Frequently Asked Questions - Winchcombe Farm

We have listed the most frequently asked questions by our guests below in case you have a similar query. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if your question is not addressed here.

Booking your stay

Can I book a one–night stay?

At our lodges, we typically require a minimum two-night stay. However, we do occasionally accommodate one-night stays at Will’s Tree House. For inquiries about this option, please feel free to reach out to us on 01295 680190.

Do I need to pay a deposit and balance?

A deposit of 20% is required within 48 hours of booking and the balance is due four weeks before your start date. If you book within four weeks of traveling, the full amount is payable.

Do I get my money back if I need to cancel?

You can see our full terms and conditions here

What happens if we are ‘locked down’ again and we can’t travel?

Should you or us be prevented from delivering ‘the contract’ (your stay) due lockdown laws in place at the time of your holiday, we follow the CMA guidance and offer either a full refund, open-ended credit note or change of dates (the choice is yours). Here’s a link to the current guidance – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cma-to-investigate-concerns-about-cancellation-policies-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic/the-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic-consumer-contracts-cancellation-and-refunds Should you be unable to stay for any other reason not related to lockdown restrictions, our normal T&Cs will apply and we advise you to take out insurance (we offer insurance through Booking Protect when booking your holiday).

Can I bring my dog?

We are surrounded by a working farm and have our own animals, so dogs are not permitted in our properties or on-site. This includes dogs left in vehicles. Registered assistance dogs are welcome, however, please let us know in advance to ensure additional cleaning (at our cost) should we have guests following you in with any allergies.

Do you cater for specific accessibility needs?

Please see the accessibility guides below; these are detailed guides of the accessibility of each lodge. We have several aids to assist guests with mobility needs during their stay including shower stools, toilet frames and mobile ramps (all provided on request at no extra cost).

Can I bring an extra person or infant?

The property should only be used for the maximum number of people stated on our website for that particular lodge. Any additional guests are not permitted as it voids our insurance cover.

Can I arrange an early check in or late check-out?

This is by prior arrangement only and very much depends on availability (if we don’t have guests before or after you). Due to the new stringent cleaning regimes to make properties COVID secure between guests, we’re currently unable to offer any flexibility with check-ins and check-outs in order to maintain the required standards.

Where can I find information about the property’s location?

Please click here for details and map. Detailed directions will be emailed to you 7 days prior to your arrival.

Is the site child-friendly?

Indeed it is – it used to be a day nursery and forest school, so is particularly child- friendly, however we do insist that children are supervised by a responsible adult at ALL times for their own safety.

What is the nearest airport/train station?

The nearest airport is Birmingham International and the nearest mainline train station is Banbury. Due to our remote rural location, public transport from the airport or train station is almost nonexistent so we would strongly advise you to either hire a car or taxi.

Do you accept groups, hen parties etc?

Only quite ones! Due to the tranquil nature of our site, the surrounding wildlife and guests staying in our other properties, we politely ask all guests to keep outside noise to a minimum and for no loud music to be played at all times.

What is included in the Welcome Pack?

We leave you 2 pints of milk, tea, coffee, sugar (all individually wrapped for hygiene purposes), a Victoria sponge cake (made by a local baker) and fruit. The fruit is left packaged in the fridge for hygiene purposes and no longer left unopened in the fruit bowl.

Are your properties COVID-secure?

We have a detailed risk assessment to manage the threat of COVID-19. All our staff have undertaken infection control training. We have also gained accreditation from Visit England to certify that all the necessary controls and procedures for cleaning properties between guests are in place.

Can you provide a cot and high chair?

Yes to both and at no additional cost. Just tick the box when you are making your booking. Linen is also provided for cots.

Can I invite family or friends to spend an afternoon or evening with us in our holiday home?

At the current time we ask you not to invite additional guests to join you in your property for a few hours (for a barbecue for instance) as we are trying to keep the site as COVID-secure as we can.

Do you have CCTV on-site?

We have CCTV on the roadways on the site for the purpose of safety and security.

Can you provide any extras for our stay, such as flowers or Champagne?

Look at our ‘holiday extras’ page- https://winchcombefarm.co.uk/holiday-extras/. We’ve handpicked some of the best businesses in the Cotswolds to team up with us and help you add a sprinkle of magic dust to your stay at Winchcombe Farm.

Do you have a waiting list for cancellation?

Yes, we do – just drop us an email with the property and dates you would like and we’ll let you know if they become available due to a last-minute cancellation.

What age do you need to be to book?

The lead booker must be aged 18 or over and at least one person staying in your booked cabin should be at least over the age of 18 at the time of the stay.

Can I charge my electric vehicle at the site?

Our properties is equipped with power points suitable for charging electric cars. We kindly request that you exercise caution with trailing cables to ensure both your safety and the safety of fellow guests. We are currently in the process of installing a dedicated electric car charging point.

Can I arrange for food to be delivered to my lodge?

All major supermarkets deliver to the site. Please provide them with the name of your property and we will direct them.

Can I walk to a pub nearby?

