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Public sensory rooms and SEN play sessions in the North of England
A sensory room is a calm space with lights, sounds and things to touch, where a child can settle or explore at their own pace. Many councils run free or low cost rooms in family hubs, some football clubs open one on matchdays, and some soft play, trampoline and climbing centres run sessions just for children with additional needs. Most need booking, so check the details on each listing before you go.
North East
| Place | What there is | When and how to book |
|---|---|---|
| BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art Gallery, Gateshead | Quiet space on request; Sensory Room on Level 2 in the Learning Lounge with sensory toys, projections and lights. The sensory room is free to drop in to, open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm | See listing |
| Best Start Family Hubs sensory rooms, County Durham Sensory room, Ten towns across County Durham | Sensory rooms for young babies or older children who may have additional needs, described as an environment that uses their senses | Free one hour slots, Monday to Thursday 9am to 4.30pm and Friday 9am to 4pm. Book through Best Start Family Hubs on 03000 261 111 |
| Birtley Harras Bank Family Hub sensory room Sensory room, Birtley | A sensory room described as a safe place for children to play while supporting the development of their senses | Weekly on Thursdays at 1pm, term time only (the page also says 'starting from Monday', so check the day when you book). Booking essential on 0191 433 5052 |
| Blaydon Winlaton Family Hub sensory room Sensory room, Blaydon | A sensory room described as a safe place for children to play while supporting the development of their senses | Term time mornings from 9.30am (one listing says Monday to Wednesday, another says Thursday, so check when you book). £1 a session; book on 0191 433 5579 |
| Chowdene Family Hub sensory room Sensory room, Gateshead | A sensory room with music, lighting and specialist equipment, described as a safe place for children to play while supporting the development of their senses | Mondays at 1pm, term time only, for children from birth to 5. £1 per child for a one hour session; booking essential on 0191 433 5052 |
| Deckham Family Hub sensory room Sensory room, Gateshead | A sensory room equipped with music, lighting and specialist equipment | For families with disabled children aged 0 to 5. Contact the hub on 0191 433 6310 to book |
| McNay Street Family Hub sensory room Sensory room, Darlington | A sensory room at the family hub | Book a session by phone on 01325 406250 |
| Nunsmoor Centre sensory room Sensory room, Newcastle upon Tyne | A bookable sensory space for families or small groups | Free one hour sessions between 9.30am and 4.30pm on listed days (for example 2 and 3 November 2026). Booking required by phone or email |
| Riverside Stadium sensory room Sensory room, Middlesbrough | A sensory room for any supporter who may need a quiet space | Match days, before, during or after the match. Email [email protected]; Disability Liaison Officer 01642 757661 |
| Sensory Starz SEND stay and play Soft play, Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough | A sensory room with swings, tunnels, a ball pit, light panels and a water bed | SEND stay and play and movement sessions; dates and times on the Bookwhen booking page |
| Shipley Art Gallery Museum, Gateshead | Sensory Space quiet room with foam flooring, beanbags, a blackout tent with ambient lighting and fidget toys. Free drop in, Tuesday to Friday 10am to 4pm and Saturday 10am to 5pm (closed 12.30pm to 3pm from 4 Nov to 16 Dec) | See listing |
| St James' Park matchday sensory room Sensory room, Newcastle upon Tyne | A sensory facility with two rooms | Matchdays. Apply in the accessible ballot and choose the sensory room; Newcastle United membership needed; tickets sold in pairs with a guardian or PA |
Yorkshire
| Place | What there is | When and how to book |
|---|---|---|
| Clip 'n Climb Leeds SEND climbing Climbing, Leeds | Assisted climbing with the Assist Hoist System and Adventure harness | SEND sessions for children and adults; times via Book Now. Contact them before booking to discuss equipment and support |
| Doncaster Family Hubs sensory rooms Sensory room, Ten family hubs across Doncaster | Sensory rooms that can provide an environment in which children feel safe and secure | Free; book by calling the family hub (numbers on the council page). All children are welcome |
| Gravity Active Hull SEN sessions Trampoline, Hull | Sessions designed to support diverse educational needs | Dedicated SEN sessions, £8 each plus an online booking fee; times in the online booking system |
North West
| Place | What there is | When and how to book |
|---|---|---|
| Etihad Stadium sensory room Sensory room, Manchester | A matchday sensory room specially designed for children who are neurodiverse | Matchdays; waiting list in place. Register interest via the club's form |
| Oldham Library sensory room Sensory room, Oldham | A private room with a musical touch wall, LED interactive bubble tube, fibre optic lights and an LED infinity tunnel | Half hour slots most days (Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday have the most), £3.50, booked and paid online. All ages and abilities |