Little Bench, Pennington, Lymington, Hampshire SO41 8HH (The New Forest)
Self-catering - Sleeps 2
Welcomes Adults, Wheelchair users
Average Rating from 15 reviews: 4.63
Contact Details
Mary Lewis
Email - enquiries@ourbench.co.uk
Tel 01590 673141 or 07925 003925
Visit Website
A wheelchair-friendly semi-detached one bedroom bungalow close to Lymington on the edge of The New Forest. Purpose-built to cope with the needs of nearly everyone, especially the less able.
In detail, the accommodation comprises....
an open plan lounge-diner with flatscreen digital TV with DVD, comfy chairs including an electric riser-recliner chair, gate leg dining table and chairs. Fully fitted kitchen with split level units. Bedroom with access both sides of the electric independently operated foot and head riser bed - either double or twin.
Fully accessible shower-wet room with an adjustable height wash hand basin and plenty of room for a wheelchair. Accessible raised toilet has drop down hand rails. Shower wheel chairs and wet room seats to borrow.
Parking space outside and shared sitting area. Co-located with Bench Cottage (4) and Garden Bench (5) just 2 miles from the New Forest.
- Fully wheelchair accessible
- Award winning accommodation
- Equipment, including hoist, available
- Independent foot and head riser beds
- Electric riser-recliner chair
- Fully accessible wet-room
- Co-located with Bench Cottage
- Dishwasher and washing machine
- Free Wi-Fi, bed linen and towels
“one of the best wheelchair-accessible accommodation we have used. The owners are very aware of wheelchair users’ needs”
“exactly what it says on the tin!”
“I did not feel the website did it justice as it appears rather small and dark on the site, however it is actually light, airy and a reasonable size!”
“The beds were comfortable and all mod cons were included”
Review Review No. 15 of 15
Christine H - Derby
Our party:- Adults:
- Ages:
- 2
- 61 - 62
7 Nights
August - 2014
- Relaxing
- Touring
- Beach / Sea
- Entertainment
- Local Food
- Walking
- Shopping
“Wonderful”
We really had a nice, quiet, time.
We found Monkey Word and spent the day there. We also found Mottisfont, which was a nice treat.
Nice and quiet
Local Gems:National Trust and Monkey Zoo
En Route:The New Forest
Christine H from Alvaston, Derby - 4th September 2014
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Recommended on 04/09/2014
By Christine H - Derby
Mary Lewis, owner, Little Bench - 5th September 2014
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Review Review No. 14 of 15
Christa K from Seaford
Our party:- Adults:
- Ages:
- 2
- 69 & 72
7 Nights
May - 2013
- Relaxing
- Walking
- Touring
- Local Food
- Beach / Sea
- Shopping
- Entertainment
“Very relaxing and planning to return”
The property is located in a quiet location, with easy access by foot and wheelchair into town. On arrival we found that everything we had asked for i.e. extra aids, was supplied. The furnishings, equipment, cleanliness were excellent and there was enough space for a large powerchair to move around.
Lymington and surrounding area are very accessible for a wheelchair user and the clifftop walk in Milford-on-Sea is excellent.
We can recommend Lymington’s Saturday Market and visiting Bolderwood, Isle of Wight, by ferry.
We shall book a return visit. It is one of the best wheelchair-accessible accommodation we have used. The owners are very aware of wheelchair users’ needs.
The property is very suitable for wheelchair users.
It is in a quiet location and everything is extremely well fitted and furnished.
All you need for a relaxing holiday
Willow Cafe and Tapas Restaurant.
La Vina in Lymington High Street
Christa K, Seaford - 28th May 2013
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Recommended on 28/05/2013
By Christa K from Seaford
Mary Lewis - Our Bench - 28th May 2013
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Review Review No. 13 of 15
Stuart O-D from Bedford
Our party:- Adults:
- Ages:
- 2
- 63 - 66
7 Nights
May - 2013
- Relaxing
- Touring
- Shopping
- Walking
- Beach / Sea
- Entertainment
- Local Food
“Comfort, peace and quiet, and excellent facilities for disabled person”
The overall experience is exactly ’’what it says on the tin!’’
