Wall of Love

It's wonderful to think these hotels are so kind in giving free nights away,it makes you feel sort of special and cared for, in that they understand how hard being a carer is. It really is a wonderful, thoughtful thing to do.

It had been at least 13 years since I had a break. I relaxed considerably and slept the entire night without getting up three or four times to assist my parent. Spending time outdoors walking without having a deadline to meet was heaven!! The two days were how life used to be.

I needed to get away for a day or so. I didn’t manage the two nights as my daughter needed a bit of help. I am struggling a little at the moment, as a few people around me need help and only one of me. The hotel room was wonderful, lovely, clean and comfortable. Breakfast and staff amazing. Very warm welcome.

I went with a friend and talked and talked about things I'd probably not thought of for a long time. I felt relaxed and comfortable. The hotel gave us a really friendly welcome, and the food was great.

The hotel staff were welcoming, treating me and my companion as any other customer. Checking in and out was stress free with zero fuss. The generous two night offer enabled us to explore a new part of the country and go on three countryside walks that were very good for our wellbeing. The breakfast provided was great and we really enjoyed the evening meal that we purchased. Had the kitchen not been closed on the first night, we would have eaten at the venue twice. The big difference that taking a break offers to me is avoiding burn out.

The most positive benefit is spending time with my husband, without any other demands on our time, or physical and emotional resources. We can breathe again, and remember there are other things in life as well as our caring responsibilities. It's good for us! Thank you so much. We are so grateful to the hotel too, for their kindness and generosity. Please thank them on our behalf.

I was desperately in need of a break, as I'm currently struggling with my own health issues with nerve/spinal cord damage following spine surgery, and also feeling frustrated that I sometimes struggle to really help my son to move forward with his mental health issues. It was so good to have something to look forward to, with this trip away, and to know that my son was in good hands whilst I was away. I would like to thank the Bear Hotel for providing this Carefree break, and for their kindness during my stay.

My break was important to take a few days off from the mental stress . Constantly being asked to solve things or do things. For a few days I got to just sit and read a book. I read a book everyday without being interrupted and didn’t spend the time arranging appointments etc.

I had a lovely break. The hotel was fantastic and the staff were so helpful and lovely. I feel like I'm revitalised and charged up my batteries to carry on for a bit longer. It was just what I needed. The hotel was clean and the food was lovely, especially the breakfast. I would definitely recommend this hotel to anybody.

I was able to do things I enjoy, like visiting National Trust properties. It was important to take a break and have some reflection time after a recent bereavement. It made a big difference to have relief from pressure and do some things that I find enjoyable. I would not choose to stay in a pub hotel again because it's not as restful, with obviously more noise. I chose it because it was the only one on offer for two nights. It's generous that they offer breakfast as well as the room, and I loved the food.

I am very grateful for the break as I could plan a meet-up with family that live in another county. It was definitely an affordable trip, and I was very excited to see family members again. We had a super afternoon tea in one of their homes and made wonderful memories. The journey was tiring, and I appreciated the two-night stay. The hotel was very well equipped for a relaxing stay, with lovely facilities, a comfortable bed, a wonderful, tasty breakfast and friendly staff. Nothing was too much trouble, and it was a quiet area. I would definitely recommend this hotel, the restaurant and the area. My family are going to eat there next month and are looking at organising a Christmas party.

I am grateful to Carefree for providing another lovely break. The hotel was lovely and very relaxing, the staff accommodating, attentive and kind. I really felt as if I was on holiday. The break was important because I was recovering from an injury while trying to continue caring for loved ones. The break enabled me to rest away from all caring duties if only for a moment. I returned from the break feeling better able to provide care.

The staff at The Bear made us feel very welcome and were friendly. We enjoyed getting some time to ourselves to relax. Just going for a walk, seeing something new and being able to talk freely.

The break was important as mum has dementia and i look after her full time. The break gave me a chance to not wake up at night for two days. I feel energised. Thank you to the Carefree team for organising and The Sun hotel for providing the holiday.

