SEN-friendly days out

Relaxed performances, quiet sessions and SEN-only slots at family events around Timperley, plus venues with sensory rooms, quiet hours and carer tickets. We only list a session when the organiser says it is adapted, and we look for new ones every week.

See them by date in the app

Sessions with dates 22

Monster Mayhem Ball (kids fancy dress) Charlie Park, Atherton · 35 min Sat 24 Oct, 3.15-6pm (a SEN session runs Sun 25 Oct)A separate SEN session runs on Sun 25 Oct, the day after the main ball.SEN session Sun 25 Oct£10–25
Hallé Relaxed Concert for young families (November) Hallé St Peter's, Ancoats, Manchester · 25 min Mon 2 Nov 2.30pm (mixed audience); Tue 3 Nov 11am (young families). About 50 minutes.Relaxed, informal concerts with the Hallé ensemble. The 11am concert on Tue 3 Nov is aimed at young families.Relaxed Mon 2 NovUnder £10
Digital Bonfire Night at Printworks Printworks Pumpyard, Manchester city centre · 25 min 4.30pm-7pm; digital fireworks 5.20pm; storytimes incl. SEN-friendly at 5pmSEN-friendly storytime at 5pm.SEN session Thu 5 NovFree
Cockfields Christmas Experience (Cockfields Express to the North Pole) Cockfields Farm Park, Ashton-under-Lyne · 40 min Selected dates from 21 Nov (28-29 Nov, 5-6, 12-13, 19-24 Dec listed); train to the North Pole, post office, private grotto, enchanted forest, Mrs Claus biscuit decorating, elf show, Build-a-Bear; SEN sessions also from 21 Nov; up to 45% off early datesLow-noise SEN sessions with one family per train and no live shows, starting on the morning of Sat 21 Nov. Check the booking page for other dates.SEN session Sat 21 Nov£25+
Santa Specials at East Lancashire Railway East Lancashire Railway, Bury · 35 min 28-29 Nov, 5-6, 12-13, 19-24 Dec; departures from Bury roughly 9.30am to 3.20pm; 80-min steam tripSEND Santa trains with lower music and no flashing lights on Sat 28 and Sun 29 Nov, Sat 5 Dec and Tue 22 Dec.SEN session Sat 28 Nov£25+
Storytime with Father Christmas at Chatsworth Farmyard Chatsworth House, Bakewell · 75 min 28 Nov-13 Dec sessions include Christmas at Chatsworth entry; 18-23 Dec farmyard-only; relaxed 5 Dec, autism-friendly 21-22 DecRelaxed sessions on Sat 5 Dec; autism-friendly sessions on Mon 21 and Tue 22 Dec.Relaxed Sat 5 Dec£25+
RHS Glow at RHS Garden Bridgewater RHS Garden Bridgewater, Worsley, Salford · 25 min Selected dates 26 Nov - 30 Dec; Super Off Peak tickets on some datesSEN evening with fewer visitors, minimal noise and fewer distractions, 4.30pm to 8pm on Tue 8 Dec. Up to two carers go free.Quiet session Tue 8 Dec£10–25
A Quiet Visit with Father Christmas (neurodivergent-friendly sessions) Quarry Bank, Styal, Wilmslow · 15 min Fri 11 Dec mornings and Wed 16 Dec 9.30am-4.20pm, 30-minute slotsQuiet 30-minute visits to Father Christmas for guests with additional needs, with no music, from 9.30am on Fri 11 and Wed 16 Dec.Quiet session Fri 11 Dec£10–25
Sleeping Beauty (The Big Tiny) Contact, Manchester · 25 min Thu 10 - Thu 31 DecRelaxed performance at 1.30pm on Sat 12 Dec: house lights stay up, you can move about and leave, and there is a chill-out space.Relaxed Sat 12 Dec£10–25
Jack and the Beanstalk (family panto) The Met, Bury · 40 min Sat 5-Mon 28 Dec; relaxed show Sun 13 Dec 11am; pyjama show Fri 11 Dec 6.30pmRelaxed performance at 11am on Sun 13 Dec, with house lights on, doors open and a touch tour first.Selling fastRelaxed Sun 13 Dec
Cruise with Father Christmas (floating grotto on the Ship Canal) Manchester River Cruises, Salford Quays · 18 min Date unconfirmed · Selected dates from 21 Nov; one-hour sailings at 10am, 11.30am, 1pm, 4.30pm and 6pm; sensory-adapted sailings 19 and 22 Dec at 10am; ages 2-10; end date assumedSensory-adapted sailings at 10am on 19 and 22 Dec. Some weekdays on the booking page look out of date, so check when booking.Quiet session Sat 19 Dec£10–25
Rapunzel (Storyhouse Originals pantomime) Storyhouse, Chester · 55 min Matinees 12pm/2pm and evenings 5pm–7pm; relaxed Sun 27 Dec 12pm; BSL Sat 2 Jan 2pm; audio-described Sun 20 Dec 12pmRelaxed performance at 12pm on Sun 27 Dec.Relaxed Sun 27 Dec£10–25
The Jolly Christmas Postman The Lowry, Salford Quays · 18 min Fri 4 Dec - Sun 3 JanRelaxed performance at 10.30am on Sun 27 Dec.Relaxed Sun 27 Dec£10–25
Dick Whittington (Jason Manford & Ben Nickless) Opera House Manchester · 30 min Daily matinees and evenings; relaxed performance Wed 30 Dec 1.30pmRelaxed performance at 1.30pm on Wed 30 Dec, booked as a separate show on the ATG site.Relaxed Wed 30 Dec£10–25
Cinderella (Sally Cookson & Adam Peck) Octagon Theatre, Bolton · 40 min Fri 20 Nov - Sat 9 Jan; check performance timesRelaxed performance at 1pm on Sun 3 Jan.Relaxed Sun 3 Jan£10–25
Aladdin (Parr Hall family pantomime) Parr Hall, Warrington · 30 min Wed 30 Dec - Sun 10 Jan; morning, afternoon and evening shows (9.45am, 11am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm, 6.30pm, 7pm)Relaxed performance at 9.45am on Sat 9 Jan, with quieter sound effects and fewer flashing lights.Relaxed Sat 9 Jan£10–25
The Rock 'n' Roll Panto: Beauty and the Beast Liverpool Everyman · 55 min Sat 14 Nov - Sat 16 Jan; relaxed, BSL, captioned and audio-described performances availableRelaxed performance at 1.30pm on Thu 14 Jan.Selling fastRelaxed Thu 14 Jan
Hallé Relaxed Concert for young families (February) Hallé St Peter's, Ancoats, Manchester · 25 min Wed 3 Feb 2.30pm (mixed audience); Thu 4 Feb 11am (young families). About 50 minutes.Relaxed, informal concerts with the Hallé ensemble. The 11am concert on Thu 4 Feb is aimed at young families.Relaxed Wed 3 FebUnder £10

