Accessibility you can trust

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
  Independent reviews written by disabled people and their families, based on real stays and lived experience.
  You can read their independent reviews here: Euan’s Guide
• Google
  You can find us on Google - we are still collecting reviews here as the majority have been left throughout web site. Find us
• The Mail on Sunday
  “The recommended destination for guests with mobility difficulties.”
  Independent media recommendation highlighting accessible destinations.
• Disabled Motoring UK
  National disability organisation recognising excellence in accessible accommodation.
• Possibility Magazine
  Highly Rated in Euan's Guide as the best Summer Accessible Accommodation

Awards and recognition

“Best Accessible Accommodation Award”
Disabled Motoring UK

Top 7 nominess for the Blue Badge Access Awards for 2025 /26
Blue Badge Awards

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.

• Oakhaven Business Club
  Supporting local hospice care and community wellbeing in the New Forest through regular business-to-business networking and increased disability awareness.
  Find out more about Oakhaven Business Club
• Lymington District Chamber of Commerce
  Supporting local businesses and community organisations. We attend regular networking meetings, promoting accessibility in Lymington and increasing awareness.
  View our listing in the Chamber directory
• New Forest Business Partnership
  We regularly attend networking events and training, raising awareness of accessibility one conversation at a time.
  New Forest Business Partnership
• Go New Forest
  A not-for-profit Community Interest Company promoting the New Forest while safeguarding its natural environment. We work with them to improve accessibility across the Forest.
  Discover more about Go New Forest
• Professional Association of Self Catering (PASC)
  Membership ensures good practice, compliance and professionalism within the self-catering sector.
  PASC

Accessibility and inclusion links

• Accessible Escapes
  Accessible Holiday Escapes is a unique website established in 2019 by a family living with disability, showcasing accessible holiday properties in the UK and beyond. It is a free-to-use website connecting website users directly with property owners or managers, and has has a search engine with 50+ accessibility options to help guests with disabilities find properties which can meet their specific needs.
  Becky one of the owners explains that accessible purpose-built properties such as Bench Cottage, Garden Bench and Little Bench are invaluable to many of our website users providing an extensive range of mobility equipment within a home-from-home environment. Our website has become a trusted resource within the disability community, achieved by featuring well-established and popular properties such as Our Bench." Find more Accessible Escapes  
  We had an indepth "Get to know the owners" interview with them, if you wish to read what was said.
  
• 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

• Time Away
  

  At Time Awaythey know that coming to terms with a life changing, long term diagnosis in a young child can be very difficult for families. They understand the many different pressures a family unit can experience, and how hard daily life can be. They source vacant time in self-catering holiday accommodation and gift it to those who need a break. Through providing the opportunity for a break away from the home environment they help families to enjoy time together away from it all. They have three routes to access their services, and you can find out more on their web site.
  We are delighted that Bench Cottage has been selected as part of their adpated breaks scheme, and are thrilled to encourage families to enjoy a photoshoot during their stay with us.

• 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

• 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