Staying Safe

Your safety comes first

Hidden Places may include woodland, fields, water, uneven ground, livestock and other natural features.

Guests are expected to behave responsibly, follow the host's instructions and use reasonable care throughout their visit.

Read the listing and booking information

Before travelling, review:

• The Place description.
• The Experience details.
• The facilities provided.
• The Place rules.
• The arrival instructions.
• Any safety information sent by the host.

Contact the host before your visit if anything is unclear.

Follow the host's instructions

Hosts know their land and may give instructions relating to access, parking, livestock, water, restricted areas or changing ground conditions.

Follow these instructions even if another route or area appears easier to use.

Stay within permitted areas

Your booking only allows access to the areas identified by the host.

• Do not cross fences or locked gates.
• Do not enter buildings unless permission is given.
• Do not leave marked or agreed routes.
• Keep away from machinery and working areas.
• Respect neighbouring land and private property.

Uneven and natural ground

Outdoor land may include mud, loose stones, slopes, holes, roots, long grass and other uneven surfaces.

Wear appropriate footwear, move carefully and use additional lighting where visibility is limited.

Water safety

Some Places may contain ponds, rivers, lakes, streams, ditches or other bodies of water.

• Keep children under close supervision.
• Do not enter the water unless this is explicitly permitted.
• Do not assume the water is shallow or safe.
• Keep away from unstable or slippery banks.
• Follow all host instructions relating to water access.

Never swim, paddle or use water equipment unless it forms part of the agreed Experience.

Woodland and trees

Woodland can contain low branches, fallen trees, roots, unstable ground and limited visibility.

Avoid woodland during severe winds or storms and never climb trees unless this is part of a properly managed Experience.

Keep away from any tree, branch or area the host has identified as unsafe.

Livestock and animals

Livestock and resident animals can behave unpredictably.

• Do not feed or approach animals without permission.
• Keep dogs under control and on a lead where instructed.
• Do not enter livestock enclosures unless permitted.
• Give animals plenty of space.
• Follow alternative routes provided by the host.

Tell the host before booking if anyone attending has concerns, allergies or requirements relating to animals.

Children and vulnerable guests

Children and anyone requiring additional support must be supervised appropriately throughout the visit.

The person who made the booking is responsible for ensuring that all members of the group understand the rules and remain within safe areas.

Weather conditions

Check the forecast and prepare for the expected conditions.

Heavy rain, strong winds, ice, flooding, extreme heat or poor visibility may make parts of a Place unsafe.

Do not assume the booking is cancelled because of poor weather, but contact the host if you are concerned.

Fires, barbecues and cooking equipment

Only use fires, barbecues, stoves or similar equipment where the listing and host explicitly allow them.

• Use only the designated area.
• Keep suitable extinguishing materials nearby.
• Never leave a flame unattended.
• Do not light fires during dry or windy conditions.
• Fully extinguish equipment before leaving.

Equipment and activities

Bring only equipment suitable for the agreed Experience and use it responsibly.

Contact the host before bringing:

• Large or heavy equipment.
• Generators or electrical equipment.
• Drones.
• Temporary structures.
• Cooking or heating equipment.
• Sports or specialist activity equipment.

Do not carry out an activity that differs materially from the one described in your booking.

Vehicles and parking

Drive slowly and use only the access routes and parking areas approved by the host.

• Do not block gates or emergency access.
• Watch for pedestrians, animals and farm vehicles.
• Do not drive onto soft ground without permission.
• Keep children away from moving vehicles.
• Tell the host if your vehicle is unusually large.

Mobile signal and remote locations

Some Places may have weak or unavailable mobile coverage.

Before arriving:

• Save the directions and booking details.
• Charge your phone.
• Tell someone where you are going where appropriate.
• Bring a torch if you may be present in low light.
• Carry any essential medication or supplies.

Alcohol and behaviour

Guests must behave responsibly and must not allow alcohol or any other substance to create a risk to themselves, other guests, the host or the property.

The host may end a visit if behaviour becomes unsafe, disruptive or inconsistent with the booking rules.

Accidents and injuries

If an accident occurs:

• Move away from any immediate danger where possible.
• Contact the emergency services if urgent assistance is needed.
• Tell the host as soon as it is safe to do so.
• Record what happened while the details are fresh.
• Contact Hidden Places support after the immediate situation is safe.

Do not delay urgent medical assistance while trying to contact the host or Hidden Places.

Emergency access

Keep gates, tracks and access points clear throughout your visit.

Follow the host's parking instructions so emergency or working vehicles can reach the land if necessary.

Report hazards promptly

Tell the host if you notice an unexpected hazard such as:

• A damaged gate or fence.
• An unstable branch or tree.
• Exposed wire or broken equipment.
• Unsafe ground or flooding.
• An aggressive or escaped animal.
• Another issue that could affect guests.

Keep other members of your group away from the hazard.

If you feel unsafe

Leave the immediate area if it is safe to do so and contact the host.

Contact the emergency services where there is an immediate threat to life, serious injury or danger.

Contact Hidden Places support once you are safe if the issue relates to the listing, host, property or booking.

Before leaving

• Make sure all members of your group are accounted for.
• Extinguish any permitted fire or cooking equipment.
• Remove litter and personal equipment.
• Close gates where instructed.
• Report any damage, accident or hazard to the host.
• Leave by the agreed departure time.