Before You Arrive

Prepare before setting off

Hidden Places are often private, rural or outdoor locations, so a little preparation can make your visit safer and more enjoyable.

Review your booking carefully before travelling and make sure you understand the access arrangements, facilities and rules.

Review the booking details

Check the information shown in your Hidden Places account.

• The Place and Experience booked.
• The confirmed date.
• Your arrival and departure times.
• The number of guests attending.
• The activity agreed with the host.
• Any booking rules or restrictions.
• The latest booking status.

Contact the host promptly if anything is incorrect or has changed.

Read the arrival instructions

The host may provide directions, gate information, parking instructions or guidance for finding the correct entrance.

Rural postcodes can cover a wide area and may not always guide you directly to the Place.

Read all arrival instructions before beginning your journey rather than relying only on your navigation app.

Save the information you need

Mobile signal may be weak or unavailable near some Places.

Before travelling, consider saving or taking a screenshot of:

• The directions.
• The booking details.
• The agreed arrival time.
• Gate or parking instructions.
• Any relevant host messages.

Check the weather forecast

Outdoor conditions can change quickly and may affect access, comfort and safety.

Check the forecast close to your visit and prepare for rain, wind, heat, cold or strong sunlight where appropriate.

Contact the host if severe weather may affect the Place, but do not assume the booking is cancelled unless you are told this or the booking status changes.

Wear suitable clothing and footwear

Choose clothing appropriate for the weather, activity and ground conditions.

You may need:

• Waterproof footwear.
• Warm or waterproof clothing.
• Sun protection.
• Insect repellent.
• Clothing suitable for mud, long grass or uneven ground.
• High-visibility clothing if arriving in low light.

Avoid relying on the Place to provide clothing or equipment unless this is clearly stated in the Experience.

Check the facilities

Facilities vary between Places and may be more limited than at a public attraction or commercial venue.

Confirm whether the Place provides:

• Toilets.
• Drinking water.
• Handwashing facilities.
• Electricity.
• Shelter.
• Lighting.
• Waste disposal.
• Seating.

Bring what you need when a facility is not listed or has not been confirmed by the host.

Plan your journey and parking

Check the expected travel time and allow extra time for narrow roads, rural traffic, gates or unfamiliar access routes.

Confirm:

• How many vehicles are permitted.
• Where vehicles should be parked.
• Whether the access is suitable for your vehicle.
• Whether trailers, motorhomes or larger vehicles are allowed.
• Whether passengers need to walk from the parking area.

Do not park on neighbouring land, verges or access tracks unless the host has told you to do so.

Arrive at the agreed time

Do not arrive substantially early or late without contacting the host.

The Place may be in use before your booking, require preparation or need to be vacated at a particular time.

Let the host know as soon as possible if traffic or another issue is likely to delay you.

Make sure your group understands the booking

Share the important details with everyone attending.

Your group should understand:

• Where and when to meet.
• The agreed activity.
• The Place rules.
• Any restricted areas.
• Requirements relating to children or dogs.
• What clothing or equipment to bring.
• When the booking ends.

The person who made the booking remains responsible for ensuring the group follows the agreed conditions.

Bring appropriate supplies

Depending on the Place and Experience, you may need to bring:

• Drinking water.
• Food and snacks.
• Medication.
• A charged mobile phone or power bank.
• A torch.
• First-aid supplies.
• Waste bags.
• Equipment required for your activity.

Only bring fires, barbecues, cooking equipment or specialist equipment where the host has explicitly allowed them.

Children and dogs

Confirm that children or dogs are permitted before travelling.

Check whether:

• Children require continuous adult supervision.
• Dogs must remain on a lead.
• The land is securely enclosed.
• Livestock or wildlife may be present.
• Water, roads, cliffs or other hazards are nearby.
• Waste must be removed from the Place.

Never assume that a rural or private Place is secure simply because it appears enclosed in photographs.

Accessibility and mobility needs

Contact the host before travelling if anyone in your group has accessibility or mobility requirements.

Ask about the distance from parking, gradients, gates, steps, surfaces, lighting and access to facilities.

Outdoor ground conditions can also change after rain or other weather, so check again near the date where this is important.

Respect neighbouring properties

Hidden Places may be close to homes, farms or working land.

• Use only the entrance and parking area provided.
• Keep noise within the agreed limits.
• Do not enter neighbouring land.
• Do not block roads, gates or tracks.
• Follow any instructions concerning livestock or machinery.

If you cannot attend

Tell the host as soon as possible if you are delayed significantly or can no longer attend.

Do not simply abandon the booking without communicating. Follow the cancellation or change process shown within Hidden Places.

Final check before leaving home

• Your booking shows as confirmed.
• The date and arrival time are correct.
• You have the directions and access instructions.
• The host knows about any important changes.
• Your group size matches the booking.
• You have suitable clothing, footwear and supplies.
• You understand the Place rules.