Two people enjoying a quiet coastal path walk in the New Forest

Autism-friendly holidays in the New Forest

Calm, private self-catering cottages designed to reduce stress, support routine, and give families space to relax

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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.

Example of the Our Bench Social Story
Social Story Social Stories can help prepare for a stay at Our Bench.

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.
  • Electric profiling beds are provided in the master bedrooms, with exact bed arrangements varying by cottage. Height-adjustable profiling/carer beds are available, and bed rails can be reserved if required.
  • 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 sensory pack available at Our Bench cottages
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.)

Questions about autism-friendly stays

How quiet and predictable is the environment?

Each cottage is different. Garden Bench is our quietest cottage: it is detached, has its own enclosed garden and is not overlooked. If quietness or a particular layout is important to you, talk to us before booking and we can help you compare the cottages.

Do the cottages offer sensory-friendly options?

Each cottage has a calm colour scheme. Blackout window covers and sensory lighting can also be provided on request. If these would help, tell us before your stay so we can discuss what is available.

Can families maintain routines during their stay?

Yes. One of the advantages of self-catering is that you remain in control of your meals, timings and daily routine, so you can plan the holiday around 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 range of specialist equipment that can be reserved in advance, and we can explain what is available in each cottage.

Our understanding also continues to grow through experience and conversations, including our work around autism and emergency-service communication .

Last updated: May 2026