Planning an accessible holiday can feel daunting, especially if you are travelling with equipment, a wheelchair, changing care needs, or simply a lot of unknowns.
We have brought together the questions we are asked most often, so you can understand how Our Bench works before you book. If you cannot find the answer you need, please get in touch. We would always rather answer your questions properly than have you worry in silence.
Booking and availability
How do I book with Our Bench?
You can book directly through our website. Choose your cottage, check availability on the live calendar, read the access information, and complete your booking online.
- Choose your cottage and check availability.
- Read the access statements and practical information.
- Check the terms and conditions.
- Book online or contact us with questions before booking.
- Your booking is confirmed when we receive your completed booking form and deposit.
- Once booked, you can reserve any equipment you need.
We have never been on an accessible holiday before. Where do we start?
Start by looking through our website and thinking about what matters most for your stay. That might be level access, a wet room, a profiling bed, a hoist, local places to visit, or simply somewhere that feels calm and easy to manage.
Not every accessible accommodation works in the same way, so if you are unsure, please ask. We are happy to talk through your concerns and help you work out whether Our Bench is the right fit.
My partner has recently become disabled. What should we think about when planning a holiday?
Start with what will make life easier. Think about access, rest, medication, transfer equipment, bathroom setup, how much energy you will have, and how much you want to do while you are away.
A UK break can be a good first step, giving you a change of scene without the added stress of flying. We can help with practical things such as equipment, deliveries before arrival, and ideas for accessible days out.
I am ready to book. Where can I get the best price?
Booking direct through our website gives you the best price.
It also secures your dates instantly and means you deal with us directly if you have any questions before or after booking.
Is your website availability up to date?
Yes. Our live booking calendar is up to date.
We do our best to keep the rest of the website current too. If you spot anything that looks out of date, please let us know and we will fix it.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. Please read our terms and conditions.
How much is a holiday at Our Bench?
Prices vary by cottage, season and stay length.
You can check the most up to date price by selecting your arrival date on the cottage page, or compare cottages and seasons on our rates page.
Do you offer short breaks and weekends?
Yes. We offer 3-night weekends and 4-night short breaks in the low season, usually from November to February excluding Christmas and New Year.
In peak season, short breaks may sometimes become available at short notice. Full details are on our rates page and shared on our late availablity pages, where you can sign up for an email of updates. .
Can I visit before I book?
Yes, by arrangement.
When we are busy, visits are usually easiest on a Friday afternoon during changeover. When we have availability, we can sometimes be more flexible.
What if the week I want is not available?
If your preferred week is booked, you can join our waiting list.
Cancellations are rare, but we will contact you if dates become available. We also post updates on our Facebook page and share them here: Late Availability and offers.
How far in advance should we book?
As early as possible.
Accessible holidays often take more planning, and once we are booked, we are booked. If your dates are important, booking ahead gives you the best chance of getting the cottage and equipment you need. If you join our mail list we will let you know when we decide to open up a new year in our booking calendar. You can usually book at least 12 months ahead.
What happens after we book?
After booking, you will receive confirmation by email along with the next steps for your stay.
We will confirm practical details, help you reserve equipment, and send useful information before arrival so you feel prepared.
Accessibility and wheelchair access
Are your cottages fully wheelchair accessible?
Yes. All three cottages are designed to be wheelchair accessible.
They offer level access, wide doorways, wet rooms, accessible layouts, and a range of specialist equipment to help make holidays easier and more comfortable.
Can electric wheelchairs or powerchairs use the cottages?
Yes, they can.
We know that even a very small step can make access harder for a powerchair, so all cottages have step-free access from parking to the front door. As long as the chair is a standard size and fits through the doorway, it should work well. Our narrowest doorway is 790 mm. We also include a plug by the bed for easy overnight charging.
Is there step-free access from parking to the cottages?
Yes. All cottages have step-free access from parking to the front door.
Parking is on a firm hard standing with level access all the way to the door.
Are the bathrooms wet rooms?
Yes. The bathrooms are wet rooms.
They are level access with easy drainage, no steps, plenty of turning space, and a choice of shower chairs available.
How wide are the doorways?
Door widths vary slightly between cottages, and our narrowest doorway is 790 mm.
You can check the full measurements on our access statements page.
Does the dining table allow an electric wheelchair to go underneath?
Usually, yes.
Most electric wheelchairs fit comfortably at the table, although wheelchairs do vary. If this is important for your stay, send us your chair width and knee height and we will advise as best we can.
Are the cottages suitable for MND, MS or spinal injuries?
Yes, many guests with these conditions have stayed with us comfortably.
The cottages are level access throughout and we have a range of equipment available to support transfers, showering and everyday comfort.
Are your cottages suitable after surgery or illness?
Yes. Our cottages can work well after surgery, illness, or during recovery.
Level access, wet rooms and specialist equipment can make a stay easier, whether you need respite, time to recover, or temporary accommodation during building work at home.
Are your cottages suitable for older guests?
Yes. Guests of all ages stay with us.
Many older guests appreciate having everything on one level, step-free access, comfortable beds, and a layout that is easy to manage.
I am not disabled, or not that disabled. Can I still stay?
Yes, absolutely.
Accessible accommodation is not exclusive. It is inclusive. Some guests stay because they need a hoist or profiling bed. Others stay because they want step-free access, everything on one level, or simply a calm and practical place to stay in the New Forest.
