Our Sensory Room, a calming environment
In 2018, London Gatwick became the UK's first airport to open a Sensory Room, offering a calming and relaxing environment designed for passengers with disabilities such as autism, dementia or cognitive impairment who would benefit from a safe and interactive place when in unfamiliar surroundings.
Our Sensory Room is wheelchair accessible and free to use for passengers departing from the North Terminal only. You must however pre-book in order to guarantee your space.

There are two zones in the Sensory Room. A ‘chill-out zone’ for those needing calm includes floor cushions, bean bags and digital display panels, which generate colourful visuals. A separate ‘interactive zone’ stimulates the senses through tactile panels, textures and games to improve memory, learning and general motor skills.
Catherine Wheel Panel – Displays of colour and sound, including firework effects
Abstract Tactile Panels – Raised panels and recessed fluid shapes in contrasting textures
Colour Match Panel – Uses classical music, mood lighting, and games to improve memory
Sound to Light Show – Converts sounds into a dazzling light show of colour
Waterless Rainbow Tube – A calming and stimulating colour wheel
Interactive Giant Causeway – Segments that activate colourful lights as you step on them
Activity Board - A range of activities encouraging motor movement and coordination
Infinity and Beyond Panel – Visual and auditory effects using a range of shapes and sounds
The Sensory Room is currently located in the North Terminal only. After security, follow the signs to the ‘Special Assistance’ desk where a member of staff will escort you to the Sensory Room.
The Sensory Room is open daily between 06:00 and 20:00, with the last booking being at 19:30. Sessions last for 30 minutes and are limited to four people at a time, so pre-booking your space is essential.
Separate to our Sensory Room, our Special Assistance areas have the capacity to seat up to 90 people and have been designed with bespoke chairs and soft furnishings to provide a quiet, calm environment for passengers to relax in before their flight.
Head to our Special Assistance page to learn more about the services we can offer our passengers with hidden disabilities.