The information below covers all the basics that you will need to know about before booking a stay at one of our holiday cottages, such as accessibility, what linen we provide, cleaning and our policy on dogs.
Before you book
Access and Location
One of the many attractions of staying in an English Heritage holiday cottage is their outstanding location and architectural interest.
This can mean that access is varied and may at times be over unmade roads, or that the interiors designed for another age, are more irregular than modern buildings. For instance stairs may be steeper or ceilings lower. But if you have any particular concerns in these areas, please discuss them before booking.
Extreme winter weather could make some of our cottages difficult to reach. In these rare circumstances we will do our best to notify you in advance.
Cancellation Or Curtailment
Having to cancel or curtail your holiday can be very distressing. We do not offer insurance cover as a part of our cottage rental programme and do recommend you arrange your own holiday insurance. See terms and conditions for our full cancellation policy.
Country Life
Some English Heritage holiday cottages are in very rural areas where sounds created by the rural economy such as harvesting or haymaking, or by animals can sometimes be heard, and at certain times late into the evening or in the early morning.
Insects and pests can be a nuisance at some times of year and even the best housekeeping standards may not be able to totally eradicate these.
Dogs
A maximum of 2 well behaved dogs are allowed at properties where indicated. There is a charge of £30 per week/short break per dog. Please notify our reservations staff at the time of booking that you will be bringing your dog/s with you.
No other pets or animals are permitted in English Heritage holiday cottages.
Events
Special events are held at many English Heritage properties throughout the year. Depending on the location of your holiday cottage, they will have more or less impact on your stay.
We will always do our very best to tell you about any event during your stay at the time of booking. If an event is scheduled after you have made your booking, and it will impact on your holiday, we will endeavour to notify you and give you the option to cancel without charge. All guests staying at a cottage whilst an English Heritage public event is taking place will be given a discounted or complimentary ticket during their stay.
Guests With Disabilities
An access statement is available for each cottage, please ask our reservations team for more details. All Housekeepers have Welcome All training.
If you have special requirements please discuss these with our reservation staff before making a booking so we can do our best to meet them.
Special Occasions
If you are making a holiday booking for a special occasion such as a birthday or anniversary, please let us know at the time of booking.
We have a range of gifts that can be waiting for you in your holiday cottage, as a part of your celebration. You can place an order through our reservation staff when making a booking. We will do our very best to fulfil your request but this does not form part of our contract with you.
On arrival at the cottage
Linen
All beds have duvets and will be made up with white linen for your arrival. Extra blankets will be available. Two hypo-allergenic pillows are provided in each cottage.
One hand towel and one bath towel per person, per week, is provided. Extra hand towels will be provided where there is a lavatory separate from bath or shower rooms and in the kitchen. Sufficient tea towels will be provided in the kitchen. An extra set of linen and towels will be left if your booking is for two weeks.
Towels are not provided for swimming or beach use. We regret that linen is not provided for cots.
Provisions And Supplies
On arrival there will be a welcome hamper that will include tea, coffee, milk, bread, eggs, orange juice, marmalade or jam, cheese and a bottle of wine. Where possible goods will be of local origin.
A small selection of toiletries will also be available including soap, shampoo, shower or bath gel. Cleaning materials and toilet paper will be provided for the start of your holiday.
Tour of the site
Where possible and subject to staff availability, guests will be offered a brief introduction to the English Heritage site on which they are staying. This will cover the key points of interest and a brief historical background.
Holiday cottage guests and English Heritage members have free of charge access to all English Heritage sites during normal opening hours. Please check the opening hours of the site of your chosen cottage or any site you wish to visit carefully before making your booking.
During your stay
Cleaning
Our housekeepers will clean and prepare the cottage prior to your stay. The property is then yours to enjoy and the housekeeper will not return unless a problem arises. This applies to all breaks, including two week holidays.
Fuel For Fires
An open fire is an important part of a holiday in the country, particularly in the cooler months. The availability of an open fire or a multi-fuel or wood-burning stove is shown in our brochure/website.
Where one is provided, you will find matches, fire-lighters and sufficient wood for the start of your stay. Information will be provided in the cottage on where to purchase additional supplies.
Heating and Lighting
All electricity, gas and oil are included during your stay. We do ask that you respect the use of these services.
Refuse and Recycling
Most of our cottages are located at the heart of an English Heritage property where only trade refuse collections are available to us. If recycling facilities are available onsite our housekeeper will explain where these are. Where there are no recycling facilities on the site, details of the nearest recycling centre will be provided.
We request that you take bottles, plastics and other recyclable materials with you at the end of your stay.
Smoking
Smoking is not allowed in English Heritage holiday cottages. If you smoke outside in the garden you are asked to dispose of used cigarette stubs carefully.
Telephones/Messages
All cottages are supplied with a telephone for incoming calls and emergency calls.
If you plan to use your mobile telephone please check signal strength with our reservation staff.
Our Housekeepers cannot receive or deliver messages to you during your stay as most do not live on site. Our cottages do not have internet access.
