Question marks, to represent thinking about your accessible holiday

Questions about your holiday?

We have tried to answer some of the questions you may have about planning a new forest accessible holiday with us.

Your Questions

We get questions all the time. Going on holiday somewhere new can feel daunting, especially when you have accessibility needs to plan around. We have pulled together the questions we are asked most often, so you can feel reassured that Our Bench Accessible Holiday Cottages will work for your specific needs.

Tap a question to expand the answer.

Booking and availability

How do I book with Our Bench?

Booking is simple and stress-free. Here is how it works:

  1. Choose your cottage and check availability online. Our calendar is live and up to date.
  2. Check the suitability  by reading the access statements
  3. Read the terms before booking: Terms and Conditions (PDF).
  4. Book online (or enquire by phone or email). Your booking is confirmed when we receive your completed booking form and deposit within 2 days.
  5. Reserve specialist equipment once your deposit is received (first come, first served). You can also look at our equipment page for full details.
  6. Travel insurance is strongly recommended for peace of mind.
We have never been on an accessible holiday before — where do we start?

Start by having a look through our web site and if you have questions, then please get in touch. Not every accessible accommodation is the same - but we have lived experience of accessible holidays, we are happy to answer any questions or worries you may have. It is simple to book direct with us, and then we will confirm any equipment you might need. Our web site gives lots of ideas of places to visit, cafes and restaurants to enjoy and we are happy to offer advice too, if you are happy to share your challenges!

"My partner has recently become disabled — what should we think about when planning a holiday?"

Start with a holiday in the UK - so you can enjoy a new area, have a change of scenery, visit new restaurants, and spend time together, allow for some quieter days but think about what you enjoy doing, and we can help you facilitate this. You will need to think about medication, equipment that you use to make life easier, how you fit everything in the car... but we can help with that by accepting a shopping delivery prior to your arrival, providing shower chairs or transfer equipment and recommend places you may enjoy. Follow us on facebook, read our reviews from other guests as they will give you lots of ideas of how to make the most of your time somewhere new!

I am ready to book. Where can I get the best price?

Booking direct through our website is the best option. It secures your dates instantly, collects the essential information we need, and keeps your details stored securely. We are not able to take payments over the phone, so online direct booking is the quickest way to confirm everything.

Is your website availability up to date?

Our live booking calendar is always up to date. We do our best to keep the wider website content current too, but there is a lot of information. If you spot anything that looks out of date, please tell us and we will fix it.

What is your booking and cancellation policy?

A deposit of £250 secures your booking, with the balance due 8 weeks before arrival. Cancellations more than 8 weeks before arrival are refunded minus the deposit. Cancellations within 8 weeks are non-refundable. We recommend travel insurance. Read our terms and conditions.

How much is it for a holiday at Our Bench?

Our most up to date prices are on each cottage page, click on your arrival date and you will see the rate for the selected period. If you wish to compare cottages with one another, or view the rates so you can discover which season works best for you, then you are encouraged to view our rates card.

Do you offer short breaks and weekends?

We offer 3-night weekends (Fri–Mon) and 4-night short breaks (Mon–Fri) during the low season (November to February, excluding Christmas and New Year). You can view our seasons on our rates card. In peak season, short breaks may occasionally be available at short notice. Full payment secures the booking. If you have stayed with us before, let us know and we will do our best to be flexible.

Are the cottages suitable for MND / MS / Spinal Injuries?

Yes, we are level access throughout - suitable for wheelchairs and power chairs, and have a variety of equipment available which you can choose from to help you transfer or shower, so you do not have to bring everything with you!

I am not “disabled” or not “that disabled” – can I still stay?

Our cottages are fully accessible, but that does not mean they feel clinical or institutional. The beds are extremely comfortable and do not “look medical.” The toilets are standard. The sofas are cosy. The kitchens are clean, tidy and well equipped. They are simply designed to work better for more people.

Some guests stay with us because they need a ceiling hoist or a profiling bed.
Some stay because they prefer step free access.
Some just want everything on one level.
Some are recovering from surgery.
Some have hidden conditions.
Some simply want a well maintained, peaceful place to stay in the New Forest.

You do not need to use every accessible feature. You might not need any of them. That is completely fine.

Accessible accommodation is not exclusive. It is inclusive.

We have more disability awareness than most hosts because of our lived experience, but not every need is mobility related. Small design changes can make life easier for many people, whether they identify as disabled or not.

Like any self catering business, we need guests to stay with us to remain viable. We welcome anyone who values a clean, thoughtfully designed space in a quiet corner of the New Forest.

We would love you to come and stay, join friends in a neighbouring cottage, or even come and try us out before bringing a loved one away.

Accessible accommodation is for everyone. Not just those with visible access needs.

Can I visit before I booK?

Yes you can, but it will have to be by arrangement, when we are busy we can only facilitate this on a Friday afternoon on changeover day, off season and when we have availability we can be more flexible.

What if the week I would like is not available?

Cancellations are rare, but if your preferred week is booked, join our waiting list. We will contact you if dates become available. We also post updates on our Facebook page. We do recommend booking ahead though, if you join our mail list, we can let you know when we open up the calendar for future dates. Sign up here: Newsletter

“This bungalow is really fantastic, all we needed was there and we had lots of space. I can't recommend it enough! Lovely location with sea, city and forest nearby.”
Guest, Garden Bench

Equipment, hoists and care

How do I reserve equipment for my holiday?

The easiest way is to complete our equipment reservation form, which we send once your deposit is received. Tick the items you need and include your booking details (lead guest name, cottage, 4-digit key code, and stay dates).

