Stories | Trevassack Holidays

One Stay at Trevassack Holidays Changed Everything

Katie Chown — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 11:04:27 +0000

A Place to Breathe: How One Stay at Trevassack Holidays Changed Everything for the Griffiths Family

When Lizzie and Ian Griffiths found themselves between homes during a major renovation, they never expected that a temporary stay at Trevassack Holidays would end up reshaping the course of their family’s life.

The Griffiths are local to Helston and from a family of sailors, but they weren’t coming to Trevassack Lake for a holiday on the water. Instead, they were seeking something far more fundamental: dignity, safety and a chance to feel like a family again.

Their son Tom, now 21, was born with a rare medical condition that means he must be fed through a tube directly into his heart. His immune system is virtually non-existent, making infection a constant and life-threatening risk. On top of this, Tom lives with severe autism, making change incredibly challenging for him.

Until recently, the family’s only way to bathe Tom was in a makeshift paddling pool set up in their living room. It was undignified, unsafe and unsanitary – particularly for someone so vulnerable. Despite their pleas, the system offered no real solution. In fact, it seemed determined to separate them: the only proposed alternative was to move Tom into residential care. But for the Griffiths, that was never an option.

“He’s our son. Sending him away would have broken us,” says Tom's mum, Lizzie.

The battle to keep Tom at home escalated all the way to the top of NHS England. The family fought tirelessly – then the pandemic hit, stalling everything. Finally, they were able to secure a new property through the housing association LiveWest and began transforming the entire ground floor into a bespoke care apartment, complete with space for Tom’s 24 hour care team. But the transition was daunting. Tom hadn’t had a bath since he was four years old and the very idea of hoisting and bathing was alien and frightening.

Then they found Trevassack Holidays.

The family stayed in Lizard House for over a month while their home was being adapted – and for the first time in years, they had space. Real, functional, accessible space. The integrated ceiling track hoist in the bedroom and adjoining wet-room allowed them to help Tom into a proper bath with care, calm and dignity. Using familiar routines – such as playing a favourite film on the iPad – they earned his trust of the new contraption. And once he was in? He didn’t want to get out.

“He absolutely loved it,” Lizzie laughs. “The only problem was getting him to leave the bath!”

The experience gave the family something they’d barely dared hope for: a vision of what life could be like. The facilities at Trevassack became a blueprint for their new home, showing them what really worked. Other so-called accessible options had fallen short – clumsy mobile hoists, non-adapted baths, cramped changing areas – but here, everything was designed with real-world needs in mind. From the integrated ceiling hoist to the wide doorways, the separate carer room to the dog-friendly policy, it all added up to something rare and precious: normality.

“It was life-changing. Actually, it was life-saving.”

Trevassack wasn’t just a temporary stop; it was proof of concept. It gave them the confidence to fight harder, the clarity to plan better and, most of all, a moment to breathe. It was both Tom’s dad’s birthday and his grandmother’s 80th while they were there – two milestones they were able to celebrate as a family, in comfort and togetherness.

They also credit Karen, one of the compassionate site wardens, whose background in care meant she instinctively understood what the family needed.

“Nothing was too much trouble,” Lizzie says. “She made it feel safe. That means everything when you’re constantly fighting for basic rights.”

Today, Tom is rewriting the rules. He’s now the longest-surviving patient of his condition in the South West, having defied his original prognosis of just seven years. He’s living proof that with the right support, people can not only survive – they can thrive.

“Tom is our reason for everything,” his mother says. “We took his photo to every meeting, to remind people he’s not a number. He’s a son, a brother, a person. And he deserves to live as such.”

The Griffiths’ story is one of love, persistence and transformation – and Trevassack Holidays was there at a pivotal moment. It wasn’t just a place to stay. It was a bridge between what they’d endured and what they hoped to build. A safe harbour during the storm.

They haven’t had a real holiday in over 21 years. But for those few weeks at Trevassack, they found peace. Space. Dignity. And a renewed belief in what’s possible.