Sort of – the Castle at Edgehill is nearest – but it will take a brisk walker about 1 hour 40 minutes. It’s not advisable to attempt walking to this pub in the dark, as it is along country lanes with no lighting or footpaths.

Can I walk to the nearest shop?

Yes – the quickest route is across the fields and it will take you about 35 minutes. But just remember – it’s uphill on the way back!

Is the hot tub private or shared?

All hot tubs are on your own private decking area outside your cabin.

Arrival questions

What time do I arrive and depart the property?

Our standard check-in time is 3:00 pm and check-out time is 10:00 am. If you need to drop off bags or food before check-in, please get in touch with us to make arrangements. Additionally, if you wish to request an earlier check-in or later check-out, please call us to check availability. While we cannot guarantee such requests, we will do our best to accommodate them whenever possible and there is no additional charge.

Who do we contact if we have any problems during our stay?

We live on site and if you experience any problems during your stay, just contact us on 01295 680190 or 07956 876014 (text, Telegram or WhatsApp). We have young children and can’t always get to the phone, but please leave a message and we will get straight back to you.

Is there parking outside the property?

All our properties have dedicated parking spaces. There is at least one parking space to leave one car directly outside each property if needed, or for loading and unloading.

How do I get the keys?

There is a key safe or keypad lock on the outside of each property. You will be emailed the access code about 7 days before you are due to travel.

Accommodation questions

Is there Wi-Fi access at the property?

All our properties have free Wi-Fi that works when it feels like it (we are very rural).

Can I smoke inside the property?

All of our properties are non-smoking and for the comfort of other guests we discourage smoking around the site. Wall-mounted ash trays are provided outside each lodge and the treehouse.

Are bed linen and towels provided?

All bed linen and towels are provided; we also supply towelling robes for use with the hot tub. Beds are freshly made for guests on the day of arrival.

What else is provided?

A welcome pack of fresh fruit, milk and a cake/seasonal treats are left at the beginning of each stay. We also provide basic essentials such as tea, coffee, sugar, salt, pepper and cooking oil. Heating and electricity is included in the price of your stay.

Will the hot tub be ready to use when I arrive?

All the hot tubs are emptied, cleaned and refilled after every stay ready for the next guests on arrival. We follow strict safety guidelines to maintain our hot tubs in accordance with HSE 282 (a truly thrilling read – all 31 pages of it).

Do I need to bring charcoal for the barbecue?

Gas, charcoal and firelighters are all provided for the barbecue and pizza oven in each property. You’ll find them in a black box outside your holiday home.

Who has access to the woodland area and fire pit?

This is shared by guests staying at Will’s Treehouse and the Chicken Shed properties only.

Who has access to the outdoor barbecue hut?

The barbecue hut is exclusively for the use of guests staying in George’s Getaway.

Do all the properties have their own garden?

Each lodge has its own private decking area with outside dining facilities including a pizza oven and gas barbecue. Bob’s Lodge has a private enclosed garden. Please see our website for details.

Can the temperature of the hot tub be adjusted?

Yes it can be and details can be found in the guest information pack. The recommended temperature to bathe is 37°C. The maximum temperature is 39°C.

During your stay

What happens if something gets damaged in the property during my stay?

If something gets damaged while at the property please inform us at the earliest opportunity so that it can be fixed or replaced as soon as possible.

Do I need to clean the property before we leave?

All our properties are thoroughly cleaned to strict standards in-between stays to ensure they are COVID-secure; however it is a greatly appreciated if they are left in a tidy state and the bedding and towels are stripped and left in the bath.

Where is the nearest shop/cashpoint/garage?

There is a general store in the village, which is about a mile away. There’s lots of information about local facilities on our website here.

Can you recommend good places to eat during our stay?

This area has earned itself a well-deserved reputation as a foodie destination, for both the quality and variety of eateries on offer.

You will be sure to find a lovely cafe, pub or restaurant in most of the towns and villages throughout the Cotswolds and, if it’s fine dining you’re after, there is a sprinkling of Michelin stars too.

You’ll find a list of places locally that we recommend on our website here.

Can you recommend some great days out nearby?

Most definitely – see a list of our favourite days out nearby here.

Can you suggest some good walks nearby?

Our favourite local walks – including something for all ages and abilities – are on here.

Which Cotswold villages are nearby and worth a visit during our stay?

The Cotswolds covers a huge area – almost 800 square miles – and runs through five counties (Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire and Worcestershire). We’re situated on the north east tip of the Cotswolds, on the edge of Upper Tysoe village.

A list of our favourite villages nearby can be found on here

Can I take the alpacas for a walk while I’m here?

Under normal circumstances, our boys absolutely love going for a walk with guests. However, it is almost impossible to maintain a social distance while taking three alpacas for a stroll and we have sadly suspended this activity until further notice.

After your stay

What do I do with my rubbish?

There are instructions for rubbish/recycling on a poster displayed in each property. The outside bins are emptied regularly.

What happens if I leave an item of property behind in the lodge?

If you accidentally leave an item of property behind we will make every effort to contact you to arrange for it to be returned. Perishable goods will be retained for three days, and then disposed of.