If an item is essential for your stay, please check availability with us before you book, as we do not have three of everything. You can view equipment in detail on our equipment page.

Do I need to book specialist equipment in advance?

Yes please. Equipment is reserved on a first come, first served basis. If you need something we do not list, you are welcome to hire additional items from local suppliers. Deliveries can usually be made on the Friday before your arrival.

We have included some local contacts, for example: AirFlow mattresses and other specialist hire. Please let us know in advance so we can make sure the cottage is ready and someone is available to accept delivery.

Do I need to bring my own slings for hoists?

Yes. For safety reasons you must bring your own slings. Please ensure at least two people in your party are trained to use the hoist safely. We cannot provide training or slings.

Can I arrange carers during my stay?

Yes. We recommend arranging care well in advance as local demand can be high. We have a page to help you get started here: care agencies and private carers.

Do you provide oxygen?

No, but we can put you in touch with trusted providers for oxygen services and other specialist needs. These must be arranged directly with suppliers. Possible contacts are listed here: specialist supplier contacts.

Can I check the shower chair options?

We have three wheeled shower chair options:

The tilt in space is often preferred for a hoisted guest. We also have a static seat and a stool. Please reserve the chair that suits your needs.

Are the beds height adjustable, and can they raise head and legs?

Bed specifications vary by cottage. The most reliable place to check the exact setup is the access statement for your cottage: Access statements. If you tell us your needs, we are happy to confirm the best option.

How wide are the doorways?

This information is on at Access Statements - it varies slightly with each cottage. Our narrowest door is 790mm

You can view it here: Porter’s Chair. If this is essential for your stay, please check availability before booking.

Will there be a mobile hoist for transfers to a recliner chair?

Some items are available only when reserved. For example, our Porter’s Chair is often recommended for a hoisted guest. It enables transfers in the bedroom, then can be wheeled into the sitting room or outside.

You can view it here: Porter’s Chair. If this is essential for your stay, please check availability before booking.

Does the dining table allow an electric wheelchair to go underneath?

In general, yes. Most electric wheelchairs fit comfortably at the dining table, and we have not had issues reported. As wheelchairs vary, we cannot guarantee every model. If you share your chair width and knee height, we can advise.

“A lovely, well thought-out bungalow. Refreshing to find somewhere with hoists that’s also stylishly decorated. Too many places feel institutional, not here!”
Guest on Euan’s Guide, Bench Cottage

During your stay

Is shopping delivery available?

Yes. Supermarket deliveries can be arranged for your arrival day (usually Friday) between 10am and 1pm. We can put chilled items away so it is one less thing to do when you arrive. For midweek breaks, please check with us first.

What transport options are available if we do not bring a car?

Lymington and the New Forest have wheelchair-accessible taxi options and assisted transport providers, including Driving Miss Daisy. Vehicles are limited, so advance booking is strongly advised.

We have practical local details here: Nearest to Our Bench.

Where is the nearest doctor or hospital?

We hope you do not need it, but it is always good to be prepared. You can find nearest medical details here: Nearest to Our Bench.

Is there a changing places nearby?

We have put together a list of New Forest changing places for you, and Bench Cottage has a drop down stretcher and h-hoist in the wet room..

Where can I park my car? Can I charge my WAV (Wheelchair accessible vehicle)?

Each cottage has its one off-road parking space with level access to the front door. WAV parking and EV charging are available on-site. Additional cars can be parked on the road - there are no parking restrictions, we just ask that you don't block the pavement..

I am looking for more information. Where should I start?

These pages answer most planning questions:

“When they state accessible they really mean it! Everything we asked for was ready. Scones and jam on arrival. Excellent location and comfortable beds.”
Guest on Euan’s Guide, Little Bench

Local area and choosing the right cottage

I am in a wheelchair. What is there to do locally?

We have put together an Explore section with accessible walks, accessible cycling, places to visit, lunch spots, and ideas for days out, all chosen with wheelchair access and practical comfort in mind.

We have children with us, or we are meeting grandchildren. What is accessible for the whole family?

Our Explore section includes inclusive family activities too. If you are marking a special week together, a family photoshoot can also be a lovely way to create meaningful memories.

I am booking for a specific week. What events might we enjoy, and when is the best time of year to stay?

The New Forest has something special in every season. We share ideas through our Explore content and we post seasonal reminders and local events on our Facebook page. If you tell us your dates and what you enjoy, we are happy to suggest options.

I do not know which cottage will work best for me. Which is the most accessible?

Everyone’s needs are different, so there is not one answer for everyone. We have a guide here: Which cottage should I choose?

If you would like reassurance, take a look at our reviews, and please contact us with your requirements. We are always happy to help.

“A lovely location... 5 minutes in one direction and you are in the New Forest, 5 minutes in the other and you overlook the Needles on the Isle of Wight. Highly recommended and would definitely book again.”
Andy Booth, Garden Bench

Dogs, extras and final questions

Can I bring a dog?

Yes, in selected cottages. Garden Bench is our preferred cottage for dogs. Please read more here: Accessible holidays with dogs.

Do you have a hot tub?

We do not have an on-site hot tub, but we do have a solution that some guests love. If a hot tub is essential for your break, take a look here: Accessible hot tub holidays.

How far is the nearest shop and pub?

We have pulled together the closest essentials (shops, pub, bus stop, and medical facilities) here: Nearest to Our Bench.

I have a question and it is not listed here. Can I ask?

Absolutely. Everyone’s needs are unique and there are no silly questions. Whether it is about accessibility, equipment, carers, or the local area, we are here to help. Please contact us by phone or email. Your peace of mind matters.

If you can't find the answer to your question - please get in touch, we would love to hear from you.