From all of us at Trevassack Holidays – thank you, Griffiths family, for letting us be a part of your journey.

Trevassack Holidays is a Gold award winner for Accessibility and Inclusivity, a not-for-profit venture owned by Children’s Sailing Trust.

Guest Review | Space to Explore

Katie Chown — Thu, 02 Jan 2025 12:22:43 +0000

We sponsored an episode of The Skies We’re Under podcast in 2024, a ‘refreshing and relatable podcast that focuses on the realities of parenting children with disabilities’, a media outlet of popular SEND resource, Born At The Right Time. Joanna Holmes works for BATRT and has holidayed with us on several occasions. Here she shares her recommended Things To Do and Places to Visit for families with complex needs staying at Trevassack.

Same S*!t, Better Location!

‘Same S*!t Different Location’ is the title of an episode of ‘The Skies We’re Under’ podcast, a podcast by and for families of children with complex disabilities.

And it’s true… as parent carers, wherever we go as a family the routines of daily care don’t stop because we’re on holiday. Feeds need making, syringes need washing, food needs blending, moving needs to be done safely… and many other things.

These things are as true at Trevassack as much as anywhere BUT when it comes to holidays at Trevassack I would say, ‘Same S*!t, Better Location’!

Firstly, a purpose built accessible holiday home is in many ways much easier to be in than a 1940s semi-detached house adapted in the best way a disabled facilities grant can manage. At Trevassack there’s just so much space! We can move around the house without constantly having to say ‘excuse me Lucy’ as we move her chair yet again to manoeuvre between the dining table and clothes airer. The other thing is the view from the accommodation.

Here it is… not bad in spite of the rain eh?

As you can see, there’s a hoist over the hot tub… oh yes, did I mention that there’s a hot tub? (Another way Claire Milne House is better than our house)

Claire Milne House, one of three, purpose-built holiday houses at Trevassack Lake (along with three wheelchair-friendly cabins), is equipped with an electric profiling bed and integrated electric ceiling track, hoisting through from bedroom to bathroom. There’s also shower seat/commode and a whole host of available aids on request (all free of charge).

This year was our third visit to Trevassack and the 7 hour drive was totally worth it. Of course, the drive is not easy but over the years we’ve honed our ‘Premier Inn one night stay’ procedure pretty well. There’s also great information about motorway services with Changing Places Toilets at https://motorwayservices.uk/Changing_Places – invaluable for planning a long journey. (Although we learned from experience this time to check that the CPT is available on the side of the carriageway you’re on.)

Over the last three years we’ve managed to check out quite a lot of what the area has to offer and can definitely pick highlights, so here are our top tips of what to do while you’re here:

1. Get out on the water with Children's Sailing Trust

As you can see from the pictures, there’s a lake on site. This is where Children’s Sailing Trust provides watersports for all ages and abilities through their CST Experiences. The first year we came we were happy to watch and scope out what was available. I was very nervous about booking anything for Lucy until I’d seen for myself what the situation was. After I’d seen that the set up was in fact just as accessible and well supported as I’d been told by the staff and the website, in year two I picked up the courage for Lucy and I to have a go. This year we tried taking Lucy out sailing but the wind was too calm and she nodded off so our little thrill seeker had a spin in the speedboat instead, again set up for her to be able to be comfortable and access the experience.

Note from TH: you can chat to the watersports team in advance of your holiday to organise bespoke sessions adapted to your individual needs. All guests get 15% discount on activities, too!

2. Wet Wheels South West (Falmouth)

Lucy has loved the wind in her face since she was a tiny baby, which is why a trip out on Wet Wheels has become a holiday staple for us while we’re in Cornwall. Based out of Falmouth, Wet Wheels South West provide sea trips on wheelchair accessible boats. Our tip if you want a trip with Wet Wheels is to book it for close to the beginning of your holiday. They have to cancel if the weather isn’t safe and so if you book for the beginning of your holidays there’s a chance you’ll get to reschedule due to bad weather – I wouldn’t want anyone to miss out. We had two very special bonuses this year. First, Falmouth now has a public Changing Places Toilet near the marina. Second, we saw DOLPHINS!!! Lucy found the dolphins very boring and, once again, going slow sent her to sleep but, as ever, she perked up when the speed got up. The skipper Dave is terrific and makes sure everyone has a great trip.

