Madame Tussauds, London: A Sensory-Friendly Guide for Autistic Families
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
I was excited but nervous about taking the boys to Madame Tussauds. My main worry? That it would be too crowded or have too many "don’t touch" rules that would be hard for them to follow. Honestly, I couldn't have been more wrong.
Both J and I and our autistic children had a fantastic time posing for selfies with Rhianna, Taylor Swift, Darth Vader and Paddington Bear!
Related articles
Links marked with an asterix* are affiliate links. If you click then book I may receive a small commission at no cost to you.
In London for more than one day? Beat the queues and book advance tickets for the fun Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour of London*
Madame Tussauds Sensory-Friendly Guide for Autistic Families
Read our sensory friendly guide to Madame Tussauds and discover what to expect from your visit and the support available to families with autistic children to help everyone make the most of their visit.
Beating the Crowds: Madame Tussauds Special Assistance Entry
As one of London's most famous attractions, yes Madame Tussauds was busy, and the 9:45 am queue outside was dauntingly long. However, as soon as we showed the security guard our Hidden Disability Sunflower Lanyards (read more here), we were directed to the Special Assistance line. We were among the first guests to enter the building, which made such a huge difference. Starting first meant we stayed ahead of the main crowds, keeping the sensory experience manageable and preventing overwhelm.
Top Tip: To ensure a smooth start, I highly recommend booking the 10:00 am time slot in advance here*.
There are lots of different rooms which are all spacious and the celebrities spaced out so there is plenty of room to look at them, interact with the different parts oft he display and get those all important selfies! You are also led cleverly from space to space, and there is little chance of getting lost. If your kids are prone to running away (like our youngest), there is really only two direction they can go - forwards or backwards!
There were plenty of really fun moments when you could pretend alongside your favourite celebrity e.g. we all enjoyed standing with Nicole Kidman and Dwaye 'the Rock' Johnson at a podium as the award for best actor was read out.
It sounds cheesy but it was actually really fun. There were also lots of opportunities to dance or sing alongside the musicians. I cant emphasise just how much we all enjoyed ourselves!
Opportunities for Sensory Play & Interaction
I shouldn't have worried about too many "no touching" rules. As long as the exhibits are handled gently (for example a light arm around a shoulder, hand shake or stroking a dress), the staff are very relaxed about visitors interacting with the figures. For autistic children who learn through touch, this is brilliant.
My boys loved getting up close to their heroes like Spider-Man and the Hulk. Our eldest even enjoyed "meeting" historical figures he’d studied at school, like Shakespeare and the Royal Family. They were also excited to see famous singers such as Taylor Swift, Amy Winehouse and Will.I.AM.
The Spirit of London Ride
There is an interactive ride around half way through. You sit in carriages shaped like London Black Cabs that move along to take you on a journey through the city's history. It’s a fun, 5 minute immersive addition which keeps things interesting, especially for kids with adhd. I was relieved to see that the queue to board the black cabs moved quickly, which was great for the boys' waiting tolerance.
Support When You Need It Most
Madame Tussauds say they are committed to ensuring everyone feels as comfortable and safe as possible during their visit. You can download their helpful Sensory Guide - it is at the bottom of this page*. It will give you an idea of the sounds and sights at the attraction.
There a numerous points during your visit when you can choose to avoid certain exhibits (such as the Chamber of Horrors - recommended for ages 16+) and the Marvel Universe 4D cinema. If your child starts to feel uncomfortable or needs assistance there are plenty of staff that can help you.
We had to end our visit when it became clear my youngest had reached his sensory limit. We needed a "fast exit," and the staff were great. Instead of making us navigate the gift shop and crowds, they took us through the behind-the-scenes corridors directly back to the street.
Post-Visit
After such a sensory stimulating experience, coupled with the excitement of ‘meeting’ so many famous stars the boys were understandably pretty hyped up.
To help them calm down we walked the short distance to Regent’s Park. There we found a playground for a picnic lunch where the kids could run, jump, and play in the sand to decompress and regulate.
My Top Advice for a Stress-Free Visit:
Book 10 am Tickets: Beat the rush by securing your early-entry tickets online.
Bring Evidence: Take your Hidden Disability Sunflower Lanyard or disability evidence to access the Special Assistance queue.
Don't Do Everything: Pick your "must-meet" celebs and leave before the burnout hits.
Try a Quiet Session: Remeber that Madame Tussauds hosts specific Relaxed/Quiet Sessions every few months. These start at 9:00 am with reduced lighting and music—perfect for families seeking a calmer atmosphere. Book a Quiet Session here*.
TwS Top Tip: Did you know that you can pre-book* a free carer ticket online - don't forget to add your free Carer Ticket before checkout!
