Useful information and catering

To help you prepare for your visit, here is some useful information:

Safety

Our staff will ensure everything is in place for your visit but accompanying organisers for the group have ultimate responsibility for the safety of their groups and we hope you will work with our instructing staff should you have any concerns.

Accompanying organisers will have full responsibility for the safety of their group at all times. This will be supported by Hautbois staff during instructor led activity sessions. This includes but is not exclusive to:

- Arriving and departing on-site

- Mealtimes

- Free time

- Overnight

Risk assessments

Risk assessments are carried out for all accommodation, all activities and the estate. These are reviewed annually and are downloadable here.

Ratios

Hautbois operates ratios provided by the governing bodies of activities. The ratios of each specific activity can be found in our bookings pack. Though we do not ask the responsible adults accompanying the group to participate in the activity, they must be present throughout the session. Guiding customers: please ensure that sufficient leaders accompany each group to comply with Girlguiding ratios.

Additional needs

Please notify us before your visit if any members of your party have any additional needs or special requirements of which we should be aware. This will enable us to prepare and plan your stay so that all group members have a rewarding and worthwhile visit. Please speak to a member of staff when you arrive if you have any concerns.

Behaviour

We ask that all our guests and visitors show respect to themselves, others and their surroundings whilst on-site. This includes not playing music excessively loudly and keeping noise down after 10pm, to show respect to our neighbours. As an organisation, we do not tolerate any form of bad behaviour and are committed to maintaining a respectful and positive environment. 

Arrival

Overnight visitors – 

If you have booked accommodation with us, you are welcome to arrive on-site from 11am but please be aware you will not be able to access your accommodation until 4pm. A space will be provided for your luggage until your accommodation is available. 

When planning your arrival time, please check your activity schedule to confirm when your sessions will begin, and your group are ready to start session on time. 

If arriving before lunch, please bring a packed lunch with you as your first meal will be an afternoon snack, followed by an evening meal (unless otherwise booked).

Day visitors – 

If you are visiting us for the day or an activity session, please refer to your activity schedule for the start time of your activity. Please ensure that you arrive at least 15 minutes before your first sessions begins to allow sufficient time to check-in.

Please advise us of your estimated arrival time in advance.

Departure

Overnight visitors – 

Accommodation must be vacated by 9.30am, a space will be provided for your luggage until your departure.

If you have catering provided, your last meal with us will be lunch on day of departure. Lunch finishes between 1.30pm and 1.45pm, departure is 2pm.

Day visitors – 

Departure for day visitors is after your last session on-site with us. 

Please advise us of your estimated departure time in advance.

Car parking

On site parking is available. There is sufficient space in front of the house for coaches to unload and turn round. All vehicles must be left in our car park once they have unloaded.

Please note, that all vehicles are parked at their owners’ risk and Hautbois accepts no responsibility for any damage or loss caused whilst on-site.

Personal items and valuables

Please note that we cannot accept liability for loss or damage to personal items and valuables. We advise you not to take any electrical items with you on water activities.

Hand washing

Handling natural materials on the site is often an important part of the visitor experience. We encourage visitors to wash their hand after activities and before eating.

Weather

We ask that you make sure that visitors dress in clothing appropriate for any weather they might encounter. This includes water/drinks bottle, hat and sunscreen in hot weather. Programmes will continue in all weathers except for thunder and lightning and excessively high winds.

Our instructors will be mindful of the physical comfort of the group in times of excessive weather and may modify the programme to restrict the time spent in extreme weather.

Kit list

Take a look at our bookings pack to see the full list of kit required for your visit.

Emergencies

The first aid point is at reception/main office. Instructors carry a first aid kit when on activities. Please immediately inform a member of the Hautbois staff team if there is an accident. Medical forms must be completed for all attendees and handed in on your arrival.