Beacon
Hampshire, United Kingdom
Wriggly Tin
- Our low price promise from £99 p/n
-
Shepherd's hut
Sleeps 2 /
Extra space for 1 adult
- 1 double. There is 1 single bunk (bedding not provided for bunk)
Overview
Wriggly Tin Shepherd’s huts was born out of a family holiday where Alex Evans and his two daughters got out into the countryside and never looked back. He happily presents you with a chance to do the same. Live life in the slow lane and sink into a world of quiet nights and sleepy villages.
Beacon is a three-person hut, that Alex hand-wrought, indulging his passion for all things vintage and mechanical. He has kept the theme of restoration alive right through the hut, with the kitchenware and furnishings found and bought from local sources and all contributing to the feel of an age gone by. The double bed has a full-size single bunk above for an extra, and the corner wood-burner keeps things toasty. All the huts at Wriggly Tin are completely off-grid and share an even more ingeniously designed shepherd's hut containing their showers and compost loos. The shepherd's huts share a wide meadow but you're far enough apart to feel on your own, with the meadow to roam, and the woods beyond it. Cook over the campfire outside your hut, with your own personal kit of tripod, cast iron griddle, Dutch oven stewpot and skillet - or watch dinner being made, from a deckchair!
The site is near Hambledon, the village known as "the cradle of cricket" because it's where the original rules of the game were drawn up. The club is still going strong and the thwack of willow on leather can be heard from the Wriggly Tin site. It's also on the doorstep of three major trails - The South Downs Way, Wayfarer's Walk and Monarch's Way, which represent hundreds of miles of fabulous walking and cycling between them. Borrow a map from Alex to follow scenic walks (and some pubs en route) through the surrounding blue-bell woodland (ideal for wildlife spotting and foraging) and the South Downs or book onto a vineyard tour and tasting at Hambledon Vineyard, just a short walk from Wriggly Tin.
Essentials
The important stuff
- Check in time is 4-7:30pm except in March or October, when it’s from 3-6:30 due to shorter daylight hours
- Check out time is 11am
- Guests are welcome to keep their car in the car park after checking out until 5.00pm that day. Walkers and cyclists can leave their belongings in reception until 5.00pm, but we can’t take responsibility for their loss or damage.
- There is another hut on site, about 100m away
- Huts do not have:
- Electricity
- Mod cons
- Anything remotely to do with the 21st Century!
- So all you need to bring are your clothes, your spirit of adventure and shampoo!
Sleeping arrangements
- 1 double. There is 1 single bunk (bedding not provided for bunk)
Extra space available
Space for 2 pets from £15 per pet per stay must be kept on leads
Space for 1 adult from £15 per adult per night Single bed 6ft 3 by 2ft 6 Suitable for children. Bedding available to hire for extra £24
Space for 1 baby no charge.
Kids & Pets
Children welcome, Up to two well-behaved dogs are allowed. Pets must be kept on leads
Cooking
- Food basics provided: tea, sugar, 1 pint of milk, cooking oil, vinegar, rice or pasta, porridge oats, flour, salt and pepper
- Wood-burning stove with oven
- Fold-down table, seating and 2 directors chairs. Additional chairs are available if needed.
- Cutlery and crockery for 4 people
- Cupboard with hanging space
Washing
- Towels (and tea towels) provided
- Wash jug and bowl for washing up. Waste water can be disposed at designated points around the site.
- 2 showers and 2 compost loos in shared wash hut
- Washing-up liquid, bowl and brush
- Soap and loo roll
- Drying rack
- Water taps are located around the site
Heating, lighting & bedding
- Off-grid (so no electricity, no sockets, no power supply)
- Wood-burner
- Logs and kindling
- Feather filled duvets and pillows, cotton bed linen for the double only
- Sprung mattresses (not foam)
- Hurricane lamps as standard, but rechargeable LED lanterns can be provided if you prefer
- Apple crates under double bed for storage
- Bed linen and towels for the bunks can be supplied at £18 per bunk
- Owner of property happy to charge your phone at their house, but unfortunately no hairdryers etc
Entertainment
- Bike hire (subject to availability)
- Adult: One day hire: £12. Two or more days: £12 for the first day, plus £8 for each subsequent day.
- Child: One day hire: £8. Two or more days: £8 for the first day, plus £4 for each subsequent day.
- Pack of cards and cribbage board.
- Books: Famous Five, Secret Seven and other adventure stories; Observer guides to birds, butterflies and wild flowers (all rather old and well thumbed)
Getting there
Wriggly Tin, Brook Lane, Hambledon, Hampshire, PO7 4TF
Parking: ///telephone.waddle.crinkled
Check-in
On arrival, please check-in at reception, which is just by the entrance to the clearing. Please try to avoid stopping at the cottages, as it can disturb our neighbours and set their dogs off! Watch out too, for children playing.
By public transport - travel sustainably and get free bikes for a day!
The nearest train station is: Petersfield (9 miles). Direct trains from London Waterloo (1 hour), Woking, Guildford and Portsmouth.
