DAYSOUT
Sensory ADVENTURES
FOR THOSE OF US WHO ARE ABLE-BODIED, ACCESSIBILITY IS NOT OFTEN AT THE FOREFRONT OF OUR MINDS WHEN IT COMES TO CHOOSING OUR NEXT DAY OUT. HOWEVER, FOR THE ESTIMATED 16.1 MILLION PEOPLE IN THE UK LIVING WITH A DISABILITY, ACCESSIBILITY IS AN EVERYDAY REALITY.
The most recent National Travel Survey( 2023) uncovered that disabled adults in England take 25 % fewer trips than non-disabled adults, a stark difference which can be accredited to antiquated infrastructure across paths and within buildings, inadequate staff training and critical gaps in accessibility information. In an effort to bridge that gap across Kent, we’ re taking a deep dive into the county’ s most accessible days out for disabled and SEN adventures such as farmland attractions, museums and cinemas.
From wheelchair-accessible events to sensory-friendly attractions and places with accommodation specifically for disabled visitors, here are insideKENT’ s top 12 sensory adventures to embark on throughout 2025.
Rockits Sensory and Soft Play Centre, Tenterden rockitssensory. co. uk
With inclusivity and accessibility at the very forefront, the team at Rockits Sensory are passionate about creating a safe environment where all children can learn, grow, play and thrive. Alongside a variety of SEN support sessions with professionals, parent nurture groups and accessible facilities, Rockits’ popular soft play and sensory sessions include access to the vibrant space-themed soft play area and sensory room allowing families to enjoy the interactive floor space, planet Earth role play, messy play, crafts and a cafe serving snacks and refreshments. Other regular sessions include Yogi Rockits, which encourages playful movement to balance both mind and body though music and sensory classes that utilise the proven benefits of using music for development. Not just a nurturing place for the little ones, this welcoming hub also holds weekly New Horizons groups for neurodivergent adults to relax and regulate in the sensory rooms, get creative with crafts and form friendships.
Kids’ Sensory Screenings, The Ashford Cinema at Elwick Place, Ashford theashfordcinema. co. uk
Recognising the importance of allowing neurodiverse audiences to experience the joy of cinema, Elwick Place’ s The Ashford Cinema has announced inclusive weekly Kids’ Sensory Screenings that take place every Sunday morning. During the showings, lights are dimmed, the sound is lowered to accommodate aural sensitivities and advert duration is shortened for comfort. Partnering with Rockits Sensory and Soft Play in Tenterden, audiences can also look forward to enjoying more sensory fun with a 10 % Rockits discount for all Sensory Sunday Cinemini ticket holders. Additionally, sensory-friendly, new-release showings for adults on the first Thursday of every month will take place in the same relaxed setting, with the cinema also providing subtitled showings for many films too, details of which can be found on their website.
Kidsbury Role Play Villages, Tunbridge Wells kidsburyplay. com
Kidsbury Role Play Villages is a purpose-designed, eco-conscious indoor play area with 12 interactive role-play zones to foster creativity, confidence and educational development in children aged one to seven. A place where imagination comes to life, children can explore real-world locations such as a supermarket, post office and florist to engage in numeracy, teamwork and social skills.
Kidsbury offers monthly relaxed play sessions for children with cognitive or physical disabilities. Designed to offer a more comfortable and flexible experience, relaxed sessions make several adjustments to ensure that everyone can enjoy their time at the play area, such as lowering the volume of background music to create a calmer atmosphere and having team members on hand to offer assistance for all attendees.
Manor Park Country Park, West Malling kent. gov. uk
A former country estate with sprawling woodland, wildflower meadows and a scenic lake, Manor Park Country Park offers a wide range of natural habitats for visitors to explore. With a cafe offering local food, a children’ s play area and many historical points of interest, the park is an accessible day out for all. The play area boasts an inclusive roundabout, junior
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