Age of Wildlife Filming) will be available for people to have a look around.

Explore our galleries in a calm and relaxed environment where we will ensure our sound levels are reduced. There will be a quiet space available away from the galleries, and you are welcome to borrow our new sensory bags and ear-defenders.
These sessions are great for visitors with Autistic Spectrum Disorder or other communication and sensory needs and their families / carers but are suitable for all.

Our Story with David Attenborough Relaxed Viewing @ Natural History Museum, London
2026-08-18 11:00 - 11:45 | Natural History Museum, London, SW7 5BD, United Kingdom
Our Story with David Attenborough Relaxed Viewing

A spectacular new 360° cinematic experience, away from the crowds.

Book your tickets

Until August 2026

From £20
Members: from £10

Jerwood Gallery

People and planet

Exhibitions

Relaxed visit

Subtitled

Get ready to immerse yourself in the epic tale of people and planet in this new 360° experience, presented by Sir David Attenborough.
Watch as the walls and floor burst into life around you. Witness the birth of life on our planet and see it evolve over thousands of years. Look on as a family of gorillas play in their lush forest home and follow the journey of a humpback whale beneath the waves.
Watch our human story from our earliest beginnings to the tipping point when we begin to influence the world around us.
Sir David’s words have crafted the experience, which reflects his lifetime exploring our planet and sharing its wonders with the world. His personal message of hope leaves us feeling empowered to help write the next chapter in our story.
Produced by the award-winning filmmakers behind many of Sir David’s documentaries, this new 50-minute experience blends footage of the natural world with cutting-edge animation to create something truly special that you can’t experience from home.
What to expect
Our relaxed viewings are run at reduced capacity with increased house lighting and reduced volume. The show does contain high contrast, bright lights and in some parts moving patterns and loud sounds that may cause discomfort for people with photosensitive epilepsy, sensitivity to loud sounds or other similar medical conditions. If you are unsure whether this will affect you, please consult with a medical professional prior to attending the show.
Our Story is recommended for children aged 8+. All children must be supervised by an adult.
The minimum age for this experience is 4 years old, as it has been designed with adults and older children in mind. While Our Story is visually stunning, the heart of the experience lies in the 45-minute narrative story that requires focus and reflection.

Relaxed Mornings in the Magic Garden @ Hampton Court Palace, Surrey
2026-08-19 09:30 - 11:00, 2026-09-13 09:30 - 11:00 | Hampton Court Palace, Surrey, KT8 9AU, United Kingdom
A relaxed morning event for Neurodivergent and Disabled children aged 3 to 16, and their families and friends.

Skip the event ticket details and go to event summary.

When
09 May, 07 June, 28 July, 02 August, 19 August, 13 September and 04 October 2026.
09:30 – 11:00

Where
Magic Garden

Ticketing information
Tickets cost £1.00.

Separate ticket (advance booking required)
Book tickets

The fountains will not be switched on during the sessions.

Events
Families
Access

Start of the events summaryJoin us for quiet sessions in The Magic Garden at Hampton Court Palace, aimed at Neurodivergent and Disabled children, and their families/friends.
We welcome all families who identify as Neurodivergent or Learning Disabled including ADHD, Autism, Anxiety, OCD, Tourette’s and all other sensory and processing difficulties.
During this session, we have lower visitor capacity than usual and lower noise levels. We turn off bathroom hand dryers, implement adaptations to staff operations such as using earpieces for radios, and do not use the tannoy system.
The session begins at 09.30 and ends at 11.00.
Ticket cost £1.00
This offer was formally known as Rise and Roar. The name, price and age range of the event has changed owing to the launch of our new Relaxed Events Programme for Children and Families. The change was made to bring these two offers closer to each other. For exact changes please see our FAQ’s page.
Dates in 2026

09 May
07 June
28 July
02 August
19 August
13 September
04 October

Each group member, including our valued Members and those aged under three years, must have a palace entry ticket.
Relaxed Mornings in the Magic Garden FAQs

Cutty Sark Relaxed Opening @ Cutty Sark, Greenwich
2026-08-19 10:00 - 11:00 | Cutty Sark, London, SE10 9HT, United Kingdom
Cutty Sark relaxed opening