The nearest bus stop is in Hambledon (1 mile away by footpath). There is a regular bus service to Portsmouth. Buses from Petersfield run to Clanfield (3.5 miles away). Buses from East Meon (4 miles away) and West Meon (5 miles away) run to Petersfield and Winchester.
Pick ups from Petersfield
If you get to Wriggly Tin by public transport, you'll get a free day's bike hire. Alex can also pick you up from Petersfireld Station for £35.00 including a return trip.
By car
Traveling from London, the M25 and the south-east
From the A3 southbound
After passing Petersfield and Queen Elizabeth Country Park, take the turning signposted Clanfield, Chalton, Hambledon and Butser Hill. Follow the slip road round to the left and back over the A3. At the mini-roundabout, turn left towards Clanfield and Hambledon. Follow the road for 1.5 miles to Clanfield.
(All routes are the same from this point on)
At Clanfield, follow the road into the village and round a sharp left-hand bend by The Rising Sun pub. Continue past a parade of shops on the left (note the line of take-aways which may come in handy during your stay). About 100 yards after the shops and opposite the vintage Jaguar showroom, take the turning on the right, signposted Hambledon and heading up-hill. Continue on this road for about 2.5 miles, passing the Bat and Ball pub along the way.
About 1.5 miles after the pub and before reaching Hambledon, look out for a farm and a long low flint wall on your right. Immediately after the wall ends, take the turning on the right, signposted Droxford and Corhampton. This is Brook Lane.
After a short way, go past the cricket club entrance on your right, after which the road dips down hill and round to the left, passing a turning to Chidden before going up hill again. At the top of the hill and just as the roadside hedge on the right ends, look out for the Wriggly Tin signboard and a farm track on the right. Go down the track and turn left towards the row of farm cottages. A speed limit of 5 mph applies from here on.
Follow the track past the back of the cottages and, just as you enter the woods, turn left again. Take care, as the track then turns sharply right and can be slippery when wet. Continue for 200 yards through the woods until you reach a clearing. Journey’s end and time for a brew, or maybe something stronger.
Traveling from Portsmouth, the M27 and the south coast
From the A3 northbound
After passing Horndean, take the turning signposted Clanfield, Chalton, Butser Hill, Hambledon and East Meon. At the T-junction, turn left towards Clanfield and Hambledon. Follow the road to Clanfield and continue as described above.
Traveling from Winchester, the M3 and the south-west
From the M3 and A34
At Winchester, take the A31 and then the A272 towards Petersfield. Continue on the A272, passing through New Cheriton and Bramdean, to the traffic lights at the junction with the A32. There is a pub and garage here. Turn right onto the A32, heading south.
From the A32 southbound
Go through West Meon and Warnford, to the mini-roundabout at Corhampton. Take the first exit, and continue on the A32 towards Droxford and Fareham. Just before Droxford and opposite a petrol station, turn left onto the B2150, signposted Denmead.
Follow the B2150 round a couple of sharp bends, under a disused railway bridge and past The Hurdles pub. Continue up and down hills for about 1.5 miles, staying on the B2150 towards Hambledon and Denmead. After a crossroads, the road goes up-hill through woodland and bears round to the right at the top of the hill. As the road descends again, take the turning on the left, signposted Clanfield and just before a very obvious brown garden fence. This is Brook Lane. Continue down Brook Lane, passing a row of houses and then Brook End Farmhouse. After the farmhouse, there is no more roadside hedging on the left and there are views across a field towards a wood. Immediately before the hedging resumes, look out for the Wriggly Tin signboard and a farm track on the left.Go down the track and turn left towards the row of farm cottages. A speed limit of 5 mph applies from here on. Follow the track past the back of the cottages and, just as you enter the woods, turn left again. Take care, as the track then turns sharply right and can be slippery when wet. Continue for 200 yards through the woods until you reach a clearing. Journey’s end and time for a brew, or maybe something stronger.
Traveling from Southampton and the M27
From the M27
At Fareham, take the A32, heading north towards Alton. Just after Droxford and opposite a petrol station, turn right onto the B2150, signposted Denmead. Continue as described above.
Avoiding the M25
Visitors traveling from Wales, the Midlands and the North-West at peak times may wish to avoid the M25. An alternative is to take the A34 to Winchester and then follow the directions above, although the A34 can get snarled up too, especially at the M3 junction.
Food & Drink
At Wriggly Tin
The following store cupboard basics are provided free of charge: Tea, ground coffee, sugar, 50cl of milk, pasta, porridge oats, honey, cooking oil, salt and pepper. Quantities should last a couple of days and are not replenished.
You can have an evening meal waiting for you on arrival if you give Alex some advance notice.
Shepherd's pie: £12.50 per person
Crofter's pie: £12.50 per person (vegetarian, but not vegan - contains dairy)
Fisherman's pie: £12.50 per person (no seafood)
Bangers and mash: £12.50 per person (minimum two people)
Pork and cider casserole: £15.00 per person (minimum two people)
All served with prepared veg. Meals need heating up in the wood-burning stove/oven. Pork and cider casserole can also be cooked on the campfire.
