FAQs
Most Commonly Asked Questions
General
- When can I check in?
Reception is open until 5pm (longer hours in the Summer) and you can check in from the following times:
- Camping: From 1pm – 9pm
- Lodges: From 3pm – 9pm
- Main House: From 3pm – 9pm (later arrivals should be agreed in advance.)
On Call support is available after 5pm to support later check ins, so if you do anticipate a late arrival or experience any delays getting to us, we do ask that you keep us informed.
- Are dogs allowed?
Yes, we do allow dogs in our forest camping areas only so please check with our Customer Experience Team when making your booking to ensure we allocate your pitch correctly. With the exception of assistance dogs, we do NOT allow dogs in the lodges or the main house.
Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times and cannot enter reception, the café, activity bases or facility blocks.
- Is Avon Tyrrell open all year round?
Avon Tyrrell is open most of the year however we do have a 2 week shutdown over the Christmas and New Year period.
Camping is available from 1st March – 31st October each year.
- I’m not satisfied with the service I’ve received, how can I make a complaint to Avon Tyrrell or UK Youth?
UK Youth are committed to providing high quality services to our membership and members of the public who use the Charity’s services or engage with us. We value complaints and use information learnt from them to help us improve what we do and how we do it. If something goes wrong or you are dissatisfied with what we are providing, please tell us – you should feel free to raise matters of concern without risk of disadvantage. This document describes our complaint procedure and how to make a complaint.
Lodges
- Are bedding and towels provided?
Bedding is provided for all lodges and included in the cost of your lodge.
We do not provide towels during your stay so please ensure that you bring your own, however you can hire towels for £4 per set if needed.
- What is included with the lodge?
All lodges have a fully equipped kitchen including fridge/freezer, kettle, toaster, microwave, oven, cutlery, crockery and cooking pans and utensils.
You will be provided with a small selection of kitchen essentials, including a tea towel, washing up liquid, bin bags and a toilet roll, but you will need to bring any additional amenities that you require.
- Are there additional charges for gas and electricity used?
No, the accommodation fee covers all services.
- What time can I arrive?
You are welcome to arrive at the centre at any time, although you will only be able to access your accommodation after 3pm unless otherwise agreed with our Customer Experience Team.
- What time must I vacate?
You must vacate your lodge by 10am on your departure date from Monday to Saturday and 4pm on Sundays. It is important that these times are adhered to so that our Housekeeping team have plenty of time to change over for new groups arriving that day.
- Are prices per person or per lodge?
Prices are charged per lodge although maximum numbers do apply.
- Can you have more people in the lodge?
No, the maximum occupancy of each lodge cannot be exceeded.
- What types of beds do you have?
As we support a wide range of groups on site, the bedding in all accommodation is single beds. The lodges have a mixture of bunk beds and twin rooms. Please let us know if you have any accessibility requirements so we can advise on the best lodge.
- When is full payment due?
For lodge bookings, we must have full payment prior to your arrival, otherwise we cannot give you the keys. The only exceptions are for organised groups who we will invoiced after the visit and payment will then need to be made upon 14 days of receipt.
- What do we do on departure?
Before you depart your lodge, we ask that you kindly:
- Strip the bedding and put it in the bathroom.
- Ensure all washing up has been done.
- Empty the fridge and cupboards of items brought with you.
- Take any rubbish to the rubbish and recycling area by the main house.
- Return any keys to reception and confirm you are leaving.
Camping
- Do your camping pitches have electrical hook-ups?
Some of our pitches do have an electric hook up point so please check availability with our Customer Experience Team when making your booking. Please note, you will be required to bring your own hook up cable (these are not provided.)
- Can I request a particular camping area?
Yes, we will always try to accommodate your requests where possible, although due to the mixture of groups on site, we may advise you of an alternative camping area for your stay. All of our pitches are marked and you must be able to fit your tent and vehicle within the allocated markers. This may mean you need to leave your car in one of our communal car parks.
Our pitches cater for tents, roof tents, campervans, caravans, trailers – inform CET upon booking for appropriate pitch.
- Can I bring a gazebo?
Yes, you can bring a gazebo, but it must fit within your allocated pitch. If you want to guarantee space, we recommend booking an extra pitch.
