Terms & Conditions
Please Note : Swallow’s Nest is a trading style of North Farm Stud Ltd. All insurance is in the name North Farm Stud Ltd and all liability is undertaken by North Farm Stud Ltd.
Any invoices, cheque payments and card transactions will appear in the name of North Farm Stud Ltd. Unless otherwise advised or the booking is made through HEROS (Homing Ex-Racehorses Organisation Scheme).
Confirmation of your booking by the Client is deemed acceptance of these terms.
1. Prices
All published rates include VAT or local service charges at the current rate. Swallow’s Nest reserves the right to change prices for any reason up to the date of booking or up to 12 weeks prior to arrival, whichever is the later. After such dates, prices may only be altered to reflect a change in the rate of VAT or local service charge and taxes or for any other reason outside of the control of the Swallow’s Nest, in which case the changes will be notified to the Client. In this event, the Client may cancel the booking without cost.
2. Availability
All rooms and rates offered by Swallow’s Nest are subject to availability and at the discretion of the manager. Limited numbers of suitable rooms may be allocated to individual rates, packages or promotions and when these allocations are taken up, remaining available rooms may be offered to the Client at a higher price.
3. Bookings
Bookings must be guaranteed for the first night’s accommodation by credit or debit card, by payment of a deposit or by agreement in writing with a company, travel agent or hotel booking agency. At the discretion of Swallow’s Nest, or for some packages, full pre-payment may be required. At least 3 working days are required to process credit and debit card payments and 5 working days to process cheque payments.
4. Arrival and departure
Bedrooms are usually available from 1pm local time on the day of arrival. Check out is by 11am local time. There may be occasions, at times of high demand, when our Clients can check in and use all the bed and breakfast facilities, but the bedroom is still being prepared.
5. Cancellations, amendments and non-arrivals
When you have made your booking and we have received the required deposit/taken a debit or credit card number to secure the booking, a legally binding contract exists between us that is non-cancellable and non-refundable, except in exceptional circumstances or when the booking falls outside the permitted time scales. By entering into this contract you are authorising us to make charges to the card without any additional consent being required.
You may still remain liable to pay in full or in part for the booking, even if you are unable to take the room booked. Even if you have not paid in full at the time of cancellation, you will remain liable for the full cost. If for some reason you need to cancel, it is important that you tell us at the first opportunity so that we can attempt to re-let your room and minimize your loss. You should take out cancellation insurance to protect you against possible loss.
We will allow you to cancel your booking without penalty but you must do so within the following permitted time scales. For bookings of 2 rooms or more, and/or 3 nights or more, and/or special events and public holidays, we require a minimum of 21 days notice of cancellation or amendment of any reservation to avoid a charge of the total value of the reservation. For other bookings a minimum of 14 days notice is required. We will acknowledge receipt of your cancellation by return email. Please do not consider your booking cancelled until you receive our confirmation. Discounted rates for late bookings are non-refundable under any circumstances. Please note offers may not be used in conjunction with any other offer or special package rate and that all special offers or discounted rates exclude Friday and Saturday nights. Swallow’s Nest reserves the right to cancel any bookings with written notice. We would only cancel your room if your accommodation was unavailable for reasons beyond our control. We would, however, attempt to offer you alternative accommodation. If this was not possible or unacceptable to you, then we would refund all monies paid by you. Our liability would not extend beyond this refund.
6. Payment
Upon arrival Swallow’s Nest reserves the right to request pre-authorization of the Client’s credit or debit card or where payment is to be made by cash, request the Client to place cash up to an amount of 1½ times the room rate multiplied by the number of nights booked. All major credit and debit cards are accepted. Personal cheques must be supported by a valid cheque card. Cheques cannot be pre-dated. Company cheques are not accepted without prior clearance, in this event please contact Swallow’s Nest prior to arrival. Accounts may only be forwarded for payment on completion by the Client and formal acceptance by Swallow’s Nest of an application for credit facilities, which may be withdrawn at any time. Credit facilities are not offered to any private individuals. All sums are due for payment on presentation of the invoice. Settlement of the bill in full, less any advance payments must be made prior to departure from Swallow’s Nest.
7. Smoking
In line with the change in UK legislation, Swallow’s Nest operates a NO SMOKING policy within all interior areas of the property including; guest bedrooms, public areas and corridors.
For resident guests who do not comply with our NO SMOKING policy, a charge will be added to their bill to include the cost of cleaning all soft furnishing to remove the odour of tobacco.
Designated smoking areas have been allocated within the grounds of Swallow’s Nest – please enquire upon check in. We appreciate your co-operation with this No Smoking Policy.
8. Special dietary requirements
We regret that we are not able to accommodate any person(s) with a serious and/or life-threatening nut or food allergy as we cannot guarantee the provenance of every item of food in our kitchen.
9. Car parking
The property has its own car park, which is free for all residents. Vehicles are parked entirely at the owners own risk. No responsibility will be taken by Swallow’s Nest or North Farm Stud for any damage or loss to property or contents.
10. Children
Children are welcome but must, at all times, be accompanied by a responsible adult. However, attention will be given to the needs of other guests pre-booked.
11. Dogs and other pets
We have numerous pets of our own. Regrettably we are therefore unable to accommodate dogs. However horses are very welcome.
12. Behaviour and damages
Swallow’s Nest reserve the right to judge acceptable levels of noise or behaviour of Clients, guests or representatives. If requested by management they must take all steps for corrective action. Please note that rooms cannot be changed in any way. Furniture and furnishings must not be moved, taken down or covered. In the event of failure to comply with management requests, Swallow’s Nest may terminate the booking immediately without being liable for any refund or compensation and will charge the guests for any damage caused.
