Are the cottages wheelchair accessible?

Yes. All three cottages have step-free access and accessible wet rooms. Exact layouts, bed arrangements and equipment vary by cottage, so guests can compare the cottages and read the Access Statements before booking.

Award-winning accessible self-catering in Lymington, New Forest, Hampshire

Accessible holidays designed for disabled guests, families and carers

Q: Can I speak to someone before booking?

Yes. Guests are encouraged to contact Our Bench with access questions before booking so that layouts, equipment and practical requirements can be discussed.

Our Bench is a place where you can arrive, settle in and relax, with accessibility thoughtfully built in from the moment you get in touch.

Our three purpose-built wheelchair-accessible cottages have step-free ground-floor layouts, accessible wet rooms, accessible kitchen areas and comfortable, homely interiors. The cottages sleep between 2 and 5 guests, and specialist equipment can be reserved at no extra charge, subject to availability.

Each cottage has a bedroom ceiling hoist and a height-adjustable profiling bed. Exact bed layouts, wet-room features and additional equipment vary by cottage, so we make it easy to confirm what will work for you before you book.

Step-free access · accessible wet rooms · ceiling hoists · profiling beds · specialist equipment · practical local access information

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A quick guide to our three Accessible Holiday Cottages

Clear, practical features to help you book with confidence.

Step free throughout

Level access from car to cottage
Space to move comfortably indoors
Suitable for wheelchair & power chair users
Accessible wet rooms
Accessible Kitchens
Thoughtfully designed with mobility in mind

Specialist equipment

Profiling beds and height adjustable carers beds
Ceiling hoists
Riser recliner chairs
Choice of shower chairs and stools
Range of Patient Transfer Equipment
We don't charge extra - subject to availability.

Family run since 2001

Understanding Hosts with real caring experience
Friendly support for first time bookers
Help choosing the right cottage
Redecorated annually
Problem solving & support
Unique opportunity to create memories

Great location

Lymington, the New Forest and the south coast
Accessible days out and parking tips
Local recommendations that are accessible
Lots of Information to help you plan your stay.
Reassurance holidays are possible!

Choose the right cottage for your needs

Each cottage is fully accessible, with different layouts and equipment highlights to suit different needs.

Bench Cottage

Best for guests who need a wider range of equipment and a changing stretcher. Sleeps 4.

Height-adjustable profiling bed with bedroom ceiling hoist in the master bedroom
Changing Places-style wet room with adult changing stretcher and H-track hoist
Large shared garden with quieter seating areas
Open-plan living space with accessible kitchen area

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Little Bench

Ideal for two, with everything on one level and no unused rooms. Great value for two, from £875 a week.

Two electric profiling beds, including one height-adjustable profiling bed
Bedroom ceiling hoist
Riser-recliner chair for comfort and support
Accessible wet room and step-free layout
Bedroom overlooking a quiet courtyard

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Garden Bench

Great for families who want space, privacy and a secure garden. Sleeps up to 5.

Height-adjustable profiling/carer bed with bedroom ceiling hoist
Second bedroom 2nd Bedroom available as a King or Triple room.
Private enclosed garden and patio
Pet dogs welcome by prior arrangement
Wheelchair accessible throughout

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Specialist equipment, without the stress of bringing it all

Our cottages are not just wheelchair friendly. They are set up for real life care needs. We have a variety of equipment we can provide to make your stay easier, and we can put you in touch with any additional services you may need from carers to accessible taxis, and provide you with a vast range of accessible activities, places to visit and eating out guides.

We aim to provide clear, honest accessibility information so you can book with confidence. Read our accessibility statements and contact us with any questions.

Examples of what we can provide

Profiling beds and riser beds
Ceiling hoists, Sara Stedy, Standing Hoists, Rotundas, are amongst our transfer aids
Riser recliner chairs, Porters Chairs
Self propelled Shower chairs, Tilt'n'space shower chairs, stools, commodes and transfer aids
Our Optional extras make your stay easier, but are stored off site if you don't need them!

See the equipment list Read the FAQs

Reassurance for first time guests

If you are unsure what you will need, we can talk it through. Our aim is simple. You arrive, settle in, and relax.

Contact us with questions

Our repeat guests are welcomed back

If you have stayed with us before, as soon as you book, we check whether we have your chosen equipment available, some guests have stayed over 25 times!

Why we created Our Bench

Our Bench began because our family struggled to find accessible holidays that also felt homely. As care needs changed, the cottages evolved with them. Today our aim is simple: to provide comfortable, well-maintained accommodation where accessibility is built in without making your holiday feel clinical, and where eveyone can feel at home.