The break was really important to me so I could relax and have time to myself to de-stress and rest. I was greeted well by the booking staff and treated well by the restaurant staff at The Rising Sun. The evening meal was lovely, and it was great not to do any cooking! I read some of my book in the period before the food came and before the pudding came. I was able to read some more when I returned to my room. The next day, I had breakfast and another sleep before I booked out at 11am. So lovely to have a proper rest! Thank you to Carefree and The Rising Sun.

Carefree breaks are invaluable to carers who could struggle to have some independence from the person they are caring for. Many thanks Carefree team for providing this wonderful service! 😁😁😁

The Carefree break was very important to me because it gave me the opportunity to take some time away from the usual pressures and responsibilities of everyday life. It allowed me to relax, recharge and enjoy some quality time away without having to worry about everything at home. The break made a real difference to my wellbeing. I came back feeling more refreshed, positive and able to cope with things. It was lovely to have the chance to simply enjoy a change of scenery and make some happy memories. I would also like to say a big thank you to the hotel (Sun Hotel) and all the staff for making our stay so enjoyable. Everyone was welcoming, friendly and helpful, and we really appreciated the effort they made to make our break special. It was a wonderful experience and one I will remember fondly.

Getting time away with my wife is important, as the caring duties are very demanding. We had time to ourselves and were confident that other family members were able to care for my mother-in-law, so we were able to relax. The hotel was great and in the perfect location to explore the New Forest.

I really appreciated spending time away from my situation at home. Even the journey was a break.

The Bear Hotel is a wonderful place. The staff were absolutely fabulous; you were made to feel like part of the family. I actually paid for an extra night. I would love to take another break there. I was able to enjoy myself with our working dog and family member who came with me. There was a river close by. Murphy swam four times a day. I even went with him. We drove to Salisbury, Newbury. Beautiful Places. Fantastic charity shops and markets. The best money I have spent for a long time. Thank you so, so much.

Thank you so much Carefree for allowing me to be able to have a break. The hotel was great, excellent hotel room, comfortable, welcoming and the staff were very friendly. It has made a big difference in my wellbeing, Thanks again to all concerned.

This break was important to me as my husband and I celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary, which we enjoyed staying at the Royal George Hotel in Birdlip. The hotel and staff were lovely and even gave us an anniversary card.

Lovely, relaxing area with a lot of history. Nice to have time with my husband without having to care for my son's needs. Being able to sit, talk and have a meal.

I originally booked this break at the same hotel, back in April. However, that break was cut very short as I had to return home due to my mother being taken very ill. Thankfully, she recovered, but I still had the desire to fulfil my planned break, so, on seeing the opportunity, I booked again. This time, success! I stayed for my 2 nights. I enjoyed 2 breakfasts and an evening meal. I explored the local Country Park, browsed the shops, and had some quiet time to myself. As this is probably the only break I will have this year, I thoroughly enjoyed it and am very thankful to both Carefree and the hotel. Thank you.

The people at the hotel were lovely and very attentive. It made the experience that extra special. It’s nice to see they employ those with extra needs too. Having a pause from a child with SEN and sleep difficulties was so valuable, as we had uninterrupted time together to reconnect without being needed. Thank you.

Our breaks as carers are our lifeline! We never get a break unless we use Carefree. They are an amazing thing, and we are so grateful! 4 kids with neurodiversity is 24/7, and we long for these 2 nights away! The hotel was great, and so was the breakfast!

It was a wonderful experience and gave me the opportunity to bring up the subject of going away without my husband who I care for. To begin with, I felt guilty and anxious about going, but getting away and doing it helped relieve this. The hotel were caring and considerate. I feel more likely to do this again now. Two nights meant less rushing and more time to get some downtime. Thank you for this opportunity.

I am so grateful for this break in Banbury. I don't drive so had to look at places accessible with the train. Felt like a real adventure and going away from my everyday life/worries. The hotel staff were lovely but I also happened to come across a walk in talking therapy service and did just that: walked in and poured out all my concerns , had a cry and could then go on. I can't thank you and this person enough. Being away from home felt that I could really open up because at home I just try and keep it together and plod along.