Breakfast Baskets
These are available for £25 and should easily feed two. They'll contain lovely local stuff including:
6 rashers back bacon from Hyden farm
6 eggs from Hyden Farm (or other local supplier)
4 prize winning pork sausages from Harriott’s Butchers, West Meon
Tomatoes or baked beans
125g organic butter
75cl local Hill Farm apple juice
1 home baked loaf of bread
Vegetarian breakfast basket (48 hours notice needed):
6 eggs from Hyden Farm (or other local supplier)
6 Cauldron vegetarian sausages
4 potato farls
Mushrooms
Tomatoes or baked beans
125g organic butter
75cl Hill Farm apple juice
1 home baked loaf of bread
For supplies
The Peoples Market in Hambledon is the nearest shop and is about 20 minutes walk by footpath over Windmill Down. As well as newspapers and groceries, they stock a reasonable selection of meat, fruit and veg. Also in Hambledon is Lotts Stores and Tea Room, where you can shop and have a cuppa before you walk back. If you want something stronger, stop by at The Vine pub in West Street.
The Bat and Ball, Hambledon (2 miles – uphill there, downhill back)
Fullers pub, famous for being the original headquarters of Hambledon Cricket Club. There’s a wealth of cricketing memorabilia on the walls and the historic Broadhalfpenny Down pitch is across the road. If you have no interest in cricket, it’s still a nice spot for a drink, with a large restaurant that fills up at weekends.
The Vine, Hambledon (just over a mile by footpath)
Serves simple but good food in a classic local pub setting. Recently under new ownership and great things are promised. Report back to Alex on how it's going!
The White Lion, Soberton
It’s nice to know that the people of ‘sober town’ still have a pub. In fact, it’s a very good pub and easily walkable. When you get there you’ll find a buzzy bar, inventive food and plenty of Farrow & Ball.
The Bakers Arms, Droxford (3.5 miles)
Genuine gastropub that serves fine food in shabby chic surroundings. The Bakers Dozen set menu cost £13 (at time of writing) and includes a pint or glass of wine. A la carte is a bit pricier, but worth it. It’s best to book well in advance, as it’s a popular pub and not that big.
The Hurdles, Droxford (3 miles)
Used to be the Railway Hotel, but had a makover a few years ago. Now more a restaurant than a pub, the set menu starts at £12, with a la carte mains from £10.95. (correct at time of writing)
The Hampshire Bowman, Dundridge (6 miles)
An unspoilt country pub that’s been in the CAMRA good pub guide for over 25 years and serves real ales and ciders along with good food. They say they're dog friendly and mobile phone unfriendly, which gives you the idea.
The Thomas Lord, West Meon (5.5 miles, a spectacular walk over the downs)
Another pub with cricketing connections, Thomas Lord founded Lord’s cricket ground and is buried in the nearby churchyard. The food here is amongst the best you’ll find in the area and the balance between pub and restaurant is just right, with locals drinking at the bar and diners eating at the scrubbed pine tables. Oh, and the garden is a delight too!
Izaak Walton, East Meon (4.5 miles – another great walk, which can take in Butser Hill)
A popular, friendly local serving real ales and good value meals. The Izaak is named after the author of The Compleat Angler, first published in 1653, though he doesn’t seem to have lived round here! Whatever, sitting outside by the river Meon and soaking up the evening sun is the perfect way to end a walk.
The Shoe Inn, Exton (4.5 miles)
Picture postcard location on the banks of the River Meon, and not too far away. The kitchen is excellent, with locally produced food a speciality.
The White Horse, aka ‘The Pub With No Name’ Froxfield (about 10 miles)
A bit of a shlep, but reeking of olde world atmosphere when you get there. A wide choice of real ales and varied menu, but the food’s not really the point. Known to many simply as the ‘No Name’, this is the highest pub in Hampshire and is immortalised in Edward Thomas’ poem 'Up in the Wind'. The Longest Day Beer Festival is held over midsummer and, yes, the crowds can be murder!
Activities
Hiking and cycling
Wriggly Tin is perfectly positioned in the South Downs National Park. Guides to local walks are provided. On your doorstep are three major trails - The South Downs Way, The Monarch's Way and The Wayfarer's Walk. Of course, it might be tricky to walk the full 615 mile length of The Monarch's Way, which follows Charles II's escape to France in the aftermath of the Battle of Worcester, but you could always tick off a short stage! Look for the sign on the right or green diamonds on your OS map.
Days out and such
Marwell Wildlife, Winchester
One of the country’s leading zoos, covering 140 acres and complete with the ubiquitous meerkats.
West Wittering Beach, Chichester
One of the best sandy beaches in the area. The road in can get very busy on high-days and holidays, so our advice is to set off early or leave it late.
Traditional seaside resort with bathing, wind surfing, fun fair and fish’n’chips, along with great views across the Solent. West Beach and Sandy Point have the best sand, the rest of the beach is mainly pebbles unless the tide is out.
Sustainability Centre East Meon
About three miles away and a handy place to rest your feet if you’re out walking, as there is a cafe here. Learn about renewable energy, bushcraft skills, kids’ crafts and sustainable forestry. You can even be buried here!