- What sizes are your pitches?
- Do you have hot showers?
Yes, our 3 facilities blocks have hot showers and we have accessible wet room facilities as below. We do not have hair dryers.
- Boathouse Facilities: Communal with family change cubicle. Separate accessible shower room.
- Reception facilities: Communal with separate accessible shower room and baby change.
- Forest Facilities: Male and Female shower and toilet facilities.
- Can I have a BBQ?
Yes, providing your BBQ is raised off the ground, you are welcome to enjoy. Alternatively, you can use one of the communal fire pits. Fire wood and coal can be purchased from Reception.
- Can I have a campfire?
Yes, but only in our designated Campfire area which can be booked for an additional charge. Ground fires are not permitted anywhere on the site. If you have a firepit you are welcome to use it as long as it is raised off of the ground.
Please note that we do not sell camping gas on site and you cannot dispose of it here.
- Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are only permitted in our forest camping area at weekends and in school holidays from March-October. Dogs are required to be under control and on a lead at all times, and owners must responsibly dispose of any waste in the bins provided. Dogs are not allowed on our lakeside camping area even on a lead.
- Is there drinking water available?
We have several drinking taps situated around the site as well as a refill station next to Reception.
- Is there anywhere I can store perishable foods?
Yes, we have a small communal fridge and freezer unit near Reception for our camping guests to store a couple of items.
- Where can I wash up?
We have washing up facilities with hot water outside our facilities blocks.
- Are there chemical waste disposal points on site?
Yes we have two chemical waste disposal points on site – one on the lakeside camping field and the other in the forest camping area.
We also have a grey waste disposal point in the forest camping area. Please note this is not a drive over point and will require a bucket to throw waste away.
- Can I charge my car on site?
- Where can I charge my phone/electrical devices?
- Are there any laundry facilities?
Unfortunately we do not have laundry facilities available for guests.
- Is there Wi-fi?
We do have a limited free Wi-Fi service for guests to use, but do encourage everyone to put down the devices and explore the great outdoors instead.
- Where can I buy the essentials?
We have a small campsite shop, selling basics such as milk, bread, toiletries and some camping supplies. It also stocks souvenir gifts and toys too. Please note that this is a small shop and we cannot stock to excess so items may run out in busier periods.
The village of Bransgore is a short drive away and offers a larger selection of food items in the Co-op, or the nearby market towns of Christchurch and Ringwood have full sized supermarkets.
- Can I bring my bike?
Yes, providing you also bring (and wear!) a helmet, you are very welcome to make use of our mountain bike trails. Please visit Reception for a map.
If you’d prefer to take the hassle out of transporting your bike, on-site bike hire is available.
- Can I bring my e-scooter?
We do not allow the use of e-scooters on our site.
- Can I join in on the activities?
Yes, our activities are suitable for 5+ years (some are 8+ years) but we recommend booking in advance on our portal to avoid disappointment. See section on activities below.
- What else can I do at Avon Tyrrell?
We have a range of FREE to use facilities to make the most of your visit – children’s play park, bouldering wall and sports courts. For a small cost we also have family activity packs to really explore the magical surroundings at Avon Tyrrell including our Adventure Trail, Orienteering and Geocaching.
- What are the arrival and departure times?
Your camping pitch will be available from 1pm and you must vacate your pitch by 11am, although you are welcome to remain on site and enjoy the facilities for the rest of the day.
- Can I book pitches next to my friends?
If you are looking to book a pitch for a group of friends or a large party, please specify at the time of booking and we will accommodate you where possible. If for any reason we are unable to accommodate such a request you will be informed at the time of booking.
As a family campsite we have quiet times from 10pm to 7am and expect guests to behave in an appropriate manner, including not drinking to excess or playing loud music.
- When is full payment due?
For small parties and families full payment is required at the time of booking. For organised groups, including those booking group activities, we can take a 50% deposit but final payment will be needed prior to arrival.
Activities
- Are there any age restrictions on your activities?
Suitable for 5+ years:
- Bushcraft, Challenge Course, High Ropes, Low Ropes, Archery, Pioneering, Climbing and Shelter Building.
