Facebook Instagram Youtube Pinterest
Freedom, friendship, and fun

Breakaway Holidays

South Wilts Mencap’s Breakaway Holidays offer memorable getaways for individuals with learning disabilities—providing opportunities to travel, make friends, and embrace independence.

Photo by Nathan Cowley

Escape. Experience. Empower.

About Breakaway Holidays

Breakaway Holidays are all about stepping away from the everyday and embracing something new. Whether it’s a beachside retreat, a European cruise, or a magical trip to Disney, each holiday offers a fresh experience in a supportive and social setting.

A chance to break up the usual routine, these holidays are designed for people with learning disabilities who want to explore new places, make friends, and enjoy a sense of independence—away from their regular carers or family environment. Supported by South Wilts Mencap, each trip is tailored to create lasting memories and meaningful connections.

If you are considering a Breakaway holiday, there are also Day Trips available to get to know each other first – we organise four to five Day Trips a year.

Helping you travel with joy, dignity, and independence.

Empowering Every Journey

Trusted Support Every Step of the Way

We recruit and pay experienced carers, known as Holiday Helpers, to accompany our Holiday Makers. These Helpers provide practical and emotional support, promote independence, and encourage informed choices—always putting the Holiday Maker’s wishes at the heart of every activity.

The Breakaway Team

Meet The Breakaway Team

Behind every great holiday is a great team—meet the dedicated Holiday Helpers who put your experience first.

View Team Members

All our Breakaway Holidays are different, aiming for different budgets, accommodation, transport, activities, down to meal plans and personal spends, we try to think of everything to make the choice as inclusive as possible, whilst offering holidays that will be fun, social, and exciting

Travel

Accommodation

.

Meals

Activities

Support

Check Out Our FAQs

Real Stories, Real Smiles

Discover the joy and impact of Breakaway Holidays through heartfelt testimonials.
We as an Organisation are very grateful for all that SWM offer in the way of activities and financial support to allow us to provide day trips and holidays for our service users. The staff team are always welcoming to us all and happy to support us with any queries.

Beaumont Way DCA

Care Home
I love that they help me with my holidays, they are nice.

Anonymous

SWM Member
I love Breakaway holidays. I really enjoyed the bingo with hot chocolate.

Darren

SWM Member
I loved the hot tub, laser tag, trampolines at flip out. Afternoon tea was delicious, and Alpaca walking was great. Another amazing Breakaway holiday as usually was brilliant staff.

Emma

SWM Member
I liked the Alpacas and afternoon tea on my holiday this year to Blackwood Forest.

Abigail

SWM Member
I love Breakaway holidays they are so much fun and get to spend time with my friends.

Andrew

SWM Member
I was scared about going as haven't been on a Breakaway holiday since before Covid, But not now I have had a great time especially doing new things.

Caroline

SWM Member
It's the only holiday I get each year and without it life would be so boring. This gives me something to look forward too.

Anonymous

SWM Member
As parents Breakaway holidays are a welcome break for our child and us, it means we can get away for a few days knowing they are safe in capable hands having fun with friends.

Anonymous

Parents
Example of how great the impact of a Breakaway holiday is. He still lists off all the sports he did in his Manor House Hotel holiday Just this morning has been chatting to his nephew about how they taught you how to play different things. He also frequently giggles when he mentions the staff saying they are very funny.

Jane

Parent
I went to Benidorm for the very first time I always wanted to go and I loved every single minute of it. Mencap holidays mean everything to me as I get to go on all sorts of holidays I have not been to before but wanted to go for a bit cheaper. I also enjoy making new friends.

Kate

SWM Member

News & Past Breakaways

News, notes, and joyful journeys from South Wilts Mencap holidays.

Blackwood Forest – September 2025

Self-catering at Blackwood Forest near Winchester staying in log cabins with hot tubs. Activities included laser quest, inflatables, soft play, wall climbing, alpaca walking, crazy...
Read More

Torquay – Sept 2025

Coach holiday to Torquay including visit to Buckfastleigh Butterfly & Otter Sanctuary, Buckfast Abbey and the Bygones Museum. There was a boat trip down the...
Read More

BUTLINS MINEHEAD – JULY 25

As well as the onsite activities activities we took the trip railway from Lynmouth to Lynton, travelled on a steam train, and visited Dunster castle
Read More

Trip to Benidorm – May 2025

Right in the centre of Benidorm with lots activities including water slides, parasailing, great evening entertainment and plenty of beach time.  We had a fabulous...
Read More
Your Breakaway Questions Answered

Everything you need to know about our supported holidays—from travel to care and beyond.

Breakaway Holidays and Day Trips are designed for adults with learning disabilities who live in South Wiltshire or nearby areas.  If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible, feel free to get in touch—we’re happy to help.

In order for us to get to know you, we do encourage potential holidaymakers to join us on Day Trips before considering a holiday with us.

Breakaway Holidays  are released for booking at the beginning of the year.  We will let you know when and how they are available to book. We will guide you through the options, help you choose the right holiday, and support you with any paperwork.

You can register your interest by contacting the  Breakaway team via email (breakaway@southwiltsmencap.org.uk) or using the form at the bottom of this page

Day Trips are planned at the beginning of the year.  We will let you know what trips are coming up and how to reserve your place.

You can register your interest  by contacting the  Breakaway team via email (breakaway@southwiltsmencap.org.uk) or using the form at the bottom of this page.

Still have Questions?
Interested in a Breakaway Holiday?

We'd love to hear from you!

Whether you’re curious about upcoming trips, want to book a Day Trip so we can get to know you, how to join a holiday, or just have a question about what we do, feel free to get in touch. Fill out the form below and someone from South Wilts Mencap will get back to you as soon as possible.