Go Ape! Itchen Valley Country Park
Fly through the trees on an epic zip wire and leap off Tarzan swings - a great day out for the whole family!
Weald and Downland Open Air Museum, Chichester
See how people have lived in the countryside during the last 600 years. A superb collection of rescued houses and farm buildings, along with animals and traditional crafts. While you’re there, visit West Dean gardens next door.
Royal Navy Submarine Museum, Gosport
Experience the life of a submariner and take a tour of the WW2 submarine, HMS Alliance.
Jane Austin’s House, Chawton
The charming village home where Jane spent the last eight years of her life and wrote many of her greatest novels. Pub and tea shop across the road.
The Watercress Line, Alresford
Ten miles of preserved steam railway running between Alresford and Alton. Special events throughout the year, including Thomas the Tank Engine days, real ale trains and steam galas.
A popular recommendation among previous guests and around a 10-minute walk from Wriggly Tin. Experience wine tours and explore the beautiful vineyard.
Historic stuff
The nearest village is Hambledon, just over a mile away by footpath and two miles by road. Known as the ‘cradle of cricket’ because the rules of the game were drawn up here in the 18th century, when Hambledon Cricket Club was the most feared team in the country – beating an England XI on 29 occasions! The club is still going strong and on summer days, polite applause and cries of “owzat!”can be heard from the Wriggly Tin site.
In the village you’ll find a general store, tea room, 11th century church and The Vine pub.
Butser Ancient Farm, Chalton
Working Iron Age farm, with historical buildings and rare breeds. An easy cycle ride away.
Queen Elizebeth Country Park, Petersfield
Hampshires biggest Country Park with 20 miles of trails for walking, cycling and horse riding. Easily reached by bike.
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Portsmouth
Home of Nelson’s flagship, HMS Victory, along with HMS Warrior and the Mary Rose.
Meet your hosts
Wriggly Tin
When we say hosts, we mean Alex. He'd been a graphic designer for thirty years, art directing magazines and newspapers, but fancied a change. A
few years ago he took his twin girls to stay in a tepee in Cornwall and the experience made him want to set up something similar. Having previously lived in a converted railway station, complete with railway carriage in the garden, he wanted to indulge an interest in vintage mechanical things and combine it with having people to stay. Shepherd’s hut seemed ideal, especially as they originated in the South Downs, which was where he wanted to settle. Designing the layout of the huts and making the beds, cupboards and seating is what he likes best, although after doing it a few times, it's become plain that this is the easy bit, at least compared to painting acres of tong and groove panelling!
Having grown up in West London before moving to Hampshire in 1997, Alex found the area a real eye opener. This part of Hampshire, known as the Meon Valley, is amazingly undiscovered and unspoilt, especially given its proximity to London. It’s now part of the South Downs National Park and seeing no reason to live anywhere else he set about looking for a suitable location. It took about a year to find the site and a further year to get planning permission, but finally things have fallen into place. All he wants now if for you to come on down and experience the feeling that the beauty of the spot has inspired in him.
A little more about the area itself
Wriggly Tin is set within the South Downs National Park and has no electricity or mains drainage. Water comes from an aquifer beneath the chalk downs. The shepherd’s huts are located around the edge of a five acre field, surrounded on all sides by ancient woodland which is full of bluebells in spring. The woods are designated as a SINC (Site of Importance for Nature Conservation) because of, among other things, the badgers. While the woods are not part of the site you are more than welcome to explore them. The only part that is out-of-bounds is the woodland on the east of the site (apart from the access track which runs through it). This is to minimise disturbance to the neighbouring cottages.
Reviews
Alex was very friendly and helpful. Loads of great walks nearby in beautiful area. Hurricane lamps and stove are easy to use so not having electricity is fine. Plus that means you can see the stars on a clear night. Showers are hot too. Hut is cosy and beautifully decorated. You can do a doable but long walk from Clanfield bus stop but ask Alex for best route beforehand. Hambledon bus stop is 20 mins walk away. Food at Wriggly Tin is delicious. A really good trip -would recommend.
20/04/2022Naomi
Alex from Wriggly Tin made our off-grid stay feel so luxurious and relaxing, even though the shepherd's was completely off-grid! There was plenty of firewood, hurricane lamps and a great set up for camp fires - all with really handy instructions. Such a cosy retreat - Alex had provided a great little booklet with walks in the local area, but even if we hadn't tried one, we'd have been happy just sitting watching the stars or listening to the wildlife. If only we could have stayed longer!! Our fox terrier had the time of her life! Very much hope to come back.
25/10/2021Olivia
We had a lovely 2 night stay with our 6 month old puppy. Very peaceful, relaxing and really enjoyed cooking over the stove.
16/10/2020Jennifer
Absolutely beautiful place. Alex is a warm, friendly host and has put so much effort and attention to detail into the huts. Loved every second. Will be coming back.
25/09/2020Robyn
Thoroughly enjoyed our stay, really relaxing.
14/07/2020Janet
Booking Terms
Canopy & Stars low price promise
Book with us in confidence knowing you won’t find that place cheaper elsewhere. All of the prices we display are set and matched by our Owners. (In this world of foreign currency, we do have to say 'subject to exchange rates' for some of our European places.)