Ask for dates 10

The organiser runs adapted sessions but hasn't published the dates yet. The booking page or a quick call will tell you.

World of Wizardry (20-minute wizarding class) The Ice Cream Farm, Tattenhall, Chester · 55 min Timed 20-minute sessions daily 24-31 Oct; SEN-friendly sessions also runSEN-friendly wizarding classes run during the week as well as the standard sessions.SEN sessionUnder £10
Believe! The Polar Express Experience O2 Victoria Warehouse, Trafford Wharf, Manchester · 25 min Date unconfirmed · 14 Nov-31 Dec; session times not listedAt least one relaxed day is planned, with lights up, lower sound and cheaper carer tickets. Check the booking page for the date.Relaxed£25+
Enchanted at Knowsley Safari (illuminated Foot Safari) Knowsley Safari, Prescot · 40 min Selected dates 20 Nov–23 Dec, eveningsA dedicated SEN night with a quieter, calmer trail for families of children with additional needs. Check the booking page for the date.SEN sessionUnder £10
The Grotto at the Corn Exchange (immersive Santa experience) Corn Exchange, Manchester · 25 min Daily timed slots; ~30 mins of elf missions then Santa; gift per child; Whispering Winter quieter SEN sessions on selected dates; December weekends already ~75% soldWhispering Winter sessions are quieter slots for children with SEN, on selected dates.Selling fastSEN session
The North Pole Experience Reddish Vale Farm, Stockport · 25 min 9:30am-4:30pmSEN-only sessions are available. Check the booking page for dates.SEN session£10–25
Enchanted Winter Walk at Quarry Bank Quarry Bank, Styal, Wilmslow · 15 min 4, 5, 11, 12, 18-23 and 28-31 Dec; 10-min entry slots 5pm–7pm; walk takes about 30 minQuiet sessions of the twilight walk at 4.15pm on a few dates in December. Check the booking page for dates.Quiet sessionUnder £10
Santa's Grotto at The Ice Cream Farm The Ice Cream Farm, Tattenhall · 55 min Date unconfirmed · Ticket includes all-day entry and two scoops of ice cream in a collectible Christmas mugSEN-friendly grotto sessions are available to book alongside the standard visits.SEN session£10–25