Why choose accessible accommodation even if you are not disabled?
Accessible accommodation can make life easier for many people, not just wheelchair users.
Step-free access, wet rooms, single-level layouts and flexible sleeping arrangements can suit older guests, people recovering from surgery, guests with neurological conditions. families travelling together, and anyone who values comfort, understanding and convenience.
Equipment, hoists and support
How do I reserve equipment for my holiday?
Once your booking deposit is received, we send you our equipment reservation form. You can view all our equipment here.
If an item is essential for your stay, please check with us before booking. We do not have enough equipment for each cottage to have the same item, for example we only have one mobile hoist. You can also view our equipment on the 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 provide, you are welcome to arrange hire from a local supplier. We can put you in touch with local contacts.
What equipment is included in the price?
All standard accessibility equipment is included in your stay at no extra charge.
This includes ceiling hoists, profiling beds, shower chairs, riser recliner chairs and transfer equipment. Some items are limited in number, so we ask guests to reserve equipment once their booking deposit has been received. You can see our equipment here;
Do you provide ceiling hoists?
Yes. Ceiling hoists are in the main bedroom of all our cottages as standard.
They run over both beds. Bench Cottage also has an additional H-hoist in the wet room. You will need to bring your own sling, which needs to be compatible with a two point spreader bar; your OT will be able to advise.
Do you provide shower chairs?
Yes, we do.
We have a choice of static and wheeled shower chairs, including self-propelled, tilt in space and carer-pushed options. You can see more on our equipment page.
Do you provide profiling beds?
Yes. Each cottage has a height-adjustable profiling bed in the main bedroom.
We also have electric head and foot riser beds. You can read more on our profiling bed page.
Do you provide riser recliner chairs?
Yes. Each cottage has a riser recliner chair in the lounge.
We can also provide a Porter’s Chair or an adjustable height chair if you have different needs. The Porter’s Chair can help a guest transfer in the bedroom using the ceiling hoist, then be wheeled into the lounge or garden, but isn't suitable for standing transfers.
Do I need to bring my own sling?
Yes, you do.
Please bring the sling that suits the hoist you will be using, whether that is a standard sling for a ceiling or mobile hoist, or a standing sling for a standing hoist. Our hoists use a two-point spreader bar, so please make sure your sling is compatible. If you are unsure, your OT may be able to advise, or we can point you towards a local hire company.
Will there be a mobile hoist for transfers to a recliner chair?
Some items are available only when reserved in advance, and our mobile hoist is one of these items
If you need support with transfers, we can offer a choice including Sara Steady, Rotunda, Standing hoist, Mobile Hoist, Rota stand
Are the beds height adjustable, and can they raise head and legs?
Yes, in each master bedroom there is a profiling bed which is height adjustable and designed to support head and leg positioning, with optional side rails, and a standard profiling bed with adjustable head and leg positioning.
Bed setup varies slightly by cottage, so please check the access statements if exact specifications matter for your stay.
Do you provide oxygen?
No, we do not provide oxygen directly.
However, we can point you towards trusted local suppliers for oxygen services and other specialist needs.
Carers and care support
Can carers stay with us?
Yes. You can bring carers with you.
You book by cottage, so you can holiday with whoever you wish. If needed, we can also put you in touch with local carers so you can arrange support directly. See our carers page.
Can I arrange carers during my stay?
Yes, but we recommend arranging care well in advance.
Local demand can be high, especially in busy periods. Our carers page is a good place to start.
Do you provide nursing care?
No, we do not provide nursing care ourselves.
We can, however, put you in touch with local care companies so that you can make arrangements directly. See information about carers.
Local area and choosing the right cottage
Is there accessible parking?
Yes. Each cottage has one accessible parking space.
We are on a residential road with no parking restrictions, so additional cars and visitors can usually park easily too.
Is there EV charging?
Yes. EV charging is available on site.
You will need the Voltshare app to use it, and charging is billed per unit.
Is there public transport nearby?
Yes. We are on a bus route and the bus stops outside.
You can find local transport details on our local information page.
What about accessible taxis?
We can put you in touch with an accessible taxi or companion service.
You will find details on our local information page.
I am in a wheelchair. What is there to do locally?
We have an Explore section full of ideas for accessible walks, days out, places to eat and practical local information.
We focus on places that are enjoyable as well as manageable.
We have children with us, or we are meeting grandchildren. What is accessible for the whole family?
Our Explore section includes ideas for inclusive family days out too.
If you are marking a special week together, a family photoshoot can also be a lovely way to create 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 whats on guides and on our Facebook page. If you tell us your dates and interests, we are happy to suggest options.
I do not know which cottage will work best for me. Which is the most accessible?
There is not one answer that fits everyone, because needs vary.
Our Which cottage should I choose? guide will help, and you are welcome to contact us with your specific requirements.
Can families stay together?
Yes. Families often stay together across one or more cottages.
Some book a single cottage, while others take more than one so everyone can have the right space and facilities.
Can we book multiple cottages?
Yes, if availability allows.
Booking multiple cottages can work well for larger family groups, mixed access needs, or holidays where people want to be together but still have their own space. You may find this page helpful: Holidays with groups
What makes Our Bench different from other accessible cottages?
Our Bench was created from lived experience, not from a checklist.
We understand that accessibility is about dignity, detail, and how a place works in real life. We combine specialist equipment and practical layouts with warm, welcoming spaces that do not feel clinical.