Comfortable, accessible and ideally located for local amenities and the delights of the New Forest and its coast.
We would not hesitate to recommend the accommodation, particularly to anyone needing excellent facilities for a disabled person.
Peace and quiet
Comfort
Accessibility for disabled people
Osborne House on the Isle of Wight
Stuart O-D from Wootton, Beds - 13th May 2013
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Recommended on 13/05/2013
By Stuart O-D from Bedford
Mary Lewis, owner, Little Bench - 14th May 2013
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Review Review No. 12 of 15
Jennifer D from Warwick
Our party:- Adults:
- Ages:
- 2
- 60s
7 Nights
July - 2010
- Relaxing
- Touring
- Beach / Sea
- Shopping
- Local Food
- Walking
- Entertainment
“Enjoyable”
We stayed in Little Bench, a modern one-bedroom bungalow. The property was larger than we expected.
I did not feel the website did it justice as it appears rather small and dark on the site, however it is actually light, airy and a reasonable size!
We did move the furniture around in the living area a bit to make room for the wheelchair, and the gap between the washbasin and shower was quite small. - (See Owner’s Reply below)
Plenty to do in surrounding area which should suit all tastes.
Kitchen equipment and work surface levels for wheelchair users.
Riser beds
Please note that this Winter (2010) we will be altering our showers into wet rooms - Mary.
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Recommended on 11/08/2010
By Jennifer D from Warwick
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Review Review No. 11 of 15
Janet J from Plymouth
Our party:- Adults:
- Ages:
- 2
- 50 - 60
7 Nights
June - 2010
- Touring
- Relaxing
- Walking
- Beach / Sea
- Shopping
- Entertainment
- Local Food
“Fantastic”
The bungalow was like home from home. The beds were comfortable and all mod cons were included.
Set in a quiet location but within easy walking distance to shops and pubs.
Lymington is convenient for the New Forest, Southampton, Bournemouth and the Isle of Wight.
Everything is at the right height for wheelchair users
Touch table lamps were good, as was illuminated bedside clock
Walhamton Arms, Lyndhurst (think reviewer probably means Lymington, not Lyndhurst - Ed)
En Route:Journey was Plymouth to Lymington - stopped in Tolpuddle - needed somewhere with disabled toilet
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Recommended on 27/07/2010
By Janet J from Plymouth
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Review Review No. 10 of 15
Elaine F from Wakefield
Our party:- Adults:
- Ages:
- 2
- _
7 Nights
June - 2010
- Relaxing
- Touring
- Beach / Sea
- Shopping
- Local Food
- Walking
- Entertainment
“Very good”
It was nicer than the brochure showed, the place was spotless and the owner was very helpful.
My husband is in a large electric wheelchair and we were very pleased with the space.
Everything in the cupboards you needed to cook and wash.
Garden was pleasant to sit in when we were there. We come down once a year to spend time with our family down in Poole.
It has plenty of room for a large electric wheelchair
Be Aware:The wet room was good, apart from the lip in to the shower
Local Gems:Milford on Sea
Highcliffe
Driving through the New Forest
Both cottages this winter (2010) are having new flooring in the bathrooms to turn them into wet rooms with no lip in the shower area.
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Recommended on 13/07/2010
By Elaine F from Wakefield
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Review Review No. 9 of 15
S.S from Brixham
Our party:- Adults:
- Ages:
- 2
- 60 & 69
7 Nights
May - 2010
- Relaxing
- Touring
- Beach / Sea
- Shopping
- Local Food
- Walking
- Entertainment
“Excellent”
Little Bench Cottage is fairly new and set with Bench Cottage behind Our Bench in the village of Pennington, on the outskirts of Lymington. Turn right out of Lodge Road and you are in the New Forest - it couldn’t be easier!