Places with good access 25

move Altrincham Altrincham · 10 min Regular SEN sessions · Changing Places toiletWeekly SEND swim sessions in the teaching pool, booked through the move timetable or app; check it for this week's times. Refurbished centre with pool pods and inclusive changing places.
Waterside Arts Sale · 15 min Free or discounted carer ticketFree essential companion ticket for all shows Waterside programmes, bookable online. Some shows have relaxed performances with lower sound, house lights left up and freedom to come and go.
move Urmston Urmston · 20 min Regular SEN sessions · Sensory room · Changing Places toiletEmma's Sensory Room has bookable additional needs sessions for families (max 10 people; children £2, adults £1.50), next to a Changing Places toilet (bring your own hoist sling). Disability-only swims in the small pool. Book on the move app.
Quarry Bank Styal · 20 min Quiet space to take a break · Ear defenders or sensory bags to borrowBorrow ear defenders and fidget toys from the sensory pick and mix at the Mill entrance. Quiet Space in the Garden Ticket Office. The weaving shed is very loud when looms run. Changing room with bench and hoist in the mill yard.
Stretford Chester Centre Stretford · 20 min Regular SEN sessionsSEND family swim on an evening each week, booked through the move timetable or app; check it for the current time.
Tatton Park Knutsford · 20 min Free or discounted carer ticketOne helper admitted free where needed for the visit. Accessible toilets at the Stableyard and Knutsford entrance; step-free access to the Mansion ground floor on request.
Tatton Park Mansion Knutsford · 20 min Free or discounted carer ticketOne helper admitted free where needed for the visit. Ask at the entrance for step-free access to the Mansion ground floor.
IWM North Trafford Park · 25 min Quiet hours or early opening · Quiet space to take a break · Ear defenders or sensory bags to borrow · Hidden Disabilities Sunflower schemeRelaxed Hours on the first Sunday of each month, 10am-12pm (free ticket, walk-ins welcome). Free sensory backpacks with ear defenders and Sunflower lanyard from Admissions. Quiet room on the ground floor. Big Picture Show is dark and loud.
LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester Trafford Park · 25 min Free or discounted carer ticket · Ear defenders or sensory bags to borrow · Visual story to read before you go · Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme · Queue pass or ride access pass · Changing Places toiletBook the free carer ticket with your tickets and show an Access Card (+1) or similar on arrival. Ear defenders, Ride Access Pass and hidden disability lanyards on request. Quiet route out. Social story to download. Autism-friendly sessions not currently scheduled.
RHS Garden Bridgewater Worsley · 25 min Free or discounted carer ticketUp to two carers free when accompanying a visitor whose disability means they need support. Wheelchair and mobility scooter hire available.
Sea Life Manchester Trafford Centre · 25 min Quiet hours or early opening · Free or discounted carer ticket · Ear defenders or sensory bags to borrowQuiet sessions every Wednesday 10am-12pm and selected Sundays 9.30-11am: music, hand driers and screens off, ear defenders on request. One free carer: add the carer ticket when booking and show proof (e.g. Access Card +1) on arrival. Green lanyards available.
The Lowry Salford Quays · 25 min Free or discounted carer ticket · Changing Places toiletFree essential companion ticket for theatre shows: sign up to the Lowry's access register and log in to book. Relaxed performances on some shows. Adult changing facilities on site.
The Trafford Centre Trafford Park · 25 min Quiet hours or early openingQuiet Hour every Wednesday 10-11am: shops and restaurants turn music down and dim bright lights where they can. Accessible toilets in the Orient, lower Regent Crescent and upper Peel Avenue have assisted changing; get the Radar key from Guest Services.
The Trafford Centre Trafford Park · 25 min Quiet hours or early openingQuiet Hour every Wednesday 10-11am: shops and restaurants turn music down and dim bright lights where they can. Accessible toilets in the Orient, lower Regent Crescent and upper Peel Avenue have assisted changing; get the Radar key from Guest Services.
The Trafford Centre Trafford Park · 25 min Quiet hours or early openingQuiet Hour every Wednesday 10-11am: shops and restaurants turn music down and dim bright lights where they can. Accessible toilets in the Orient, lower Regent Crescent and upper Peel Avenue have assisted changing; get the Radar key from Guest Services.
