Breaks For Carers
Free Holidays for Carers
The self-catering breaks are offered to Carers without the person they normally care for so that they may have a proper break from their usual caring routine. All breaks are for 7 nights (Saturday to Saturday) ONLY. Regrettably, we do not offer any form of short breaks so please only apply if you can take the full 7 nights (if offered).
THERE IS NO CHARGE for the breaks, although a refundable deposit of £50 is required at least 8 weeks prior to the start of the break. The deposit will be returned in full if no damage or additional cleaning is required. Regrettably, the breaks are for a week’s accommodation only and we are unable to fund ancillary costs such as food or transport to and from the holiday site(s) chosen on your application form.
***Please note that none of our holiday facilities are pet friendly***
Scroll down the page to see details of our facilities in Penzance, Bridlington and Rhyl.
Applications for our Carers breaks for 2025 are now CLOSED.
Our 2026 Scheme will open to applications in October 2025, so please check back then.
You can request a break if:
- You care for a person who has a medical or mental health diagnosis
- You are a long term carer. Our Trustees normally consider this to be 1 year or more although exceptional circumstances are considered.
- You can confirm you are on benefits and/or can confirm you are on a limited income and could not otherwise afford a break without our support.
- You have not received support from The Respite Association in the previous 18 months (either through a grant or break under this scheme). However, if you had a break during the previous season you can apply to go on the next season’s cancellation list on the understanding that new applicants to the scheme will take precedence and that no suitable cancellations may occur. For further information see the FAQ’s on the drop down menu above.
We operate on a first come, first served basis for carers breaks applications and whilst we do our best to provide everyone a break, demand always outstrips the availability (we only have 3 facilities). The more options you give on the form, regarding location and dates, the more likely it is that we will be able to offer you a week.
Applications are now CLOSED – please check back in October.
Click the image to apply
You can request a break if:
- You care for a person who has a medical or mental health diagnosis
- You are a long term carer. Our Trustees normally consider this to be 1 year or more although exceptional circumstances are considered.
- You can confirm you are on benefits and/or can confirm you are on a limited income and could not otherwise afford a break without our support.
- You have not received support from The Respite Association in the previous 18 months (either through a grant or break under this scheme). However, if you had a break during the previous season you can apply to go on the next season’s cancellation list on the understanding that new applicants to the scheme will take precedence and that no suitable cancellations may occur. For further information see the FAQ’s on the drop down menu above.
If you are an organisation or would prefer to complete a paper copy of the form please either:
- Download the PDF form here and either post the form to Breaks for Carers, Highfield Barn, Lewdown, Okehampton, EX20 4DS or email the form or email the form to holidays@respiteassociation.org
- OR telephone 01566 471022 (answerphone) to request a paper copy which will then be posted out to you (please ensure you include your full postal address including post code in your answerphone message).
Please note our Carers Breaks administrator only works one day per week so there may be a delay in responding to calls.
We operate on a first come, first served basis for carers breaks applications and whilst we do our best to provide everyone a break, demand always outstrips the availability (we only have 3 facilities). The more options you give on the form, regarding location and dates, the more likely it is that we will be able to offer you a week.
Your application will be acknowledged when we receive it but please note that, if you apply between October and December of any year, holidays will not begin to be allocated until January of the following year.
Joanna’s Cottage
‘Joanna’s Cottage’ is at Kenegie Manor Holiday Park in Penzance Cornwall. We named the cottage for our patron as she was instrumental in allowing us to purchase it, and it is a lovely quiet park on the hill overlooking Mounts Bay. Ideal if you have a car, there is so much to see and do nearby, it is no wonder that millions flock to Cornwall every year.

Lan y Mor Hafan
Our second location is a lovely caravan at Oakfield Caravan Park in Towyn, near Abergele in North Wales. Only 5 minutes from the beach and with an entertainment complex offering a host of family friendly venues including a sports bar offering kids clubs and activities organised by the entertainment team. The younger guests can also enjoy the amusement arcade and adventure playground.

Eilene’s Retreat
Our latest addition is at North Bay in Bridlington on the Yorkshire Coast. It is on a primarily owner/occupier park, so there are no onsite facilities (such as a restaurant/bar, shop or entertainment), but Bridlington is just a short walk or ride away and has lots to see and do.
Please text “Carers” to 70450 to donate £5
Texts cost £5 plus standard rate message and you’ll be opting in to hear more about our work and fundraising via SMS. If you’d like to give £5 but without opting in to receive marketing communication from us text “Carersnoinfo” to 70450
The Respite Association is a registered charity No 1193232 (formerly 1086598 from 2001 to 2021)