It was beautifully quiet in the New Forest, very relaxing. This time of year (May-June) is one of the best to see the foals of both the ponies and the donkeys.
The kitchen and bathroom are specifically designed for disabled people in a wheelchair.
Local Gems:A visit to Exbury Gardens is a must. Very wheelchair-friendly.
Beaulieu is also wheelchair-friendly.
There is a market in the High Street at Lymington every Saturday.
We went straight there and back - only travelled from Torbay
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Recommended on 09/06/2010
By S.S from Brixham
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Review Review No. 8 of 15
Janet S from Bishops Waltham
Our party:- Adults:
- Ages:
- 2
- 70s
7 Nights
May - 2010
- Relaxing
- Touring
- Shopping
- Local Food
- Walking
- Beach / Sea
- Entertainment
“Nice welcome from owner and good idea of key in secure place so no delay in entering on arrival”
The accommodation is a modern building and overall very good - certainly lived up to the advertised amenities.
The sun comes in over the bedroom side of the property so inclement weather meant we needed the lights on to read during the day.
There is a rise & recline chair provided for a disabled person with a very nice reading lamp next to it. The seating for an able-bodied guest is not quite so comfortable!
There is a small garden area to look out on from both the bedroom and the sitting room.
Building was warm
Plenty of hot water
We found the lower partition to restrain water splashing in the shower area a bit fiddly.
Limited views although every effort has been made to make the small area very pleasant.
Personally would have preferred cotton to jersey sheets.
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Recommended on 03/06/2010
By Janet S from Bishops Waltham
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Review Review No. 7 of 15
Gill M from Brighouse
Our party:- Adults:
- Ages:
- 2
- 50 - 80
7 Nights
May - 2010
- Relaxing
- Touring
- Beach / Sea
- Shopping
- Local Food
- Walking
- Entertainment
“Very enjoyable”
A relaxing holiday in a spotlessly clean cottage, which had great accessibility. There was lots to do within a few miles and of course only 10 minutes from the Lymington Ferry to the Isle of Wight. The staff on the ferry were fantastic - making sure that we parked as close to the lift as possible for wheelchair access.
The New Forest was lovely and both Exbury Gardens and Compton Acot gardens were beautiful (Azaleas and Rhododendrons out in May). We also had a good trip to Portsmouth.
A great car park at Gunwharf Quay and nice snacks at the Waterfront Cafe. An interesting visit to the Spinnaker Tower before walking to the historic dockyard.
All in all, a great holiday.
Excellent for disabled
Wheelchair access
Good location
Egan’s Restaurant, Lymington
En Route:Salisbury Cathedral - wheelchair-friendly
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Recommended on 03/06/2010
By Gill M from Brighouse
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Review Review No. 6 of 15
AJ.R.R from St. Albans
Our party:- Adults:
- Ages:
- 2
- 65 - 75
3 Nights
May - 2010
- Relaxing
- Touring
- Walking
- Beach / Sea
- Shopping
- Entertainment
- Local Food
“Good”
Very well fitted out for disabled visitors - variable height basin in bathroom for instance.
Kitchen facilities far better than we have at home!
So well set up for disabled visitors.
Absolutely everything you could need is available
Facillities were very good
Fire alarm goes off after one piece of toast made!!
Local Gems:Exbury Gardens
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Recommended on 13/05/2010
By AJ.R.R from St. Albans
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Review Review No. 5 of 15
Philip H from Beckenham
Our party:- Adults:
- Ages:
- 2
- 78 & 81
7 Nights
October - 2009
- Relaxing
- Touring
- Beach / Sea
- Walking
- Shopping
- Entertainment
- Local Food
“Refreshing”
I cannot walk so a wheelchair was provided.
Access was good and moving about the bungalow was OK, as was getting into bed.
The toilet was accessible and the shower room very suitable for a disabled person.