The Trafford Centre Trafford Park · 25 min Quiet hours or early openingQuiet Hour every Wednesday 10-11am: shops and restaurants turn music down and dim bright lights where they can. Accessible toilets in the Orient, lower Regent Crescent and upper Peel Avenue have assisted changing; get the Radar key from Guest Services.
The Trafford Centre Trafford Park · 25 min Quiet hours or early openingQuiet Hour every Wednesday 10-11am: shops and restaurants turn music down and dim bright lights where they can. Accessible toilets in the Orient, lower Regent Crescent and upper Peel Avenue have assisted changing; get the Radar key from Guest Services.
Manchester Museum Manchester · 30 min Quiet hours or early opening · Quiet space to take a break · Ear defenders or sensory bags to borrow · Changing Places toiletQuiet time Saturdays 8-10am (some galleries, shop and café open early); Wednesday evenings 6-9pm are usually quiet too. Quiet Room on floor 1 by Egypt and Sudan. Ear defenders and two sensory bags to borrow from the Welcome Desk. Changing Places toilet.
Opera House Manchester Manchester · 30 min Free or discounted carer ticketFree essential companion ticket for eligible visitors: join ATG's free Access Membership Scheme first, then book. Relaxed performances are listed on the access page.
Palace Theatre Manchester city centre · 30 min Free or discounted carer ticketFree essential companion ticket for eligible visitors: join ATG's free Access Membership Scheme first, then book. Relaxed performances are listed on the access page.
The Bridgewater Hall Manchester · 30 min Free or discounted carer ticket · Ear defenders or sensory bags to borrow · Visual story to read before you goOne free personal assistant ticket for eligible visitors, booked direct with the Hall (not agents). Ear defenders to borrow and earplugs at every show. Visual story online. Learning events are relaxed. No Changing Places on site.
Lyme Park Disley · 35 min Visual story to read before you goVisual story online to prepare for a visit. Quietest on weekdays, especially early; in school holidays Wednesday is usually the quietest day.
Knowsley Safari Prescot · 45 min Free or discounted carer ticket · Hidden Disabilities Sunflower schemeEssential companion tickets need an Access Card from Nimbus, applied for online at least 7 days before. Sunflower wearers recognised. Adult changing rooms with hoist (behind Outpost Kitchen) and with bed (near disabled parking).
Blue Planet Aquarium Ellesmere Port · 50 min Free or discounted carer ticket · Max Card discountOne free carer per paying disabled visitor with proof: PIP/DLA letter, GP letter, carer ID, Max Card or Access Card with +1. Extra carers at a discounted rate.
Chester Zoo Chester · 55 min Free or discounted carer ticket · Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme · Quiet space to take a break · Ear defenders or sensory bags to borrow · Visual story to read before you go · Changing Places toiletOne carer free with a full-price ticket: collect it at the ticket windows with a PIP/DLA letter or Access Card (+1). Sensory bags from Adventure HQ (£20 refundable deposit). Quiet Room near Madagascar Grasses Garden. Social story and sensory trail to download.

Know of a relaxed or SEN session we've missed? Tell us and we'll add it. Sessions change and sell out, so always check with the venue before you go.

A relaxed performance keeps the house lights low rather than off, turns sound down and lets people move around, make noise or leave and come back. Sensory-friendly or quiet sessions open with smaller crowds and calmer surroundings, and SEN-only sessions are just for children with additional needs and their families.

We only tag an event when the organiser says it is relaxed, sensory-friendly or SEN-only. Venues listed below also say what they offer all year, such as quiet hours, sensory rooms, carer tickets, and whether they accept the Max Card or CEA Card.

Sessions can change or sell out, so check with the venue before you book.

Questions parents ask

What is a relaxed performance?

A show adapted for anyone who finds a usual theatre visit hard: lights not fully down, quieter sound, no loud surprises, and freedom to move, make noise or take a break.

Do carers go free?

Many venues offer a free or discounted carer ticket. Where a venue says so, it's listed under its access details.