The break was amazing, staff at hotel and food were lovely and friendly. It was lovely to rest and eat nice food. I had a real good time with my friend, it was nice to reconnect, it gave me a positive out look when getting back to caring role after a break. Thank you for my little holiday x

I would like to thank Carefree and the hotel. It allowed me to get a break from stress and my role. I have a very low income so this gave me an affordable break. It allowed me to relax and to enjoy myself. I went to a beach and a park that I was taken to as a child by my Great Aunt. It was such a stress buster. I now feel refreshed and revitalised. Thankyou Carefree and Greene King.

We really appreciated the nights away. I found it made me actually book some time away, where I probably wouldn’t have. It was also a bonus that we could bring our dog with us — she loved it too. Plus, having breakfast included was a fantastic bonus. We felt very happy at the hotel, and the staff have always been kind and helpful, making for a lovely break away. Thank you!

The break was important because I’m trying to build some independence in my son, who my husband and I care for. We are not usually able to afford to get away at all because I do not work while caring for our son. I took my husband with me on the break, and it made a huge difference to us together. It felt like our relationship was worth investing in, and it left us feeling closer and more “on the same side.” The hotel staff were so friendly and welcoming. Everyone said hello, good morning, and goodbye every time we saw someone. The building was beautiful, and I loved that there were so many really old features still there, like the stone window recesses downstairs and the single-glazed windows upstairs. The food was gorgeous, and the dining room was beautiful. We are so grateful to have been able to spend two nights away together in such a wonderful place. Thank you!

It gave me the chance to decompress from life, to watch the world go by without rushing around. The staff at the hotel were lovely and caring — the assistant manager even gave me a fan when she could see I was overheating. Nothing was rushed, just time to relax.

My son became ill out of the blue in 2016 and his condition has worsened since that time. My workload to care for him has inevitably increased accordingly. I sometimes feel grumpy and impatient with him. It was so nice to step back from the responsibility. It gave me the chance to see things from his perspective, and I certainly want to show him more empathy than I have been doing recently. St Leonards Hotel was just lovely. The room and bathroom were spotless. The staff were kind and helpful. The highlight of our two-night stay was the outstanding quality of all the meals we ate. It was a game changer. Everything was so well cooked and beautifully presented. It was such a lovely treat. Our sincere thanks to the staff at St Leonard’s for looking after us so well, and to the Carefree team for making the break possible.

As I’m a retired mental health nurse, people other than the two people I care for also call on me with their problems, and it was very good to get away from everyone for a couple of nights and three whole days. I’ve come back into the thick of it but feeling less resentful. I’d like to thank the hotel staff for welcoming us, attending to us, and caring for us. It was so good to have breakfast cooked and served to us and to return to a clean and tidy room. Thank you to them all — very kind.

Before this break, my husband (who also cares for our children) and I had been feeling disconnected, as there just wasn't anything left at the end of each long day to give to each other. Being able to take this break together with the support of Carefree and our family has helped us smooth out those rough edges and recommit to each other. This truly has made all the difference and increased our ability to be there not only for our kids but also for each other. We're both truly grateful to The Manor Hotel for supporting carers through Carefree.

I took the chance to meet up with my brother, who I rarely see now. It was wonderful to reconnect. I wish I had thought to book a second night, which I could have afforded. As a carer, I am never alone and I miss that too. For me, it is not about the money, but Carefree gave me the push I needed to do this. One rather funny reaction came from my partner - he must have seen how good it was for me, and now he thinks he should go for respite too! It would have to be a nursing home for him, and I can’t see that happening, but it has given him something to think about.

Now I am not only a carer for my adult twins, I am also a carer for my parents. Having the opportunity to have a break away makes my life more manageable. It gives me something to look forward to. I actually feel like I am valued and matter. Having two nights away enabled me to relax and spend time with my partner, who I don’t live with. We had quality time together and could talk. The hotel upgraded our room so I could have a bath. I only have a wet room at home, so that was a real treat. We were also lucky enough to have dinner, bed, and breakfast included, which was a fantastic surprise. The hotel we stayed at was lovely, with such a warm atmosphere, and the staff — every one of them — were so friendly and helpful and really made us feel welcome and that we mattered. I would definitely go back there. I am so grateful for these opportunities; they really do make a difference.