3. The Eden Project

We’ve been to the Eden Project a couple of times; once before Lucy was born and once on our first visit to Trevassack in 2022. It’s a really special experience and if you’re travelling a long way to Cornwall then it’s one not to miss. Personally I’m a big fan of the lovely warm domes and the rich sensory experience they provide – although summer months it can be a very busy wander around. Access is good around the site for wheelchairs and the design of the domes mean it’s possible to get close to things to see them. It’s a very large site though and there’s only one Changing Places Toilet which is in the visitor centre as you arrive – a long way from the domes, so that’s worth bearing in mind.

4. Cornish Seal Sanctuary

This is only at Gweek, just down the road from Trevassack. We had two visits here last year as your ticket lets you visit for a whole year and we’re from Yorkshire so we like to get our money’s worth. Access around the site is great and there’s a little land train to get around too. No Changing Places though which was a shame and limited the time we could spend there. They’re doing lovely work caring for injured seal pups and releasing them and caring for seals who wouldn’t survive in the wild. You can see the seals close up and they’re easy to see from a wheelchair.

5. Just driving and exploring the coast

Trevassack is on the Lizard peninsula and surrounded by beautiful coastline and fishing villages. Access is not so great in some of these spots as the sea isn’t thinking of ramps when it erodes the coast. We’ve used our 3-wheel buggy and managed to explore which has been a lot of fun. I think it’s good to venture out of your comfort zone sometimes and see what’s possible and each trip we’ve been able to do so knowing we have a safe accessible base to come back to at the end of the day. If you don’t fancy seeing if you can just make it down an ancient slipway (and who could blame you) then there are plenty of coastal roads and well placed car parks to appreciate the beautiful coastline.

Note from TH: Beach wheelchairs are available to borrow on site, if suitable.

Places to eat near Trevassack

The Trevassack Lake Cafe, onsite is a delight. This year a delicious roast on the first full day was a great start to our holiday.

My favourite pasty is an Ann’s Pasty – this may be controversial for some as I know locally Gear Farm is considered the best, but for me Ann’s flaky pastry and peppery filling combo can’t be beaten. Saffron buns are a lovely local treat with butter and cheese but there’s so much delicious food in Cornwall worth exploring.

TLC roast:

The Lizard is one of my favourite places on earth and has been since a terrific trip my husband and I had before we had Lucy. I’m so glad we found Trevassack and have a place we can go to share it with her.

So yes, to a degree any holiday involves the same s*!t in a different location, as wherever we go we have to pack loads of things other families don’t have to think about, but having places like Trevassack to spend time in provides us not just the physical but the mental space to take time out together as a family.

WRITTEN BY: Joanna Holmes

Jo is a parent/ carer. She lives in west Yorkshire with her husband Drew and daughter Lucy.

She is a Trainer and Partnership Development Officer at Born at the Right Time.

To find out more about Born at the Right Time and listen to The Skies We’re Under Podcast go to https://www.bornattherighttime.com

I don’t feel disabled here, said David | A Trevassack Review

Katie Chown — Tue, 27 Jun 2023 13:59:57 +0000

A holiday in Bradbury House

I’m Babs and I’m tired, I am always tired, exhausted really.

I am married to the love of my life, David. We aren’t ancient, early 60’s, too young in fact to be President of the USA. We used to snow ski, David was always the brave one, black runs and whizzing down the slopes – David water-skied competitively. In previous years he used to sail too, and parachuted from planes – he has no fear (well, except snakes).

David had an amazing, high powered job, and is very clever indeed. He had a lot of staff reporting to him, they all looked up to him, he was a really lovely person to work for. He now has primary progressive MS, diagnosed about 12 years ago and is totally wheelchair bound.

