Church Farm, Ardeley Camping and Cabin Stays FAQ Please read through the following FAQs as well as the Terms and Conditions for camping and cabin stays. If there are any questions that have not been answered, please email us on info@churchfarmardeley.co.uk and we will be happy to provide you with further information. Q
Are dogs allowed at the campsite?
A
Yes, your dog can come with you, but must be kept on a lead at all times.
Q
Can I go into the other fields?
A
You should not enter fields with animals in them. In particular, stay away from cattle as they can be extremely protective of their calves. Do not enter fields which have crops growing.
Q
Can I have a fire/BBQ?
A
You are permitted to have a fire, as long as it is at least 10m away from trees and hedges etc. You must never leave the fire unattended, and you must have a means of extinguishing it at hand (e.g. bucket of sand or water). You are also requested to use only meat purchased on the farm, and not bring any from other sources onto the site (this is for bio security reasons). The cost of having an open fire is ÂŁ10, bags of firewood can be purchased from the farm shop at ÂŁ5.00 per bag. Environmentally friendly disposable BBQ's are also available to purchase from the farm shop.
Q
Is there somewhere to buy food on-site?
A
We have a Farm Store, a cafe and a traditional pub. These all provide food from the farm and are open 7 days a week.
Q
Can I have fireworks or sky lanterns?
A
No, for health and safety reasons and the protection of our animals, we do not allow these.
Q
Can under 18s stay at the site?
A
Under 18s must be supervised by an adult who is responsible for the group.
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Church Farm, Ardeley Camping and Cabin Stays FAQ Q
Can I feed the animals?
A
You may only give them the animal feed that is sold in the Farm Store. Always wash your hands after going near the animals and before eating and drinking.
Q
Do you accept group bookings?
A
Large groups should contact us in advance to notify us of the number of people in the party, and if necessary discuss booking the exclusive use of a field. Groups are considered to be 8 people or more and will be asked to pay a damage deposit of £10 per person on booking. This is fully refundable on check out as long as requirements have been met (please refer to the T&C's). This does not apply to families with small children.
Q
Is there an electrical hook-up?
A
No, this is wild camping on a working farm, so none of our fields are supplied with electricity. You’re strongly advised to bring a torch, as it can get very dark in the countryside at night.
Q
What is provided in the cabins?
A
The cabins are rustic, they have a double bed in each and a very efficient wood burner. They do not have running water or electricity, but they do have beautiful views of the rural landscape. You will need to bring all bedding with you.
Q
Is wood provided?
A
Wood is available to purchase in the Farm Store at £5 per bag. Please do not gather wood from the woodlands or cut down living trees as this has a very negative impact on the wildlife. You can bring your own wood to burn but please ensure it is free of nails and other metal objects as these can harm the livestock.
Q
Are the cabins close to each other or the washing facilities?
A
No, they are spread around the farm. If you have a group that wants to be together, you can ask to erect tents near to one of the cabins. Likewise, you should ask if you want to be near to the farm entrance (this is where the toilet and shower is located), as some cabins are closer to this than others.
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Church Farm, Ardeley Camping and Cabin Stays FAQ Q
Is there a loo at the camp site?
A
Over summer, we sometimes set up compost toilets in the camping fields, but otherwise the only toilets are up at the main entrance to the farm. If you do not use a loo, please always bury your waste.
Q
Is there a shower?
A
There is one, basic, unisex shower up at the main entrance to the farm. This is always open and available to campers, but it is very basic.
Q
Is there access to drinking water?
A
There is always a tap at the entrance to the farm, and we sometimes set up an additional tap in the camping field over summer. Be sure to bring a container with you to collect water.
Q
When is check in/out?
A
If you're staying in a cabin, you can set up camp at any time after 2pm on the day of arrival. Check in at the Farm Store. Check out is any time before 12pm on the day of departure. If you're camping you can check in and out anytime during opening hours in the Farm Store (9am-6pm over Summer). Late check-in is available by prior arrangement, please ask upon booking.
Q
What do I do with my rubbish?
A
All rubbish must be removed from the farm when you check out. We do not have facilities to dispose of rubbish on site. We can arrange for your rubbish to be removed at ÂŁ5.00 per bag.
Q
What is the maximum duration of stay?
A
Yes, but only during the summer months if the ground is wet. This is due to the limited vehicle access when the ground is wet, please call to check with us if this is possible. The price is the same as for camping.
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Church Farm, Ardeley Camping and Cabin Stays FAQ Q
Can I bring a campervan/caravan?
A
Yes, but only during the summer months if the ground is wet. This is due to the limited vehicle access when the ground is wet, please call to check with us if this is possible. The price is the same as for camping.
Q
Do you have a septic tank for disposal of waste?
A
No, our sewage is handled by a natural digestion system, so we cannot accept any chemicals. You must take this waste with you when you leave the site.
Q
Do you have pot/clothes washing facilities?
A
No, you will need to heat your own water and wash up at your pitch.
Q
Can I bring a car up to the camp site / cabin?
A
Free car parking is available at the farm. However in the wetter months (also depending on farm/animal rotation) you will have to walk a short walk distance (5-15mins) with your luggage to your camping spot/cabin. Please bring suitable footwear and clothing. In the spring/summer, you will generally be allowed to take your car to the camping field. Please note there is no vehicle access to the woodlands or the log cabins (apart from Mr and Mrs Badger's Hut).
Q
What should I bring for my cabin stay?
A
You will need to bring bedding and linens to fit a double bed. Wood for the wood burner can be purchased from the shop, a means of lighting the wood fire, a torch, a water container, and anything else you need for your own comfort.
Q
Can I smoke in the cabins?
A
No, this is not permitted. You can smoke outside, but you can not leave any cigarette butts behind.
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Church Farm, Ardeley Camping and Cabin Stays FAQ Q
Can I stay at the farm if I am pregnant?
A
The NHS specifically warns against contact with sheep during lambing season (the first half of the year). There are rare but dangerous complications that can be caused by this contact, and even through contact with those who have been around lambing ewes. It is advisable to check with your doctor before coming to stay at the farm if you are pregnant.
Q
Is the farm in a quiet location?
A
There are no main roads nearby, but you should be aware that planes fly over the site as it is near Luton and Stanstead.
Q
What do I do if I have a problem with the site?
A
If you have any issues which you cannot resolve, and which you feel are ruining your stay with us (e.g. noisy neighbours), please let us know at the time. You can come to the store within it's opening hours, or you will be given a sheet at checkin which has an out of hours number on, please use this if needed.
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