Group Holiday Stories

3H have been organising subsidised group holidays for those with disabilities for many years. People can have an enjoyable independent holiday while also enabling their carers to have valuable period of respite.

Our 2025 July Group Holiday was filled with memorable experiences, new things to try and plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Nutley Edge.

The holiday began with a visit to a local bird sanctuary, where guests were treated to an impressive flying display and learned all about the birds and how they live in the wild.

Back at Nutley Edge, guests enjoyed a variety of activities throughout the week, including creative craft sessions held in the yurt. The site’s friendly animals were delighted by the extra attention, and the warm weather provided the perfect opportunity to spend time outdoors.

One of the week’s most popular outings was a trip on the Bluebell Railway. Guests travelled through the stunning East Sussex countryside aboard a traditional steam train before exploring the hands-on museum and learning more about the history of the railway. 

The sunshine continued for a visit to Eastbourne, where guests embraced the classic pleasures of the seaside enjoying ice creams along the promenade. Some adventurous guests even paddled in the sea, making the most of the warm weather and cloudless skies.

With a fantastic mix of activities, sightseeing, relaxation, and meeting new people, the July Group Holiday created many happy memories and was enjoyed by all who attended.

A man holding a large bird of prey on his hand while facing the camera. He is dressed in blue jeans, blue jacket and green jumper with a green baseball cap on.
Two ladies paddling in the sea with the pier behind them.
A man wearing a baseball cap turning a handle on part of a train.

Our 2025 September group holiday got off to a wonderful start with a visit to Middle Farm, where guests enjoyed a delicious countryside brunch before heading to Nutley Edge. After arriving, there was plenty of time to settle into the accommodation, explore the beautiful grounds and take in the peaceful surroundings.

The following day brought a trip to Eastbourne, giving guests the opportunity to explore the town, browse the local shops and enjoy a little holiday shopping.

The week continued with a variety of exciting outings, ensuring there was something for everyone to enjoy. One of these highlights was a visit to a butterfly enclosure, where guests experienced the colourful butterflies up close as they fluttered around and landed on clothing and shoulders. Another memorable day included a journey on the historic Bluebell Railway, where guests travelled through the beautiful Sussex countryside aboard a traditional steam train.

Back at Nutley Edge, guests enjoyed fun activities, conversation and meals out together, making the most of every moment. With so many enjoyable experiences packed into the week, the holiday seemed to fly by, leaving guests with wonderful memories, new friendships and plenty of stories to share.

A man and woman are looking at the camera smiling. The man has his thumbs up and the woman has made peace signs with hers. They are standing in a field.
A young lady wearing a while top and glasses is smiling at the camera while looking over her shoulder. On her shoulder is a butterfly.
A man and a woman are standing at the top of an abbey looking at the camera with the view of old buildings behind them.

In 2025 two sailing took place in partnership with Cirdan Sailing aboard the Queen Galadriel. During their time aboard, the young people have an amazing experience sailing on an old Baltic Trader, being part of the crew, making meals for each other, visiting new places and taking the opportunity to swim off the side of the boat!

A teenaged boy is standing holding the wheel of the large sailing boat with the wind in his hair and a big smile on his face.

“a once in a lifetime experience and I’m so happy I had the privilege to experience what I have seen this week.”

“It was an experience everyone should get the option to go on.”

Hart and Rushmoor Young Carers

A group of young people standing on the deck of an old sailing boat proudly holding up their sailing certificates.
A group photo of the Oakley pupils and staff sitting on the deck of an old sailing boat.

“All of our pupils achieved the Royal Yachting Association Accreditation, this as well as the team work, the support they gave each other and the laughs are what I am most proud of.  The pupils really threw themselves into this adventure and made the most of all the opportunities.    Thank you to 3H for funding such a wonderful experience.” 

Oakley School

A group of young people on a large sailing boat looking at the camera with the port behind them.

Our September 2024 holiday was packed with games, quizzes, activities, and delicious food!
We kicked off with archery, quickly discovering some talented archers among us. Day trips took us to a harbour and pier, the Bluebell Railway, and various places to eat. The evenings were filled with games, quizzes, a cabaret, mocktails, taste challenges, and plenty of laughter. While  we enjoyed crafting, music, cooking, and soaking in the beautiful surroundings during time spent at Nutley Edge.

A smiling guest on a speedboat whilst on a group holiday.
A group of holiday makers enjoying a day out at an adventure park.
A group holiday guest on a high walkway enjoying Go Ape.

The May 2024 holiday guests enjoyed the beautiful weather and stunning views of the Ashdown Forest. There was plenty of time to socialise and participate in onsite activities. Highlights included a day trip to Brighton for an escape room adventure and pier rides, a visit to a local farm for fruit tasting and lunch, a steam train journey on the Bluebell Railway, dining out, karaoke, and enjoying cocktails and mocktails.

