Working together to make New Lanark more inclusive
At New Lanark, we believe that everyone should feel confident about visiting and comfortable while they are here. We know that historic sites can be inspiring places, but they can also feel overwhelming or uncertain for some visitors. That is why we are proud to introduce our new Sensory Guide, developed through a close collaboration with volunteer Charlie.
New Lanark Sensory Guide Creator Charlie Adby
Charlie first came to New Lanark during a work placement as part of her Master’s in Museum Studies at the University of Glasgow. The placement focused on creating content from our oral history archive, but it also gave Charlie the opportunity to spend time on site, explore the visitor journey, and speak with staff about how people experience New Lanark.
Through these conversations, it became clear that there was a shared interest in developing more accessible resources for visitors. Around the same time, Charlie was exploring the idea of an applied, project‑based dissertation that would involve working directly with an organisation to create something practical and meaningful.
Charlie’s dissertation focused on understanding what resources neurodivergent visitors, including autistic people and people with ADHD, need both before and during their visit to New Lanark. Her research showed that sensory maps, access guides and social stories can be invaluable for visitors of all ages. These resources help people feel prepared, reduce uncertainty, and support them to enjoy a visit in a way that feels right for them.
Working in partnership with our team, Charlie gathered detailed information about the site to develop these resources. This included walking the full visitor journey, observing different spaces, and considering how sounds, lighting, movement, smells and crowds might be experienced by different people. She took time to understand both our needs as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the wide range of needs and sensitivities visitors bring with them.
The process was collaborative and thoughtful. Charlie brought together academic research, lived experience, and practical skills in graphic design and copywriting, alongside a deep understanding of neurodiversity and disability. The research and assessments she carried out gave our team valuable insight and helped us see where we are doing well and where we can continue to improve.
As part of her wider research, Charlie also explored how accessible resources are currently offered across the heritage sector. She found that many heritage sites still lack clear, consistent information designed to support neurodivergent visitors. Historic environments can present particular challenges due to their layout, collections, machinery and changing sensory conditions. Charlie’s dissertation recommended the development of more standardised, familiar approaches to sensory resources, so visitors feel more confident when visiting different heritage sites.
The Sensory Guide developed for New Lanark are clear, practical and easy to use. It includes visual stories and sensory maps that explain what visitors might encounter across the site, from arrival through to different exhibitions and spaces. Rather than telling people how they should experience New Lanark, the guide provides information that allows visitors to make their own choices with confidence.
New Lanark’s Head of Heritage, Kate Lapping said:
“We have been genuinely moved by the positive feedback so far. Visitors have told us that having this information in advance has helped them feel calmer, more prepared and more able to enjoy their time here. Because of this, we are proud to now offer the Sensory Guides as a standard part of the New Lanark experience.”
This work also marked an important turning point for Charlie. Building on her placement and dissertation, she went on to establish Purrspective Spaces, which supports heritage organisations through accessibility audits, resource development, staff training and ongoing advice.
Charlie shared “Without my placement and dissertation work at New Lanark I wouldn’t have developed the skills, knowledge or confidence to have done this. They’ve been invaluable in providing support and letting me try out my ideas during the dissertation process which ultimately lead to the resource you can now find on their accessibility page.”
Charlie often speaks about the importance of curiosity, comfort and care in heritage spaces. We are proud to carry that approach forward at New Lanark, and to continue learning how we can be a more welcoming and accessible place for everyone.
Our Sensory Guides are available on our website and from the Visitor Centre when you arrive.
We’re keen to hear any feedback on the Sensory Guide to support us in ensuring the resource remains inclusive and accessible for all. Please contact Heritage@newlanark.org with any comments or suggestions.