What does ‘from price’ mean?
Our ‘from price’ is based on a four night stay in low season and designed to help you to compare different prices across our collection. Some of our Owners vary their nightly rates and check in days throughout the year, so it may differ from the rate quoted below the calendar. It is quite common (although by no means universal) for places to charge a little more in peak season or for shorter stays, to cover changeover costs. Consider booking longer stays during the cooler months if you’re looking for the lowest nightly rates.
Agency Terms & Conditions
Except where otherwise specified, we Sawday’s Canopy & Stars Ltd (Company No 09088366) of Merchants House, Wapping Road, Bristol, BS1 4RW act only as an Agent in respect of all bookings we take and/or make on your behalf. As an Agent we act as an intermediary between you and the owner (‘’Owner’’) of the holiday accommodation (‘’Property’’) you will be staying in. We help to arrange reservations and bookings between you and the Owner and take payments from you on behalf of the Owner.
We are only arranging a contract between you and the Owner for hire of the Property and for any other services or arrangement you purchase from the Owner (the “Booking”). This means the legal contract for the Booking is between you and the Owner despite the fact that a payment for the Booking has been made to the Agent. Your contract for the Booking is not with Sawday’s Canopy & Stars Ltd (Canopy & Stars).
Canopy & Stars is part of the Sawday’s Group of Companies, a majority employee owned business and a B Corp. We accept no liability in relation to any contract you enter into in relation to Bookings or for the acts or omissions of any supplier(s) or other person(s) or party(ies) connected with any Booking.
When making your Booking we will arrange for you to enter into a contract with the Owner, as detailed in clause 1.2 below. Your Booking is subject to these Agency Terms & Conditions and any other specific booking conditions of the relevant Owner(s) you contract with. The Owner’s booking conditions may limit and/or exclude the Owner’s liability to you.
You may decide to make more than one Booking at the same time. The price charged in total for more than one Booking will always equal the prices charged separately for each individual Booking. All Bookings are available to be purchased separately at the same price as they are when more than one Booking is made. This means that any multiple Bookings do not constitute a package as defined in the Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992.
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- The lead name on the Booking will be the person responsible for the Booking and shall be responsible for paying the deposit and the full price, for making any amendment and cancellation requests and for the payment of any additional charges. The lead name accepts these Terms & Conditions on behalf of all persons in the Booking;
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and
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The Canopy & Stars online booking system enables Guests to make Bookings 24 hours a day. To confirm your booking, you must pay a 25% deposit (or full payment if booking within 10 weeks of your check in date) and the entire Booking will be subject to the cancellation policy as outlined in clause 2.4.2 below. The Canopy & Stars telephone booking line is open Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm. When using the online enquiry form, for those Properties without online booking, please allow 24 working hours for us to contact you by telephone to confirm the Booking. If we are unable to reach you by phone we will attempt to contact you by email. We will contact you during Canopy & Stars working hours (Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm). Online or email enquiries will be dealt with in the order they are received, but please be aware that we cannot guarantee reservation of your selected dates until the receipt of suitable payment. Therefore, if possible, we do recommend that you book on the Canopy & Stars website using the online booking system.
1. Booking and payments
1.1 In order to confirm your chosen Booking, you must pay a non-refundable deposit as required by the Owner of the Booking in question (or full payment if booking within 10 weeks of the date of your check-in). The deposit is non-refundable as it covers costs incurred and services provided to enable your Booking. These include, but are not limited to, marketing and PR, property inspection fees, Owner management, booking management, credit card fees and customer service.
1.2 Your Booking is confirmed and a contract between you and the Owner will exist when we receive payment of the deposit and send you a booking confirmation on the Owner’s behalf. This Booking confirmation will normally be sent out within 24 hours in the case of email and seven working days in the case of post and will contain the details of your Booking and of payments made and due. If you have not received your Booking confirmation within the specified time, please notify us as soon as possible by email (bookings@canopyandstars.co.uk). Please check your confirmation carefully and report any incorrect or incomplete information to us immediately. As we act only as booking Agent, we have no responsibility for any errors in any documentation except where an error is made by us.
1.3 Once a deposit has been paid, the full balance payment will be due 10 weeks in advance of your check in. A reminder to pay your balance will be sent to you one week prior to this 10 week date, where applicable, by email. We automatically take the balance payment using the same card as used to make the deposit payment. It is your responsibility to advise us if we should use a different card and to contact us by telephone (0117 204 7830) to arrange for alternative payment method. If the automated balance payment does not successfully go through as there is a problem with your card, such as it expiring, then we will contact you to try and take alternative payment. If you do not make any payment due to Canopy & Stars by the due date for payment and at the latest within 5 days of this date, then with regret, we will notify the Owner who may cancel your Booking and terminate their contract with you. In these circumstances, your rights to a refund are set out in clause 2.4.2. Please note that if you have paid in a currency that is different to the original pricing, we will not be able to guarantee the same conversion rate that was used to convert the deposit payment.