Thank you for our break. It has made a huge difference. I feel a lot more relaxed, and it has had a huge impact in our home, where the atmosphere is a lot more relaxed and I feel a lot more able to help in my carer role. Thank you to the staff at St. Leonards, where we were made to feel welcome and all staff were friendly and very helpful. We hope to come back at some point.

I am so glad I could take a break from caring for my daughter. It is very important to me, my family and my mental health. The hotel staff was wonderful, polite and helpful. I wholeheartedly recommend the hotel.

My husband comes second in my life, not because I prefer the company of my mother, but because she has Alzheimer’s and cannot do anything for herself. So, a lovely break without having to dash off is vital to my marriage. Thank you.

This break enabled my husband and me to have time together away from the home and our son. It helped us connect and relax. It also helped to stretch our son's independence and our confidence in it. The Bear was a lovely, friendly hotel and we really felt very relaxed there.

I do need to have breaks periodically, and having the Carefree opportunity makes it easier. I work part-time, term-time only, to be available to support my son's needs. Getting away really gives me a chance to refresh and feel better. The hotel we stayed in was lovely, and the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful.

Our break was really important because we needed some time to relax, reset, and step away from everyday pressures. It gave us the chance to properly rest and enjoy a peaceful change of environment, which made a real difference to how refreshed and recharged we felt afterwards. What made the stay even better was how easy and comfortable everything felt. The room was comfortable, the atmosphere was calm and welcoming, and the staff were genuinely attentive and polite throughout. Any issues or questions we had were dealt with quickly and efficiently, which helped us feel looked after and able to fully enjoy our stay. A big thank you to everyone at Cromwell Lodge Hotel for making our visit such a pleasant one. Your kindness, professionalism, and helpfulness were really appreciated and helped make the break feel even more special.

It made a huge difference and was really needed, thank you

The break was a timely opportunity to recharge our batteries. We went to a part of the country that was relatively new to us, and we found the experience invigorating. The chance encounters with people were refreshing, and the friendly atmosphere left us with an optimistic view. We would like to pass on our best wishes to the staff at the Red Lion Hotel, who treated us with kindness.

This was the first break I have had in a long time. I was able to visit Oxford for the first time and enjoy this wonderful city. The hotel staff were lovely during our visit and made it all the more special.

I needed a break to get away and spend some quality time with my husband. We both have serious health issues ourselves and sometimes find it difficult now to both look after ourselves and our daughter. The hotel was lovely and the staff both helpful and friendly.

Having a little time away to relax and rest with my husband is so important, as we don't get much opportunity at home. We are super grateful for this opportunity and experience, and it really helps with costs too when money is tight. We both feel refreshed and ready to start again, more able to deal with any issues and support our young people. Thank you so much to the hotel and yourselves.

The break has given me time to not watch the clock, a complete break from routine. It also gave me a chance to explore places I haven’t been to for many years. The hotel staff were super caring and very attentive. I was made to feel at home.

Everything was so easy to deal with via Carefree, who arranged the booking for me and confirmed back to me very quickly. It was great to be able to get away for a couple of days without the additional cost of a hotel, especially as I have had quite a few unforeseen expenses recently. The Cromwell Lodge was a good place to stay, very comfortable and with lovely food.

The break took me away from the routine of looking after a parent with dementia, and all I had to worry about was myself. It was nice, thank you.

We don't often see our children and grandchildren, as they live over 3 hours away. We can't just visit in a day and can't leave mum alone. It's difficult for them to come to us as we always seem to be dealing with something or other when they are here. It was our granddaughter's 4th birthday last week, and we were able to get a Carefree break just a mile from their home. We had the most wonderful time. I helped make her birthday cake and spent hours playing with her and her 18-month-old sister. My brother and his wife cared for mum so I could relax knowing all was OK at home. We booked an extra 2 nights at the hotel with our Christmas money and had such a wonderful break. The only not-so-good part was having to say goodbye, but now that Carefree are offering 2 breaks per year, we are hoping to return for Poppy's birthday in September.

