Accessibility

Accessibility varies between Places

Hidden Places are often located on private rural land, woodland, fields or other natural outdoor spaces.

Because every Place is different, accessibility can vary significantly from one listing to another.

Review the listing carefully

Read the Place description, Experience details, facilities and photographs before booking.

Look for information about:

• Parking arrangements.
• The distance from parking to the booked area.
• Paths, gates and entrances.
• Steps, slopes and uneven ground.
• Toilet facilities.
• Seating and shelter.
• Lighting.
• Any restricted or difficult areas.

Photographs can help you understand the setting, but they may not show every part of the access route.

Ask specific questions

Rather than asking only whether a Place is accessible, explain the particular requirements of the people attending.

Useful questions might include:

• How far is the booked area from the parking space?
• Is the route level or sloped?
• Are there steps, stiles or narrow gates?
• What surface will we need to cross?
• Is the ground firm enough for a wheelchair or mobility aid?
• Is an accessible toilet available?
• Can a vehicle stop close to the Experience area?
• Is seating provided?

Giving the host clear information helps them provide a more useful and accurate response.

Wheelchairs and mobility aids

Outdoor routes may include grass, gravel, mud, roots, slopes or other uneven surfaces.

A Place that is suitable in dry weather may become more difficult after heavy rain.

Ask the host about:

• The width of gates and entrances.
• The firmness and condition of paths.
• Any changes in level.
• The availability of nearby parking.
• Whether assistance may be required.

Accessible parking

Do not assume that parking is immediately beside the booked area.

Confirm:

• Where vehicles should park.
• Whether a drop-off point is available.
• How far guests must travel after leaving the vehicle.
• Whether the parking surface is firm and level.
• Whether larger or adapted vehicles can access the site.

Only drive onto areas approved by the host.

Toilets and other facilities

Some Places may have limited facilities or no permanent facilities at all.

If you require an accessible toilet, handwashing facilities, electricity, shelter or seating, confirm that these are available before booking.

Do not rely on a facility unless it is listed or has been confirmed directly by the host.

Visual impairments

Natural environments may contain uneven surfaces, low branches, gates, steps and other hazards that are not marked in the same way as they might be at a public venue.

Ask the host about:

• Lighting levels.
• Clearly defined paths.
• Obstacles along the route.
• Water, slopes or sudden changes in ground level.
• Whether someone can provide arrival guidance.

Hearing impairments

Let the host know if important arrival or safety information should be provided in writing.

Keep relevant instructions within the Hidden Places conversation so they can be reviewed before and during the visit.

If the Experience normally involves spoken instruction, ask whether a suitable alternative can be provided.

Neurodivergence and sensory needs

Guests may wish to ask about noise, lighting, animals, crowds, smells or other sensory aspects of a Place.

Hidden Places are often quiet and private, but some may be close to farms, roads, machinery, livestock or natural wildlife sounds.

Explain any important sensory needs to the host so they can describe the environment accurately.

Assistance dogs

Contact the host before booking if an assistance dog will attend.

This allows the host to provide relevant information about livestock, resident animals, fencing, wildlife and access routes.

The host should not ask for unnecessary medical information, but they may need practical details to help ensure the visit is safe.

Carers and support workers

Include carers, personal assistants or support workers in the guest numbers where required by the booking process.

Contact the host if you are unsure how these attendees should be included or whether the maximum group size can accommodate them.

Medication and personal equipment

Bring any medication, mobility aids, communication equipment or other personal items required for the visit.

Ask before booking if equipment requires:

• Electricity.
• Refrigeration.
• Dry storage.
• A particular amount of space.
• Vehicle access close to the booked area.

The host may not know what you need

Accessibility requirements are personal and can differ greatly between guests.

Hosts can describe their Place and answer questions, but they may not be able to decide whether it is suitable without understanding your specific needs.

If the Place is not suitable

Some natural or rural Places may not be able to meet every access requirement safely.

If a host explains that a Place is unsuitable, do not attempt to access restricted areas or ignore their safety guidance.

Return to Explore and look for another Place that better meets your needs.

If the access differs from what was described

Contact the host promptly if you arrive and find that an important accessibility feature is materially different from the listing or from information provided before booking.

Take photographs where it is safe and appropriate, keep the conversation within Hidden Places and contact support if the issue cannot be resolved.

Before travelling

• Confirm that the booking is suitable for everyone attending.
• Review the latest host messages.
• Check the weather and ground conditions.
• Save the arrival and access instructions.
• Bring any required medication or equipment.
• Tell the host about important changes.