A new initiative allowing visitors to hire sensory bags has been introduced at Longleat as part of the estate’s latest efforts to improve accessibility.
The bags contain ear defenders, emotion fans, fidget toys and squishy toys. They are designed for those with sensory sensitivities.
The introduction of these bags comes as part of the latest initiative to improve accessibility at Longleat, which has also brought in a new map to highlight disabled parking, wheelchair accessible routes and signage last year.
Scott Ashman, Head of Operations at Longleat, said, “We want all our guests to have the best possible experience and recognise that each visit is different, just like our visitors.
“We have signs located around the park to highlight crowded spaces, areas which are noisy, hot or quiet or where there are free flying animals which may land on people.
“We know families with children with sensory needs often have their own bag of essentials and these can sometimes be forgotten in the excitement of preparing for a day out, so we decided to offer our own to be borrowed while people are in the park. It’s already proving to be a hit with families.”
The items and the bags are cleaned between use.
Kim Ovens, Education and Engagement Lead, said, “We have also worked with SEN specialists to create social stories which are on our website, so people can get a flavour of what to expect when they arrive and while they are with us.
“It’s so important to us that we are as accessible as we can be, and we are looking at further enhancements in the months ahead.”
The sensory bags can be borrowed from guest services with a refundable £10 deposit.
Longleat also offers accessibility details for all its events, and a queue assist scheme for attractions.
Pictured: Longleat’s Kim Ovens and Scott Ashman with the new sensory bags
