building something magical…

blackpool, we are coming.

a new inclusive sensory play experience in blackpool

a multi-sensory play space & cafe for young children, children with additional needs, and the grown-ups who love them.

✦ be first to know what is it?
scroll to watch it come to life ▾
01

it starts with two empty shops

on bond street in FY4, two blank units are waiting quietly for a new life.

02

the walls come down

we're knocking the two units through into one big, open, flowing space of around 2,000 square feet.

03

then the play arrives

gentle soft play and a pearly ball pit for babies and little ones. safe, soft and unhurried.

04

lights, bubbles, stars

bubble tubes, fibre optics and starlight projections. a proper multi-sensory world, calm by design.

05

quiet corners & proper coffee

a cosy cinema room to unwind, a dark sensory den to explore, and a cafe where grown-ups can finally breathe.

✦ why we're building it

a place where every family fits

sensory space is an inclusive, multi-sensory play space for young children, children with additional needs, and their families.

if you've ever stood guard at soft play, explaining, apologising, leaving after ten minutes, this place is being built for you. and if you just want a lovely, calm morning out with your little one, it's for you too.

no explaining.
no apologising.
no leaving early.

💙

sensory-needs led

designed around autistic and sensory-seeking children first. diagnosis never required. if the space works for your child, it's for your child.

🧸

little ones first

equipment pitched for under-5s and developmental stages, baby-friendly throughout. everyone plays at their own level, in their own way.

☕

grown-ups matter too

a calm cafe with proper coffee, where sitting down for a minute is not just allowed. it's the whole point.

✦ our story

behind every business is a story, and ours begins with family

We’re a husband and wife team, a senior leader in education and an experienced hospitality general manager. We are also proud parents to two amazing children, Maya and Archie. Maya is almost 7, and Archie is 2. They may be little, but they have already taught us more about strength, resilience and love than we could ever have imagined.

Both Maya and Archie have a rare genetic condition called Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS). They are among 700 people in the UK living with this rare condition.

Our journey has been one of learning to navigate a world that often isn’t designed with rare conditions in mind. There have been challenges, uncertainty and difficult days, but there have also been countless moments of joy, determination and pride.

Maya has also been diagnosed with autism, adding another layer to her unique journey. She sees and experiences the world in her own wonderful way, and continues to show us every day just how much there is to celebrate in being different. Archie is currently neurotypical in development and it is challenging trying to accommodate both of their personalities and needs in one space.

Having children with additional needs has changed our perspective on life. It has made us more compassionate, more determined and more aware of the importance of creating something that has meaning.

Our business is a part of that journey.

We wanted to build something that reflects who we are, what we’ve experienced and the values that matter most to our family. While this is our business, it is also a little piece of our story, shaped by Maya and Archie, inspired by their strength, and driven by our love for them.

We’re so grateful to have you here and to be able to share our journey with you.

Jess & Joe ✦

✦ what's coming

one space, lots of little worlds

a sensory room, sensory soft play, a ball pit and a dark den for babies and children, all under one roof in blackpool.

🎈 soft play & ball pit

a gentle zone for babies and toddlers, with classic soft play and a pearly ball pit.

✨ sensory room & playroom

the big one: a proper multi-sensory room with bubble tubes, fibre optics, projections and specialist sensory soft play.

🌙 dark sensory den

a fully dark, immersive room with glowing projections. magical for babies and sensory explorers.

🎬 cinema & quiet room

beanbags, low light and a door you can close. the perfect place to unwind when it all gets a bit much.

🥐 the cafe

hot & cold drinks, little bites and comfy seats with sight of the play.

🎉 private hire & groups

whole-space hire for families, schools, nurseries and respite groups who want it all to themselves.

✦ how it'll work

small sessions, by design

calm doesn't happen by accident. sessions will be pre-booked, 75 minutes long, and capped at just 12 children, so it's never crowded, never chaotic, and everyone in the room gets it.

75minute sessions
12children max
100%judgement free

✦ the questions everyone asks

before you even walk in

we know the worry. will my child cope? will it be too loud? will i spend the whole time explaining? here's what we can tell you.

where is sensory space, and where can i park?

we're on bond street, FY4, at the waterloo road / notariannis ice end. we'd suggest planning your trip in advance.

