Access Statements for Our Bench Holiday Cottages
Everything you need to know to regarding your access requirements can be found in each cottage's access statement.
Why we provide Access Statements
Access Statements are detailed, practical guides designed to help guests decide whether a cottage will genuinely meet their access and care needs. Everyone’s requirements are different. Labels like “accessible” or “wheelchair friendly” mean very different things in practice as we have found out through personal experience.
Our Access Statements set out, clearly and honestly, what each cottage offers, how spaces are laid out, and what equipment and features are provided, so guests, families and carers can make informed decisions with confidence. They are not marketing brochures. They are factual documents that describe access, layout, equipment, measurements and safety considerations, and they form part of our duty of care.
We strongly encourage guests to read them fully and to talk things through with us if there is any uncertainty.
Each statement should be read alongside our Terms and Conditions and Cottage Information Pack
“Lots of helpful information provided in advance, which helped make planning the trip and the holiday itself less stressful and more enjoyable.”
From Mr Richard Green
What all three cottages have in common
While each cottage is slightly different, all three share the following core access features.
- Step free access throughout
- All cottages are single storey with level access from parking areas and no internal steps or ramps
- Accessible parking and arrival off road parking is provided, with clear routes to entrances.
- All cottages use coded key access, with support available if needed.
- Wide doorways and generous circulation space
- Door widths, layouts and turning spaces are designed to accommodate wheelchair users and mobility equipment.
“As a wheelchair user I could access the whole property with ease.”
From Ms Nicola Hocking
- Fully accessible wet rooms - Each cottage has a level access wet room with lateral transfer space, drop down rails, easy reach shower controls and non slip flooring. Adjustable wash basins are fitted.
- Specialist beds and ceiling track hoists - All cottages include profiling or electric riser beds and ceiling track hoists.
- Safe working loads apply and are clearly stated in each Access Statement and on the Equipment pages
- Adjustable and accessible kitchens - Kitchens are open plan with lowered worktops, knee space under sinks and hobs, and appliances positioned for ease of use.
- Riser recliner seating - Each cottage includes an electric riser recliner chair to support comfort and transfers.
- Fire safety and reassurance features Smoke alarms, emergency lighting, internal door thumbturn locks and optional door alarms are fitted across all properties.
- Equipment available by arrangement - Additional mobility and care equipment can be provided subject to suitability, availability and prior agreement. Guests must bring their own slings for hoists. Clear safety guidance
- Important differences between cottages - Although the principles are shared, there are meaningful differences between the cottages, including: bed configurations and room layouts Hoist coverage and bathroom equipment, Outdoor spaces and whether gardens are enclosed Suitability for dogs (Garden Bench only, by prior arrangement)
These details matter, which is why we always recommend reading the individual Access Statement for the cottage you are considering. Read the full Access Statements For full measurements, layouts, equipment specifications and safety information, please read the relevant Access Statement below:
You can read each cottage's individual Access Statement here:
We also have a range of equipment you can access during your stay with us, you can find more details here: Our Bench Equipment - all of which is designed at making your holiday, a little bit easier.
“The cottage had everything we needed and was clearly designed by people who understand the needs of those with disabilities.”
From Mrs Judith Bolesworth