FAQs and Top Tips

Getting here

How do I find my accommodation and where do I park?

You will be sent an email a week prior to your stay with helpful info for your holiday and WHAT3WORDS which is your parking location.

Arrival and departure

What time is check-in and check-out?

Check-in time is from 3pm. If you want to arrive earlier, we will try and accommodate this.

Check-out time is at 10am. We ask that you check out promptly or you will be charged.

Guests, children and dogs

How many people can stay in cabins?

All of our accommodations are for 2 adults only, we do not accept group bookings or children. Sweet Acre is suitable for a small to medium doggy companion which you can add at the time of booking. We do not allow pets in the other accommodations.

Ordering from the Farm Shop

How does the farm shop work?

Our online farm shop supplies wood, charcoal, firelighters and even local award winning cider. You can also hire bikes for your stay. We are adding to our offerings all the time so please take a look to see what's available.

Simply use our website to place your order before 4pm for delivery the same day directly to your cabin or truck. Orders after 4pm will be delivered the next day.

If you'd like to pre-order before your arrival, please be sure to include your holiday dates and the accommodation name in the 'Additional Info' box on the chekout page.

Getting the fire started

How do I light the hot tub/ log burner?

There will be a video link sent to you in your information email prior to your stay.

Running out of fuel

Can I buy more logs?

Yes, head over to our online farm shop and we will deliver to your door. Please place your order before 4pm for delivery the same day. Orders after 4pm will be delivered the next day.

Ooo, what to wear?

What should I pack?

Depending on the time of year, pack for the UK weather, and don’t forget your swimming costume if you are staying in one of our cabins with hot tubs.

Bring your wellies and/or walking boots if it’s been wet recently or the forecast show’s a chance of rain. Some of our cabins are a short walk from your car so do bear this in mind and don’t bring too much to carry.

Bring a torch if you are planning to walk back from the pub after dark.

If you would like to stay put, ensure you bring the food and drink for your stay as the nearest shops are about 10 minutes’ drive. We’ve put together lots of useful information including local shops nearby on our Out & About page.

Lakeside and Waters Edge Guests

Can I swim in the lake?

Sorry, we do not allow guests to swim in the lake as our insurance does not cover this activity.

Can I use the rowing boat?

Water's Edge guests have use of the little row boat moored to the decking. Please only row in the tributary outside your cabin and do not attempt to move the boat into the bigger lake.

Lakeside guests; if you would like to use the row boat on the large lake, you can hire this by adding it on at the time of booking your stay. Alternatively, if you decide you would like to hire the boat during your stay, please contact us and we will arrange to send you a payment link for its hire and make the boat ready for your use.

Ditching the car

Can I arrive by train?

Yes, the nearest train station is Gillingham in Dorset which connects directly with Waterloo. It’s just a 10-minute drive from Rustic Country Retreats farm and you can arrange a taxi to and from the station. There is a taxi rank at Gillingham station however we would highly reccommend pre-booking especially around weekends.
A2B Taxis is a reliable local firm.