13. Discrimination
It is the policy of Swallow’s Nest not to discriminate on the grounds of race, colour, nationality, creed, sex, marital status, age, ethnic origin or disability. Clients, their employees, guests and all sub-contractors engaged by or on behalf of the Client are expected to adhere to this policy and Swallow’s Nest may, without incurring any liability to the Client, remove from the premises any person or persons offending against this policy.
14. Comments and complaints
Any comment or complaint regarding the stay should be made to directly to management at the time of visit, so that the matter can be resolved as quickly as possible.
15. Statutory requirements
Swallow’s Nest is subject to statutory controls, including those relating to fire, licensing, entertainment, health, hygiene and safety. These must be strictly observed by Clients, their guests and representatives.
16. Liability
Other than for death or personal injury caused by the negligence of Swallow’s Nest, liability to the Clients is limited to the price of the booking. Unless Swallow’s Nest is liable under the above clause, the client(s) indemnifies Swallow’s Nest from and against any and all liability and any claims, proceedings or damages resulting or arising from the booking, the actions of the client, guests or any outside contractors of the client.
Swallow’s Nest will not be liable for failure to perform to the extent that the failure is caused by any factor beyond its reasonable control. Swallow’s Nest does not accept responsibility whatsoever for damage to, or theft from, or theft of, vehicles parked on the premises. We reserve the right to charge guests the cost of rectifying damage, caused by the deliberate, negligent or reckless act, omission, default or neglect of the clients, their guests or sub-contractors to Swallow’s Nest property or structure. Should this damage come to light after the guest has departed, we reserve the right to make a charge to guest’s credit / debit card, or send an invoice for the amount required to make good or remedy any such damage, to the registered address. We will however make every effort to keep any costs that the guest would incur to a minimum.
17. Third party liability
Swallow’s Nest does not accept any liability for services rendered by third parties to clients notwithstanding that such services may be arranged by Swallow’s Nest. Any claims, demands, charges, suits or damages which may be incurred by the clients or their guests (or any person claiming there under) shall be made directly with such third parties and Swallow’s Nest shall render all reasonable assistance in this regard.
18. Insurance
The client is recommended to have and is responsible for insurance to cover cancellation, curtailment, and loss of baggage, personal effects and money. When making a booking, your credit card or billing account details are only retained for the purpose of handling that individual transaction, unless you ask us to keep these details for future purchases which you may make through us. In order to process a booking or enquiry, your personal information and payment details may be passed to third party service providers and, where we are lawfully requested to do so, regulatory authorities. Such third party service providers will have access to the personal information needed to perform the relevant service. They may not, however, use your Personal Information for any other purposes and are required to process your Personal Information in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998.
19. Riding disclaimer
The client is reminded that if they are participating in any ridden activity at North Farm Stud during their stay at Swallow’s Nest they understand and agree that they are on the estate entirely at their own risk.
North Farm Stud and its employees do everything possible and reasonable to make horse-riding as safe and enjoyable as they can. However, animals can be unpredictable and there is always the chance of serious injury and/or death. This is the case in any sporting activity. When hiring horses a riding assessment will always be carried out, in an enclosed area, before it is deemed safe for you to take out any particular horse out. This procedure will be carried out by a trained and senior member of staff. If however you are riding your own horse you will be required to complete a disclaimer. You will be expected in all cases to wear the correct riding gear (see below).
We can claim an impeccably good safety record and we are careful to match each rider to a horse that suits the rider’s level of riding experience or ability. It is important that you are honest about your previous riding experience to ensure your safety and comfort whist riding and a riding disclosure form will be completed before you mount a horse and you MUST understand you enter the stables and ride entirely at your own risk, although you will be supervised. Back protectors are available for use upon request, but it is recommended that you supply your own.
20. Disclaimed for riding horses at North Farm Stud
I agree to wear a suitable safety helmet, which matches at least the current safety legislation, at all times when horse riding.
The helmet must be done up at all times when mounted.
I agree to obey all instructions that relate to safety while horse riding.
I understand staff will check the safety of the saddle (including its girth), the bridle, and the suitability of the horse for the particular rider.
I agree that I will also check the horse’s equipment and will notify the staff if I am in any doubt about the equipment, or about the horse I am given to ride.
At any time, if I do not feel comfortable with a particular activity (for example, cantering) or if I am feeling dizzy, sick or otherwise affected in my riding, I agree to tell the staff and safely dismount as quickly as possible.
I agree that I am not to be under the influence of alcohol or other drugs while horse riding or in the vicinity of the horses.
I agree to disclose any medical condition(s) or physical or mental disability (for example, epilepsy, asthma, hip replacement, previous injuries etc) that I have, or which my child has, which could affect my / their health while horse riding.
I agree that I, and/or my child, understands English well enough to follow instructions about horse riding and safety.
When hiring a horse from North Farm Stud I agree not to hold the company or its employees or other horse riders, or owners of properties through which we may be riding, liable for any injury, disablement or death that may result from a horse riding activity.
I have read all these conditions, understand them, and agree to abide by them and ensure that any children in my care also abide by them.
21. Disputes
These terms will be construed in accordance with English law and Swallow’s Nest and Client(s) submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.
22. Website information
Swallow’s Nest cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions and reserves the right to cancel, amend or vary the details featured in their website without notice. The information contained in the website is provided in good faith. The use of any information from this website is entirely at the risk of the user.
Swallow’s Nest will not be liable for any costs, losses, expenses or damages (whether direct or indirect, special, economic or financial) that may be incurred through the use of any information contained in the website or in any other website linked to the website.