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Frequently asked questions

IS THERE WIFI AT THE PROPERTY?

All properties have free WiFi.

HOW DO I MAKE ARRANGEMENTS FOR KEY COLLECTION?

Please refer to your travel information which is sent at point of booking. Most will ask you to contact your property owner or caretaker a few days before commencement of your holiday for key collection arrangements and to let them know estimated time of arrival.

IS THE PROPERTY SERVICED FOR MY ARRIVAL?

All properties are thoroughly cleaned and prepared for your arrival, but it would be greatly appreciated by owners and caretakers alike if the property could be left as it was found on your arrival.

ARE DOGS WELCOME?

Dogs are welcome unless stated otherwise but must be kept under strict control both within the properties and in the countryside. Dogs are not allowed in bedrooms or on furniture and are not to be left unattended at any time. If dogs are exercised within the boundary of the property, i.e. the garden, they must be on a lead at all times. Before final departure all traces of their occupation must be removed from both inside and outside of the property.

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE ALLOWED IN MY PARTY?

The number of persons occupying any property is not to exceed the maximum number mentioned in the brochure, unless they are children under 24 months sleeping in a cot.

WHAT SIZE ARE THE BUNK BEDS?

Bunk beds are 3′ in width unless stated as 2’6″.

WHAT EQUIPMENT IS INCLUDED AS STANDARD?

All properties have a fridge with freezer box or a separate freezer, drying rack if no tumble dryer, iron and ironing board, kettle and toaster, conventional cooker unless stated otherwise and a microwave oven.

ARE HEATING AND ELECTRICITY INCLUDED IN THE HOLIDAY COST?

Most have central heating and electricity included in the rent with the exception of Green Bank, West Burton and Ivy Cottage, West Burton which have a heating supplement for part of the year.

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Electric vehicle charging is only available at The Stable in Newbiggin via the dedicated EV charging point, charges apply. We regret the charging of electric vehicles is not permitted under the insurance cover at any of our other properties, however details of the nearest electric vehicle charging point will be included in your ‘Information for your holiday’ document once you have made your booking. If you would like details of the nearest point before making your booking please contact us via email info@countryhideaways.co.uk or call 01969 663559.

ARE LINEN AND TOWELS INCLUDED IN THE HOLIDAY COST?

Linen and towels are included in the rent. Cot linen is not provided. All properties provide adequate duvets and pillows for all beds.

DO THE PROPERTIES HAVE A STAR RATING?

Most have a current STAR rating with VisitEngland and all properties are self contained. Properties not assessed by VisitEngland are inspected by ourselves and awarded a leaf rating. 3 leaves and 4 leaves reflects a similar standard and quality as VisitEngland’s 3 star and 4 star ratings.

WHEN CAN I BOOK A SHORT BREAK?

Winter breaks can be booked at any time and apply when the holiday falls between 1/2 November 2024 and 20/21 December 2024, 3/4 January 2025 and 4/5 April 2025 and between 31 October/1 November 2025 and 19/20 December 2025. Short breaks apply when the first day of the holiday falls between 20/21 December 2024 and 3/4 January 2025, 4/5 April 2025 and 31 October/1 November 2025 and between 19/20 December 2025 and 2/3 January 2024 and can only be booked within eight weeks of the holiday date with the exception of Briar Cottage, Middleham; Mistle House near Galphay; The Hay Loft at Bishopton, Ripon and The Rookery, Bishopdale which accept short break bookings all year. There is a minimum charge of three nights with the exception of Burnside View, Hawes; Holt Barn, near Kirkby Malzeard; The Hay Barn, Grewelthorpe and Warren Barn, Near Kirkby Malzeard which have a minimum charge of 4 nights and Beck Side, West Burton; The Bield, Thornton Rust; Bridge View, West Burton and School House, Askrigg which have a minimum charge of five nights.

WHAT TIME CAN I ARRIVE AT THE PROPERTY AND WHEN DO I HAVE TO DEPART?

Arrival is from 3pm with the exception of Burnside View, Hawes where the arrival time is from 1pm; Beck Side, West Burton and Bridge View, West Burton where the arrival time is from 3.30pm; Green Bank, West Burton; Hazeley Cottage, West Burton; Holly Tree Cottage, East Witton; Ivy Cottage, West Burton; Mistle House near Galphay and The Stable, Newbiggin where arrival is from 4pm; Cobblestone Cottage, Ripon and The Hay Loft, Ripon where arrival is from 4pm except on Friday where arrival is from 4.30pm and Jesmond Cottage, West Burton; School House, Askrigg and The Bield, Thornton Rust where arrival is from 5pm. Departure is no later than 10am with the exception of Burnside View, Hawes; School House, Askrigg and The Bield, Thornton Rust where departure is no later than 9am and Hazeley Cottage, West Burton and Ivy Cottage, West Burton where departure is no later than 9.30am.

WHAT DAY IS CHANGEOVER DAY?

Bookings are from Saturday to Saturday, with the exception of Beck Side, West Burton; Forge Cottage, Masham; Green Bank, West Burton; Hazeley Cottage, West Burton; Holly Tree Cottage, East Witton; Ivy Cottage, West Burton; Jesmond Cottage, West Burton and The Old Wheelhouse, West Burton which are booked Friday to Friday.

ARE ALL COTTAGES ON MAINS WATER?

Most properties are on a mains water supply with the exception of Hill Top Cottage, Walden; Mistle House, Near Galphay and The Rookery, Bishopdale. Mistle House is on a bore-hole water supply. Hill Top Cottage and The Rookery are on a spring water supply fitted with a UV water filter. The water is safe to drink at all properties.

IS SMOKING ALLOWED?

All our properties are no smoking properties, this includes the use of vaping materials and e-cigarettes. We ask that you kindly respect the wishes of our property owners, and for the comfort of future holidaymakers, by not smoking in the property.

ARE CANDLES ALLOWED?

Due to fire regulations, the use of candles, tealights or ethanol burners is prohibited. 

COVID -19

Currently there are no Government restrictions in place affecting self-catering holidays. But even though the rules and restrictions have been lifted we will continue to monitor the situation in case they change again so that we are able to assist you if your booking is affected. If you are thinking of making a booking we still advise you to keep up to date with the latest Government rules and guidance which can be found here www.gov.uk/coronavirus. If you are concerned that Covid-19 may affect your holiday plans, outside of legal restrictions, we advise you to take out appropriate cover.

If you require further information please call 01969 663559 or email info@countryhideaways.co.uk.

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