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Wall of Love

Read heartfelt stories from unpaid carers who found comfort and support following their break.

Ann avatar
Ann
Hotel was perfect location, clean, breakfast very efficient, room was compact but ok for the 2 nights we were there. We had a great time, the people of Cardiff were so friendly, we visited Barry island and had a quick dip in the sea. lt was very invigorating, my friend and I had a lovely time.
Oct 9, 2024
Alison Lodder
Video transcript: Hi, I just wanted to tell you about my carefree break that I went on this weekend. I went to the village hotel in the Wirral and the team there were brilliant. Actually, just looking forward to the break was like planning and looking forward to a holiday. It was really enjoyable just thinking about going on the break. Carefree holidays make it very easy to just download the app and then you can actually just book onto the website. You can actually just book the area that you want to stay in and then choose the hotel that you want to. It's very, very simple. And then the carefree team request your hotel room and come straight back to you. Maybe even the same day, but usually within a day or so, and just let you know if the hotel rooms are available for you on the dates that you need to go. So once you've got all that sorted, it's time just to pack your bag. I always say take things like slippers and stuff, because I went on a carefree break before, it was about eleven months ago, and I just felt like I needed some things from home, like my own mug and snacks, just to feel a little bit more like I was on holiday. So I definitely recommend you do that. The hotel I stayed in were really lovely, particularly Sally on reception. She was very nice and she sort of gave me a bit of information. There was even a retail park just around the corner, so if you'd forgotten something, you could pop down there and get something that you needed. The breakfasts were delicious. The hotel had a spa and a pool and a gym. But mostly it was just nice to have a little break and get away. I love my husband very much, but looking after him is really tiring and I wouldn't have been able to have this break without carefree holidays. So I think anyone should get ahead and book their carefree holiday right now. Thank you. Bye.
Alison avatar
Alison
Looking forward to my break was like looking forward to a holiday. I was very excited to get away. I packed my own mug, snacks, and slippers so that I would feel more comfortable. The hotel team was very nice and even gave me a voucher for 2 free drinks in the bar. The hotel has lots of facilities including a gym, pool, and spa. My room had a bath and it was a real treat. I visited Port Sunlight Village when I was away. I walked all around and was able to visit the museum and not have to worry about my husband. Very enjoyable break. Sally on reception was lovely.
Sep 17, 2024
Julia avatar
Julia
I was so tired, worn out. The break was only one night, but I felt so refreshed the next day. Being able to swim, read and not have to think of anything else for a little while was so therapeutic. I am very thankful that Carefree offers this. I hope to go again.
Jun 3, 2024
Paul avatar
Paul
Much needed break and we'll rested.
May 24, 2024
Alison avatar
Alison
I feel much more relaxed and able to deal with day to day caring responsibilities - thank you!
Mar 20, 2024
Suzanne avatar
Suzanne
Very grateful and so so appreciated.
Jan 29, 2024
Lindsay avatar
Lindsay
The accommodation was fantastic. We appreciate this offer and thank everyone who made it possible. The lovely accommodation and friendly staff. Time alone with my husband - much needed as we are burnt out.
Jan 12, 2024
Tony
Video transcript: Hello, my name's Tony. I went to Northumberland. It's where my mum and dad used to go and my dad passed away in September and my mum in July. So I took a photograph, which was my mum, my dad and the dog, to a spot in steel crags where the sycamore is. And I was trying to find the spot. There was a tree behind. Anyway, two wardens appeared and I showed them the picture and they took me there so I was able to spread the rashes and it was a lovely break. I stayed in Hexam and then I went to Holt Twistle where my mom and dad stayed. I went into the village, had a nice meal in the pub and it was nice to get away from everyday, sort of every day, you know, and it was nice, just a change of scenery, the countryside, the weather wasn't great but I really appreciate all the help and support I've been getting and it was fantastic. Thank you.
Alison avatar
Alison
I have had a brilliant break. Thank you so much. I stayed in Telford because 20 years ago my grandmother in law lived there. I visited Newport and Eccleshall on the way there. I stopped at a cafe, which was not disabled friendly, and had coffee in a cosy place with a real fire. During my second day I visited the Jackfield Tile Museum and took loads of photos. I had the best time. The museum was not especially disabled friendly, but I just enjoyed walking around looking at everything without pushing the wheelchair. I did some Christmas shopping, choosing cards, crackers and a new Christmas lipstick.
Dec 28, 2023
Julia avatar
Julia
It was a wonderful break. I very much enjoyed relaxing, swimming and not having to think about anything.
Oct 30, 2023
Hayley avatar
Hayley
Thank you for this service, I look forward to my yearly break.
Oct 27, 2023
Olivia avatar
Olivia
Being able to take my friend who had done so much to support me was wonderful. The hotel also discounted spa treatments when explained my husband was unable to work, which was really appreciated.
Aug 4, 2023
Anjali avatar
Anjali
I think this initiative is fantastic and I am very grateful to have discovered it.
Jul 25, 2023
Michelle avatar
Michelle
Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to take time out from my responsibilities. The hotel was amazing with great facilities x
Jun 20, 2023
Alison avatar
Alison
Fabulous service. Very grateful for having had the opportunity
Jun 9, 2023
Rachel avatar
Rachel
Thank you so much for doing this! Crewe Hall Hotel was amazing and I felt special.
