FAQs
Accommodation
How many people can you accommodate?
We can accommodate up to 42 people in the Old Vicarage and 72 camping. Our tents on the Cross Meadow Camping Centre sleep 60, and you are welcome to bring your own tents to accommodate up to 12 more people. The Orchard Wild Camp is licensed for up to 24 people.
What is included in the price?
In the Old Vicarage bedding is provided for you to make up beds, including sheets and pillowcases. You will need to bring your own sleeping bag and roll mat if you are camping. Both our kitchens are fully equipped as catering kitchens with everything you should need right down to the teaspoons!
Do we have exclusive use of the site?
You will have exclusive use of your part of the site. For example, those staying in the Old Vicarage will have exclusive use of the grounds that go with it and will not be permitted to use the campsite and vice versa. You will not be bothered by other groups and will probably not even know they are there!! If you have booked both The Old Vicarage and the Cross Meadow Camping Centre you will have sole use of the main site residentially, but there may be day groups on site for activities or a group camping in the Orchard Wild Camp.
How many tents are there?
There are eight 6-person tents and two 6 to 8-person timber tents. Two extra 6-person tents are available on request. You can bring your own tents if you need more, but accommodation charges remain the same.
Do you charge for a minimum number?
We have a low minimum number of 15, to make it financially viable for smaller groups to make use of the centre.
Is there a minimum charge for hiring the whole site?
If you hire the whole site the charges will be as follows:
- During the camping season (Easter until end October) you will be charged for a minimum of 55 people, of which at least 20 will be at Old Vicarage prices.
- Outside the camping season (November until Easter), you can book the Camping Centre and field as well as the Old Vicarage, at a cost of £70 per day, or £120 per weekend in addition to the usual accommodation charges for the Old Vicarage.
Activities
How many people can take part in an activity session?
Your safety is of paramount concern to us. Therefore we have a strict maximum of 10 participants per group, plus one adult leader. For groups that may have special needs, behavioural issues, or which may need more individual attention, the numbers of young people may be reduced and leaders increased so that we can offer the best for your group. This will be discussed and agreed at the time of booking.
What is the minimum age for activities?
Our AALS licence only applies to children aged 8 and upwards, and we have limited equipment for children under this age. Some on-site activities are appropriate for a younger age group. Please let us know when booking your activities if age is an issue.
Do we have to book activities when staying with you?
During our busy period, from Easter until the end of October, we expect you to book a minimum of one activity per person during a weekend visit, and at least 3 activities per person during a mid-week visit lasting 4 nights. If you choose not to have activities there is an activity surcharge. Please refer to our price list.
Do we have to provide our own transport for activities?
We can provide limited transport for your activities. We only have 2 minibuses so we may ask you to provide your own; we will notify you in advance if this is the case. You may also be asked to drive one of our minibuses to transport your group to an activity. We would appreciate it if you would come prepared for this eventuality – you will need a category D1 driving licence. We will endeavour to inform you in advance, although this may not always be possible due to last minute changes. If you require transport for anything else during your stay we can give you contact details for local minibus and coach hire companies.
Where do water activities take place?
Half day canoeing, kayaking or raft building sessions take place on local lakes, the most scenic of which is only ten minutes drive from the Centre in the heart of the Forest. Early booking is advisable for this lake as bookings are made through the Forestry Commission on a ‘first come, first served basis'. We also do full day canoeing expeditions on the river.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Most of our activities take place whatever the weather, but we reserve the right to offer an alternative activity or to reschedule sessions if the weather, or ground conditions, are unsuitable.
General
Do you have public liability insurance?
Yes – we have public liability insurance cover of £5 million, which includes accident insurance for our activity sessions.
Do you have any quality marks?
We are inspected regularly and approved by AALS, the Adventure Activities Licensing Service. We are an approved activity provider for the Duke of Edinburgh scheme, are members of the LOtC (Learning Outside the Classroom), hold the Adventure Mark Quality Badge and are approved to deliver the National Navigation Award Scheme and are members of the Mountain Leaders Training Association.
Do you have a TV?
The site is not licensed for television reception, but we do have a TV and DVD available both in the Old Vicarage and the Cross Meadow Camping Centre. Please bring your own equipment if you want to play music.
Is there any internet access?
Plug in internet access is available in the house and camping centre on request.
What time can we arrive and when do we have to leave?
- If you are arriving on a Friday, or during the school holidays, you will not be able to arrive before 4pm.
- If you are leaving on a Friday, or during the school holidays, you will be asked to vacate the site before 1.30pm. When departing on a weekday you will need to vacate your rooms/tents by 9.30 am.
This allows us to check over the site, and ensure it is ready for the next group. These times are not negotiable. Time of arrival and departure may be more flexible with weekday bookings, outside the Easter and summer school holidays.
Will we have to clean up before we leave?
Yes! We expect you to do a thorough clean of the venue before you leave, leaving it clean and tidy for the next group coming in!
Do we need to provide cleaning materials?
You need to bring tea-towels, dish cloths, dishwasher tablets, washing powder etc, but general cleaning materials are available on site, eg floor cleaner, multipurpose cleaner and toilet cleaner. Please bring environmentally friendly products.
Can we bring pets?
Sorry, as much as we like animals both the centre and campsite are pet free zones except for working guide dogs.
Staying in touch with folks at home?
Please ensure that your group leader brings a mobile telephone so that people at home can get in touch during your stay in case of emergency. In case of emergency, the office can be contacted during normal office hours, but we are unable to provide 24-hour cover.