A smiling guest on a speedboat whilst on a group holiday.
A group of holiday makers enjoying a day out at an adventure park.
A group holiday guest on a high walkway enjoying Go Ape.

In 2024 two sailing holidays aboard the Queen Galadriel were enjoyed by Basingstoke and District Young Carers and Caspa Bromley.

A boy smiling at the camera with a pirate eye patch on.

“We are hugely grateful to The 3H Foundation for providing our Basingstoke and District Young Carers with an incredible sailing respite break aboard The Queen Galadriel. This experience was truley unforgettable for everyone involved.
With perfect weather, a beautiful vessel, and the stunning South Coast as our backdrop, our young carers had the opportunity to learn to sail, sunbathe, swim and revel in the beauty of the open sea.” 

Young person steering the boat using the large wooden wheel.
Young person steering the boat using the large wooden wheel.
A boy smiling at the camera with a pirate eye patch on.
Young person steering the boat using the large wooden wheel.
A boy smiling at the camera with a pirate eye patch on.

“We’ve had an amazing first day sailing! 13 members and 3 staff and an incredible sailing crew teaching us everything! We’re anchored just off shore and tomorrow we head to Cowes!” – Caspa

Young person steering the boat using the large wooden wheel.

In August 2023 our “Great British Holiday” to Scarborough saw eight guests enjoy a long list of activities including a speedboat trip, the circus, Flamingo Land and Go Ape.

Guests said it made them “feel more independent going on holiday without their family”.  Guests were “able to relax and enjoy the company of the holiday people and the staff”

Highlights included the wheelchair friendly outings, good company, Flamingo Land and being able to experience new things.  The Chrysalis Holiday team made sure our guests had awonderful holiday!

A smiling guest on a speedboat whilst on a group holiday.
A group of holiday makers enjoying a day out at an adventure park.
A group holiday guest on a high walkway enjoying Go Ape.

The Gwesty Seren hotel was our base for the September 2023 group holiday to North Wales.

Some guests enjoyed a trip on the Great Orme Tramway while others completed a circular walk taking in cliff top views. Guests also took an old fashioned train journey, went to the Welsh mountain zoo, on a trip into Llandudno and a walk along the promenade.

Hearty hotel breakfasts began each day and takeaways, picnic’s, bistro lunches and a pub meal provided an excellent variety of enjoyable meals during the day!

Everyone had a great time and were sad that the holiday had to end.

A group holiday guest taking a train ride up Great Orme in Wales.

In 2023 two sailing holidays aboard the Queen Galadriel were enjoyed by Young Carers Together and Kangaroo’s.

A boy smiling at the camera with a pirate eye patch on.

“Thank you to all the lovely people on that residential trip! What a fantastic adventure! Ethan had a time of his life! He is hoping that there be another sailing trip! He had amazing time! Thank you!” 

“What a terrific trip Robbie was very excited about it all when he got home. Thanks so much everyone … just wonderful and a great adventure for the end of the summer. Xxxx”

Young person steering the boat using the large wooden wheel.

“Thanks… for the brilliant idea of getting this trip together.  I expected it to be good but not this good!…” Christoph

“…I came into it thinking it would just be a short break away from home but soon realised that it was more than just that.  It was an opportunity to make good friends, learn how to work and function as a team, and to develop skills that may well carry on far into the future…” Toby

Young people on board the boat being shown how to sail.

In 2022 The 3H Foundation, The Oaks and The Cirdan Sailing Trust took part in an amazing voyage!
Our adult group holiday took part in Wales where our guests took part in activities including dry slope skiing!

“The words “best trip ever” were used several times throughout our voyage and the laughs we shared will stay with us for a lifetime. Honestly there was not a single moment that we weren’t smiling, laughing and living in the moment.

Thank you again for all the support you gave us to enable us to enjoy and be a part of such a special adventure.”

The voyage built resilience, enhanced social skills and increased confidence. 

Sailing holiday with Cirdan Sailing Trust

“I think the greatest aspect was that they were not given any special dispensation for their needs unnecessarily and as a result they achieved far greater things than they could ever imagine.

You have facilitated barriers being ripped down and accomplishments being raised as high as the mighty sails!

Keep doing what you are doing as it truly makes a difference – Thank You!” – Jackie

A group holiday guest enjoying a day dry slope skiing.
Two guests having a go at Archery
Group photo on a holiday to Wales.

Working with other organisations The 3H Foundation enables young people to enjoy an adventurous holiday independent of their day to day carers.

If you feel your organisation would be interested in working with The 3H Foundation, please contact us for more information.