1.4 Except where otherwise advised or stated in the booking conditions of the Owner concerned, all monies you pay to us for a Booking will be held on behalf of the Owner(s) concerned.
1.5 Credit Card payments are processed via Elavon who provide merchants services facilities to Sawday’s Canopy & Stars Ltd.
2. Cancellation and Amendment by You
2.1 If you have to, or want to, cancel or amend your Booking this request must be sent to us by email (bookings@canopyandstars.co.uk) and will be considered and responded to within one working day of receipt. You are also advised to confirm all changes to our Guest Experience Team by calling 0117 204 7830. Please ensure that you have received written confirmation of any changes to your Booking prior to travel. Whilst we will always try to help, we cannot guarantee that such requests will be met.
2.2 Any amendments to your Booking or cancellations made by you, at any time, may incur a £50 administration fee in addition to us retaining the non-refundable deposit as per clause 2.4.2. This represents the administration costs incurred by us on behalf of the Owner to deal with such requests.
2.3 Amendments and cancellations can only be accepted in accordance with the booking conditions of the Owner of your Booking. The Owner may charge the cancellation or amendment charges shown in their booking conditions (which may be as much as 100% of the cost of the Booking and will normally increase closer to the date of departure). The Owner may charge cancellation or amendment charges in accordance with its own booking conditions, however for the sake of convenience only, we have outlined the Owner’s charges at clause 2.4 and 2.5 below. Please note that these are the Owner’s own cancellation and amendments charges, not Canopy & Stars’, and therefore the Owner may vary their charges as they wish, without notice to us. The correct charges will be notified to you at the time of your cancellation or amendments. In the event of a cancellation your right to a refund is as per clause 2.4.2 below.
2.4 Owner’s General Cancellation Charges:
2.4.1 Cancellation by you at any time will result in your deposit being forfeited, as all deposits are non-refundable. Where a Booking has been taken with a deposit which is less than our standard deposit (25% of the total Booking Fee), the Guest will, upon cancellation, be liable to pay the difference between the reduced deposit and our standard deposit.
2.4.2 In the event of cancellation within 10 weeks of check in the total cost of the accommodation including the deposit is non-refundable. In some circumstances it may be possible to swap the stay to another date as per clause 2.5.5 below. Cancellation should always be in writing to info@canopyandstars.co.uk. The deposit is always non-refundable as it covers costs incurred and services provided to enable your Booking. These include, but are not limited to, marketing and PR, property inspection fees, Owner management, booking management, credit card fees and customer service.
2.4.3 Cancellation of any holiday after it has been paid in full and at a date 10 weeks or more in advance of your check in date, will result in forfeiture of your deposit (or an amount equivalent where one was not paid as the holiday was paid in full) and the balance being returned to you. Refunds will be processed in the currency of the booking. Where this is different to the currency of the payment card, this will be converted at the current exchange rate on the day of the refund.
2.4.4 If extreme weather prevents you from reaching your holiday, taking or finishing your holiday, you are still subject to these cancellation terms as outlined in clause 2.4.2 above. We strongly recommend that you take out a travel insurance policy which covers this eventuality. In the event of the property becoming unavailable (such as due to fire or flooding), Canopy & Stars will endeavour to provide the Guest with suitable alternative accommodation, starting with any other accommodation that may be available with the same Owner of your Booking, or will refund all monies paid, or a proportion in the case of curtailment. The Agency cannot, however, pay any compensation or expenses as a consequence of such an event.
2.4.5 Cancellation insurance is available but will be a third party arrangement and not involve Canopy & Stars or the Owner in any way. You are strongly recommended to take out personal travel insurance for all members of your party for your holiday including holidays in the UK. It is your responsibility to ensure that the insurance cover is adequate for your needs, including cancellation and curtailment. 2.4.6 If you fail to check-in on your date of arrival your Booking will be cancelled and no refund will be due.
2.5 Owner’s General Amendment Charges:
2.5.1 Amendments to your Booking can only be made more than 10 weeks prior to the check in date, after which time amendments may be treated as cancellation and our refund policy as detailed in clause 2.4.2 above may apply. All amendments are subject to availability and may incur a fee which is at the Owner’s discretion (and is in addition to the Agency amendment fee as detailed in clause 2.2). Generally Owners will charge cancellation and amendment charges, the exact charges will be notified to you by the Owner at the time of cancellation and/or can be found in the Owner’s own booking conditions which are available from the Owner on request.
2.5.2 Differences in the total amount payable resulting from amendments to your Bookings will be refunded to you in the case of a decrease in price and paid by you in the case of increases in price.
2.5.3 In the event that a refund is issued it will be in the same form and ratio as the original payment was made. Therefore, if a Gift Voucher was used to purchase the original stay, the refund will be back onto a new Gift Voucher at the same amount as originally used.
2.5.4 In the event that a date swap is offered, this will normally be agreed with a set timeframe to rebook and sometimes a credit against a future stay will be offered via a Gift Voucher. Unless agreed otherwise, this Gift Voucher will only be redeemable with the same Owner as per the original Booking and Agency Booking Terms and Conditions would apply.