Helps to make you feel valued in the role that you carry out.

It was amazing to have a bit of time to be myself and a wife. At home, I’m mum, daughter and carer first and foremost, it was incredibly important to my mental health and to my marriage to change the focus of my priorities.

The White Hart Hotel in Coggeshall was fantastic, the staff were kind, attentive and friendly without being over the top. Being able to take a break from the person I care for was at first daunting as I was worried about them but knowing that I could get back easily if anything went wrong, but I could still have some time to myself made the experience much better than I expected. The booking / request process was easy and trouble free with fast responses and good communication making me more confident in doing it again for another break later in the year.

I had a really nice relaxing time at the Bear in Hungerford. The staff were friendly and helpful. The room was compact but really comfortable with a stream running along outside the window. I took my daughter with me who has 5 children including triplet boys! I look after my husband 24/7. We both benefited from this relaxing break. A charming village with interesting cafes and shops, a refreshing walk along the canal. We both really benefited from this break.

I am newly married and didn't have a honeymoon due to many things, but my caring role was one of them. So the opportunity to get away with my husband and forget about my responsibilities was just what I needed. I had been feeling completely overwhelmed, and each day was like trying to wade through treacle. Now, it's better - it's not perfect, but it's better - I can see clearer, be more rational and see the importance of looking after my own mental health! Thank you, Carefree!

2025 was a horribly traumatic year. I liked the look of The Sun hotel and Hitchin online, so I decided to make that my break in January. I wasn't disappointed. I received a warm welcome, politeness, attentiveness and kindness at the hotel. The stay was enjoyable and very relaxing. I enjoyed wandering around Hitchin and bought special items in some of the many independent shops. I didn't want to leave! I am so grateful to Carefree for giving me this time to take a breath and fortify flagging reserves as I continue caring in 2026. I am certainly enthused by the prospect of being able to book two breaks in 2026.

The hotel and staff was very nice, they recommended places to go. I also love that they had a certificate proudly displayed showing they were a recognised Carefree break hotel. That somehow put me at ease and made me feel less judged.

The hotel was lovely, friendly staff and made us feel welcome absolutely no different to fully paying guests,

A very comfortable stay with a spacious room and relaxed place to eat. Lovely food with great selection at breakfast. A great place to retreat and relax.

Before the break I was in a mental health crisis. Space away meant I was able to breathe and experience joy. The hotel was festively decorated and the breakfasts were amazing. Staff were friendly and attentive. Thank you 😊 X

The break gave me something to look forward to, which helped me focus when I felt stressed. I was able to get some much-appreciated rest on my break and just reset mentally.

I had a fantastic break. It was only a short distance away in miles, but mentally it was miles away. It was so lovely to have a night away from caring responsibilities. It was also good for my marriage, as my husband came to the hotel for an evening meal together and then went home to look after our son overnight. Thank you so much for this amazing break. X

I can't explain how important this break was. It made a huge difference as I really felt that I was on the verge of a breakdown. So many services advise to look after yourself, but don't offer anything. It is impossible and you constantly bang your head against a brick wall with social services, camhs etc. I thank the hotel for a lovely clean room and good food, and offering this unique, priceless opportunity.

I could feel my mood lift as soon as we left home and travel to our hotel. The staff at the Manor house were friendly and the hotel looked lovely for Christmas. I was able to truly relax and not think about my caring role. It was great to get up late and have breakfast prepared for us. Thanks to Carefree breaks I was able to enjoy my husband's company in peaceful surroundings. I returned home feeling refreshed and in a different mindset to care for my mother.

It was lovely to be away for a couple of nights and days just to do things as and when I wanted! Hotel and staff were great.

It was amazing to be able to have 24 hours away, in a cosy hotel in a beautiful location and be free to do as I wished and when I wanted.The hotel staff were very friendly and the hotel gave me a nice room and wonderful choice of breakfast. I returned home relaxed and ready to begin my caring role again.