  • on street parking on bond street, with disabled parking opposite our building. some streets have double yellow lines but are used by blue badge holders.
  • free parking on waterloo road and the surrounding streets (some restrictions apply).
  • there are car parks nearby too. the cheapest is behind the dutton arms, next to the shoemarket.
does my child need a diagnosis to come?

no. never. the space is designed around autistic children, sensory-seeking children and children with additional needs, but nobody is asked for paperwork at the door. if the space works for your child, it's for your child.

can children without additional needs come?

in a word, yes! while our venue has been designed with inclusivity in mind and features a range of specialist sensory equipment, we believe sensory play is important for every child's early development.

our aim is to offer families in blackpool an alternative play experience: somewhere new and exciting for little ones to explore. we understand that not every child enjoys busy play environments, and that parents would love somewhere they can enjoy a little downtime while their children play. we're bringing the best of both worlds together.

what types of sessions will be on offer?

alongside private hire, we aim to offer a variety of sessions throughout the week:

  • 0 to 5s inclusive: open to all aged 5 and under
  • SEN exclusive 0 to 11: a dedicated SEN session
  • SEN exclusive 12+: aged 12 to late teens
  • tiny senses: for babies and non-walkers under 2

for adults with additional needs, you're welcome to get in touch to discuss whether a private hire session would suit.

is it soft play or a sensory room?

both, under one roof. there's classic soft play and a custom made deep ball pit, plus a proper sensory room with bubble tubes, fibre optics, projections and specialist sensory soft play. the dark sensory dens and the quiet cinema room sit alongside them.

is there sensory play for babies in blackpool?

yes. sensory space is baby friendly throughout, and our tiny senses sessions are just for babies and non-walkers under 2. the soft play zone is gentle enough for little ones, and the dark sensory den, with its glowing projections, is magical for babies. sessions are small and calm, so it's a lovely morning out with your little one.

what ages is it for? is my child too old?

no child is too old for us. as you can see above, there are sessions for different age groups and needs, from tiny senses for babies right up to SEN exclusive sessions for teenagers. we work to developmental stage rather than birthday, so if your child would enjoy the space, they're welcome.

will it be busy and loud?

no, and that's deliberate. sessions are pre-booked, 1 hour 15 minutes long and capped at 12 children. there's a fully dark sensory den and a quiet cinema room with a door you can close, for when it all gets a bit much.

what equipment will be in the space?

we've combined familiar play area favourites with specialist sensory equipment, and even some of our own custom built, homemade designs, to create a truly unique play experience.

  • soft play frames and climbing wall
  • custom made deep ball pit
  • sensory dark dens and calm corners
  • bubble tubes and plinths
  • fibre optic features
  • interactive wall features
  • spinning chairs and trampolines
  • sensory integrated slides
  • projectors and cinema room
  • sensory and tactile features

plus a cafe with hot and cold drinks for the grown ups.

do you do birthday parties?

yes! our party space is designed to offer a more relaxed and enjoyable party experience, with unique equipment and exciting activities you won't find in many other play venues. children can enjoy their party food box whenever they like, at their own pace, while parents sit back, relax and enjoy a coffee in the comfort of their own private party space.

  • 2 hours private hire
  • party food box per child
  • free juice for children
  • cafe open for parents and carers

weekends £270, weekdays £180. maximum 18 children. a £100 deposit is required when booking. terms and conditions apply.

is private hire an option?

yes. our private hire sessions offer a relaxed, welcoming and inclusive experience where children can enjoy the space in a way that suits them best. each session lasts 1 hour 15 minutes, and a member of staff will be available throughout should you wish to buy any food or drinks.

  • single use private hire: one family or household.
  • group private hire: families and friends, up to 8 children, with the option to add extra children for an additional charge, up to a maximum of 12.
can schools, nurseries and community groups visit?

yes, and we're so excited to welcome them! we're passionate about giving children opportunities to explore a variety of sensory experiences in a fun, engaging and supportive environment.

group sessions last 1 hour 15 minutes, with longer sessions potentially available on request, subject to availability. we welcome enquiries from nurseries, mainstream schools, special schools and community groups who'd like to book an exclusive visit.

when do you open, and when can i book?

we're working towards opening and building the space right now. bookings aren't open yet. everyone who registers their interest hears first, and gets first pick of sessions.

anything else? email us at hello@sensoryspaceblackpool.co.uk

✦ founding families

be part of it from day one

register your interest and you'll be a founding family. that means first to hear the big announcements, first in line when bookings open, and first to grab our opening offers. spaces in every session are limited, so being early genuinely matters.

ages of your little ones (optional, tap all that apply)
what are you most interested in? (optional, tap all that apply)

no spam, ever. just the journey, the big announcements and first dibs on bookings.