Neurodivergent & SEND Families

At Barmston Farm, welcoming neurodivergent and SEND families is particularly close to our hearts, because we’re a neurodivergent family ourselves.

We understand that going on holiday isn’t always as simple as packing a bag and heading somewhere new. For some families, knowing what to expect, having flexibility, being able to keep familiar routines and having somewhere to retreat to can make a real difference.

Barmston Farm isn’t a specialist SEND holiday facility, and we know that every person’s needs are different. What we can offer is a relaxed countryside setting, self-catering accommodation, plenty of outdoor space, animals to enjoy and the freedom to holiday at your own pace.

Most importantly, we’re a family running the park who understands that sometimes things need to be done a little differently.

There’s no expectation here about what a family holiday is supposed to look like.

If you’d like to ask us questions before you book, please do. We’re happy to explain what you can expect and help you decide whether Barmston Farm is the right environment for your family.

A Little About Us

As a neurodivergent family ourselves, neurodiversity is part of everyday life for us.
That gives us a personal understanding of some of the things that can make a family holiday wonderful — and some of the things that can make it difficult.
We understand why knowing what to expect can matter. Why changes of routine aren’t always easy. Why seemingly small things can sometimes make a very big difference.

What we can offer is understanding, patience and no judgement.

You know your family best. If there’s something you’d like to know before booking, something you’re worried about, or a reasonable adjustment that could make your stay easier, please talk to us.

If we can help, we will. And if there’s something about Barmston Farm that we think might not suit your family’s particular needs, we’ll be honest about that too.

Why Barmston Farm Can Work Well for Neurodivergent & SEND Families

Every neurodivergent person is different, and what helps one family may not help another. But from our own lived experience, we know there are certain things that can make going away feel that little bit easier.

Space to Breathe

We’re a small, relaxed holiday park surrounded by countryside rather than a large, busy holiday resort.

There’s space to get outdoors, explore and enjoy your surroundings without having to follow a packed entertainment programme.

If your family needs a slower day, you can have one.

Your Own Private Space

Having somewhere to retreat to can make a huge difference.

Our self-catering accommodation gives your family its own private space where you can close the door, relax, decompress and spend time together away from everything else.

There’s no expectation to be out doing things all day. Sometimes a successful holiday includes an afternoon back at your accommodation with favourite toys, games, programmes or devices — and that’s absolutely fine with us.

Familiar Food & Flexible Mealtimes

Food can be an important consideration for neurodivergent families.

Because our accommodation is self-catering, you can bring familiar or preferred foods, prepare meals yourselves and eat when it works for your family.

There’s no need to rely on unfamiliar restaurant menus or fit every day around restaurant opening and serving times.

Animals & Nature

For children and adults who love animals, staying at Barmston Farm can be particularly special.

Our animals are here on the farm, so they can become part of your holiday rather than something that has to be squeezed into a single organised visit.

You can enjoy them at your own pace. If someone wants to spend lots of time watching the animals, that’s fine. If they’d rather observe from a distance, that’s fine too.

Space to Move & Play

Sometimes we just need to move.

Our outdoor space and play facilities give children opportunities to play, explore and use some energy without every activity having to become a formal family outing.

Having things to do here at the farm can also mean fewer journeys and fewer transitions between different places.

Your Holiday, Your Pace

There’s no entertainment programme telling you where you need to be and when.

Enjoy the farm, visit the animals, play outside, use the facilities, head out for the day or simply spend some time at your accommodation.

You can have a busy day, a quiet day or change your plans completely.

Quieter Days Can Still Feel Like a Holiday

Sometimes, after a busy day out, everyone needs a lower-demand day.

Because there’s space, countryside, animals and things to enjoy here at Barmston Farm, you don’t necessarily have to get into the car and visit an attraction every day.

Staying at the farm for the day can still feel like being on holiday.

No Judgement

This one matters to us.
We understand that some families may need to do things differently while they’re here.

We want you to feel comfortable enjoying your holiday in the way that works for your family.

Knowing What to Expect

For many neurodivergent people, the unknown can be one of the hardest parts of visiting somewhere new.

We want to give you as much useful information as we can before you arrive.

If photographs, information about your accommodation, details about the farm or answers to particular questions would help your family prepare, please ask us.

We’d much rather you ask the question than spend the weeks before your holiday worrying about it.

A Family Who Understands

Perhaps the biggest difference isn’t a facility at all.

We’re a neurodivergent family ourselves, so this is something we understand from our own lived experience.

That doesn’t mean we’ll automatically understand your family’s individual needs — neurodivergence is different for everyone.

But we’ll listen.

We’ll answer your questions honestly and, wherever reasonably possible, we’ll try to help make your stay easier.

Understanding, patience and no judgement.

Have a Question Before You Book?

Please get in touch.

Tell us what would help you or your family feel more comfortable about staying at Barmston Farm and ask us as many questions as you need.

We’ll be happy to explain what you can expect, discuss anything that might make your stay easier and help you decide whether Barmston Farm is the right fit for your family.