Accessible events announced by Historic Royal Palaces

Historic Royal Palaces, the independent charity that cares for six historic visitor attractions across the UK, will deliver a programme of accessible events and resources across a number of sites in 2026, designed to support learning-disabled, neurodivergent, deaf and visually impaired visitors of all ages. The programme includes relaxed openings at the Tower of London, Kensington Palace and Banqueting House; British Sign Language-led tours at Hampton Court Palace and Banqueting House; new access information for the Tower of London and audio described tours at Kensington Palace.

Across the year, these events aim to create welcoming environments for people with additional access needs, by making adjustments to lighting, sound and visitor numbers, and introducing specialism programming, delivered by disability-aware facilitators.

Relaxed Events at the Tower of London: Children & Families – 22 March and 27 September

Relaxed events at the Tower of London are specially designed for neurodivergent and learning-disabled children (aged 5–16) and their families or carers. These calm morning sessions offer two hours free from crowds between 09:00–11:00, with sound effects, lighting and other atmospheric elements reduced or turned off to support sensory comfort. Visitors can explore the Tower and see the Crown Jewels, alongside relaxed and SEN-appropriate programming delivered by disability-aware facilitators. The café and retail spaces will also be open during the event. Tickets cost £1 per person and advance booking is required.

Relaxed Events at Kensington Palace: Young People & Adults – 10 May and 15 November

Relaxed events at Kensington Palace provide neurodivergent and learning-disabled young people and adults (16+) — along with their friends, family or carers — the opportunity to explore the palace in a quieter environment. These sessions are free, running from 10.00–12.00 on 10 May and 15 November and include access to the Palace, exhibitions and tailored programming.  Adjustments to lighting and sound are made to support visitor comfort. Advance booking is required.

Relaxed Events at Banqueting House: Young People & Adults – 11 July

A relaxed event at Banqueting House on 11 July from 10.00 – 12.00 will offer neurodivergent, learning-disabled and disabled young people and adults (16+) a quieter opportunity to explore the historic space. Visitor numbers will be reduced and sound levels adjusted to create a more comfortable environment.

Deaf-Led Tours at Hampton Court Palace and Banqueting House – May to December

British Sign Language (BSL)-led tours at Hampton Court Palace for deaf and hard of hearing visitors will explore more than 500 years of history within the Tudor Palace, led by acclaimed deaf tour guide John Wilson. These free sessions will take visitors through some of the most incredible spaces in Henry VIII’s palace, including the Great Hall, Great Watching Chamber, Haunted Gallery and Tudor Kitchens. Wilson will deliver the tour in BSL, supported by Heritage Interpreters who will interpret his BSL into spoken English. Tours will take place at 14.00 on 10 July, 9 October and 11 December.

At Banqueting House, deaf-led tours featuring BSL interpretation will also be introduced showcasing the venue’s history and architecture. Running at 14.00 on 29 May and 7 August, and 10.00 on 4 December.

Relaxed Mornings in the Magic Garden at Hampton Court Palace – April to October

Quieter sessions in the Magic Garden (a history-themed play garden for children) at Hampton Court Palace are offered through relaxed morning events for neurodivergent and disabled children (aged 3–16), along with their families, friends or carers. Sessions cost £1 and provide a calm setting with reduced visitor capacity, lower noise levels and adaptations to onsite equipment to support sensory comfort. Running from 09.30–11.00 on 18 April, 9 May, 7 June, 2 August, 13 September and 4 October, the sessions welcome all families who identify as neurodivergent or learning disabled — including those with ADHD, autism, anxiety, OCD, Tourette’s and other sensory or processing differences.

Audio Described Tours at Kensington Palace – May

Audio described tours will launch at Kensington Palace in May 2026 for visitors who are blind or partially sighted. Two routes will be available, covering the King’s State Apartments and the exhibition Victoria: A Royal Childhood. The tours provide detailed audio description of the spaces and objects on display to support independent exploration of the palace.

Access Guides and Videos – March and May

Historic Royal Palaces is in the process of creating in-depth access guides and videos to support visitors with additional needs at the Tower of London, with the guide launching in March, followed by a video in May. An access guide for Hampton Court Palace is already available for visitors. 

For more information on accessible events at Historic Royal Palaces, please visit www.hrp.org.uk.