Two people enjoying a coastal path walk

Accessibility you can trust

Our approach to accessibility is informed by lived experience, independent reviews and ongoing collaboration with specialist organisations.

Reviewed, Recommended & Supported

Our cottages are independently reviewed, externally recognised, and supported by organisations and communities who understand accessible travel, complex needs and inclusive accommodation.

Independent reviews and lived-experience recommendations on external web sites

Euan's Guide's article in Possibility Magazine
Highly recommended in the Possibility Magazine by Euan's Guide

Awards and recognition

“Best Accessible Accommodation Award”
Disabled Motoring UK

Memberships and professional partnerships

We are actively involved with local, regional and national organisations that promote responsible tourism, accessibility, and good practice in self-catering accommodation.

Accessibility and inclusion links

  • Ceiling Hoist Users Community
    Peer-led recommendations from people who rely on ceiling hoist systems in everyday life.
    Ceiling Hoist Users Community
  • Spectrum Holidays
    Supporting families seeking calm, predictable and sensory-aware holidays. We have worked with them to improve accessibility for autistic people, their families and carers.
    Find us on Spectrum Holidays
  • Snowball
    Improving the quality and reliability of accessibility information through its mobile app.
    Snowball
  • Accessible Escapes
    Connecting guests with accommodation that genuinely meets access needs. We had an indepth "Get to know the owners" interview with them, if you wish to read what was said.
    Accessible Escapes
The world is accessible New Forest snippet
Property Spotlight on Our Bench and the New Forest
  • The World is Accessible
    From wheelchair-friendly destinations to inclusive travel tips and disability rights updates, they are here to help you explore with confidence, clarity, and community, and we are delighted to be featured in their community, you can read about us here: Our Bench - theWorld is Acessible
    The World is Accessible
  • "We enjoy working with Our Bench as they not only offer a fantastic property but have all the equipment available someone needs to ensure a wonderful holiday."

  • Altogether Travel
    Altogether Travel has been pioneering supported travel and accessible tourism since 2011. Our unique combination of a care company and travel agency makes it easy for our customers to consider and book their holiday. We have supported thousands of people to enjoy holidays again. We have a database of suppliers that we work with to ensure our customers can relax knowing their accommodation needs are met. This is why we enjoy working with Our Bench as they not only offer a fantastic property but have all the equipment available someone needs to ensure a wonderful holiday.
    Altogether Travel
  • Artists with Heart
    We are a holiday partner supporting fundraising for families and disabled children, helping to provide respite and lasting memories.
    withheart.org.uk

Reviews by our Guests

A small sample of our guests reviews - more can be read here: Guest Reviews

  • Bookalet Reviews
    we have collected reviews through our online booking software since 2019. You can read more reviews here: Reviews Continued: 

Professional Business to Business Links

We are often asked where our specialist equipment comes from, and where our beds come from as they are so comfortable, so we thought we would add some helpful links below, we aim to shop local when we can.

  • Our Hoists are from Dorset Nursing Supplies and they provide our regular LOLER checks.
  • Our Beds are from the Bed Shop - another local business, they are based in New Milton - our beds are made to order and they are happy to deliver nationwide.
  • Our Kitchens and Bathrooms were purchased locally and fitted by Matt Renouf - who is happy to offer advice if you are looking to create similar in your own home.
  • Our web site, photography and design work is all done by RenoufDesign - she is happy to arrange a photoshoot with you during your stay - details here: Free Photos to treasure
  • Our Equipment - some of our disabled aids have come from the Complete Care Shop - you can purchase from them direct and they deliver within a couple of days.
  • Google maps are now starting to show wheelchair accessible places on their maps - Read more here: Google Maps Accessible Places