Our Bench Accessible Self Catering Cottages in the New Forest

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, providing relaxed, self-catering breaks in a safe, non-judgemental and peaceful environment for families 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 endless 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 provide a memorable, low-stress experience.

To make your stay easier, we have created a welcome sheet.

Standard in Our Cottages

Step-free access throughout; all accommodation is 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: a park at the end of the road and a recreation field behind—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.

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 helps you make the most of your holiday.

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—safe animal handling within regulations, with interactive ideas for all ages (from giant bugs to tortoises, lizards, snakes and owls). Their ‘creature mobile’ is fully 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 Sensory Pack

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.)