We are on the edge of the New Forest, with accessible forest and coastal routes nearby and Southampton, Bournemouth, Salisbury and Portsmouth within around an hour's drive. We share practical access information so you can decide what will work for you before you set out.

Read our story Meet Helen and Matt

Explore the New Forest & South Coast

Our cottages are purposefully designed for your needs, and are homely and welcoming. Whether you’re looking for activities in the local area or guides to Lymington, the New Forest, day trips, or just a garden to relax and unwind in, we have you covered.

Our Bench is two miles from the Georgian yachting town of Lymington and surrounded by the New Forest National Park. We’re in the village of Pennington on a bus route, around two miles from the nearest train station, backing onto open fields, and just a five-minute walk to a local shop for newspapers, fresh bread, fruit, vegetables and milk.

Our wheelchair-accessible cottages are ideally situated for exploring the New Forest, the South Coast, Hampshire, and Dorset. We are a great base for day trips to the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth, Southampton, Salisbury, Bournemouth, and Winchester. Enjoy ornamental gardens, accessible bike rides, forest walks, coastal trips, museums, theme parks, and more. See our two-week itinerary, plus guides to Lymington, the New Forest, and nearby day trips. Discover more

Read our story Meet Helen and Matt

What our guests say

Guests tell us the same thing again and again. It is genuinely accessible, and still feels like home, the beds are so comfortable and it really is as accessible as we have said - a week was not enough!

“We have stayed many times and would never consider staying elsewhere.” Irene Morris – Bench Cottage

"It was wonderful to be able to shower on holiday and move around freely in her wheelchair." Steve Jeffery – Little Bench

“5 minutes one way and you’re in the New Forest, 5 minutes the other and overlooking the Needles.” Andy Booth - Garden Bench

Award winning Accommodation

Great British Holiday Legend Award - celebrating families who return and holidays that truly make a difference.
Blue Badge Access Awards 2025/26 - top seven nominee, Best Guest Accommodation / Boutique Hotel
Possibility Magazine - Highly rated in the Euan's Guide as Best Summer Accessible Accommodation
The Mail on Sunday -“The recommended destination for guests with mobility difficulties.”

Discover more: Accessible Awards

Check availability for all three cottages

View live dates across Bench Cottage, Little Bench and Garden Bench. Our best prices are through this web site - you can select your dates to book instantly online or contact us first to check for essential equipment, to arrange carers or to if paying via a 3rd party.

Not sure which cottage fits your needs? Send us a message and we will help answer any questions.

Explore the local area with our guides, read our stories, or find more booking information including Access Statements & Rates

Our web site contains a wealth of information, as we understand that to make an accessible holiday possible as carers / guests we need additional information from parking to accessible coffee spots, walks to adventures, local carers to medical emergencies, and other what if's... so we have chosen to share why we think "Our Bench" is such a great spot that our guests choose to return for reassurance, and because there is so much to do!

“This is the 3rd time we've visited Lymington and Our-Bench and haven't yet been disappointed.”
Michael & Denise Sheard

“The website is very helpful indeed, providing lots of information enabling planning in advance, about restaurants and places to visit, which is of course very important for those with additional needs.” Richard Green

Frequently asked questions

Are the cottages fully wheelchair accessible?

Our cottages are designed for accessible stays, including step-free access and accessible bathrooms. Exact features vary by cottage — which cottage should I choose?.

Do you provide hoists or profiling beds?

Yes. Each cottage has a bedroom ceiling hoist and profiling beds. We also have additional specialist equipment available to reserve at no extra charge, subject to availability. Tell us what is essential to your stay and we will confirm what is available before you book.

Can I speak to someone before booking?

Yes — we encourage you to contact us with any access questions. We’ll talk through layout, entrances, bathroom set-up and practical details so you can book with confidence.

Is there step-free access from parking?

We provide clear guidance on the route from parking to each cottage entrance. If you need confirmation about gradients or thresholds, ask us and we’ll advise or read our access statements.

Is the New Forest area accessible?

There are many accessible places nearby. We can also recommend suitable local walks, attractions and facilities based on your needs.

How much do you charge?

Weekly stays start from £875. Specialist equipment can be reserved at no extra charge, subject to availability. See our cottage rates and equipment information for full details.

How do we book?

Click on the individual cottage you wish to stay in, choose your date on our calendar and instantly book online for best prices. Need more information about equipment or pricing - check out our Booking Guide.

We are open all year with Special Offers Available

We offer a variety of special offers throughout the year and hold a waiting list in case of cancellations or you need a last minute break.

You are welcome to contact us directly for availability, especially for short breaks in the next 8 weeks, if you cannot see the dates you are looking for. Short Breaks. Midweek breaks and weekends are available at selective times of the year.

Last updated: October 2026