Autism-Friendly Holidays in the New Forest
We are proud to offer accessible holiday accommodation and are delighted to share how our cottages can meet a wide range of needs. This page focuses on autism-friendly holidays, offering relaxed, self-catering breaks in a safe, non-judgemental and peaceful environment for families living with autism or complex behaviours.
Our cottages frequently welcome families with disabilities, learning disabilities and autism, including ADHD and Asperger’s syndrome. We host children who attend special schools and adults living in supported housing. With the forest and beach nearby, the natural surroundings offer opportunities for calm exploration, making our cottages an ideal base for your stay.
All the families we host share a desire for a relaxed holiday that suits everyone. We understand the challenges parents and carers face in finding autism-friendly breaks that meet different needs. While we can’t promise perfection, we will always do our utmost to help you have a memorable, low-stress stay.
To make your stay easier, we have created a welcome sheet and a social story.
Social Story
Social Stories can help plan your accessible stay.
What makes Our Bench suitable for autistic guests?
- Step-free access throughout, with all accommodation on the ground floor.
- Quiet, peaceful location.
- Windows can be locked if required.
- External doors have internal turn locks (fire-regulation compliant) and can be fitted with an alarm that sounds when opened.
- Garden Bench has a private garden. The gate can be climbed, so supervision is recommended.
- Password-protected Wi-Fi as standard.
- Open spaces nearby, including a park at the end of the road and a recreation field behind, with plenty of room to run and let off energy.
- Height-adjustable profiling beds with removable side rails as standard. If the rise/recline function isn’t needed, we recommend unplugging the bed.
- Supermarket delivery can be arranged by you for the morning of arrival, so essentials are ready when you check in.
- A range of additional disability equipment is available.
- Both hosts are familiar with British Sign Language (BSL) to Level 1. Helen has also completed Makaton Levels 1–8.
- We support the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme and have lanyards available if you forget yours.
In their words
Finding somewhere that genuinely understands autism is incredibly hard. From the moment we arrived, everything felt calmer. There was no pressure, no judgement, and no need to explain ourselves.
The quiet setting, predictable layout and space to just be ourselves made this the first holiday where we all truly relaxed.
Parent of an autistic child
Plan ahead and explore
If you like to plan, our website highlights many ideas. If you have a specific interest, please tell us, there may be more we can suggest. Planning together before your visit can help make your holiday feel calmer and more predictable.
We are always happy to help plan your holiday. Call or email with any questions, there are no “wrong” questions. And if we don’t know the answer yet, we’ll think it through with you.
For a unique holiday treat, Crazy Creatures can offer educational, fun encounters in your cottage garden, with interactive ideas for all ages (from giant bugs to tortoises, lizards, snakes and owls). Their ‘creature mobile’ is equipped for family visits. Book with them directly. You can also invite our photographer at the same time to capture the memories.
Spectrum Holidays
Spectrum Holidays sensory pack available at Our Bench cottages
If you book through Spectrum Holidays, we include a Spectrum Pack (visual resource pack, sensory toys and lights). Learn more here:
Spectrum Holidays.
(Not available on #BookDirect stays.)
How quiet and predictable is the environment?
Each bungalow is individual - Garden Bench is the quietest, it is a detached bungalow with its enclosed gardem, it is not overlooked in anyway.
Do the cottages offer sensory-friendly spaces?
Each cottage is decorated in a calming colourscheme, there are optional blackout covers available for the window on the bedroom, and optional sensory lighting can be provided on request.
Can families maintain routines during their stay?
That is the great thing about self catering, you are in charge of your plans, your day, your routine and what works best for you and your family.
What equipment or adjustments can be provided?
Talk to us about your needs before booking, we have a whole range of equipment available on a first reserved basis that may enhance your stay.
Last updated: March 2026