South Newlands Farm Disability Friendly Holiday Homes Near York Review
One thing I’ve found since my mobility has declined is how hard it is to find mobility-friendly holiday lets. In trying to find locations I’ve come across places listed as being on one floor and disabled access having that one floor as upstairs. Even finding something as simple as a shower can prove hard with many showers being above baths even in single-story lets.
So a while ago I decided I wanted to go to York and I found a really lovely self-catering holiday location which is both disability friendly and doesn’t cost the earth.
South Newlands Farm Cottages
Situated just 10 miles from York and 3 miles from Selby off the A19, South Newlands Farm has 3 bungalow cottages which have been purpose-built to accommodate people with different accessibility needs.
For instance, all the doors are extra-wide offering easy access for wheelchair users, while bathrooms include a range of ways to wash including both bath and level access shower. The bedrooms have a range of beds including in some rooms a profiling bed. Other items of equipment can be hired for the duration of your stay on request as well for a small cost, including hoists.
Each cottage sleeps up to six people and has been rated 4* as well as Mobility Level 3 by VisitBritain. While all are pet friendly, it is worth noting that the garden area is open plan..
They also have space for caravans and tents, and even enough room for a helicopter to land should you arrive in style.
Copper Cottage
Run by Peggy and Rod, South Newlands Farm is a beautiful location to holiday and relax. Each cottage has its own parking space, outside seating area and is wonderfully roomy. We stayed in Copper Cottage which includes a south-facing garden, and two-level access showers.
As you walk in the door you are greeted by a large kitchen, and dining area which has enough seating for everyone. Wheelchairs can easily traverse the area and thanks to different height worktops help with any cooking you may want to do.
Outside the kitchen, the hallway in front leads to the terrace with outdoor seating, while the lounge is situated to the left and the hallway to the right leads to the bathroom and bedroom area.
The lounge includes a large sofa, chair and a rise and recliner chair, alongside lights, a table and a TV. Inside some of the cupboards, we found puzzles and books, which we didn’t get time to enjoy.
A communal bathroom is found next, which includes a level access shower, shower stool, bath and toilet with handles. The sink sits at a good height and there is also a commode should it be needed.
Opposite the bathroom, is the middle bedroom. This includes two single beds, one of which is adjustable, as well as a wardrobe, drawers and mirror. While at the far end of the hall, you find the other two bedrooms.
To the left sits another small bedroom with two single beds which sit side by side, again the room includes a small wardrobe and is situated towards the south side of the cottage meaning you get the best of the sunlight.
Lastly comes the master bedroom which in Copper Cottage, includes an en suite wetroom and a kingsize bed. Alongside a wardrobe, chair and drawers.
Behind the cottage is a beautiful open area, which is perfect for walking your dog, relaxing or playing.
What We Thought of South Newlands Farm Cottages
I was really surprised by how well-thought-out Copper Cottage was, which when speaking to the owners we found out was due to the fact they had asked a friend what, as a disabled person, they would want in a holiday home.
They are also very much about upgrading the farm to be better for their patrons. For instance, at the moment they are trying to raise money to have a defibrillator and to create a play area on site.
The location is wonderful to explore York and other nearby locations. I can honestly really see why they are people going back year after year.
However for what you get what really amazed us with the price, based on 7 nights the prices of the cottages range from £525.00 to £1050.00 depending on season. In many other locations, I’ve found the prices start at the upper end for disability-friendly cottages.
I think we all agreed that we would love to go back to South Newlands and while we only went for a weekend this time, I think next time a longer break may be on the cards.
What do you think of the sound of South Newlands Farm Cottages?
Please note I have described Copper Cottage in this post, I believe all three cottages offer a slightly different set-up, so please do check what is included in each one before booking.
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Such a good idea for those with mobility issues to be able to have a break in a lovely rural setting. Since becoming virtually crippled by Fibromyalgia, I have come to appreciate what wonderful buildings bungalows truly are!
