What accessibility equipment does Our Bench provide?

Our Bench provides ceiling hoists, profiling beds, Sara Steadys, Rotundas, Porter's chairs, riser recliner chairs, shower chairs (including tilt-in-space), commodes and transfer aids. All equipment is included at no extra charge and must be reserved in advance.

Do I need to bring my own hoist slings?

Yes. For safety reasons you must bring your own slings. At least two people in your party must be trained to operate the ceiling hoist safely. Our Bench cannot provide training or slings.

Are the cottages suitable for guests with MND, MS or spinal injury?

Yes. Our Bench cottages have been used by guests with a wide range of conditions including MND, MS, cerebral palsy, spinal injury and complex care needs. We ask detailed questions before your stay to ensure everything is ready for your specific needs.

Can I arrange carers to come to the cottage?

Yes. We provide contacts for local care agencies and private carers. We recommend booking carers well in advance as local availability can be limited. Equipment deliveries from external suppliers can also be arranged.

Accessibility Information | Wheelchair Accessible Holidays

Access Information for our self catering in the New Forest

At Our Bench, we have tried to put the accessible information you need for your holiday in one place so it is easy to find, whether you need to borrow some essential equipment like a Sara Steady or a Rotunda during your stay, need more complex seating, perhaps need to arrange carers, or need to arrange an oxygen delivery for a loved one, we have tried to correlate some of the information that enables us to spend time relaxing, rather than researching accurate information.

Once you book with us, we will ask lots of questions. This is never about ticking boxes. It’s about understanding what matters to you, what helps you feel safe and comfortable, and how we can adapt our cottages and equipment to support your stay as well as possible. Many of our guests tell us this is the moment they start to relax. Over time, these questions, along with the knowledge generously shared by families, have shaped how Our Bench has grown. They’ve helped us refine our accommodation, build relationships with trusted local services, and create an environment where guests feel supported rather than explained.

If you can not find what you are looking for - and we will be happy to help.

Essential

Accessible equipment we can provide

What we offer, safe working loads, and how to reserve equipment for your stay.

Wheelchair user reading access information

Essential

Access statements

Detailed access information for each cottage, including key measurements, layouts, and features.

Information about additional equipment and local services

Additional equipment and services

What we do not provide directly, including Air Flow Mattresses and Oxygen but how we can help you arrange local delivery and support.

Open to everyone

Accessibility does not take anything away. It just removes barriers. It is about making spaces work better for more people.

Carers

Helpful information for guests needing carers, including contact details for local support.

Our Beds

Profiling and carers beds are standard in all our cottages. We are often asked about our beds and their mattresses.

Recommended

Local useful information

Nearest shops, pharmacy, GP, taxis, accessible essentials, and practical local details.

Companion Driving Support for Your New Forest Holiday

Our local Driving Miss Daisy offers an amzing service, and can help you with a companion and some respite during your stay

Dog friendly accessible holiday information

Holidays with accessible dogs

Which cottage is dog friendly, and how to book a registered assistance dog.

A special day in the New Forest

Let us help us create some special moments for you and your family, as a photographer with special needs experience, I would love to help create memories of your stay.

Holidays with Sight Loss

If you have a visual impairment, we have put together some helpful information that may make booking your holiday easier.

A lone deer enjoying the open space of the New Forest

Autisim-friendly Holidays

Calm, private self-catering cottages designed to reduce stress, support routine.

Holidays with MS: Space, support and planning for the future.

Accessible holidays can offer more than a break. They can offer clarity, confidence and hope.

Dementia Holidays

Guests with Dementure are welcome to holiday in our level access, calm, accessible holiday cottages in the New Forest.

Looking for more information

There is lots more information that we feel is useful and that can enhance your stay with us, and we have included some of that in our Explore the area section - for example:

Changing Places and the Community Toilet Scheme that exists in the New Forest
Blue Badge Parking - and suggestions of places to vist
Great accessible places to walk
Ideas for accessible places to visit- we have shared 2 weeks of ideas.
If you can't find what you are looking for, do contact us with any questions or use our Search page.