A UK-based holiday accommodation project has developed what is being described as the first manufactured caravan designed specifically with neurodivergent guests in mind, marking a targeted effort to address accessibility needs within the holiday park sector.
The caravan was created by My Safe Place Southern, a company led by Karen and James Mason, who have experience in both holiday park operations and construction and design.
The project is positioned as part of a broader initiative to support accommodations for guests with sensory and accessibility requirements, including those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and dyspraxia. Government figures released last year (2025) suggested that one in five people in the United Kingdom are neurodivergent.
The first installation from My Safe Place Southern has been placed at Riverside Holiday Park in Northumberland, England. The company said the project was developed in collaboration with Verdant Parks and Sunseeker Holiday Homes.
Alongside the new caravan design, the initiative includes plans for both newly built units and retrofit packages intended to adapt existing holiday accommodation rather than requiring full replacement.
Karen Mason said the idea for the business emerged after conversations within her family. She told The Sun: “Wouldn’t it be great if all holiday parks were places where every family, whatever their needs, could relax, connect, and make lasting memories.”
She also said, “He told me he can’t travel abroad with his kids and both his experiences at UK caravan parks were so stressful he decided never to book another holiday park again.”
Karen Mason added, “The stark reality is that for many neurodivergent individuals, holidays can be filled with overwhelming sensory triggers, confusing environments, and unprepared staff.
“What should be a chance to relax and connect too often turns into an ordeal. Yet it doesn’t have to be this way.”
According to My Safe Place Southern, the caravans and lodges incorporate bespoke sensory equipment and safety-focused design features aimed at reducing environmental stressors such as noise, lighting, and spatial confusion. The company is also offering training programs for holiday park staff to help improve engagement and support for neurodivergent guests.
For professionals in the outdoor hospitality sector, the development reflects a growing focus on accessibility as a service and design consideration rather than a niche offering.
The inclusion of retrofit options may be particularly relevant for operators seeking to update existing stock without significant capital expenditure, while staff training components suggest an operational shift toward guest experience management for diverse cognitive and sensory needs.
As awareness increases, operators may see greater demand for accommodations that address specific sensory requirements alongside traditional accessibility standards.
The project’s backers have indicated they hope it will encourage wider adoption across the UK holiday park industry.