Explore the famous tea clipper in a calmer, more relaxed environment

Ticketed
Essential information

Type

Family fun

Location

Cutty Sark

Date and times
Wednesday 19 August 2026 | 10am-11am

Prices
£22 per adult, £11 per child, £3 Universal Credit, free for carers

Book tickets Book Member tickets

Join us at this session for families, designed to welcome neurodivergent visitors, those with sensory sensitivities, and anyone who would enjoy a more peaceful way to explore this iconic ship without the crowds.
During this quiet morning all audio and visual interactives, apart from the introductory gallery film in the Lower Hold, will be turned off. If you decide to stay on the ship beyond 11am, these will be turned on and the tannoy announcements will commence.
We will be joined by Aaron Oliver during this session. Aaron is a neurodivergent storyteller and workshop facilitator who specialises in sensory play and art and crafts.
If anyone in your group has any access requirements that you’d like to share with us before the event, please contact families@rmg.co.uk.

Download [a visual guide of the Cutty Sark]
pdf, 9.69 MB

Our facilities include:

Limited on-site parking – contact families@rmg.co.uk in advance for more information
All floors have lift access but a few areas on the Main Deck are not wheelchair accessible and there are some tight turning circles
A mix of seating (chairs with or without arms, benches, mats, small beanbags)
Specialist facilitators
A visual story of the site will be shared in advance of the event. For more details, visit the access page below

Wheelchair access
For safety reasons, we can only accommodate three wheelchair users at Cutty Sark at any one time.
Cutty Sark is wheelchair accessible with lifts providing access to all levels of the ship. Some small areas of the Main Deck are not wheelchair accessible, but virtual access is provided to these spaces.
The original ship structure restricts the size of the lift on board, but mobility scooters can be accommodated providing they fit in our lifts. Measurements for the lifts are included in the Cutty Sark access statement. No e-scooters or e-bikes are permitted on board as per our visitor regulations.
Please also be aware that there are steps and gradients in Cutty Sark Gardens on the approach to the ship. There is a step-free route to Cutty Sark from King William Walk and Greenwich Pier.
Cancelling
If you are unable to attend, please let our team know as soon as possible so that your space can be made available to another family. Email: bookings@rmg.co.uk.

Relaxed Opening Hours - Hepworth in Colour @ Courtauld, London
2026-08-19 10:00 - 11:00 | The Courtauld, London, WC2R 0RN, United Kingdom
Wednesday 1 July and Wednesday 19 August, at 10:00 or 10:15
Join us for relaxed openings of The Joseph Hage Aaronson & Bremen Exhibition: Hepworth in Colour. Our relaxed exhibition openings include additional support and facilities from our friendly team.
These events are suitable for anyone who prefers to visit the gallery when it is less crowded, including disabled visitors, neurodivergent visitors or those with additional sensory needs, and their families and carers.
You can expect:
– Fewer people in the exhibition
– Extra staff on hand to answer any questions
– Multisensory handling resources and ear defenders available
– Comfortable cushions and mats to sit and enjoy the exhibition
– Book now – 1 July
– Book now – 19 August
Please note this is a relaxed event, which means you are welcome to move around and make noise at any time.

Relaxed and Autism Friendly Morning @ Wembley Library, Brent Civic Centre, London
2026-08-20 09:30 - 10:30 | Wembley Library, London, HA9 8TS, United Kingdom
Relaxed and Autism-Friendly morning at Wembley Library at Brent Civic Centre on Thursday 20 August, 2026 from 9:30 am to 10:30 am

Join us for a relaxed morning at Wembley Library, specially designed for our friends with autism and families who would benefit from a quieter, less stimulating environment.

This event is for children aged 3-15 years with their siblings, parents and carers.

We’re creating a welcoming and inclusive space for individuals to enjoy the building. Our staff are trained to provide a supportive environment. Whether you want to read, relax, or explore, we’re here to make your visit enjoyable. Join us for a morning tailored just for you!

This is an autism-friendly hour with quieter space where you can take part in a craft activity celebrating women in sport of Caribbean, Indian, and Somali heritage.

You can also borrow books and explore the library. Please book a ticket for each person coming in your group, such as each of the brothers, sisters and parents/carers.

There are accessible toilets in the Civic Centre on the Ground and First Floors.

All visitors to this special early opening will receive a visual story in advance to provide an idea of what to expect during the event. Please add the email address museum.archives@brent.gov.uk to your contacts to avoid the visual story email going to your junk folder by accident.

If you already have a library card you can use the computers from 9am.