This break meant the world to me. I was breaking inside, but this gave me something to look forward to. I became me again for a couple of days and literally felt carefree ❤️ I would like to thank you and the team for making this possible, and the hotel was really good too. Thanks everyone 🤗

This was the first break my husband and I have had together for 14 years! The timing of hearing about Carefree was amazing. We were able to go away for two nights to celebrate our Silver Wedding Anniversary, something we thought impossible to do. The hotel was lovely, with very friendly staff and stunning food. Thank you so much.

The break was very important as I was at burn out point and needed a breakwater. This helped massively to be able to take a break and try and reset a bit before coming back to it all. A change of scenery and seeing people living their lives in a different place helped give a bit of perspective and remind me that there is a world 'out there'. Very good for my own mental health, thank you.

It was wonderful to get a break and reset. I feel like I never have time to myself, it was amazing just to spend time alone with my partner, we never get time alone. We didn't do much but we did go out for some nice walks, it was brilliant not having to cook and clean too! The staff were really lovely at the hotel. Thank you, for giving us this opportunity to be ourselves instead of just carers.

It was fantastic to have a break. The hotel was fantastic. The staff was fantastic and it helps you feel refreshed.

It was great to get away. It always seems impossible as my life is ruled now by constant care battles and meetings and paperwork. It is not the cared for the person that takes it's toll, it is all the work around it.

As a parent carer I feel guilty for taking any time away from my daughter. Carefree breaks push me to arrange alternative care for two nights so I can have a whole day to myself to rest and reinvigorate. When I return to my daughter I feel energised and valued. Thank you

Both my husband and I needed this break, because our daughters health issues really impacts our own day to day health. It gave us some downtime and we were able to enjoy each other's company without worrying about our daughters needs. The Bear hotel was so nice and cosy, excellent food, especially the breakfast. The staff were really helpful, friendly and welcoming. We are so grateful to the hotel for the generous support they give to Carefree.

The Manor Hotel at Yeovil was fantastic. The staff could not have been more helpful, the accommodation was extremely clean and comfortable. The food was excellent as is the location of this hotel. Taking a two-night break really allowed my husband and I to have some quiet time together to recharge which we greatly appreciated.

Run out of energy and motivation. It was lovely to have a cooked breakfast which I never get time for. So nice to leisurely wander around. The White Hart in Coggeshall was lovely as we're all the staff. Extremely friendly and helpful.

I stayed in The Swan Hotel in Thaxted and it was wonderful. They looked after me so well. The room was comfortable, the food was excellent and the location was superb. The staff were fabulous - very caring and helpful. I felt very refreshed after my break.

I was at breaking point and this break give me some space to myself to rest and reset. The hotel was good the views were amazing just what I needed.

I wanted to wake up and feel what it would be like not having to immediately start caring for my wife.In actual fact I felt a bit guilty.However being able to spend time on my own and engaging with new people did give me a bit of a boost to my self worth.

My break was so important as I needed time to regain my strength and energy and have lots of rest - the hotel was lovely and friendly

A lovely opportunity to spend some time away with my husband and know that our little boy is cared for. It helped us immensely financially as we would be unable to do this in regular circumstances. Due to our son’s complex needs, I have been unable to return to my career or work full-time, so going away is always a financial stretch. We do really appreciate this opportunity just to have a bit of a break. Thank you

Being able to walk on the south coast is so therapeutic for me. I feel really rejuvenated. The Kings Head at Wimborne was excellent and made me feel really welcome. Especially the restaurant staff. Thank you 😊

I desperately needed some time away from EVERYONE. My dad (who I care for), my daughter, my husband, my dog - all of whom I seem to be the primary carer. I just wanted ME time, to do exactly what I wanted and to not have to think or do for anyone else. These 3 days, 2 nights enabled me to just be ME. The hotel was clean and the staff were very friendly. The weather was great (apart from the day I arrived) and this really helped me to be more upbeat.

