FOR MANY people, going for a day out at a tourist attraction is a thought that fills them with excitement.

But for people with autism, the idea of going somewhere new can fill them with a sense of dread and nervousness.

Now, to help combat these difficulties, for the first time ever Moors Valley and Durlston Country Park in Dorset have created special new guides.

Visual Stories give people with autism advance information so they can prepare for changes before their visit and lessen their worries.

The stories have been created in partnership with Heritage Ability which has created many accessible products for over 20 attractions across the South West, from historic houses to castles, country parks and dramatic coastlines.

The products will improve access for people with learning disabilities, autism, visual impairments, limited mobility and people who use British Sign Language. They have all been created in collaboration by people who have experience of these conditions.

Project Manager at Durlston, Ali Tuckey, said: “We’re delighted that we have become more welcoming to people with autism. The foyer of the castle is a great interactive space, but the loud noises and wealth of information can be quite overwhelming."

She said that the change of exhibitions in the gallery could be 'quite disorientating'. "We’re lucky that we have the tranquil outdoor space here at Durlston for people to retreat to should they need to,” she said.

Heritage Ability is part of the Living Options Devon charity. Over 52 per cent of its staff and volunteers have experience of a disability, so support the creation of products with the user firmly in mind.

Heritage Ability's Project Manager Maryann Soper said: “To make sure we manage the expectations of all our visitors, we gather feedback about our products from users. We’ve worked closely with a parent of an autistic child and a group of people with lived experience.

"We know that accessibility matters, and so do the people working hard to make a difference like at Moors Valley and Durlston."