Wall of Love

Lee

It made a difference getting away just for one night and not having to focus on my dad's care. The hotel itself is lovely and has a lot of historical value to me, and I find these kinds of things very interesting. I wasn't aware of the chapel and main hall and would love to spend time there again. I'd like to have explored it more if I had the time. The staff are brilliant, and nothing is too much trouble for them regarding questions. One staff member went out of his way to put the lights on in the chapel for me at night. The restaurant staff were polite and friendly, the young lad who brought our food up from room service was brilliant. I just want to say thank you to them all and the reception staff for the pleasant experience.

Oct 16, 2026

Deborah

Just back yesterday from a restorative two nights at Tavistock Hotel, London, with wonderfully polite staff - without exception! Everyone made me feel most welcome as a solo guest, for which I was most grateful, thank you! I left a bag of sweets to share at reception when I checked out as a small token of my appreciation. I'm remembering the local places I enjoyed visiting and would love to return next year if possible. On my return journey home, my mother was admitted to hospital, so I was very quickly back to my caring role; although I felt far more able to deal with the situation after my wonderful Carefree break. Thank you SO much.

Oct 14, 2026

Abigail

I’m having therapy for burnout, and one of the things I need to do is prioritise my own relaxation. I also experience a lot of pressure from family members to care and do everything perfectly, while still doing non-essential favours for them, so being able to get away and not be available was amazing. It felt like a real luxury. It also, as horrible as it sounds, gave me a moment to miss my husband and home while being away. The hotel staff were lovely and the facilities were wonderful. The rooms and whole premises were very clean. I had such a wonderful night’s sleep and woke up feeling energised in a way I wouldn’t have at home.

Jun 9, 2026

Kate

We stayed at the Village Hotel in Hull for 2 nights. It was great to be able to have a break from caring for 2 elderly dependent parents and a bit of time to ourselves. The hotel had all we needed, staff were friendly and breakfast being included made all the difference. Thank you.

Apr 8, 2026

Ann

Having time for myself is heaven. Relaxing in the swimming pool. Talking about anything other than my caring role. The hotel staff treated me like royalty, that's how it felt. All the staff were so cheerful, helpful and bubbly that it itself bucks you up.

Mar 10, 2026

Carole

My break was very important to me as looking after my son is a full-time job, which causes me so much stress. Thank you for my break.

Feb 25, 2026

Sophie

Visiting family in Scotland that I can't usually get to see in person.

Jan 26, 2026

Christina

The overnight experience was totally relaxing. We stayed nearly 24 hours in the hotel, used the gym and swimming pool, and enjoyed lunch and a lovely evening meal with wine. The food was delicious. It was so nice not to be thinking about meals, washing, cleaning, cooking, and shopping for my parents — just to focus on myself and what I wanted to do was lovely and very much needed. The hotel and staff were very nice, and the bedrooms were a good size. I would highly recommend The Belfry at Camborne, Cambridge. Thank you, Carefree, for helping me feel better and recharge my batteries.

Jan 12, 2026

Lisa

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 🤗

Dec 8, 2025

Deborah

Break allowed me to escape all areas I felt responsible for and get away from it all briefly so I could pay attention to myself. The the hotel was brilliant, we could relax in the pool, eat and relax in the grill and bar and chill out in our room, with no distractions and sleep soundly. I I want to say a massive thank you for giving me time for myself this year and believe me, I so appreciate it!

Nov 17, 2025

Kate

We had a 2 night break at the Nottingham Belfry hotel, which was lovely. Although it was only a 20 minute drive, we felt that we were on holiday. The breakfast was super and the room was very comfy with all we needed. We really appreciated the hotel being part of the scheme. Thank you.

Oct 27, 2025

Shelley

The hotel was lovely, surrounded by trees, it was so relaxing. I got to swim in the pool which relieved some of the tension that I was having, also having an evening meal without being distracted was good, the bed was so comfy I didn't want to leave it 😴 😅 It was the break I didn't know that I needed to recharge. Thank you so much 💓

Oct 14, 2025

Donna

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.

Sep 17, 2025

Ann

My friend and I had a very relaxing break. The hotel was very quiet and peaceful, with a beautiful perfume around the place that was very calming. The staff were very helpful and nice. A big thank you for my two fantastic days’ break; yes, I feel very happy at the moment. Thank you once again.

Aug 29, 2025

Rachael

It gave me the perfect excuse to have a well-earned break. It gave me time to focus on me for a short time and catch up with a good friend. The hotel and facilities were gorgeous.

Jun 7, 2025

Janet

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.

May 25, 2025

Carole

The break was important to me because the stress of looking after my son was getting to me. I have come back full of the joys of spring, I feel I can cope with anything now. The hotel was great, and the staff were very friendly and helpful.

Apr 20, 2025

Sonia

I cannot thank you enough for the break. I was able to take my daughter, who also has caring responsibilities, away for the first time in several years. I had such a good break, staying at Stratford Manor for two nights. The staff at the hotel were lovely and I was able to take advantage of their spa and swimming pool. Thank you Carefree and all your supporters. I was able to step outside the stresses of everyday life and it enabled me to see more clearly just how important it is for me to prioritise time out for myself.

Apr 7, 2025

Andrea

The break away was fantastic - I cannot thank you enough. The hotel and facilities were superb. Whilst it it very difficult to switch off from your caring responsibilities, the break away did me the world of good. Thank you again.

Apr 1, 2025

Joanne

I loved relaxing in the spa. We had a lovely room, the staff looked after us, and it was a beautiful hotel with so much history and great food. I felt pampered and relaxed whilst I was there. Thank you SO much for helping me with a night away, and huge thanks to the hotel.

