Bench Cottage - wheelchair accessible holiday cottage in Lymington, New Forest with step free access, wet room with changing stretcher and ceiling hoist, ideal for four

Bench Cottage- Accessible self catering in Lymington, New Forest, with ceiling hoists, profiling bed and changing stretcher

Bench Cottage, Wheelchair accessible self catering for four.

Bench Cottage exists for guests who need a higher level of specialist equipment and space to care well. Not every accessible holiday is the same, and for some families the details truly matter: safe transfers, proper hoist coverage, room to move, and equipment that is ready when you arrive.

As a family-run business shaped by lived experience, we understand how stressful it can be to plan a holiday when complex needs are involved. Bench Cottage was designed to remove that worry. With ceiling hoists, a changing stretcher, profiling beds, and an accessible wet room with generous space, it offers a setup that supports both independence and practical care routines, but doesn't look like hospital accommodation.

It is ideal for families who need more than basic accessibility, and for guests who want to explore the New Forest knowing that everything at home base has been thoughtfully prepared.

Little Bench is purpose-built, fully wheelchair accessible accommodation for two guests near Lymington, with the forest and coast close by, a place where you can arrive, settle in, and truly relax, with accessibility thoughtfully built in from the moment you get in touch with us.

Whether you are a full-time wheelchair user, have limited mobility and need level access, specialist furniture, or quiet spaces. This cottage provides a height-adjustable profiling bed, additional electric head-and-foot riser beds, a bedroom ceiling hoist, and a level wet room with ample turning space, an additional H-hoist and A changing stretcher - we offer step-free access from your car to your bed, bathroom and kitchen - with the specialist equipment to make your stay easier.

Two ceiling hoists (master bedroom and wet room) - Changing stretcher and shower chair options - Wheelchair-friendly kitchen with split-level units - Open-plan lounge with riser recliner chair - Off-road parking on level tarmac and EV charging
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Facilities at a glance

Quick highlights to help you decide if Bench Cottage fits your needs. For measurements, door widths and hoist details, please see the access statement.

Master Bedroom and hoist

  • Profiling/carer’s bed
  • Second profiling bed (twin or king setup)
  • Discrete ceiling hoist with 2-point spreader bar (bring your own sling - max 21 stone / 130 kg)

Accessible wet room

  • Ceiling H-hoist
  • Drop-down changing stretcher
  • Choice of wheeled/static shower chairs or commode

Kitchen and living

  • Split-level wheelchair-friendly units
  • Open-plan lounge and dining for four
  • Riser recliner chair and Smart TV
  • Free Wifi and Central heating included

Garden and parking

  • Large shared garden with lawns, seasonal flowers, wildlife planting, and sensory areas.
  • Outdoor seating, a swing seat, and BBQ facilities are available.
  • The garden is level and accessible, perfect for birdwatching, stargazing, or simply relaxing, with shared and quiet spaces
  • Level tarmac parking close to the cottage entrance.
  • EV charging point (Voltshare)

Designed for comfort and ease

Master bedroom

  • Ceiling hoist and turning space
  • Profiling bed and flexible bed setup
  • USB charging and sockets by the bed

Second bedroom

  • Twin room with profiling beds
  • Not wheelchair accessible but ideal for carers, children or family

Wet room

  • Ceiling H-hoist and changing stretcher
  • Adjustable-height washbasin
  • Choice of wheeled and static shower chairs or commode
  • WC with drop-down grab rails, lateral transfer space, and optional seat riser
  • Level access, non-slip flooring throughout

Kitchen

  • Fully equipped with oven, hob, microwave, dishwasher, washing machine, Nespresso coffee maker, Ninja blender, fridge with freezer compartment. Tumble drier available.
  • Cookware, utensils, cutlery and crockery included

Not sure if Bench Cottage fits your exact needs? Please contact us before booking. We are happy to confirm measurements, photograph details, and talk through equipment options, or you may find the details in our access statement or in the photographs below.

Contact Helen and Matt Read the access statement Check availability and book direct

Explore Bench Cottage room by room. These photos show the layout, equipment and access details that matter most when planning an accessible stay. Tap any image to enlarge.

Exterior and arrival at Bench Cottage

Step-free access and level routes make arrival simple. These photos show the entrance, signage and the shared approach from the car park.

Level entrance and front garden of Bench Cottage
Level entrance and front garden of Bench Cottage
Bench Cottage property sign
Bench Cottage property sign
Shared entrance with Little Bench and level access to the car park
Shared entrance with Little Bench and level access to the car park
Off-road parking with level access to Bench Cottage
Off-road parking with level access to Bench Cottage

Open Plan Living, Dining Space and kitchen

Bench Cottage has an open-plan layout with space to move comfortably. These images show the lounge, dining area and wheelchair-friendly kitchen, including split-level worktops and equipment storage.