Little Bench exceeded our expectations and was in excellent condition
Ease of access for disabled
Local Gems:The New Forest is just yards away
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Recommended on 13/04/2010
By Philip H from Beckenham
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Review Review No. 4 of 15
G.G from Colchester
Our party:- Adults:
- Ages:
- 2
- 70 - 75
7 Nights
October - 2009
- Relaxing
- Touring
- Walking
- Beach / Sea
- Shopping
- Entertainment
- Local Food
“Very good indeed”
The accommodation was excellent.
Although the immediate surroundings are fairly surburban, by contrast the nearby New Forest and coast are excellent.
Only thing we thought could have been provided was a heated towel rail in the bathroom.
The Oak at Bank was excellent
So too was The Ship in Distress in Christchurch and Le Blaireau at Brockenhurst
Only travelled from Colchester
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Recommended on 01/01/2011
By G.G from Colchester
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Review Review No. 3 of 15
Mr & Mrs M from Erith
Our party:- Adults:
- Ages:
- 2
- 55 - 61
7 Nights
September - 2009
- Relaxing
- Touring
- Beach / Sea
- Shopping
- Entertainment
- Local Food
- Walking
“Without doubt, top top mark of 5. Excellent value”
The property was accurately described but in fact the advert didn’t do full justice to Little Bench Cottage. We were so pleased with it. Everything was first class.
From the time we arrived to the time we left, Mary Lewis could not have been more help. I am wheelchair-bound and I was thrilled to see someone had taken every aspect with regard to wheelchair users into account. This not only made my life easier, but my wife Marion’s as well.
The design of the bungalow from entry, the kitchen, the bathroom and toilet plus the front room were all excellently planned out. It was so nice to find a place so nice.
From the bungalow to the town was okay - there were plenty of dropped kerbs etc. Access to the shops differed, but most shops and pubs catered for wheelchair users with other access doors or gates.
If we had stayed in a top class hotel it would not have catered for our needs like Little Bench Cottage did.
You don’t find better accommodation than Little Bench Cottage.
You never forget when you stay in a place like Little Bench Cottage. It caters well for disabled people, especially wheelchair users. Everything was perfect.
Be Aware:No dogs allowed
Local Gems:First and foremost I would recommend the fishing harbour.
All the pubs and restaurants we used were all of an even basis.
Only used service stations - required wheelchair access and parking.
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Recommended on 03/11/2009
By Mr & Mrs M from Erith
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Review Review No. 2 of 15
Tony P from Ipswich
Our party:- Adults:
- Ages:
- 2
- mid 50s
7 Nights
October - 2009
- Relaxing
- Walking
- Touring
- Beach / Sea
- Shopping
- Entertainment
- Local Food
“Very enjoyable”
An accessible one bedroom bungalow. Large dimensions so easy to get around in a wheelchair.
Good quality furniture. Plasma TV-DVD player.
Well-equipped kitchen with surfaces at both wheelchair and standard heights, so everyone can help.
Rise-recline beds as standard! The owner can supply mobility equipment on request.
Designed for wheelchair users.
Accessible and usable
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Recommended on 30/10/2009
By Tony P from Ipswich
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Review Review No. 1 of 15
Mrs J. F from Hastings
Our party:- Adults:
- Ages:
- 2
- 42 & 45
7 Nights
July - 2009
- Relaxing
- Touring
- Walking
- Beach / Sea
- Shopping
- Entertainment
- Local Food
“Good, relaxing”
The accommodation is purpose-built for wheelchairs and is very accessible. It met our expectations perfectly.
The owner lives next door and is very friendly and helpful with information.
The outside area is tarmaced where the car parking spaces are. It’s about 20 minutes’ walk to Lymington which is a lovely town, but to get anywhere else you would really need a car.
The good accessibility and the fact it is so peaceful
Be Aware:Not much of a view
Written directions would have been helpful to us
Walhampton Arms, Lymington
Beaulieu
Milford on Sea
Drove straight there
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Recommended on 12/07/2009
By Mrs J. F from Hastings
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