- Pedalo, Canoeing and Sit on Top Kayaking are also suitable but 5-7 years must have a participating adult with them.
Suitable for 7+ years (recommended)
- Tree Top Trail: Minimum height restriction of 140cm if a child is taking part independently, or 130cm if they are accompanied by an adult.
- Zip Wire: Minimum height restriction of 130cm.
Suitable for 8+ years
- Abseiling, Tree Climbing, Kayaking, Paddleboarding and Raft Building.
- Are there any weight restrictions on your activities?
There is a maximum weight restriction of 120kg / 18 stone for the following activities:
Tree Top Trail | High Ropes | Tree Climbing | Climbing | Abseiling | Zip Wire.
There is a maximum weight restriction on all lake activities of 130kg (20 stone) including:
Kayaking | Sit on Top Kayaking | Canoeing | Pedalo | Paddleboarding | Raft Building
For more information, please contact our Customer Experience Team who will be able to advise you on appropriate activities.
- Are the activities all accessible?
The majority of our activities are fully accessible and we have a range of inclusive equipment available to ensure everyone has the same opportunities. If you do need special equipment for a session, please discuss this with our Customer Experience Team when making your booking or for further information, see our accessible adventure page.
- Can I book activities on arrival, or during my stay?
We would strongly advise if you would like to take part in activities during your stay that you book these in advance as soon as you can. Bookings can be made when you arrive but these will be subject to availability.
- Can I use my own paddleboard on the lake?
Unfortunately due to our insurance, we can only allow guests to use equipment belonging to Avon Tyrrell on the lake.
Fishing
- Do you have fishing facilities?
Yes, we have two well stocked fishing lakes on site for those that hold a rod licence, but we do not provide any rods or fishing equipment. Booking is required either in advance or on the day and we do have a cap.
- Do you need a permit/licence to fish?
As an individual, yes do need a rod licence to fish in our lakes as well as a day fishing pass which can be purchased from reception.
Under 12 years do not require a fishing license, but the supervising adult does.
Please note: Fishing closes from mid-March to mid-June each year for restocking
- When can you access the lakes?
The lakes are open from 08:30-16:30, although hours are extended for members only during the summer to 19:00.
We do not accommodate any night fishing. If any kit is left down at the lake past these times, it will be disposed of.
- Are there any age restrictions?
Under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult.
- Where do I fish?
You must fish off the wooden pontoons only.
- Where can I park?
There is a parking bay down the bottom of the site for fisherman opposite the challenge course. We kindly ask that you do not park on the main field or by the boathouse facilities as these are access areas for other guests staying on site.
- What type of fishing can I do?
You can only do barb and barbless fishing on our site. We do not allow fishing pots.
Main House
- How many beds does the house sleep?
The manor house is split into 3 areas, sleeping the below:
- Top floor: Sleeps up to 42
- Middle floor: Sleeps up to 49
- New wing: Sleeps up to 18
- Is the main house accessible?
Yes, the top floor and middle floor are fully accessible with a lift to each floor and wet rooms available. Additional equipment can be moved into the house to fully support those with physical needs.
New Wing is not accessible.
- Can anyone hire out the main house?
Yes, we can hire out the hire to any large groups whether that be for a school residential or a family event. We will discuss requirements and advise on resources available and prices, so please do contact us for further information.
- Can you hire the house on a self-catering basis?
The price for the house is based on a full board stay so will include breakfast, lunch and dinner. We are unable to give groups independent access to the kitchen facilities however we can discuss part catered options so please do contact us directly for more information.
Catering
- What times are meals?
Meal times are set to ensure we can support all groups needs and get all groups through efficiently. If you have preferred times or are planning off site activities, please let us know at time of booking and we will do our best to support this where possible.
On arrival, you will be issued with your meal times for the stay as par of your schedule.
- We have specific food requirements and allergens; can you cater for this?
Yes, we can cater for most dietary requirements and allergens are listed at each meal so students can easily identify.
If you have any concerns, please arrange a call with your Customer Experience lead to discuss.
- Can we have a menu in advance?
Menus are available a few weeks before your visit but please note these are subject to change depending on suppliers and deliveries.