If you book to come for the early opening you can join the library from 9.30am and use the computers from then.

Book your tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/relaxed-early-opening-for-families-at-wembley-library-at-brent-civic-centre-tickets-1989639982748?aff=oddtdtcreator

The Children’s Library and the main library displays are open to the general public from 10.30am.
Drop in
Free
Age range: 3 – 15 years

If you have any questions about this event, please contact Jana Cameron, Learning Officer at Brent Museum and Archives on 020 8937 3603 or 07909 007 182 or at jana.cameron@brent.gov.uk

Relaxed Morning Opening @ Oxford University Museum of Natural History + Pitt Rivers Museum
2026-08-21 09:00 - 10:00 | Oxford University Museum of Natural History, Oxford, OX1 3PW
Relaxed Morning Opening
Friday, 21 August 2026
09.00 – 10.00

About the event
Relaxed morning openings allow visitors to experience the Museum of Natural History and Pitt Rivers Museum early in the day, when the buildings are quiet. We open an hour early to welcome visitors who may struggle in the museums at peak times. The number of visitors is capped, which reduces ambient noise levels and how full the space is.
The relaxed morning openings are designed for visitors who may benefit from a calmer environment, including those on the autism spectrum, have additional learning needs or sensory and communication difficulties, and anyone who feels they would benefit from this session.
Family members are welcome to support the visit.
Quiet spaces are available during the opening.
You will be able to visit both the Museum of Natural History and the Pitt Rivers Museum during this session.

Accessibility information

Wheelchair accessible?
Yes

Hearing loops?
No

Seating?
Some seating is available in the Museum

Refreshments?
No

Flashing lights?
No

Loud noises?
No

For more information, please visit our accessibility webpage.

Relaxed Hours @ HMS Belfast, London
2026-08-22 09:00 - 11:00 | HMS Belfast, London, SE1 2JH, United Kingdom
Join us for a relaxed early opening of HMS Belfast. This is a sensory-friendly event for families and individuals. The event is suitable for individuals or families with members who may have sensory processing differences, autistic spectrum conditions or would otherwise benefit from a quieter environment to explore HMS Belfast.
Enjoy two hours aboard HMS Belfast with less crowds and free from loud sound effects. You will be able to explore the whole ship and can participate in family-friendly activities.
HMS Belfast was an active war ship. Some areas of the ship have uneven flooring or are difficult to access if limited mobility, please more information below.
We kindly ask visitors to buy a ticket online in advance. Crowd levels are kept low by permitting only ticket holders to this event on board the ship. HMS Belfast will open to the public at 11am. Visitors are welcome to remain on board after the Relaxed Hour session ends. The audio content throughout the ship will resume from 11am.
We will send all ticket holders an email around a week before the event with more information.

Access

Find HMS Belfast using What3Words:///format.overnight.meals.
A Visual Story is available on our website.
Some levels of the upper and lower decks are inaccessible to wheelchair users, and unsuitable for people with restricted mobility. Modifications have been made to the 2-deck and 1-deck to make them wheelchair accessible. There is a platform lift between levels.
Some areas of the ship have uneven flooring. Some doorways and hatchways have lips which require you to step over them. To see every deck of the ship, visitors will need to climb multiple ladders. It is recommended that those with restricted mobility, or with small children under 4ft, do not access the engine room as it has vertical ladders and very narrow walkways.
HMS Belfast is situated on a tidal part of the Thames. You may be able to feel movement of the Thames when on board.
Prams or pushchairs are allowed in certain areas of the ship, but we would advise not to bring them at all if possible. There is a designated area on the Quarter Deck to leave prams, pushchairs, and strollers, for any families wishing to explore inside the ship. Please be advised that personal belongings are left at the owner’s risk.
There is no blue badge parking for visitors. The nearest public blue badge parking on Tooley Street and Braidwood Street. Find it using What3Words ///ritual.herb.match
The HMS Belfast is situation on the River Thames, and the railings on the outer decks are X cm high.
Visit HMS Belfast Accessibility Page for more information.
We have partnered with AccessAble to create an accessibility guide to HMS Belfast.

