About Relaxed Morning: National Museum of Rural Life

Join us for our monthly Relaxed Morning for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum.

This session is primarily for, but not limited to, families with neurodivergent children; neurodivergent young people and adults; adults living with dementia; adults and children with mental health problems; and any other visitors with sensory needs or who may prefer a more relaxed experience, plus their families, friends and carers.

Friendly staff will be there to give you a warm welcome and support your visit, as you explore the museum without noisy interactives and videos to give a more relaxed environment.

The Relaxed Morning includes access to the entirety of the museum and farm.

At 12:00 sound in the museum galleries will be switched back on. Visitors to this session are welcome to remain at the museum and farm for as long as they like. A quiet space will be available in the first aid room on the ground floor of the museum building, please speak to a member of staff for directions. 

We also offer monthly Relaxed Mornings at the National Museum of Scotland and the National Museum of Flight.

FAQs

What is a Relaxed Morning?

During a Relaxed Morning we hope to create a calmer atmosphere in which to explore our galleries. Where possible, we will reduce/turn off gallery noise levels and we will aim to create a supportive and welcoming atmosphere for those with sensory needs and their families, friends and carers. Please note these adaptations occur during regular opening hours so all visitors are welcome.

Why is the museum offering Relaxed Mornings?

We are committed to supporting all visitors to access our collections and enjoy visiting us. Based on feedback we have received from neurodivergent visitors, we are offering Relaxed Mornings once a month, providing an environment that supports the needs of neurodivergent visitors and those with other sensory needs.

Why has the museum switched off the audiovisual content?

We have received feedback from autistic visitors who told us that they struggled to visit due to sensory overload from multiple devices playing sound. In some cases, we are unable to only switch off the sound, so to reduce the noise we have completely switched off audiovisuals. They will be switched on again at 12:00.

Why are some of the galleries so dark?

Due to the fragile nature of some of our collections, we have to keep lighting levels low in some areas in order to protect them. Our sensory map can help you identify darker and lighter galleries and torches are available to borrow at the Museum information desks if this would help improve your experience.

Why have some areas not changed but instead have signage to warn visitors about noise?

We have three spaces in the museum that are highly interactive, with multiple noisy devices and videos playing. Unfortunately, it is impossible to remove sound from these spaces. The best approach was to highlight these areas as ones with potential noise so that visitors can choose to avoid them or wear ear defenders.

Where can I go if I am experiencing sensory overload?

During Relaxed Mornings, we will provide a quiet space on the ground floor of the museum building. Staff will be able to provide directions and information about this on the day.

How can I provide feedback on my experience of a Relaxed Morning?

We are always keen to hear from visitors about their visit. We have just started Relaxed Mornings and will continue to adapt our offer as best we can from the feedback we receive. We have feedback cards with questions about your visit at our Relaxed Morning and would appreciate you taking the time to complete them. Or you can email any feedback to communities@nms.ac.uk.

Do I need to stay for the whole morning?

The relaxed morning is an open session so please arrive and leave whenever you want. However, we will only be offering reduced sound levels between 10:00 and 12:00. You can continue to use borrowed resources (e.g. sensory backpacks and maps) after this time.

Access

We want everyone who comes to our museums to enjoy their time with us and make the most of their visit. 

Adapted toilets are available, including baby changing and an adult changing bench.   
There is an induction loop in the cinema.  
Paths leading to the farm buildings provide firm smooth surfaces for pushchairs and wheelchairs. However, the distance is approximately half a mile and in places, the path is relatively steep. Seating is provided at regular intervals. A tractor and trailer, the Farm Explorer, is provided for this purpose and is suitable for wheelchair users. This service is free of charge and runs regularly throughout the day.
The ground floor, but not the first floor, of the farmhouse is accessible by wheelchair.
Guide dogs, hearing dogs and other recognised assistance dogs are admitted.

Find out more about our access information.