Nobody sees him now, I mean, sees him as a person. They speak to me and ask me the questions… ‘would he like sugar?’ ‘Would he like to do this or that?’ David has more intelligence in his little finger than I have at all. Yet, they don’t see him. They see the wheelchair.

I am tired to the point, where I sit and cry. I have lost myself. I used to be fun, look glam a lot of the time, hosting dinner parties for 30 people was easy. I can barely cook dinner for us now. We haven’t had a holiday for so many years and I am running on empty. David seems to have turned into a recluse. We stay at home nearly all of the time, with the odd visit to a local pub for dinner that we know is wheelchair accessible.

It is so incredibly difficult to go anywhere in this wheelchair-unfriendly world. Do you know it took me 6 weeks to find our first ever holiday in years?

So many hotels, cottages etc say ‘wheelchair accessible’, when what they mean is there is a bedroom on the ground floor. Sure, there is a small step up to the narrow front door, the shower is over a bath, there are no grab rails, wet room and heaven forbid there may be a hoist. Truly, if you are a wheelchair-user you aren’t a second-class citizen, you are probably third class at best.

However, David is so positive. He has never, ever complained about having MS and no longer being able to walk or even go for a pee (he has a catheter in situ. TMI, sorry).

If life gives you lemons, make lemonade, or a good gin and tonic

David

He says ‘the best bit of having MS’ (yes, there is a best bit) is that I never know if he has had too much to drink! That is David.

I feel I am letting him down. I am boring and dull and grumpy. I literally do everything for him, as well as everything in the house, from DIY, shelf fitting, boarding a loft, building raised beds, as well as the mundane day to day things. I am so tired I get short with him; I grump and groan, he doesn’t deserve that, but I am just so tired.

I get no help at all. Just me.

Summer is coming, so that will be better – we can sit outside and BBQ and enjoy the view. The thing is, I want David to have the fun he deserves, to do things that able-bodied people do. I may as well hope for a lottery win.

He doesn’t complain though. He constantly says thank you for everything I do, but I know he would do the same for me with a bigger smile on his face.

When I wake in the morning, it’s like that film Groundhog Day. Every day is going to be the same – we don’t have a very large space in our rented bungalow, so I have an ambiturn which is like a railway porters trolley. I use this to get him out of bed, dressed, showered, take him to the loo etc.

We have a young Labrador, that we hope to train as an assistance dog, but he is currently at the stage of ‘wild child’ who loves everyone. So, again this year I tried to find a holiday, which is wheelchair accessible and now dog-friendly too…

Six weeks later, I gave up. It is just so difficult – you use filters on holiday firms’ websites, and they are useless – some don’t even include the word wheelchair!

I cried, David encouraged me, and said we could find somewhere, and that he doesn’t HAVE to have a shower for the week we are away, if there are no facilities, we can just make the best of it…

One morning I was checking what real people were doing on Facebook and I saw the Trevassack page. Well, I couldn’t quite believe my eyes. I felt sure that the photos must be misleading. Grand Designs style houses around a lake, totally disabled-friendly (and I mean friendly) and…water sports for wheelchair-users. Come on, this is a joke right?

We booked.

They day we arrived; I think we said WOW so many times.

The waterside lodge alone, was just stunning – in no way, shape or form, did it resemble the normal, institutionalised disability facility. You had to look hard for the hints.

The building was beautiful inside and out, like an Ideal Home exhibition for the best of what a disabled person should have.

We could not believe it.

The ease of use, the design and style…if someone had said design your own dream accessible home, this was surely it.

Then, we met the staff. Well calling these lovely people staff is insulting – they were like friends or family, well better really, as nothing was too much trouble.

The water sports were a revelation! Not only did we simple love sitting on the deck watching, David also only read half a page of his book! We actually went out on the lake with our mad Labrador, and David in his wheelchair. I could have cried this time from joy.

I indulged in kayaking too and for the first time in years I floated around, relaxed.