Facilities

The onboard café will be open from 9:30am.
Accessible toilets and baby change facilities are available in the pavilion before you arrive onto the ship. On the ship they are located by the Quarter Deck at the front of the ship.
There will be quiet rooms for those needing to take a break, a breakout space, and an outdoor eating area for anyone wishing to bring their own food.
There are a small number of ear defenders and sensory backpacks containing items that may help your visit. They are available upon request on a first-come, first-serve basis and are free to use. Examples of what they contain include:

Ear defenders
Sunflower lanyard.
Fidget toys.
A simple map.
Magnifying glass.
Cuddly toy.
Pencils and grips.
Emotions fan.
Reading overlays.

Book tickets

Mosquitoes Warnings @ Wellcome Collection, London
2026-08-22 11:00 - 15:30 | Wellcome Collection, London, NW1 2BE
Join facilitators from our visitor experience and library teams to explore posters and prints of mosquitoes and the diseases they carry.
We’ll have material from our collection on display, including graphic imagery warning of the risks of malaria, dengue and yellow fever. Highlights include work by British designer Abram Games.
Our facilitators will be on hand to discuss the stories behind the material and the history of public health messaging.

Relaxed Opening of ‘Audrey Amiss' and ‘Rudy Loewe' exhibitions @ Wellcome Collection, London
2026-08-23 10:00 - 14:00 | Wellcome Collection, London, NW1 2BE
Join us for a relaxed opening of the exhibitions ‘Audrey Amiss: The Surviving Exhibitions‘ and ‘Rudy Loewe: Intimacies of Care – Spaces of Grief and Possibility’.
You will find:

extra staff available to help you
fewer people in the exhibition
sensory-support equipment (including ear defenders, tinted glasses and visors, stim toys and weighted lap pads)
comfortable cushions and mats if you need to sit or lie down in the exhibition
a chill out space.

For a break from the exhibition and gallery spaces, take advantage of our chill out space. This space has low lighting, comfortable seating, cushions, mats and space to move around and be yourself.

Quiet Afternoon @ Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh
2026-08-30 14:00 - 17:00 | Dynamic Earth, Holyrood Road, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 8AS, United Kingdom
Dynamic Earth is Edinburgh’s Science Centre & Planetarium.
During our Quiet Afternoons, you will find reduced visitor numbers in our centre. Additionally, all videos in our galleries will be captioned and the 4pm Planetarium show includes BSL interpretation.
Accessibility is essential to what we do at Dynamic Earth to allow everyone to discover understanding and empathy for the Earth. In addition to reduced capacity, our standard accessibility features include additional resources such as sensory bags, social stories, and sensory maps. Our staff undergo disability and neurodiversity awareness training, and we offer a wide range of sensory aids.
Further information on visitor accessibility can be found here. If there are any other adjustments we can make to facilitate your visit please get in touch with us at enquiries@dynamicearth.org.uk

Relaxed Morning @ Buckingham Palace, London
2026-09-01 10:00 - 11:30 | Buckingham Palace, London, SW1A 1AA
RELAXED MORNING AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE
TUESDAY 1 SEPTEMBER 2026
An opportunity for neurodivergent and learning-disabled children and their families to enjoy the State Rooms of Buckingham Palace in a quieter, calmer atmosphere.
Tickets are available for entry from 10:00 – 11:30 on Tuesday 1 September and cost £6 each. Free carer/companion tickets are available.
If you, or someone in your party, requires step-free access please contact the Specialist Sales Team to book either by phone on 0303 123 7324 or email specialistsales@rct.uk. A photo journey and pre-visit information are available to download, or by emailing specialistsales@rct.uk. Assistance dogs are welcome. We recommend that if possible that they wear a jacket or lead slip to identify them as working. Sensory bags, trails and fidgets will be available to borrow on the day. Visitors see the Palace gardens as they walk to the toilets and the shop, but there is no further access to the garden. The Family Pavilion is a breakout space with activities for families and children to

Relaxed Morning: Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Portrait Award @ NPG, London
2026-09-06 09:00 - 10:30 | National Portrait Gallery, London, Greater London, WC2H 0HE, United Kingdom
Relaxed Mornings:
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Portrait Award 2026