2.5.5 If a date swap is offered then normal Agency Booking Terms and Conditions would apply on the new date and Booking.
3. Changes and Cancellations by the Owner
We will inform you as soon as reasonably possible if the Owner needs to make a significant change to your confirmed Booking or to cancel your Booking. We will also liaise between you and the Owner to try and organise an alternative Booking offered by the Owner, or a refund but we will have no further liability to you.
4. Cancellations due to events outside of Owner’s control
An Owner may have to cancel a booking due to events outside of their reasonable control (see clause 20). In such circumstances, we will liaise between you and the Owner to try and organise an any alternative Booking offered by the Owner, or a refund but we will have no further liability to you.
5. Complaints
Because the contract for your Booking is between you and the Owner, any queries or concerns should be addressed to them. We always aim to provide the best possible holiday experience, however, in the event that you have any complaint or problems during your stay, please immediately notify the Owner as during the stay itself, so that the Owner has the opportunity to resolve the given problem at the time. Please also let us know of the problem as soon as possible by emailing info@canopyandstars.co.uk so we are aware too and can support you and the Owner with resolving anything. If you do not follow this procedure there will be less opportunity for the Owner to investigate and resolve your complaint and so make your stay as enjoyable as possible. Delays may also mean that amount of compensation you may be entitled to may be reduced or negated. Whether or not your complaint is dealt with satisfactorily, please also contact us as we appreciate all feedback. It is important to us and the Owner to know that you’ve enjoyed your stay or if anything could have been improved.
6. Pricing
6.1 Canopy & Stars reserve the right to amend advertised prices at any time on behalf of the Owner. We also reserve the right to correct errors in both advertised and confirmed prices. Special note: changes and errors sometimes occur.
6.2 Rates are set per place in the currency specified by the Owner. Where this has been converted into the currency of your preference, until the payment stage this will be an estimation only, based on a recent exchange rate. The original rate will be displayed before you confirm your payment and you will be given the option of paying in your own currency at our guaranteed rate, or paying in your own currency and leaving the conversion and any associated fees to your card provider.
7. Information & Accuracy
The information and prices shown on this website are varied from time to time and may change between the time you first view a property and make a Booking. You should check that all the details are as you expect prior to making a Booking. It is always possible that, despite our best efforts, some of the properties (including the features and extras available) may be incorrectly described and/or priced. If we discover this is the case after you have made a Booking, we reserve the right to contact you with details of the correct information and/or pricing and will give you the option to:
(1) proceed with the Booking based on the correct information and/or pricing, which may require the payment of an additional amount by you;
OR
(2) subject to availability, change your booking dates to dates when the pricing can be honoured and so no additional charge to you. In the event that a lower price can be offered for alternative dates then the difference would be refunded;
OR
(3) cancel the Booking. If we do not receive your instructions within 5 days of contacting you, we reserve the right to cancel your Booking without liability to you.
8. Our Responsibility for your Booking
Your contract is with the Owner and its booking conditions apply. As Agent, we accept no responsibility for the actual provision of the Booking. Our responsibilities are limited to making the Booking in accordance with your instructions and acting properly in accordance with our legal duties as an Agent. We accept no responsibility for any information about the Booking that we pass on to you in good faith. However, in the event that we are found liable to you on any basis whatsoever, our maximum liability to you is limited to twice the cost of your Booking (or the appropriate proportion of this if not everyone on the Booking is affected). We do not exclude or limit any liability for death or personal injury that arises as a result of our negligence or that of any of our employees whilst acting in the course of their employment.
9. Pets
9.1 Not all properties accept pets. If you wish to take your pet on holiday, please advise us before booking and we can check whether pets are accepted at the property. You must obtain the prior consent of the Owner before taking any pets to the property. If you take a pet to a place that doesn’t allow pets, or you exceed the number of pets allowed at a place, the Owner has the right to refuse you to stay at the Property, and/or they may ask you to leave the Property before the end of the holiday period. Please note that this would be without the right to any refund.
9.2 A nightly charge may be made by the Owner for each pet and additional terms may apply, you will be notified of this at point of Booking. Please check these terms carefully before booking and arriving.
9.3 Please do not leave your pets alone or unsupervised in the property at any time during your stay. For the safety and comfort of your pet we request that Owners exercise due diligence at all times, especially where the property is located near a road/livestock. Canopy & Stars nor the Owner can accept responsibility for the safety of your pet.
9.4 If any guest has an allergy to pets, please be aware that Owners (and we) cannot guarantee that a pet has not stayed in a particular Property. We and Owners cannot accept responsibility for any suffering which may occur as a result of such animals having been present in a Property.
9.5. We ask that all owners of pets keep their pet under control at all times and to be responsible for ensuring that they do not damage the Property during the stay. You will be liable for any damage caused by your pet. Any damage is to be reported to the Owner immediately. Any additional cleaning required, that may incur an additional charge, will be at the Owner's discretion.
10. VAT
Many of the Owners of properties in the Canopy & Stars portfolio are not registered for VAT in which case no tax is payable. Where VAT is payable, the tax is included in the advertised holiday rental price. If the rate of VAT changes between the date of the Booking and the date of the stay, Canopy & Stars will adjust the rate of VAT that you pay, unless you have already paid for the Booking in full before the change in the rate of VAT takes effect.
