Magical Lights, My Way

Magical Lights, My Way runs at The Museum of English Rural Life on Monday 14 December, from 16:00 to 17:00. It's a calmer, lower-capacity version of the museum's wider Magical Lights event, specifically designed for neurodivergent children and their families. If you've ever found the usual bustle of a museum a bit much, this is the one to go for.

The session lets you explore the galleries and the garden after dark, with a few things to get stuck into along the way: you can make a lantern, follow the Night-Time Rat Trail, and take part in light and shadow activities, with illuminated surprises tucked in here and there. All the activities are optional, so you can do as much or as little as you fancy.

Because it's built for neurodivergent visitors, there's a fair bit of support in place. You'll find smaller crowds, sensory considerations, and a more relaxed pace throughout. The museum provides pre-visit sensory maps, sensory backpacks, ear defenders, and break-out spaces if things get a bit overwhelming, and they send out a social story in advance so you know exactly what to expect before you arrive.

It's part of the bigger Magical Lights run, which marks the end of the year with crafts, lanterns, and lights across the galleries and garden, aimed at families with children aged 3 to 11, with some of the activities taking place outdoors. This particular session is £6 per participating child, suitable for those aged 3 and up, and accompanying adults go free. Booking is required and places are timed, so it's worth getting yours sorted early.