What to expect when you arrive
An updated check-in process to ensure minimal contact
We’ve adapted the way you check in and check out to ensure minimal contact.
Your check-in time will be 5pm. This later check in time is to accommodate our new CleanAssure+ system. At the moment early check-in and late check-out add-ons are currently unavailable.
When you arrive, simply park up and follow the social distancing markers to the Forest Retreat to safely check-in. You can then retreat to your cabin for your secluded forest escape.
So we can apply social distancing effectively, queuing systems may be implemented at the Forest Retreat. While we’ll try to make the process as quick as possible, check-in may take a little longer. Our friendly team members will do their best to ensure a fast-moving queue and appreciate your patience with this.
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.
What essentials is my cabin stocked with?
Our cabins are designed to feel like a home from home. Find out what your cabin is stocked with by exploring our cabins.
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.
If local businesses are closed, what supplies should I bring?
We offer a secluded self-catering experience in the heart of the forest, so it’s best to bring everything you usually need when you’re away from home.
We recommend bringing your own food, supplies and essentials - but the Forest Retreat is always well stocked if you need something. Get in touch with our team members through the TV in your cabin and they can make a contact-free delivery straight to your cabin door.
We also recommend checking with local authorities to see what shops and businesses are open before your stay. Please note we are not responsible if any local shops and businesses are closed during your stay.
Your cabin and hot tub
An updated cleaning process for the current situation
Our team members are trained to carry out the highest standards of cleanliness and we always deep clean your cabin before your stay. While we’ve been closed, every single cabin at every single location has undergone an additional deep clean.
We’ve also developed a new two-step process: after our usual deep clean, your cabin will be cleaned again. The second phase of cleaning focuses on cabin hotspots.
Cabin hotspots are 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?
We’ve developed our CleanAssure+ seal so you can arrive at your cabin knowing no one else has been inside after the second phase of cleaning. Our team members deep clean your cabin, conduct an additional clean of cabin hotspots using BioGuard and lock up the cabin. They then apply our unique CleanAssure+ seal to the cabin door. The CleanAssure+ seal prevents anyone else from accessing your cabin and lets you know no one has entered the cabin before your arrival.
How is my hot tub sanitised?
We follow guidance from The British and Irish Spa Hot Tub Association (BISHTA).
Our team members give each hot tub a daily dosing of sanitiser to keep the water healthy, while ensuring the inside of the tubs above the waterline and lids are effectively sanitised.
You might see our team on your decking when they carry out daily checks. This is to ensure your hot tub is sanitised effectively. Social distancing will be applied throughout this process.
We also recommend taking a shower before you relax in the hot tub. Further information about using your hot tub can be found on the TV in your cabin.
Around location & the Forest Retreat
Social distancing and reduced contact
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 members are already experts at staying in the background to ensure your total privacy, but now they’ll be following social distancing guidelines at all times too. In fact, the only time you’ll see our team members is if you need them. Contact them through the messaging facility on the TV in your cabin and they’ll be there as soon as they can. But please note it may sometimes take a little longer for them to reach you outside of usual opening hours.
Can I use cash in the Forest Retreat?
At the moment, we won’t be accepting cash at any Forest Holidays location. This is to help minimise contact and to keep guests and team members safe.
It’s also easier and quicker to use contactless payments on location as we can pre-authorise a credit or debit card and you can order what you need through the TV in your cabin.
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.
Where possible, we also recommend going cashless when visiting local areas in order to reduce risk for rural communities.
How can I get in touch with a team member during my stay?
You can contact the Forest Retreat at any time through the TV in your cabin. They’ll deal with any requests contact-free and with social distancing applied where possible.
Do I need to wear a mask and gloves at the location?
If you’re staying at a Forest Holidays location in England or Wales, we recommend checking up-to-date government guidance to help you make your own decision with confidence.
If you’re staying at a Forest Holidays location in Scotland, face coverings must be worn in shops as per rules set out by the Scottish Government. This means a face covering (mask, scarf or visor) should be worn in the Forest Retreat and when visiting local shops.
Read the official guidelines and ask our team members any questions you have.
What should I do if I develop COVID-19 symptoms during my break?
If you develop 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.
Activities and things to do
I’ve pre-booked an activity, how can I check if it’s still going ahead?
Each of our location runs different activities. To ensure social distancing is applied, many Forest Ranger activities have been adapted for your peace of mind.
In the run up to your break, look out for our emails to find out activity details specific to your chosen location.
If you’ve already booked an activity with us that needs to be cancelled, this will have been automatically refunded before your stay.
We’re constantly in touch with our third party activity providers. If you’ve booked an activity through a third party, we’ll let you know as soon as possible if anything has changed.
If local businesses are closed, what can we do for fun on our holiday?
Keen to have a paddle at the beach, explore a National Park or drive to a famous landmark? We recommend checking with local authorities to see what’s open before your stay.
Alternatively, our team members can advise you on places that are ready to welcome visitors. Please note we are not responsible if certain attractions and areas are closed at the time of your stay.
Unlike holiday parks, the beauty of a Forest Holiday is there’s no need to book packaged activities in order to have a good time. From wildlife watching and den building to long walks and picnics, the forest around you provides all the entertainment and tranquility you need.
What should I do if I develop COVID-19 symptoms during my break with Forest Holidays?
If you develop 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.