11. Visa, passport and health requirements
Unless you tell us otherwise, we assume that all members of your party are British citizens who hold or will hold full British passports valid for the entire duration of the Booking you chose to purchase. Information on visa, passport and health requirements, where given and applicable, is so given on this basis. Requirements may change and you are therefore strongly recommended to check the up to date position with the Owner of the Booking, Passport Office, appropriate embassy or consulate or your doctor as applicable in good time before the commencement of your holiday. Prior to international travel it is your responsibility to check whether it is safe to travel by visiting the FCO website www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.
12. Insurance
You are strongly recommended to take out personal travel insurance for all members of your party for your holiday, including holidays in the UK. It is your responsibility to ensure that the insurance cover is adequate for your needs, including cancellation and curtailment. Please read your policy details carefully and take them with you on holiday.
13. Special requests
If you have any special requests (for example dietary requirements, allergy, cots or room location), please let us know at the time of booking. We will pass on all such requests to the Owner, but unfortunately, we can't guarantee that they will be met and we will have no liability to you if they are not.
14. Group Bookings
Not all Owners accept Bookings for a single sex group (for example, a stag or hen party). Guests wanting to make such a Booking should check with us beforehand to enable us to check whether the Owner is prepared to accept the Booking. We will then advise you accordingly. In event that an Owner does not accept this type of Booking then it is with regret, that the Booking may be cancelled, and cancellation fees may apply. It is the Guest’s responsibility to enquire with Canopy & Stars and/or check on our website beforehand to make sure that this type of Booking is permitted.
15. Maximum Numbers
Please note that except by prior arrangement confirmed in writing, only the number of persons specified on a booking confirmation may occupy a property. Most owners reserve the right to refuse admittance or revoke a Booking if this condition is not observed and you are unlikely to receive any refund.
16. Your Responsibilities
16.1 Please note that you have a contract with the Owner of the property. As such you are under a responsibility to behave in a proper, appropriate and legal manner whilst staying at the property with due respect to the Owner, the Property and other guests and their Property.
16.2 During the period of Covid-19 or any other pandemic it is also your responsibility to ensure that you are healthy and safe to travel and that you respect the safety of the Owner and any other guests by conforming to social distancing and other government guidelines relating to your stay.
16.3 You are responsible for informing the Owner of any losses or damage to the property as soon as possible. Please note that you will be liable to pay the Owner for any losses or damage to the property caused by you or a member of your party (except reasonable wear and tear). Some Owners will also require damage deposits.
16.4 You must also leave the property by the check-out time specified on your Booking. If any guest behaves inappropriately or improperly (of which the Owner will be the final judge on their Property), or illegally, the Owner reserves the right to ask the guest and their party (at their discretion) to leave the Property before the end of the holiday period and/or refuse any future bookings from you. Any refund for so doing will be at the entire discretion of the Owner.
16.5 The Owner reserves the right to sue the guest for any loss, damage or injury caused to the Owner, the Property or to other guests and/or their property. As Agent, we will have no liability to you in these circumstances.
16.6 The Owner only supplies the Property for domestic and private use. You agree not to use the Property for any commercial, business or re-sale purpose, and the Owner has no liability to you for any loss of profit, loss of business, business interruption, or loss of business opportunity. If you do wish to use the Property for a commercial purpose, please contact Canopy & Stars.
17. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
These terms and conditions have been drafted in accordance with and are governed by English law and the courts of England and Wales have exclusive jurisdiction in relation to any and all disputes arising out of these Agency Terms & Conditions.
18. Discrepancies
In case of a discrepancy between these Agency Terms & Conditions and any other Canopy & Stars literature, these Agency Terms & Conditions shall prevail.
19. Validity clause
In the event that a court finds that a condition in these Agency Terms & Conditions is illegal or void, the illegal or void provision will be severed from the remainder of the Agency Terms & Conditions, which will continue to be valid and have full force and effect.
20. Events beyond an Owner or Agency’s control
If an Owner or Canopy & Stars is prevented or delayed from complying with any of their respective obligations under these Agency Terms & Conditions or a contract for a Booking due to events or circumstances beyond their reasonable control, the inability or delay in performing those obligations will not be treated as a breach of these Agency Terms & Conditions or a contract for a Booking. Examples of such events or circumstances include fire, flood and other acts of God, strikes, trade disputes, lock outs, restrictions of imports or exports, riot, accident, disruption to energy supplies, civil commotion, acts of terrorism or war, pandemic (including Covid-19), any national/local/regional government restrictions.
Alex was very friendly and helpful. Loads of great walks nearby in beautiful area. Hurricane lamps and stove are easy to use so not having electricity is fine. Plus that means you can see the stars on a clear night. Showers are hot too. Hut is cosy and beautifully decorated. You can do a doable but long walk from Clanfield bus stop but ask Alex for best route beforehand. Hambledon bus stop is 20 mins walk away. Food at Wriggly Tin is delicious. A really good trip -would recommend.
20/04/2022