© Jonny Guardiani

6 September 2026, 09.00-10.30
Meet in Gallery Entrance Hall
Free (booking required)

Book now

Our Relaxed Mornings have been designed for children with SEND and their families and carers, as well as individuals of any age with sensory differences or disabilities.
Relaxed Mornings provide an informal, friendly and safe environment where visitors can explore exhibitions at their own pace, in their own way, without feeling overwhelmed by the crowds or worried about disturbing others.
We aim to ensure reduced visitor numbers during our Relaxed Mornings and minimise audio-visual and other sensory elements inside the Gallery. Visitors can also enjoy artist‑led sensory experiences and access a variety of calming and creative tools within the exhibition.
A Visual Story will be sent to visitors in advance of their visit to help prepare for the experience of visiting the Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Portrait Award 2026.
Important information:

Tickets and cloakroom are free, but booking is essential to reserve your place.
A carer or companion does not need to book a ticket.
Guide and assistance dogs are very welcome in the Gallery. Please ensure your dog is wearing its harness within the Gallery.
When you arrive, please meet in the Gallery’s Entrance Hall, accessed via Ross Place. More information about getting to the Gallery can be found in the Access section of our website.
If you have any access requirements you want us to be aware of, or need assistance booking a ticket please email info@npg.org.uk.
Check the Access section of our website for more information about accessibility at the Gallery.

Quiet Morning: Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Portrait Award @ NPG, London
2026-09-12 09:00 - 10:30 | National Portrait Gallery, London, Greater London, WC2H 0HE, United Kingdom
Quiet Mornings:
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Portrait Award 2026

© David Parry

12 September 2026, 09.00-10.30
Meet in Gallery Entrance Hall
Free (booking required)

Book now

Our Quiet Mornings have been designed for neurodivergent visitors, people with sensory differences or disabilities, or anyone who would benefit from a calm and quiet environment.
Quiet Mornings offer a lower stress space to enjoy our exhibitions. To ensure a more peaceful experience, we reduce visitor numbers and minimise noise throughout the Gallery. We ask that Quiet Morning visitors please respect others and talk quietly. Phones and devices must be switched off or placed on silent.
A Visual Story will be sent to visitors in advance of their visit to help prepare for the experience of visiting the Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Portrait Award 2026.
Quiet Mornings have been designed for visitors to enjoy our exhibitions independently; please be aware that these sessions do not include a tour or workshop.
Important information:

Tickets and cloakroom are free, but booking is essential to reserve your place.
A carer or companion does not need to book a ticket.
Guide and assistance dogs are very welcome in the Gallery. Please ensure your dog is wearing its harness within the Gallery.
When you arrive, please meet in the Gallery’s Entrance Hall, accessed via Ross Place. More information about getting to the Gallery can be found in the Access section of our website.
If you have any access requirements you want us to be aware of, or need assistance booking a ticket please email info@npg.org.uk.
Check the Access section of our website for more information about accessibility at the Gallery.

Plan your visit

Early Birds @ Locomotion, County Durham
2026-09-12 09:15 - 10:00 | Locomotion, Shildon, DL4 2RE
Early Birds is a special early-morning session for visitors with sensory needs who wish to explore the museum in a quieter environment.

Early Birds is a special early-morning session for visitors with sensory needs who wish to explore the museum in a quieter environment.
It’s for anyone who would benefit from a quieter, more relaxed museum opening, including autistic visitors, or visitors with an anxiety disorder or a Special Education Need.
The museum will open early—at 09.15—and will be available exclusively for our Early Birds guests until 10.00, when we open our doors to the general public.
We will be turning off the noisy children’s rides and video presentations, but you will still be able to explore the museum and play with the interactive exhibits.
Early Birds sessions usually take place once a month, with additional sessions available during school holidays.

Information

Free Accessible event

Date: Selected dates
Time: 09.15–10.00
Location: Main Hall

In this page

Session dates

Sensory Art Club (profound disability friendly) @ Modern One, Edinburgh
2026-09-12 11:00 - 12:30 | Modern (Modern One), Belford Terrace, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 3DR, United Kingdom
Sensory art club (profound disability friendly)

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Modern One
Saturday 12 September 2026, 11–12.30pm
Free
Booking essential
Book tickets

Join us for our fully inclusive art club for people of all ages with profound and multiple learning disabilities and their families, friends and supporters. Take part in creative activities in the learning room with our friendly artists and explore the galleries at your leisure. The session will be fun and relaxed with an opportunity for families to enjoy a cuppa and a chat as well.
Places are free but limited so please book online. Only one ticket is needed per participant, companions do not need a ticket.
For more information or assistance please contact us on 0131 624 6410 or learning@nationalgalleries.org.
Watch an introduction to the gallery
Download sensory map

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