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Somerset Council offers complimentary activity day passes for families with a child who has additional needs. These cover entry to attractions like Puxton Park, Court Farm,Bristol wild Place ,Ferne Animal Sanctuary and more — great places to explore at your pace with less crowds

  • How to get one: Email ciateam@somerset.gov.uk with your child’s details and preferred date. You’ll need ~5 working days’ notice and possibly proof of disability Somerset 

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NO DIAGNOSIS REQUIRED

ASD- Friendly Cinema Sessions in Somerset
 

Check out a CEA Card. This  allows a Cardholder to be accompanied by someone, free of charge, when they purchase a ticket to visit a participating cinema with that person.

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1. Odeon (Taunton)

  • Autism-Friendly Screenings monthly on Sunday mornings (usually ~10 am).

  • Features low lighting, reduced volume, no trailers or ads, staff trained in autism awareness 

  • Check schedule and book online

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2. Cineworld (Yeovil & Weston-super-Mare)

  • First Sunday of every month at 11 am Autism-Friendly 

  • Adjustments include sensory‑friendly environment and carers attend free with CEA/Access card.

  • Visit Cineworld site to book

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3. Scott Cinemas (Bridgwater)

  • Supportive Screenings on 2nd Saturday each month, 10:45 am (doors 10:30)

    • Features lowered lights & sound; no trailers or adverts.

  • Little Screeners (Parent & Baby): weekly on Wednesdays at 12 pm in a relaxed setup 

  • More & booking

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4. Wells Film Centre (Wells)

  • Listed as offering Autism-Friendly Screenings, likely movie afternoons with sensory accommodationsbridgwater.scottcinemas.co.uk.

  • Check their events page for upcoming showtimes.

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5. Merlin Cinemas – Plaza, Weston-super-Mare & Wellesley, Wellington

  • Autism-Friendly Screenings on first Sunday of the month, mid-morning or early afternoon

  • Reduced volume, low lighting, no trailers, free carers in with CEA card.

  • Confirm via Merlin Cinemas website.

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6. Vue (Nearest: Bristol, Exeter—not Somerset)

  • Monthly Autism-Friendly Films on last Sunday at 10 am .

Booking & Attendance Tips​

  • Always pre-book, especially as family spots are limited.

  • Bring your CEA/Access Card to secure a free carer ticket.

  • Plan to arrive early to scope out calm areas and reduce anxiety.

  • Use visual aids or social stories to prepare your child for the visit.

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  • Unlimited access to 500+ properties across the UK

  • Free entry to attractions like Barrington Court

  • Includes Essential Companion Card

  • Free parking at most NT venues

  • £10 welcome gift voucher (when joining by direct debit)

  • Member magazine and updates

  • Membership rates (2025):

    • Adult: £96/year

    • Joint: £160.80

    • Junior (6–17): £12

    • Family: £168.60

    • (Plus concessions) 

  • National Trust Accessibility & Support

  • Essential Companion Card
    Allows a disabled guest to bring up to 2 carers free of charge. Available to members and non-members. Apply by calling 0344 800 1895 or email enquiries@nationaltrust.org.uk 

  • AccessAble Guides
    Each NT site includes AccessAble info online — covers step-free routes, accessible toilets, parking, hearing loops, trampers, and more National Trust.

  • Links Pass
    Offers half-price entry for groups like disability charities and care homes, with free carers. Pre-booking requiredNational Trust.

National Trust

 Barrington Court

  • Sensory Backpacks
    Available at Visitor Reception for loan during your visit. Each bag includes: noise-cancelling headphones (child size), sunglasses, a fidget toy, cuddly puppet, “now–next–later” board, crunch ball, and additional items to personalise it

  • Accessibility Features

    • Blue Badge parking and drop-off point

    • Adapted toilets (including portable accessible toilets)

    • Manual wheelchairs available on request

    • Ground floor of Strode House wheelchair-accessible

    • Paths are mainly firm but some are uneven — sturdy footwear recommended 

  • Quiet & Sensory-Friendly Spaces

    • Beagles Café offers indoor seating.

    • Big lawns for space and open-air breaks.

    • On rainy days, the Design & History Sheds provide calmer indoor activities like table tennis and puzzles

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Other National Trust Sites in Somerset with Sensory Resources

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From Somerset’s National Trust family days guide:

  • Dunster Castle, Fyne Court, Lytes Cary Manor, Montacute House, Prior Park, and more all offer play backpacks and sensory resources — often activity-oriented, free-play tools, hobby horses, and den-building kits available over summer NT .

  • Tyntesfield provides sensory packs—recommended to book in advance via access guides

Boy Lying in Soft Cubes

Soft Play & Indoor parks

Space Adventurers, Taunton

  • Monthly SEND Session:3rd Sunday of the month, 4:30pm – 7:00pm.

    • Music volume reduced, lights dimmed, chill-out space available.

    • Staff trained in SEND support.

    • Additional occasional SEND sessions on Fridays.

    • More info & booking

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Flip Out, Wellington

  • SEND/ASC Friendly Sessions:

    • Held during quieter times, typically:

      • Sundays, Mondays, Fridays (term time) around 9:45am – 10:45am.

    • Reduced noise, more relaxed environment.

    • Pre-booking required.

    • Book here

Chard Leisure Centre Soft-Play

  •  Weekly SEND session, Fridays at 9:00 am (low lights/music), climb-slide-swing arrangements

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CUBS Soft-Play, Ilminster

  • Last Monday of every month (e.g. 31 March) has dedicated SEN session 

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Brean Play, Weston-super-Mare

  • Hosts Sensory & SEND bespoke session (dates vary, check website) with access to all areas, mini-disco, calm room; child tickets £5.50, carers free 

 

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