Lounge with riser recliner chair and seating for four
Lounge with riser recliner chair and seating for four
Dining area for four in Bench Cottage
Dining area for four in Bench Cottage
Open-plan living area – wheelchair accessible
Open-plan living area – wheelchair accessible
Wheelchair-friendly kitchen with split-level surfaces and appliances
Wheelchair-friendly kitchen with split-level surfaces and appliances
Kitchen with gas hob and full equipment
Kitchen with gas hob and full equipment
Inside one of the kitchen cupboards at Bench Cottage
Inside one of the kitchen cupboards at Bench Cottage
Flexible use of space to accommodate your needs
Flexible use of space to accommodate your needs

Bedrooms and hoist

The master bedroom includes a profiling bed and ceiling hoist. The second bedroom is ideal for carers, children or family members. These photos show bed layouts, transfer space and practical equipment.

Twin beds in master bedroom – profiling bed with ceiling hoist
Twin beds in master bedroom – profiling bed with ceiling hoist
Profiling bed with ceiling hoist and transfer space
Profiling bed with ceiling hoist and transfer space
Head and foot riser beds in master bedroom
Head and foot riser beds in master bedroom
Over-bed table for flexible use
Over-bed table for flexible use
Second twin bedroom – limited turning space
Second twin bedroom – limited turning space
Second twin bedroom looking towards the window
Second twin bedroom looking towards the window
Children welcome in Bench Cottage
Children welcome in Bench Cottage

Wet room with ceiling hoist & Changing Stretcher options

The wet room is designed for practical care needs, with a ceiling hoist and drop-down changing stretcher. These photos show the washbasin, optional shower chairs and other key equipment, all available on request, subject to availability.

Wet room with optional grab frame and drop-down changing stretcher
Wet room with optional grab frame and drop-down changing stretcher
Accessible wet room with ceiling hoist and changing stretcher
Accessible wet room with ceiling hoist and changing stretcher
Adjustable height washbasin in the wet room
Adjustable height washbasin in the wet room
Wet room with optional shower chairs and changing stretcher
Wet room with optional shower chairs and changing stretcher

Garden

A shared outdoor space with quiet corners, seating and a swing seat. A lovely place for fresh air, a cup of tea, and a moment to reset between New Forest days out. We have a BBQ, a wild life area, and facilities to dry your laundry too!

Summer flowers in Bench Cottage garden
Summer flowers in Bench Cottage garden
Shared rear garden with swing seat, wildlife garden, and vegetable patch
Shared rear garden with swing seat, wildlife garden, and vegetable patch

Floor plan & 3D Plan

To help you plan your stay, we have included a floor plan and 3-D model of Bench Cottage.

Book Bench Cottage

  • Peak season is usually Friday to Friday
  • Short breaks may be Friday to Monday or Monday to Friday (subject to availability)
  • If you need flexibility, please contact us and we will help if we can or to check if the essential equipment you need is available for your stay.
  • Have a question? Our site contains information on local carers if you need extra support, Air Mattress hire, and a lot more.
  • “Booking arrangements - very easy. 5/5
  • Accommodation - spotless, very comfortable 5/5
  • Disabled facilities/equipment - excellent 5/5
  • Responsiveness/friendliness of owners - excellent 5/5
  • Location - 2m to New Forest. Accommodation is in residential area so one has to travel although there is a pleasant, well kept garden/seating area. 4/5
  • Value for money. Comparable with other disabled facilities. For our comfort and peace of mind, it was good value. 5/5.”

    • Mr Richard Selby – Bench Cottage

    You can book online below for instant confirmation, or speak to us first if you would like help choosing the right cottage, or to confirm your essential equipment.

    Check out our available dates

    The green dates are available, an underlined date could be the start date of your holiday, for instant booking! If you want to find out more about our rates first to work out which season suits you best - visit our Rates Page or Late Availability / offer page.

    Explore nearby

    Discover Lymington

    The Georgian market town of Lymington offers a wealth of restaurants, pubs, and takeaways, alongside independent shops and well-known stores. Every Saturday, the high street comes alive with a bustling market, where you can pick up fresh produce and local treasures. All this is within a 20-minute walk or just 5 minutes by car from Bench Cottage.

    Explore the New Forest National Park

    With 93,000 acres of forest on your doorstep, the New Forest National Park is perfect for exploring year-round. Spot ponies, donkeys, and deer in the wild, wander through ancient woodland, or enjoy a picnic in one of the many car parks and enclosures.

    • Spring: Foals and fresh greenery make the forest come alive.
    • Summer: Relax in shaded woodland or enjoy cliff-top views across the coast.
    • Autumn: Take in the spectacular autumn colours across heathland and woodland.
    • Winter: Experience the forest at its most peaceful, with seasonal attractions and cosy pubs to visit.

    For more inspiration, see our guides below

    Discover Lymington Explore the New Forest Accessible day out ideas Our Stories to Inspire

    Which of our three accessible cottages is right for you?

    Each cottage suits different needs. Here is a quick guide, and you can always contact us if you are unsure.

    Bench Cottage

    Best for guests who need ceiling hoists and a changing stretcher. Sleeps 4.

    • 2 ceiling hoists
    • Changing stretcher
    • Second twin bedroom
    You are here

    Garden Bench

    Best for families of five who want a private garden. Sleeps 5.

    • Private, secure garden
    • Family layout
    • Great for longer stays
    View Garden Bench

    Little Bench

    Best for couples or two guests but can be booked with Bench Cottage for up to 6, as they are right next door!

    • Ceiling hoist option
    • Profiling bed
    • Quiet and simple layout
    View Little Bench