Every single part of Trevassack caters for disabled people. We could go for a stroll, go out on the lake, eat in the wonderful bistro and:

WE DIDN’T FEEL DIFFERENT TO ‘NORMAL’ PEOPLE. Can you imagine how that feels?

Babs

One morning David said, “shall I go to the Bistro and bring back coffees?”, because he could, and it was so easy to do.

We could feel ourselves coming back to life as the week went on. It was like being given a second chance at life, and I know that sounds a bit daft, but live our lives for a month, then you will get it.

On the Thursday, I think it was, David turned to me and said, “do you know, I don’t feel disabled here”.

That sums is up.

We learned a lot; how some different equipment can help, for example, so we have a mobile hoist arriving in two days, and we learned to relax and have fun.

Now we are home, I am different. I have found me, I am smiling a lot. I think David must think I have a hip flask tucked in my jeans!

Trevassack has really been a life saver.

From dark days, of thinking what is the point of life, to now looking ahead. We are looking to book at least another visit this year, and I see it is available on my birthday, but that is only three weeks away… is that too soon?!

Thank you to our friends at Trevassack – I really don’t think you know what a total difference you have made to us.

Babs, David and Toby

Port of Falmouth Sailing Centre Tour of Trevassack

Katie Chown — Wed, 11 May 2022 15:14:58 +0000

As a not-for-profit subsidiary of Children’s Sailing Trust, Trevassack Holidays were delighted to welcome POFSA to Trevassack Lake for a tour and a talk with our CEO, Jakie Jewell – after all, they have chosen CST as their charity for Falmouth Sailing Week! Jakie showed them the properties and they witnessed our watersports team practising making rafts and trying to capsize the accessible Hansa boat.

Here’s what the Chairman wrote about their visit that was shared on their Facebook page:

Towards the end of March, a small group of us from the Port of Falmouth Sailing Association – Derek Hill (Vice Chairman) and his wife Jeanette, Gaye Slater (Commodore of Flushing SC and former POFSA secretary) and I - visited Trevassack Lake where we were given a tour by Jakie Jewell, CEO of the Children’s Sailing Trust (formerly the Helford River Children’s Sailing Trust) which is Falmouth Sailing Week’s official charity for 2022. The Trust was formed in 1997, since when it has been striving to make sailing, and other forms of boating, accessible to people of all ages, abilities and disabilities, whether they take part as schools or other groups, individuals or families. While the Trust continues to operate on the Helford River, it now has a second base at Trevassack Lake, a former serpentine quarry which is now an idyllic, superbly sheltered 10-acre piece of water with a small island at its centre. Amongst the water sports which are available on (and in) the lake are dinghy sailing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, open water swimming, raft building and various other water adventures and team games. There is also an innovative and environmentally-friendly floating classroom - powered by solar energy and electric engines – which can take up to 15 children at a time. The Trust’s focus is on creating a fun environment where all students can comfortably develop at their own pace. Surrounding the lake is a 26-acre site on which various modern buildings house an activities room, changing rooms, showers, toilets, offices and a café. There are also six purpose-built, self-catering holiday homes (each with its own private hot tub) which offer superb facilities for disabled visitors and their families from which they can explore Cornwall as well as enjoy fun family activity holidays.

How can you all help?

Well, there is an option to include a donation to the Children’s Sailing Trust on the entry form for Falmouth Sailing Week 22. This is our big fund raiser for 2022 and hope you can all be very generous!

https://falmouthweek.co.uk/race-management/

Another way is to donate direct to the charity via

www.childrenssailingtrust.org.uk

Nigel Sharp

Chairman of the Port of Falmouth Sailing Association

(Photo credit: Nigel Sharp, POFSA)

Trevassack Holidays Feedback Stories

Katie Chown — Wed, 11 May 2022 10:09:35 +0000

We’re incredibly proud of what has been achieved at Trevassack Lake and even though we only opened a few short months ago, missing the easy-sell of the summer holidays due to delayed building work, we’ve had many a happy family stay in one of our holiday properties.

