6 Accessible Events To Enjoy In May
1st May 2026
As the days get longer and the flowers begin to bloom, the May Bank Holiday is the perfect excuse to get out and explore. We know that spontaneous trips often require a mountain of pre-planning when you have specific access needs, so we’ve done the work for you.
We have listed our 6 accessible events that you can enjoy this month, ranging from sensory-friendly sessions at the Southbank Centre to a high-energy silent disco. We’ve selected highlights that offer relaxed sessions, Changing Places facilities, and options that genuinely enhance the experience. Read on to discover how you can join the fun with the whole family.
1) Relaxed Events
Kensington Palace, London
10th May 10am -12pm
Kensington Palace offers dedicated, relaxed events specifically designed for neurodivergent or learning-disabled visitors. Held on select Sundays throughout the year. These sessions provide two hours of crowd-free access with reduced ticket capacity. To ensure a comfortable experience, the palace minimises or turns off harsh lighting and loud sound effects, while disability-aware facilitators lead specialised sensory programmes. Visitors also receive a visual story via email two weeks before their visit detailing your arrival time and what to expect to help you prepare you for your visit. Follow the link to book your tickets Relaxed Events: Young People And Adults.
Accessibility
The venue is committed to making sure it is accessible to all visitors, and they provide a range of facilities for disabled visitors.
- Step-Free Access: All three floors of the palace are accessible via internal lifts. The main entrance and the Kensington Palace Pavilion (for events) offer level access.
- Wheelchair Hire: Manual wheelchairs are available to borrow free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis from the Palace entrance.
- Rest Areas: Benches and seating are located throughout the State Apartments and gardens for those who need to rest during their tour.
- Facilities: Accessible toilets and baby-changing facilities are available near the main entrance and the Pigott Galleries.
There are step-free routes around the palace and maps to help you navigate your way around. Please follow the link to see a full list of facilities that are available Accessibility | Kensington Palace.
2) Accessible Afternoons
National Space Centre, Leicester
10th May -3pm – 6pm
If your children love to learn about space and the world we live in, the National Space Centre hosts accessible afternoons throughout the months. It’s been set up for children and young adults with additional needs who can enjoy the experience and what the centre has to offer in a quieter and more relaxed environment. To find out more and to book, please follow the link Accessible Afternoons.
Accessibility
The venue is accessible and they provide a range of facilities for disabled visitors, including:
- Disabled parking is available for a cost of £4 for the full day
- Disabled toilets are available throughout the venue
- Concession tickets are available for disabled visitors and you can add a free companion ticket when booking. Proof of disability is required to get the companion ticket
- Wheelchairs are available to loan free of charge for visitors (depending on availability)
- Large print is available on request
To see a full list of accessible facilities, please follow the link Space Centre Accessibility.
3) Natural History Museum
Silent Disco
16th & 22nd May 10pm – 1am
Join us at the Natural History Museum for an unforgettable silent disco at Hintze Hall. It’s held throughout the coming months with various dates. Whether you're a fan of new or old songs, you can switch between them wirelessly. Their VIP access offers a smoother, more accessible experience with skip-the-queue entry, a dedicated cloakroom, and a private balcony with views of the dance floor. With a full bar and a unique atmosphere, this is a great way to enjoy a high-energy night in a spectacular and inclusive setting. To find out more and to book your tickets, please follow the link Silent Disco | Natural History Museum.
Accessibility
- This event takes place on the Ground Floor and is fully wheelchair accessible.
- An accessible toilet is available at the back of Hintze Hall, under the stairs. They also have a Changing Places toilet located in the Blue Zone.
- If you’re unable to wait in queues for long periods, speak to their security staff and they’ll fast track your entry.
Blue badge parking: This is available on request.
Companion ticket: Please call them to request your free companion ticket on 020 7942 5000. The lines are open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. The tickets are subject to availability.
If you would like to speak to them before your visit to discuss your access needs, please email their Visitor Events Team at after-hours@nhm.ac.uk.
For more information on visiting and accessibility, please follow the link to their website when booking your tickets.
4) Replay Playground and World Play
The Southbank Centre, London
Running from 14th May
The Southbank Centre hosts a range of different creative and fun activities for disabled children and their families. This year’s highlights include Replay, a limitless recycled playground at the Royal Festival Hall, which features dedicated Relaxed Sessions for a quiet, less busy experience. Families can also enjoy WordPlay, a series of free, sensory-rich music and song sessions. To book tickets, please follow the links REPLAY: A Limitless Recycled Playground and REPLAY: Relaxed World Play
Accessibility
The venue offers a free access scheme for deaf and disabled visitors so you can make the most of what the centre has to offer during your visit. To find out more, follow the link Access Scheme | Southbank Centre.
The venue has disabled parking with 3 Blue badge parking spaces, offered on a first come first serve basis and are located on the Queen Elizabeth Hall slip road.
A wheelchair can be booked if required. This can be done by emailing hello@southbankcentre.co.uk or by calling 020 3879 9555.
To see full detailed information on the venue's accessible facilities, please follow the link Access & accessibility | Southbank Centre.
5) RHS Chelsea Flower Show
Chelsea, London
19th – 23rd May 8am -8pm
The world’s most famous flower show is a leader in outdoor accessibility. For 2026, a major highlight is the Sightsavers Garden, specifically designed as a sensory sanctuary, built to champion disability rights and inclusion. The centre of the garden features a turning circle specifically designed for wheelchair users to navigate the space with ease.
To find out more about the garden, please follow the link Sightsavers Sensory Garden RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026 .
Accessibility
The show does all it can to make sure it’s accessible to disabled visitors.
On Wednesdays and Fridays, they offer early access for disabled visitors. To book accessible tickets, please call AXS on 0333 300 3015.
- Wheelchair hire: They have a limited number of wheelchairs so it’s best to book it online or by calling AXS. A £20 charge applies.
- Accessible toilets: These are located at Burton Court, Battersea Park and a number of other locations around the show. There are large maps, which show where they can be located.
To find out more about the accessible facilities and how to get there, please follow the link Accessibility at RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
If you have a Radar key, we advise that you bring it with you.
6) DMLab Festival
Rich Mix Bethnal Green, London
24th May 10.15am -7pm
If you’re looking for something cutting-edge, this festival celebrates the intersection of music, technology, and disability. Taking place on the Sunday of the Spring Bank Holiday weekend, it showcases d/Deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent artists using bespoke accessible instruments.
Accessibility
The venue has ramped access and lifts to all floors. The festival itself is designed with the community in mind, featuring morning workshops for building touch-based instruments, followed by relaxed afternoon demos and an evening performance with integrated accessibility features. This event can be attended in person or online. To discuss your access requirements you can call their box office on 020 7613 7498 or email boxoffice@richmix.org.uk.
To find out more about the venue's accessibility, please follow the link DMLab Festival - Rich Mix.
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