What to expect when you arrive
Do I need to do anything before I check in?
Please note that your check-in time will be 4pm unless you’ve pre-booked an early check-in (these have limited availability at the moment). This is to help accommodate our CleanAssure+ cleaning process. If you were emailed a pre-arrival registration form, complete this prior to arrival to help speed up the check in process.
Do I need to wear a face covering on location?
Please remember to wear your face covering when you check in, when you visit the Forest Retreat and when visiting local shops and supermarkets as per regional guidance.
Where do I go to check in?
To help with social distancing, only one person per booking needs to check in. Follow the social distancing markers to the Forest Retreat to check-in and give your details for Track and Trace. Check-in may take a little longer at the moment, but our friendly team will do their best to keep the process fast and fuss-free.
Can I check-in online?
You can’t check-in online but you can complete an online registration form to speed up the process. If you booked with us directly, this will be emailed to you before your stay and needs to be completed prior to your arrival.
If you booked through a third party, you won’t be emailed an online registration form so there’s no need to worry if you don’t receive one.
Can I use cash on location?
At the moment all locations are cashless, so during check-in you’ll need to pre-authorise a credit or debit card. Any purchases made on location will be confirmed the day before you check-out and a card payment will be made. Confirmation of your final payment will be shown on the TV in your cabin. We also recommend going cashless when using shops and businesses in the local area.
Are toilets open in the Forest Retreat/Forest Hub?
You can use the toilets in the Forest Retreat as long as you wear your face covering. Wipes are provided to wipe down the toilet before and after use. Toilets are checked and cleaned every hour by our team.
Your cabin and cleaning
What is the current cleaning process at Forest Holidays?
Our team is trained to carry out the highest standards of cleanliness and we always deep clean your cabin before your stay. During periods of closure, each cabin at every location undergoes an additional deep clean. We continually review our processes in line with government guidance and over 95% percent of our guests were satisfied or highly satisfied with how well we protected their health and safety during their last stay.
What is CleanAssure+?
We’ve developed a unique two-step process: after our usual deep clean, your cabin will be cleaned again. The second phase of cleaning focuses on cabin hotspots (the most used and most commonly touched areas of your cabin such as door handles, light switches and kitchen counters).
When we clean cabin hot spots we use BioGuard - a scientifically proven, medical grade hand and surface wipe system trusted by healthcare professionals. BioGuard is proven to protect against 99.9% of bacteria and viruses. It’s also PH neutral, dermatologically tested and environmentally friendly.
How can I be sure my cabin has been deep cleaned before my arrival?
After our team completes the CleanAssure+ process, they lock up the cabin. They then apply our unique CleanAssure+ hanger to the cabin door. The CleanAssure+ hanger prevents anyone else from accessing your cabin and lets you know no one has entered your cabin before your arrival.
What cleaning essentials are my cabin stocked with?
We provide cleaning cloths and BioGuard spray for all of our guests. These are kept in your cabin ready for your arrival. This is so (if you want to) you can keep things clean the same way you like to at home. Your cabin is also stocked with enough toilet paper and towels for your stay. There’s hand soap in the bathroom too.
How is my hot tub sanitised?
We follow guidance from The British and Irish Spa Hot Tub Association (BISHTA). Our team carries out socially-distanced daily checks to make sure your hot tub is safe. Every day they give each hot tub a dosing of sanitiser to keep the water healthy, while ensuring the inside of the tubs above the waterline and lids are effectively sanitised. Find out more about using your hot tub safely via the TV in your cabin.
Dining and in-cabin delivery
If local businesses are closed, what supplies should I bring?
We offer a self-catering holiday experience so it’s best to bring everything you usually need when you’re away from home. We also recommend checking which shops, businesses and supermarkets are open before your stay, otherwise our team can let you know what’s nearby when you arrive.
What food options are available on location?
Every location will offer outdoor dining with a limited menu from 12 April*.
There’s no need to make reservations but you’ll need to make sure you’ve pre-authorised a card with us before ordering your meal.
Due to social distancing, space on the outdoor decking is limited and tables will be set out to accommodate a maximum of six people (we may not have space to accommodate bigger parties).
In line with government guidance, tables can accommodate six people from any number of households or any number of people from two households.
Dine-in options and shopping facilities will vary depending on location, date of travel and current restrictions.
We’ll let you know what’s open in your pre-arrival email or you can refer to TV in your cabin for the latest information when you arrive.
If you have any questions about dining options and food service times during your stay, please ask our location team. They’re happy to help with all enquiries.
*food service times and menu options vary at each location and are subject to change and government guidance.
Is there an in-cabin delivery service?
Enjoy all your usual holiday favourites delivered to your doorstep, contact free. From meals and drinks to groceries and essentials, everything’s covered with our handy in-cabin delivery service. Simply use the TV in your cabin to view the current menu and place your order for a time that suits you. This service is available at all locations. Please note that food service times vary by location and products are subject to change and availability.
Activities and things to do
What activities and extras are available on location?
Activities and extras vary by location and are subject to change and availability. Please refer to the TV in your cabin or ask a team member about what’s currently available. Our team can also recommend local places that are open for visitors. If you’ve pre-booked extras or activities which can’t go ahead, we’ll email you to let you know and you should receive your refund before your break.
How do I contact the Forest Holidays team during my stay?
Our team is onhand to deal with your requests contact-free and with social distancing applied where possible. You can contact the Forest Retreat at any time through the TV in your cabin or by phoning the Forest Retreat within opening hours.
What do I do if there's an emergency?
Contact our team through the messaging facility on the TV in your cabin and they’ll be there as soon as they can (it may take a little longer for them to reach you if it’s outside our usual opening hours). If you develop COVID symptoms while staying with us, contact the emergency number listed on the TV in your cabin and in the Forest Life brochure so we can provide assistance and advice.
What social distancing measures are in place?
Social distancing happens naturally in the forest. The nature of our remote, rural locations means it’s easy to find plenty of wide, open space (and avoid crowds and queues). And because you have your cabin all to yourself, you can enjoy complete seclusion for your entire stay. Our team will stay in the background and follow social distancing guidelines all times too. Over 96% of guests were satisfied or highly satisfied with how social distancing was enforced on location during their last stay. Find out more