Taking a break really helped me to relax a bit. I'm always on standby with my cared-for, even if they don't need care right now, and just knowing I didn't need to be ready to deal with things at any given moment was amazing. The hotel was really helpful, and it was such a cosy place to take a break.

Gives me and my husband a chance to connect with each other without care needs getting in the way. It helps us to de-stress.

It was so amazing, and with it being free it made me feel my role as a carer was so important, and that these hotels recognise that by kindly letting us stay for free. I felt special in my role and that people do actually understand, and how utterly generous it was of them.

I wish to thank Carefree and Greene King for the wonderful opportunity for a much-needed break. Life is even more challenging than usual at the moment, and I would never have thought about doing something for myself if I didn't receive the information about the opportunity that was available to me.

It’s a couple of days when you can feel a little pampered, not having to cook or clean or make beds. A bit of an adventure which can lift your spirits and level you out again. Feel more like coping when you return. The staff at the hotel were warm and friendly and made you feel very welcome. Food was very good and the breakfast excellent. Comfy beds for a good nights sleep.

It was lovely to have some time away from every day life, somewhere different. The hotel was very friendly and the breakfast was excellent. Thank you very much for organising it all and I look forward to the next one very much.

I'm the full-time carer for my mum and was able to take my brother away too, so that we both had a break. He works full-time but helps me out whenever he can. We were able to walk at our own pace; neither of us needed to push a wheelchair. We could walk wherever we wanted if we fancied a look somewhere, rather than checking if we could manage to get Mum there. We could eat where we wanted rather than ensuring it was accessible and catered for her diet. The hotel was kind in their dealings with us, and we very much appreciated the break

The hotel staff were really lovely. The location was fabulous and I loved that there was a woodland for me to walk in from the hotel car park.

It was so important to maintain my personal relationship with my husband, to have time for each other and spend time with limited interruptions. Although I have to do a lot of preparations to leave microwaveable home cooked food etc it is worth it. We stayed at the Royal George in Birdlip, and it was so relaxing and the bed was super comfy. I would definitely recommend this hotel (they also cope with Gluten free diets with no fuss). There are spectacular views to be found at the nearby Crickley Hill, and a lovely example of a cotswold village not far at Painswick. I hope more hotels join the scheme, its brilliant.

My partner and I had the chance to spend some quality time together, and he actually proposed — and I said yes! It was so special, and we will hopefully return to the same place next year to celebrate 🍾

This has allowed time out from caring, working and other commitments. This was not something I would have been able to fund without Carefree due to needing to prioritise finances on children and my cared-for person. Thank you.

My break was amazing. I was able to completely relax and not worry for the first time in three years. When I returned home, my friend said I looked ten years younger! The Lamb Hotel in Ely was wonderful. The staff were so helpful and friendly. I felt really welcomed. My room was very spacious and the food was superb.

It was good to be able to get away for a few nights and only think about myself. The hotel was great, staff really friendly and helpful. It was good to gey to the coast and have some fresh air and enjoy the down time. Thank you to the staff at carefree for making this available. It is really appreciated.

I was feeling very tired and finding caring for my wife 24/7 quite tiring. This break let me go away and meet an old friend I had not seen for over a year. We had a relaxing two days - good food, excellent service, went walking, and generally had a good catch-up and an “oldies” moan and groan about the world (hehe), with a few drinks and excellent food. So this was a really refreshing break for me and made me realise what a bit of freedom away from the house is like. Thank you, Carefree- this is really appreciated. The hotel looked after us so well.

This break made a huge difference to my wellbeing. I feel like myself again rather than just a carer. The hotel was lovely. The staff were all so friendly and helpful. Room clean. Smoked salmon for breakfast was a real treat. Thank you so much

I’ve also recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer and this break gave me a chance to enjoy life away from everyday cancer things, as well as a break from the caring role. It was welcomed and needed and I took my adult daughter with me and it was lovely.