Mar 6, 2025

Michael

My wife and I had a wonderful short break although the weather was cold and wet. We were able to do some walking and enjoyed a great meal in the evening. Thank you all for the holiday.

Feb 18, 2025

Sophie

It was lovely to relax and catch up on much needed sleep and reconnect with friends that live near by. Without a carers break this wouldn't be possible.

Feb 10, 2025

Lisa

I was extremely excited and grateful to everyone involved in making this break possible. The short time I was away made such a huge difference to my life, I felt very accepted and valued. The person I care for was absolutely fine without me for a couple of days and was a nice break for them too I think :) The hotel was very pleasant and calm, staff were lovely and the room was perfect. Just one big thank you to you all at Carefree and also the hotel for making everything a wonderful experience!

Jan 22, 2025

Naomi

This break was really important to me as it allowed me to spend time away from my partner (who I care for) and time out of my caring role where I could relax and just think about myself. I chose to take my Grandad with me on this break who I don’t get to see much anymore and I feel like this break was really good for our relationship to spend some quality time together. I am very grateful for this experience and I would love to go on another break again.

Jan 8, 2025

Kate

I live with and care for 2 elderly dependent parents so it was great to have an excuse to get away. The hotel was lovely and so were the staff. Breakfast was superb and the break definitely gave me a chance to recharge my batteries. Thank you so much.

Jan 2, 2025

Joan

This break came at just the right time, as I was feeling overwhelmed with caring for my husband and son. We have had numerous doctors’ and hospital appointments over the last six months, and my own health has deteriorated too. It was fabulous to do just what I wanted, without having to rush home or worry about someone else. Simply relaxing and doing nothing was amazing. The hotel was wonderful, and the staff couldn’t do enough to help. I just want to say thank you so much for all you do for carers like me. Thank you so much.

Nov 22, 2024

Penny

It gives me a chance to be myself again for short time, so I don’t feel as overwhelmed with in my role as a career. The hotel staff were very welcoming and attentive. All in all it was a much-needed break! Thank you! Brilliant!!!

Nov 16, 2024

Carole

To get away was very important to me as I felt I was going around in circles and getting nowhere. Now I feel I'm walking in a straight line and ready for anything. Thank you.

Nov 12, 2024

Deborah

I got out into nature and reset my mind. I came home with the memories of my love break to keep me going.

Nov 8, 2024

Nicola

The hotel was great, the staff was very helpful and the accessible room I had booked was indeed accessible (they aren't always). It was lovely to have time to myself to do exactly what I wanted, whether that was wandering around, sitting in a cafe, or having a rest! I was also able to reconnect with an aunt I hadn't seen for years. I went to a service in the cathedral too which I can't normally do. I had a fab break, thank you very much for making it possible.

Nov 8, 2024

Margaret

I felt as though I could reconnect with myself, with some time to evaluate why and when my stress levels rise, hopefully I’ll be better able to cope in the future. Every member of staff I met was lovely, the building was a standard Holiday Inn Express - lovely and clean, comfortable bed and basic breakfast.

Oct 10, 2024

Ann

All the staff at the hotel are very professional and make you feel very welcome. The place is lovely and clean, and the breakfast was very nice. Thank you for my lovely break; it came at a very good time. My nerves are not very good at the moment, and this break was much needed.

Jul 23, 2024

Helen

The hotel was a lovely; a peaceful place with helpful staff. A great place to unwind as a carer😊

May 16, 2024

Donna

Great being able to switch off from the constant requirements our young person has. Good to feel like an adult and not just a carer even for a short time. We absolutely look forward to our break away each year, so please continue this invaluable service.

Apr 15, 2024

Eleanor

Spending time with my daughter without her brother who has the special needs and the ability to put our needs first was priceless. Thank you.

Apr 5, 2024

Janet

The potential to explore a new area and sit and have a late breakfast was much appreciated. I'm just grateful for the opportunity.

Jan 29, 2024

Angela

The break is a very welcome. I feel a little better now.

Oct 6, 2023

Helen

Thank you for a lovely break.

Jun 12, 2023

Zoe

I went on my own and walked around the hotel grounds, ate at the restaurant and had a swim. Didn't have to consider anyone else's needs. It was amazing to get some quiet time. Big thanks to Carefree, Rookery Hall and Dca. This break made such a difference to me.

Jun 7, 2023

Zoe

Big thanks to the hotel and this scheme. It gave me the quiet head space that I really needed.

Jun 1, 2023

Helen

Lovely hotel with beautiful facilities and very friendly helpful staff.

May 5, 2023

Julie

Just to say thank you very much.

May 5, 2023

Julie

Thank you for the break. I appreciated it very much.

Apr 29, 2023

Helen

I really enjoyed swimming in the hotel pool, and using the facilities, like the steam room and sauna, which felt very luxurious. The breakfasts were delicious with an incredibly good choice. All the stuff were very helpful and pleasant. It was really relaxing.

Apr 28, 2023

Dan

The whole break was great. I focussed. Breathed. Re-energised.

Apr 25, 2023

Helen

I enjoyed using the facilities, having a swim and relaxing. I was able to take a friend with me, and we definitely laughed a lot! Also, as it was a two day booking, I was able to relax. The Hotel staff were lovely, and at no time did I feel like I was on a "freebie".

Apr 23, 2023

Helen

Margaret

I feel able to think straight after a couple of days off from my caring duties. It was a real pleasure to just be me!

Jan 2, 2023

Dan

Loved the break, much appreciated. I sent separate email thanking Carefree. It made me remember, that my family unit needs to take care of itself sometimes, ahead of the person I take care of full time.

Dec 12, 2022

Victoria

I enjoyed feeling human again.

Aug 30, 2022