tower of London

Tower of London: This January, Historic Royal Palaces introduces Relaxed Hour at the Tower, a sensory-friendly experience tailored for Neurodivergent and Learning-Disabled children aged 5–16 and their families.

A sensory-friendly visit to the Tower of London

On Sunday, 26th January, families can explore the 1,000-year-old fortress in a calm and inclusive environment. The experience, designed to support children with Autism, ADHD, OCD, Anxiety, Tourette’s, and other sensory or processing needs, offers unique opportunities:

  • Free entry to the Tower of London
  • A chance to view the Crown Jewels without the usual queues
  • A guided Yeoman Warder tour, with Warders stationed at specific points to avoid crowds
  • Access to SEN programming, tailored for a relaxed experience

What makes Relaxed Hour at Tower of London special?

The event limits crowd levels and adjusts the atmosphere to suit sensory needs. Loud sound effects and harsh lighting are reduced, creating a more comfortable environment for visitors. Families can enjoy exploring the historic grounds at their own pace while engaging with the Yeoman Warders and their stories.

A café and retail space will also be available, ensuring a complete family outing.

Who can attend?

Historic Royal Palaces invites all families who identify as Neurodivergent or Learning-Disabled. The event caters to children with diverse needs, ensuring everyone feels welcome and included.

How to book

Relaxed Hour at the Tower takes place on Sunday, 26th January. Tickets are free, but booking is essential.

For more details and to secure your place, visit: Relaxed Hour at the Tower.

Lighting, sound and general effects throughout the Tower grounds are minimised, or turned off. Content warnings will be placed on spaces containing material audiences might find distressing.

Access guides to the Tower of London are on the accessibility page. They will not ask for proof of disability or supporting documents.

A visual story will be emailed to you before the event. This will include information about your arrival and what to expect from the event.

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By Fergus McCarthy

Fergus McCarthy is a seasoned publishing professional with over three decades of experience in the media industry. In 1993, he co-founded Parents News, a pioneering publication aimed at providing busy parents in Southwest London with essential information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly activities. Under his leadership, Parents News quickly expanded its reach from 60,000 to 192,000 monthly printed copies, establishing additional branches in Kent, South London, Northern Ireland, and Cornwall. In 1997, recognizing the potential of digital media, Fergus helped launch Parents News UK Online, which carried digital editions of the printed publication and offered a broader range of national information. The website's popularity soared, attracting up to 700 daily hits at its peak. Although Parents News transitioned to an online-only platform in 2017, Fergus continues to play a vital role as Publisher and Advertising Manager, focusing on providing value to businesses through effective advertorials.