May 31, 2023
Michelle avatar
Michelle
I enjoyed everything and actually having something to look forward to. I thought I might be treated differently but I wasn't. I wouldn't have gone away without out the help of Carefree.
May 9, 2023
Claire avatar
Claire
Amazing service.
Apr 17, 2023
Nicola avatar
Nicola
Me and my other daughter spent quality time together. This was such a lovely idea, and came when it was well-needed.
Dec 6, 2022
John avatar
John
I was able to have a long overdue in-person catch up with friends that I haven't seen in a very long time and who now better understand my caring position.
Nov 1, 2022
Cheryl avatar
Cheryl
Single parent to my 17 year old Daughter AuDHD and Visual Processing Disorder. Really struggling with my emotional wellbeing recently and worried about the future. Felt I was at breaking point and needed to escape the reality and prioritise myself for once.
Oct 13, 2026
Maria avatar
Maria
I loved my break !!! I loved everything about the hotel!!! I wouldn't have been able to have any break without Carefree!! I love you people from Carefree, you made such a big difference to my life as a carer. Please, keep doing what you are doing, you are great!! Thank you so very much!! I am very grateful to you for making this possible for me.
Jun 30, 2026
Susan avatar
Susan
The break was important for me and my husband to have time away because caring for our grown-up son who is autistic and has other problems is putting a strain on our marriage. I would never book a break away because I’m too exhausted to go through the sorting, looking, and booking, plus it can be expensive when your money mostly goes on your cared-for person. Without the Carefree break, it would never happen. My husband and I are very grateful. The hotel we chose was perfect — the staff, the amenities, and the location were all perfect. The weather was lovely for us and the breakfast was very, very nice.
May 27, 2026
Louise avatar
Louise
This was a wonderful opportunity for me to go away on a road trip to Scotland with my best friend. The hotel had stunningly beautiful views, the staff were delightful and thoroughly helpful, and the food was delicious. Thank you Carefree, thank you Gairloch Hotel. A special experience.
Apr 14, 2026
Alison avatar
Alison
I have had a challenging time since last summer. Life has become harder as my daughter has left home, and I am coping on my own. My husband has multiple Sclerosis and is getting worse every day. A night off, no washing up or cooking - lovely. The hotel was beautiful. Very kind staff. Great food.
Mar 25, 2026
Kevin avatar
Kevin
This break was absolutely fantastic, it was exactly what I needed. I feel very refreshed, the hotel was absolutely fantastic, and the staff was brilliant and extremely helpful. I'm hopeful I can stay at this hotel again, and thank you to the Carefree team for making this available.
Mar 16, 2026
Lisa avatar
Lisa
The whole experience was truly amazing. From our arrival at the hotel, where we were greeted and treated with so much love and respect, everything was perfect. The hotel room was simply stunning, and I truly felt I had enough space and little items to spoil myself for an evening. The spa was beautiful and very welcoming. The staff throughout the hotel were so polite and welcoming. The breakfast choices, which were also freshly cooked, were sensational and the food was beautiful. The whole experience was AMAZING.
Dec 8, 2025
Stephen avatar
Stephen
The hotel was welcoming. Lovely relaxing break. It was a much needed respite. Really benefitted from it. Really appreciated
Nov 7, 2025
Heidi avatar
Heidi
It was very important to go meet friends that I’d only ever spoken to online. I felt drawn to go see them… I had such a fantastic time. I felt kindness from the Holiday Inn I went to, and it helped me feel much better about myself and towards myself. I was me and not a carer.
Oct 31, 2025
Clare avatar
Clare
It made such a difference to take a break just for me rather than for other reasons to help everyone else. I felt great until I was on the train home and all the demands started on me again. The hotel was great and gave me a lovely handwritten welcome and a very unexpected and welcome free breakfast. A big thank you to everyone.
Oct 29, 2025
Christine avatar
Christine
My break was very important as I was getting very tired of day-to-day duties. Both my husband and I are now retired, but it certainly doesn’t feel like it. It’s just as hard work as going out to work full time. I enjoyed the break because I could choose what I wanted to do. Which was to get out in the fresh air and walk with no restrictions on time. Sit and have a chat with other people in the hotel and the staff. Extra thanks to Ennerdale Hotel for such a comfortable stay, with delicious food and an amazing, friendly staff.
Mar 6, 2025
Sheila avatar
Sheila
I needed a change of environment and to do something for myself and not feel guilty. The break made a difference, I had fun, relaxed, and switched off from responsibilities more in the moment for a short time. The hotel was beautiful, quiet, clean and very accommodating and offered late checkout without any charge.
Jan 22, 2025
Susan avatar
Susan
The opportunity to get away is very much valued. I particularly appreciated the fact that it was in such a high quality location and that breakfast is included. The service we received was fantastic. Thank you to all concerned 💓
Dec 27, 2024
Vicky avatar
Vicky
It took a bit of time to find a 2 night slot somewhere I could easily get to. But Coventry was a good place. The hotel was clean, comfy and the staff friendly and welcoming. I now feel more confident to go somewhere alone now.
Nov 2, 2024