Definitely it makes such a difference to be able to go out and explore and have somewhere accessible to come back to.
It’s reassuring to know that there are places to cater for and be mindful of your needs. Everyone stands to benefit from more accessablity, even able-bodied people. It’s a win-win.
Definitely – I have to admit I hope we get to go back at some point as it was such a lovely place and they cared very much about all their visitors.
It looks like a fair bit of thought has gone into it.
They really have thought through so much about what is needed and really have disability friendliness in mind.
Thank you for sharing this review, York is a lovely place to visit!
Sounds lovely, I like a holiday home as you have plenty of space and home comforts.
I’m the same – I used to love a hotel (and I do still for a short break) but longer ones all the home comforts are a must.
Wow! That is inspirational! It’s about time holiday homes thought about disabled people!
Honestly, until you try booking yourself you don’t realise how hard it is. I wouldn’t have thought of it until it happened to me.
What a lovely cottage for everybody, we are going on a cottage stay in 2 weeks – we’re so excited!!
I hope you have a wonderful time on your holiday! There’s nothing quite like getting away for a bit.
This looks a fabulous holiday cottage for everyone to enjoy. Reasonable price too.
It is such a lovely cottage, I wish I had booked longer, I have a feeling we will be going back as it’s a lovely location, reasonably prices and so comfortable to stay in.
I can imagine how hard it is to find a disability friendly holiday home can be. So happy you managed to find one and visit York. I’ve yet to visit York
It can be an utter nightmare, I was trying to find somewhere in Cornwall and it was listed as accessible, but when you looked deeper into it, what they meant was you could get in the front door, but not much further.
This looks very well set-up and, as you said, at a very reasonable price. York is one of my favourite places but, sadly, a bit too far for me to travel these days.
It’s hard when places just become to far to travel isn’t it? I’d love to visit a few places but I don’t think I could manage the journey.
@Sarah-Louise Bailey,
Yes, it’s a real reminder to ‘make hay while the sun shines’ as we never know what is around the corner.
I’m lucky that I am in easy travelling distance of Southampton, so cruising is now my main way of travelling. 45 minutes in the car and then the world comes to me.
Oh that is lovely – cruising always sounds like a lovely idea as well – where have you been off to?
@Sarah-Louise Bailey,
We’ve had two this year (both postponed for several years due to the pandemic). Down to Mediterranean Spain in February and the Baltics in May. Most ships are very well set-up for people with mobility problems, although accessible cabins usually have to be booked very early.
Oh that sounds amazing! I hope you have a wonderful time on them both. I might have to look into it myself, though I’m not sure what Ash would think about a cruise.
@Sarah-Louise Bailey,
It’s certainly worth doing your research first as not every ship/cruiseline is a good fit for every person. Some lines go for American style glitz and entertainment, some are more UK in ethos. Few lines have wheelchair accessible tenders (smaller boats that take passengers into port if the cruise ship cannot berth there) so a tender-heavy itinerary can be frustrating for people who cannot walk independently (or step over the gap between the boarding platform and tender boat). I’d say that finding a good cruise consultant is a must for first timers.
Thank you that is so useful, I wouldn’t have thought there would have been such a difference, I shall have to do some research and digging!
@Sarah-Louise Bailey, I often find that the research is part of the fun. Robert Louis Stevenson said (something like) ‘It is better to travel hopefully than to arrive.’
Definitely – I have to admit I do like planning, I struggle with change so I guess that isn’t too surprising.
It is so hard finding genuine disability friendly accommodation. Many claim to be accessible yet on arrival they are often NOT! There should be more around to enable disabled people to enjoy holidays too, and actually be able to relax.
Yes! It is awful, I’ve found places that list themselves as accessible but you can only get through the front door, you then have to go upstairs! I do wonder if they don’t understand what should be meant by it. The other issue, is some places are just so expensive, which I understand as the equipment is so expensive but it put it out of so many people’s pockets. This place is incredible, it was a lucky find one day and I knew I had to book in.