Holiday FAQs

Our full terms and conditions can be found here. 

Our deposits are 20% of the total property cost, before any additional extras are added. Additional extras will be included in the balance payment. All deposits are non-refundable.

We accept most methods of payment. Unfortunately, we cannot accept payments using AMEX.

The remaining balance is required 8 weeks before your stay. If you wish to pay your balance in advance, simply log into our secure online payment system with your booking reference number here.

With our easy flexible payment option, you can split the cost of your stay into manageable payments when it suits you. 

Please note that the total cost of your stay must be paid 8 weeks before arrival.

Terms and conditions apply. 

We understand things can change. Sometimes a booking may be made in haste, or an unforeseen circumstance may arise. Our terms and conditions provide comfort that we will cancel your booking and refund any monies paid less any unrecoverable commitments made to external suppliers and card surcharges (if applicable).

We would recommend to all our guests to take out separate cancellation insurance.

All cancellations are required to be in writing to Habitat Escapes. On receipt of the cancellation, Habitat Escapes will seek to re-let the Property for the period of the booking. If we succeed in re-letting the property for the whole of the period booked, we shall refund an amount equal to the money paid, less the administration fee per week or part thereof booked. Where Habitat Escapes is unable to re-let the property at all, monies paid by the guest shall be forfeited to Habitat Escapes.

We cater for a variety of group holidays, ranging from 2- to 6-bed properties, sleeping up to 12 guests. If your group requires more than 1 property, our group bookings team will be able to assist in finding you the perfect place to stay. Simply call us on 0333 241 6616 to discuss your requirements.

Our bookings team are on hand to help create the perfect special event or occasion, just send an email to stay@habitatescapes.com with the details or call us on 0333 241 6616.

Whilst many of our properties accommodate larger parties, we do not accept stag or hen party bookings on either of our estates.

Our dedicated housekeeping team will provide each property with a few cleaning and toiletries for your stay. There will be washing up liquid, a sponge, tea towel and a toilet roll per bathroom.

Your welcome pack from Habitat Escapes will contain a small amount of tea, coffee, sugar and milk. Bed linen and towels for the property are provided – these are not to be used at the swimming pools.

Please note, items such as salt and pepper and oil are not provided but may be left in the property by prior guests/homeowners.

All our properties are lovingly kitted out by individual owners so the offering for each house is unique. For any special requirements please contact the Habitat Escapes team. 

We offer a range of option extras for your stay, from logs for the fire and BBQ charcoal to necessities your little ones like a travel cot and highchair.   

These can be added at the point of booking, alternatively please email stay@habitatescapes.com and we will be happy to add these to your booking for you.

7 days before your arrival, we will email you with the security code for the main entrance gate as well as instructions for the key, which is held at the property in a key safe.

Our check-in and check-out times vary depending on the Estate you're visiting and the time of year.

• Lower Mill Estate: 
  • Check-in: 1600
  • Check-out: 0900 in peak periods* & 1000 off-peak
     
• Silverlake Estate: 
  • Check-in: 1600
  • Check-out: 1000

Early check-in or late check-out may be available upon request. Please contact our team directly to arrange this. Additional charges may apply.

*Peak periods: school holidays and public holidays.

Yes, you can bring your own water sports equipment as long as you have your own liability insurance and your own life jacket/buoyancy aid. It is mandatory to wear a life jacket/buoyancy aid on all our lakes at Lower Mill Estate and Silverlake. Failure to do so will result in being asked to leave the lake.

We want all our guests to enjoy celebrations with us; however, due to the nature of our Estate locations, fireworks, BBQs and Chinese lanterns are strictly prohibited from both Silverlake and Lower Mill Estate.

Please note that while fireworks are prohibited at our Estates, we cannot be held responsible for firework activities in and around the surrounding area. Please bear this in mind when booking your stay during anticipated periods of firework usage such as Bonfire Night and New Year’s Eve, especially when bringing pets.

If you encounter any problems during your stay, please let us know immediately so that we can address the problem and ensure you have everything you need for a relaxing stay.

We offer a 5% discount on stays for our NHS Heroes. Simply book your stay online and email stay@habitatescapes.com from your NHS email within 48 hours of booking and we will apply the discount for you.

Please note, a Blue Light Card cannot be accepted as proof of eligibility. The NHS discount cannot be combined with any other promotional discounts or offers.

We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy a short break. If you require any help or advice on property suitability, please contact us on 0333 241 6616 and one of our friendly team will be able to answer any questions you have. 

If you are staying at Lower Mill Estate and require any assistance such as mobility equipment, we recommend Assured Mobility, based in Cirencester. You can call them on 01285 651512 or visit their website here. 

You can buy a gift card to the value of your choice by emailing stay@habitatescapes.com or calling 0333 241 6616. Gift cards can be purchased for either Lower Mill Estate or Silverlake Estate and are valid for 12 months*.

*Please note, vouchers are non-refundable and cannot be exchanged. Vouchers can only be used against properties managed by Habitat Escapes and cannot be used as payment for any of the Estates facilities, spa treatments, shop or restaurant items. 

Treatment vouchers are also available to purchase for Lower Mill Estate's Leisure & Wellness Club by emailing leisureandwellness@lowermillestate.net or calling 01285 862640.

We’re proud to support emergency services and NHS staff with a Blue Light Discount. To claim, please register with Blue Light Card, who will provide you with a promotional code to redeem at the point of booking.

Please note, our team is unable to apply this code retrospectively, so be sure to enter it during the booking process to avoid missing out. The Blue Light Card discount cannot be combined with any other promotional discounts or offers.

Due to safety restrictions about water temperature, water sports equipment is not available for use between November and April.

When going on the water in your own craft, it is a safety requirement that all water users wear a certified and correctly fitted buoyancy aid. You will also need to have proof of appropriate third-party liability insurance, to a limit of £1 million. For more information, please click here.

Unfortunately, swimming is not permitted in any of the lakes at Lower Mill Estate or Silverlake Estate.