If you need a sample menu beforehand, please check out the leaders resources pack.
Schools/Organised Groups
- How many young people can be in one activity group?
Our maximum group ratios are 1:10.
For groups that require additional support from leaders, they will need to be factored in to ratios.
- Can teachers take part in activities?
Teachers can take part in the activities, however they will need to pay and be included as part of the overall group ratios.
- Can we leave the students with the instructors?
No, each activity groups must be supervised by a leader at all times.
- Are instructors first aid trained?
Yes, all delivery staff and duty managers are first aid trained.
- What qualifications do your delivery staff hold?
Our delivery staff all hold a number of NGB qualifications where they are externally assessed for the activity sessions they deliver, however this varies from person to person. In addition they all undergo extensive internal training and sign off processes to ensure they are competent to deliver each activity to a high quality.
- Does Avon Tyrrell hold any accreditations?
Yes, we hold a number of accreditations including LOtC, AALA, AAIAC, IOL, ISO14001 and ISO9001.
- What happens during the evening on site?
After dinner you have free time, however you can select to have an evening activity subject to availability. Please contact your Customer Experience Contact to discuss.
- What times do activities start?
Typically activities run across the following time slots, however these may change slightly during the busier periods. 09:15-10:45, 11:00-12:30, 13:45-15:15 and 15:30-17:00.
Due to daylight hours, some activities will not be able to run for our fourth session slot of the day.
- Can we visit to look around the site and accommodation?
Absolutely. Our Customer Experience Team will be more than happy to book you in for a site visit and walk you round the accommodation and grounds to discuss options and answer any questions.
- Can parents bring children to visit the site before there residential trip?
Yes, if young people are nervous about spending time away from home, we are more than happy for parents to bring them to visit the site before their visit. Please contact your Customer Experience Contact to discuss and get this booked in.
- Why are packages different prices?
Our packages are on a 3 tiered pricing structure and vary depending on time of year, number of activities and accommodation type.
- How do we know which activities to book for our package?
Our activities have been split into categories of Experience, Learn and Develop and your package will offer you an allocated number of activities under each heading to choose from.
We ask that you confirm your activity choices at time of booking so we can ensure your selected choices are available.
- How much can the children bring to spend?
It is entirely up to the school/parents as to how much the children can bring. We only ask that they visit the shop in small groups.
- Do you take cash or card?
We can take both cash and card.
- What sort of products do you sell in the shop?
We sell a range of toys, chocolate, sweets, drinks and souvenirs including Avon Tyrrell branded t-shirts, pencils, water bottles and bags.
- When is the shop open?
The Shop is open between 8:30am -17:00am every day.
We are happy to look at keeping the shop open a bit later for groups to visit if they have a busy programme during the day, but this will need to be agreed in advance so please do let us know if this is something you would like.
Bike Hire & Tracks
- What bikes can you hire?
We have a fleet of mountain bikes of varying sizes for children and adults and some inclusion bikes available to support those with accessibility requirements.
We also have a handful of balance bikes for toddlers to use.
- How long can you hire a bike for?
To ensure we can manage and maintain our bike fleet, bike hire is only available for the day and bikes must be returned by 16:30.
- What bike tracks do you have?
We have two routes on site, plus our Pump and Gravity Track.
- Blue Route: An easy ride around Avon Tyrrell and accessible for those using a BOMA or inclusion bike.
- Red Route: For intermediate to expert riders, this route contains some technical sections including switchbacks, jumps, descents and climbs.
- Pump and Gravity Tracks: These purpose-built tracks are for intermediate to expert riders only as they have berms, table tops and rollers, which are all designed to improve your biking skills. To use this track, you will need an induction which can be organised with the Reception. You must be 12+ years to use the Pump and Gravity track.
- What distance are the bike tracks?
The blue route is approximately 2km
The red route is approximately 5km
- Do I need to wear a helmet?
Absolutely yes! Safety is our number one priority so we ask all guests when cycling around site and/or using the tracks to wear a helmet at all times.
If you have forgot to bring one, we can hire one out.
- Can you take the bikes off site?
Yes, we encourage guests to go out and explore the New Forest, but please ensure you stay with the bike at all times.