Neurodivergent Friendly Accommodation in Chester

A thoughtfully designed space where everyone can truly pause.

At Enjoy the Pause, we believe everyone deserves a comfortable, stress-free holiday experience. We've created a welcoming environment for neurodivergent guests, including those who are autistic, have ADHD, experience sensory processing differences, or have anxiety. Our home has been thoughtfully designed with calm colours, uncluttered spaces, and sensory considerations built into every detail. We understand that predictability, choice, and control make all the difference to your comfort.

Physical Environment

Our home features dimmable lighting and blackout curtains, muted colours and uncluttered spaces, weighted blankets and white noise machines in each bedroom, a sensory toy box downstairs, unscented toiletries on request, and a quiet location with soft furnishings throughout. Everything designed to give you control over your sensory environment.

Communication & Arrival

Before You Arrive

Share your sensory needs, routines, or specific requirements through our guest preferences form before arrival. Watch our detailed video tour (below) so you know exactly what to expect, and communicate with us via WhatsApp or email - no phone calls needed unless you prefer. We provide clear, predictable information about the house, the area, and your stay.

Arrival Process

Check in flexibly via keypad with no face-to-face handover required. Arrive anytime within your check-in window without coordinating with anyone, using the step-by-step arrival guide with photos we send in advance. Paula is available via WhatsApp if you need support, but there's no obligation to interact.

During Your Stay

We're here if you need us, invisible if you don't. Emergency contact information is clearly displayed with visuals throughout the house, and we respect quiet hours - we won't disturb you unless urgent.

Information & Predictability

Visual Guides

Our Check-In Welcome Guide includes step-by-step appliance guides with photos, a complete house systems guide covering heating, hot water, WiFi, locks, and bins, emergency procedures with clear visual instructions, and local area information with maps and photos.

Clear Organisation

Cupboards and drawers are labelled so you know where everything is, with consistent placement - items are always in the same spot. Our welcome book keeps all information in one place, and daily routine cards are available if helpful.

Reducing Overwhelm

Predictable Routines

Check-in and check-out times are clearly communicated and flexible where possible. We provide bin day information and other practical details upfront. While our street is quiet for a city centre location, occasional urban sounds (bin collections, happy people, distant traffic) may be heard - this keeps you informed so you know what to expect.

Safe Spaces

Find quiet corners with comfortable seating throughout the house, a private garden for sensory breaks and grounding, and bedrooms designed as calm, personal retreats.

Choice & Control

Adjust heating in every room, control lighting throughout, choose from multiple seating options (sofa, chairs, floor cushions, garden), and use our fully equipped kitchen to cook familiar foods.

Guest Reviews

"The weighted blanket and white noise machine were game-changers for my autistic son. First holiday where he actually slept well." - Sarah, Manchester

"Being able to message rather than call made the whole experience so much less stressful. Paula understood exactly what we needed." - James, Leeds

"The visual guides meant I could work everything out without asking. That independence made all the difference." - Alex, London

Video Tour

Watch our detailed video walkthrough of the property so you know exactly what to expect before you arrive.

NOTE: we have since changed the sofas and dining chairs to a dark blue colour and the coffee table is now round with a rug matching the stairs carpet (see the latest photos are on our comfort page) - a new video will be created soon.

How We Adapt to Your Needs

We make adjustments before, during, and after your stay - whether that's communication preferences, sensory modifications, flexible timing or routine support. No diagnosis needed, no extra charges, complete confidentiality.

Request adjustments:

Before booking: Contact us to discuss your needs
When booking: Complete our Guest Additional Requests form
During your stay: WhatsApp or email us anytime

Our limitations: We can't provide ground-floor bedrooms (Victorian building), medical equipment, or structural changes. See our full Accessibility Statement for physical access details.

This approach aligns with the Equality Act 2010 and our values of genuine, practical support.

Local Environment

Chester City Centre

Main attractions are just a 5-minute walk away with short, manageable distances throughout. Our quiet residential street has no through traffic, with free parking at the property so you can leave your car and explore on foot. Chester's historic grid layout is predictable and easy to navigate.

Sensory-Friendly Activities Nearby

The Chester Walls offer open-air walking with escape routes, Grosvenor Museum provides a free, quiet, climate-controlled space, River Dee walks give you a natural calming environment, and the Roman Gardens offer peaceful outdoor space. We can provide information about quieter times to visit popular attractions, less crowded routes, and sensory-friendly local businesses.

We can provide information about quieter times to visit popular attractions, less crowded routes, and sensory-friendly local businesses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I need to explain my diagnosis to you?: No. You're welcome to share as much or as little as you like through our preferences form, but you don't need to provide a diagnosis, medical details or justify your requests.

Simply tell us what would make your stay more comfortable - whether that's "I prefer dim lighting" or "I need predictable routines" - and we'll accommodate without asking why.

Your comfort matters, not the label.
Can I arrive and leave outside check-in / out hours?: Yes, we can arrange early or late check-in subject to availability. Just ask.

As access is via a smart lock you can check in any time after the agreed check in time and you can check out anytime before the agreed check out time
What if the sensory environment doesn't work for me?: Contact us immediately. We'll problem-solve together and make adjustments where possible.
Do you have a cancellation policy for sensory/anxiety reasons?: Yes, we understand that sometimes things don't work out for a number of reasons and emergencies can happen.

Please see our booking and cancellation policy or contact us and we'll discuss options compassionately.

We would also advise all guests to take out separate holiday insurance (even for domestic UK holidays) for such emergencies and potential last-minute cancellations.
Can I visit the house before booking a holiday?: We have a video tour of he house available. In-person visits are difficult to arrange due to guest bookings, but we're happy to answer detailed questions via email or WhatsApp.
Can I bring my own portable comfort items?: Absolutely. Bring anything that helps you feel safe and comfortable.

We have a number of things already in the house such as white noise and weighted blankets in each bedroom and a box full of sensory toys.

However feel free to bring what you need. Don't forget to pack it back up when you leave.

Neurodivergent-Informed Commitment

We're dedicated to creating a genuinely inclusive environment for all neurodivergent guests, including those who are autistic, have ADHD, experience sensory processing differences, or have other neurological variations.

While we're not formally certified, we have:

✅ Self-assessed against best practice standards for neurodivergent and autism-friendly accommodations
✅ Implemented sensory adjustments based on research, training and guest feedback
✅ Created a flexible reasonable adjustments policy above with how we adapt to your needs
✅ Designed our space with input from neurodivergent individuals
✅ Committed to continuous learning and improvement. Your feedback helps us to continue evolving.

We believe in doing the work rather than just displaying badges.

Book Your Stay

Ready to experience a holiday where you can truly be yourself?

Direct bookings include flexible check-in/out times, welcome treats, and 10% off enhancements like our breakfast hamper.