Daish’s Holidays: a review

I know first-hand the miraculous power of music. Combined with the wonder of travel, the way it opens your eyes to new experiences and reignites forgotten memories, it creates something truly magical.

Growing up helping to care for elderly people and those with mental health challenges in my parents’ residential home, while also being surrounded by young minds who often struggled to communicate or understand the world around them, I have always understood the importance of inclusion. That is why a stay with Daish’s Holidays in Devon felt like the perfect recipe for an enchanting family break.

It was at Daish’s Abbey Lawn Hotel in Torquay that I witnessed how travel and music can unite people from all walks of life and all abilities.

For many older people living with dementia, memories of day-to-day life may fade. They may even forget the names of loved ones. Yet somehow, they can still sing every lyric and dance every step to songs they have not heard in decades. The transformative power of music should never be underestimated and Abbey Lawn delivered this beautifully.

With at least one in 10 people in the UK now identified as autistic, it was refreshing to arrive somewhere where staff were ready and willing to make adjustments to ensure our stay was comfortable. Our family group included an elderly grandmother who unexpectedly became the star of the dancefloor once a medley of Bob Marley, ABBA and UB40 classics began filling the room. Soon, people were swaying in wheelchairs while grandchildren danced around them, creating scenes of pure joy.

Guests with varying physical disabilities and special educational needs, many of whom may never otherwise have crossed paths, came together through the grand music hall at The Abbey Lawn Hotel in Torquay.

This warmth and inclusivity are all part of the charm at the 63-room hotel, nestled along the English Riviera and operated by the independent, family-owned coach holiday group, Daish’s Holidays.

Each evening, the hotel hosts live entertainment ranging from cabaret and dancing to bingo, quizzes and games. And if the sweeping sea views overlooking the famous harbour were not enough to awaken the senses, the hotel’s range of sensory-friendly activities certainly completed the experience.

The indoor swimming pool was a lifesaver on windy days when heading outdoors was not an option. For children like mine who love the water, it became a sensory haven. The games room, filled with mind-bending puzzles and creative challenges, was another hit, while spontaneous activities such as chocolate egg hunts in the conservatory delighted younger guests.

Families with neurodivergent children know how essential routine can be, especially while travelling. One thoughtful touch was that each family was allocated the same dining table for breakfast and dinner throughout the stay, helping to create familiarity and stability.

Three-course dinner menus were printed in advance so families could plan meals ahead of time, whether choosing roast dinners, fish suppers or fresh salads. For picky eaters, common among children on the spectrum, and elderly guests with dietary needs, staff went above and beyond to accommodate “safe foods” such as plain pasta or margherita pizza.

One evening, the catering team even prepared porridge with oat milk at dinner for my youngster, who refused everything else on the otherwise exceptional menu. It was a small gesture that made an enormous difference.

The overall ethos was clear: inclusion for multi-generational families travelling together. The hotel group ticked all the right boxes, with wheelchair-accessible rooms, lifts and ramps readily available for guests who needed them.

The location itself was postcard-perfect, just a short walk from the quaint shopping centre and beautifully maintained gardens, which glowed at night beneath soft lighting. You could wander there for hours, or simply rest on a bench beside the statue of famous local resident, novelist Agatha Christie.

Sunset walks along the coastline quickly became a non-negotiable part of each day, offering moments to appreciate the natural beauty while clocking up my daily steps. The surrounding nature trails also proved ideal for tiring out the children before bedtime after long, memory-filled days spent with their grandmother.

When it was finally time to leave and board our luxury coach back to North Kent, our cheerful driver kept spirits high with songs and fascinating local facts about the towns we passed through. As we prepared to leave, several families we had met over the course of the trip came over to hug us goodbye.

“Thank you for bringing your family,” one lady told me as she bent down to play with my child.

“Many people stay home because travelling with children with SEN can feel overwhelming,” she added. “But these children need to experience the world more than ever. I know it’s hard, but you’re doing a fantastic job.”

It is kindness like this from strangers that fuels my passion for helping more families with diverse needs feel confident enough to travel and explore, especially the beauty that exists right here on our doorstep.

At the end of the day, it is the memories we make that truly matter.

And Daish’s Holidays gave us memories we will never forget.

For more info about Daish’s holidays visit https://www.daishs.com/