This break was so important as my husband and I were both approaching burn out. The communication between us was near non existent and we really needed time to connect and communicate and rest! We returned home better connected, rested and more confident we could cope and work better together. Thank you to The Bear Hotel! We truly appreciate the break and we felt comfortable and able to relax the whole stay 😊

I was very overwhelmed with looking after mum, daughter and grandchildren and having a break was a godsend. Just getting away and not having to think made me feel totally relaxed. The hotel in Marlborough was lovely. Room was quiet and clean. Breakfast was superb.

Before the Carefree Break I was feeling overwhelmed by everything, even the small things. Knowing I was going on a break gave me something to look forward to. While I was away I was able to switch off a bit and reset. I have come back genuinely feeling refreshed. The staff at Rising Sun hotel in Cheltenham were friendly and welcoming. I really did enjoy my stay. Thank you

The staff at The Lamb in Ely were really helpful and welcoming. It really made a difference to me to feel that I was being cared for for a change

Absolutely brilliant. The hotel was lovely. A 13th Century building. Probably one of the oldest hotels in England, with a fascinating history. A beautiful location and only an hour away from home, so we could return home in the event of an emergency without much hassle. I wish we could have stayed a second night. However, we don't have family that can look after our girls for an extended time. Thank you for making this short break possible.

I would love to thank the staff at Royal George in Birdlip! Very friendly people! The break was really beneficial as my mother is even more frail now (she's almost 93!) and consequently needs my support even more.

Our break was important to us because we had some time to ourselves, and enjoyed being somewhere different doing different things. Being somewhere different meant we could relax and feel excited about exploring a new area. We were able to exercise more, and didn't have to worry about doing everything. We stayed at The Manor Hotel where we were welcomed by friendly staff. We had a lovely comfortable room and a fantastic breakfast. We felt cared for and enjoyed everything about our stay.

This break was SO important to me. I have looked forward to having time away just for me to treat myself since booking Carefree. Hotel staff were wonderful. Always around and happy to help with anything I needed. I spent some lovely quality time with my daughter that would not have happened without you! Thank you so much. It is a lifesaver having a couple of nights away.

It was fabulous gave us time away together to just spend thinking about us. The lamb hotel at Elly was amazing. Our host Sam was so friendly and welcoming. We would love to stay there again.

My break was just what I needed! The chance to switch off and relax in a lovely room, lovely staff at the hotel and a beautiful town. I feel refreshed and cannot thank Carefree enough for us, the unpaid carers. Thank you

This was a hugely welcome opportunity to spend some time alone with my dog, to be independent and please myself. We went walking in the countryside, I did find that a bit scary but we did it. The hotel room was on the ground floor with a small patio area, which was genius when taking a dog. I was so very grateful to have this break and did not want to go home.

I really needed a break. My health is poor, and things were getting worse. The hotel welcomed me and everyone was interested. They couldn’t have been more helpful. It was great to go shopping by myself and visit lovely National Trust places. Very inspiring. Thank you for making it possible.

This meant I could relax away from the everyday routine, and enjoy time with my mum. We had a lovely time going to different places and a lovely meal plus some much needed sleep! Thank you so much x

It was so nice to go away with my partner, who is also an unpaid carer, and have no responsibilities and do nothing but relax, at a price we could afford, and have a meal out, just the two of us! Thank you to Carefree and to the Swan in Thaxted for looking after us.

The Castle and Ball staff were extremely kind, room great, breakfasts lovely. The break was important because even though I couldn't turn my telephone off, and had to take various calls and sort out problems while I was away, because it was a long distance away to drive, I found I could say no to being asked to intervene in my parents situation. I am really looking forward to the next break. It feels like a little reward for all the other days in the year when there is no one to take control.

I have had an extremely challenging time arranging for residential care for my husband. I was exhausted, so the break enabled me to recharge my batteries somewhat.

I would like to thank the hotel for providing this opportunity. The staff were very friendly and the breakfast was very good. A break has made all the difference to my mental health and has definitely made me feel more valued as a carer. Thank you also to Carefree for providing the opportunity to take this break - it is greatly appreciated and was very easy to book.

I was feeling really stressed out and the break was much needed. The hotel was glorious.