Here’s a small collection of feedback to give a sense of how things have gone so far, using actual reviews left on our social media and other public outlets. The overall story about Trevassack Holidays is so positive, so uplifting and so worthwhile, we will do our best to keep it up for many years to come.

(Spoiler alert, all the reviews were 5 out of 5 stars)

Rated 5 out of 5

My family stayed in Serpentine for just over a week recently and it was everything and more that we could’ve wished for... a beautiful and peaceful location (with loads to do nearby) and the lodge - that was very tastefully decorated, was easy, spacious and well appointed. It made a huge difference to my elderly mums experience that everything in the lodge was roomy, on the level and super easy to access. We were prevented from travelling home to Scilly by storm Eunice and her friends... but this was a blessing in disguise; being holed up at Trevassack for a few more days to watch it all pass in a very comfortable situation. I am an open water swimmer so it was great to be able to use the lake for swimming whilst there, just a minute from my door- then get in the outdoor jacuzzi afterwards! It was also great for walks straight from the location for my dog Oscar. The staff were super friendly, responsive, accommodating and discrete being very straight forward and easy to deal with from start to finish. I would thoroughly recommend Trevassack holidays as a unique and value for money venue.

Clare Lewis - February 22

We booked the whole Trevassack Holidays site, and the learning centre for our organisational team retreat and it was incredible, a great location, wonderful facilities, reasonable prices, water sports and swimming on tap, hugely recommended.

Imandeep Kaur - February 22

Just home from a wonderful, relaxing holiday. Bradbury House was a perfect place for us to stay with all its fantastic facilities and stunning location overlooking the lake. We enjoyed looking out to the views every morning when we woke. The attention to detail in the accommodation is brilliant. The lodge is very spacious and all doorways are a metre wide making it easy for my 32 year old son to move around in his electric wheelchair. The provision of a ceiling tracking hoist was music to my ears as mobile hoists become more and more tricky for us to use. The wetroom was a great size and equipped with a tilt in space shower/toilet chair. My son was also able to soak in the bath as the H hoist system moved over the bath. There was also a profiling bed with sides that went up and down. We will definitely return as we love Cornwall and life was made easy and comfortable for us in Bradbury House. The staff were very helpful and welcoming.

Sarah McClure - February 22

We have just got back from our holiday at Bradbury house. We had the most amazing time. There was great accessibility around the house and the activities at the lake. The house is beautifully planned with lots of light and modern amenities and it’s right on the lake. The staff were extremely helpful especially Jill, Vicky and our lovely swim instructor Lucy. Our first son who is quadriplegic did some great 1:1 open water swimming along with our typical 6 yr old son who thoroughly enjoyed it and didn’t want to come back home. We enjoyed our experience on the floating classroom (fully accessible) and we did some kayaking with our special needs son. We used the hot tub every night. The hot tub is cleaned every morning and ready to use for the day. Lots of local places to visit an organic farm is a 10min drive. Already planning our spring holiday here. Thank you so much for such a memorable holiday.

Shilpa Shetty - November 21

Absolutely fantastic holiday. Beautiful, spacious and immaculate. We stayed in Lizard House and we could not fault it. Stunning views and perfect for our family of five and our 2 dogs. Enjoyed watersports on the lake and days out to the seal sanctuary, flambards theme park and numerous beautiful beaches- all just a short drive away. Staff were all very friendly and helpful. Will most definitely be returning. Would highly recommend staying here.

We had an amazing 4 night stay last week in Clare Milne House . such an amazing house in a fantastic setting.So peaceful. The house was nice and warm and spotlessly clean with everything we needed to enjoy our stay . There was so much to explore just a short car journey away, we managed to cram alot in to out time but couldn't see it all. The hot tub was the perfect end to the day. All staff were very helpful and friendly. We didn't want to leave, will definitely be coming back again!

We really loved our stay stayed for four nights . Clean new rooms , views were beautiful and hot tub. Cafe was amazing wish we had ate there more but was out a lot visiting the sights . Recommend going to the seal sanctuary which is 8 mins away . Great location . Would stay again. . Becky 🙂