Welfare Cottage

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***************************************************   2026 DATES    *****************************************************

The 2026 ballot has now closed! All successful candidates have been emailed.

There are still some remaining 2026 dates below.

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Garden Cottage:

Dog Friendly - There will be an additional fee of £45.00 if you wish to take your dog(s). 

In March 2015 we purchased a welfare cottage for use for our members with welfare issues allowing a much needed break in a time of need. Additionally, the cottage has been a marvellous opportunity for members to enjoy a short 3 or 4 day break at a vastly reduced cost. The welfare breaks are allocated via an application process with your Federation Rep.

The Vista Lodge was such an overwhelming success that we purchased a second welfare cottage within the same resort. The Garden Cottage is in a secluded area of the site with a small terrace and garden. Our Garden Cottage also allows you to take up to two dogs. Both cottages have 2 bedrooms; a double, twin and sofa bed so can both sleep between 4 and 6 people.

• Open plan living
• Two bedrooms (double has an en-suite) and a sofa bed in the lounge
• Modern, well-appointed kitchen
• Large grassed garden with BBQ
• Bed linen and towels
• Central heating, wood-effect burner and instant hot water
• Complimentary early check in from 3:30pm
• Complimentary use of the gym (over 16s)

Amazing walks, challenging hikes, fabulous fishing, energetic bike rides, horse riding or a round of golf, it’s all at Sandy Balls. Great for everyone - couples, friends, families, walkers, cyclists or outdoor enthusiasts. The village has excellent onsite facilities including an exciting activities program, entertainment every weekend and every day during the school holidays, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, sauna, jacuzzi, gym, soft and outdoor play areas, pub, village store, restaurant, The Retreat hair & beauty salon and a Cycle Centre for all your two wheeled needs!

Please note that this lodge is dog friendly and there is an additional cleaning fee of £45 if you wish to take your four legged friend on holiday too!

If you are bringing your dog(s) then please state this at the time of booking.

More pictures

2025 Dates

2026 Dates

Vista Lodge:

Dogs are not permitted in this lodge. 

We've teamed up with Sandy Balls Holiday Village on the edge of the New Forest National Park to offer members exclusive breaks in a Premium Vista luxury lodge, sleeping four to six guests.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing retreat in beautiful surroundings or an action-packed break, the award-winning, five-star holiday village has it all.

The Premium Vista lodges are luxury retreats situated on the escarpment of the 120 acre estate, with stunning views across the Avon Valley. They are a real home from home with features including: 

• Open plan living
• Two bedrooms and a sofa bed in the lounge
• Modern, well-appointed kitchen
• Hot tub on balcony
• Bed linen, towels and two bathrobes
• Central heating, wood-effect burner and instant hot water
• Complimentary early check in from 3:30pm
• Floor to ceiling windows overlooking the Avon Valley
• Complimentary use of the gym (over 16s)

Amazing walks, challenging hikes, fabulous fishing, energetic bike rides, horse riding or a round of golf, it’s all at Sandy Balls. Great for everyone - couples, friends, families, walkers, cyclists or outdoor enthusiasts. The village has excellent onsite facilities including an exciting activities program, entertainment every weekend and every day during the school holidays, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, sauna, jacuzzi, gym, soft and outdoor play areas, pub, village store, restaurant, The Retreat hair & beauty salon and a Cycle Centre for all your two wheeled needs!

More pictures

2026 Dates

If you are interested in any of the above dates please email the office here. These slots will be allocated on a first come first basis.

Phone calls or any messages left on our voicemail will not be considered. You will not be able to apply if you attended either cottage in 2025 or are not a subscribing member of The Police Federation.

Once you have received your unique booking code by email, please contact Sandy Balls on 01425 651225 providing your name, collar number, date and quote the unique code. They will already have your name for the allocated date you have chosen so they will check this with you.

Please note that you will need to present your warrant card as proof of who you are when you check in at Sandy Balls so you must be a serving, federated member at the time of your stay.

Please keep an eye on the website and emails, as there will be short notice availability on some breaks when the welfare slots are not filled by a welfare case.

If you have a query over welfare availability please contact your local rep or the Federation Office.