Frequently Asked Questions
We've listened...we've answered - Here are our customers most frequesntly asked questions
if you can't find what you're looking for, pop us an email at: hello@swallowsfieldglampingpods.co.uk
if you can't find what you're looking for, pop us an email at: hello@swallowsfieldglampingpods.co.uk
You can book online directly with us or with our booking partners. Alternatively, please do contact us via e mail hello@swallowsfieldglampingpods.co.uk or telephone 01206 240626 to discuss your request.
Yes, each pod has one designated space right next to it. Additional parking is also available. The driveway and parking areas are self- binding gravel making for a mud free experience! If you have a motorcycle we can provide a concrete area for parking if you prefer.
The pods should be ready for you by 3pm, however if we do not have guests vacating on your arrival day we are happy for you to check in earlier.
Please ask if this is possible a few days prior to your arrival. We respectfully ask that guests vacate by 10.30am on your departure day so that we can get them spic and span for our next guests!
We would ask that you check in before 8pm. If you think you will arrive later than this please call to discuss your estimated arrival time.
Here at Swallows Field we know that your pet is part of the family and that leaving them behind is simply not an option! Well behaved dogs (and their owners) are most welcome. The pods are dog friendly and two dogs are included within the price of your booking. We politely remind guests that the pods are for dog owners and non-dog owners alike and all of our guests expect and deserve a peaceful holiday. Dogs that cause excessive noise, display aggressive behaviour and owners who neglect to clean up after your dog may be reminded of their obligations to our other guests.
If your dog is likely to bark at every passing guest or their dog we are unable to accommodate you. If you have more than two dogs please do contact us to discuss your booking further.
We respectfully request that dogs are not left alone in the glamping pods or unattended in the garden at any time. If you would like to enjoy a dog free day or an evening out please do discuss pet sitting services, available for sociable dogs.
Up to a maximum of 4. There is a full size fixed double bed and also a premium futon that opens into a double bed. Perfect for two couples sharing, or two friends travelling together.
Yes, of course. We just ask that you are at the entrance to receive it when it arrives.
Bring your own bedding, including duvet or sleeping bags and pillows & towels (unless you have pre-booked the linen/towels pack) The kitchen is equipped with all that you need for cooking (saucepans, frying pan etc) and cutlery, glasses and crockery. If you need anything in the kitchen that is not in the pods, chances are, I have it in the house for you to borrow!
There is a BBQ/Fire pit available for each pod. However, for safety reasons, we will sell logs here for you to purchase and only these logs are to be used in the firepit. This ensures a higher quality wood to avoid sparks in the summer periods. We also have charcoal for sale. Bring walking boots and wellies, as well as plenty of layers. Slippers in the winter is a good idea too!
You certainly can! Snowdrop Pod has an outdoor 13amp socket located right next to the parking bay and is therefore ideal for guests needing to charge their EV. You will need to bring your own charging lead though. There is a charge of £5 per day to cover the additional electricity.
Most definitely, you are on holiday after all! As long as you are available to meet the drivers at the gate you are most welcome to use our address & post code. Swallows Field Glamping, 6 Heath Cottages, Heath Road, Fordham Heath, Colchester CO3 9TN
In the main, yes! Please contact us to discuss your particular requirements.
All bookings are paid in full upon reservation, a £100 deposit will be part of this payment to secure your reservation.
If your booking is cancelled after the full balance has been paid then we will return the balance subject to the Pod being resold. If the Pod remains unsold then no monies can be returned. During this period the deposit is forfeit.
Yes, we are! The Pods are fully insulated and have double glazing. With two electric radiators and a heated towel rail in the shower room you can be snug as a bug, in even the chilliest weather.
During the High Season (1 April-30 September) we have a 3 night minimum stay policy. However, please always call us if you only have 2 nights available because we will accommodate you if we can. During the cooler months we will operate a two night minimum stay (really sorry, but no 1 night stays) Start days are to suit our guests subject to existing bookings. At certain times of the year (Christmas, for example) we may increase the minimum stay.
All guests need to check in on arrival. We do like to greet our guests and show you around the pods.
In the first instance please e mail us with your full name and dates that you have booked. We need all cancellations in writing please. On cancelling, if you have only paid the deposit you will lose this entirely.
If you have paid the full balance and we manage to re-sell your booking you will receive the balance back, less the deposit. If we are unable to re-sell your booking you would lose the full amount. It is for this reason we strongly recommend you take out travel insurance in case you need to cancel.
Swallows Field Glamping is located in a beautiful area for walking. Just a 5 minute walk along the road is Fordham Heath, perfect for ball playing on the football pitches & cricket pitch and exploring the lower Heath woodland and Parish Field. We have mapped out a 50-60 minute walk that you and your doggies can enjoy directly from the site and this can be extended significantly into the beautiful Fordham Hall Woodland Trust areas and Hillhouse Woods (the bluebells and wild garlic that grow in the woods must be seen & smelt!)
There are several round routes of 20-40 minutes directly from the site, which can include the Cricketers, for a refreshment break! Liz’s passion is walking her dogs, Nike & Milo, so providing your dogs are sociable she is more than happy to accompany you if you feel unsure of walking in the area at first.
Ah ha, we’ve thought of that! Our two are total mud addicts so there will be a dog shower (and a perfect place to wash off boots) It will be situated in the stable block, on concrete. There will be a supply of dog towels to dry off before returning to your Pods. Each Pod also has a two boot boxes outside, perfect for storing boots and all things doggy.
We are working with Camping Connect to provide our guests with free WiFi in the pods. As we are in a rural area we currently reply upon a Wireless Internet Service Provider. The WiFi available should be more than sufficient to check e mails, social media and browse online however it is not sufficient for streaming and downloading films and TV at this time. However, as a village we may have exciting news coming!
We are hoping to receive a true fibre connection providing us with up to 1,000 Mbps broadband. We have signed up for the service so watch this space!
We are pleased to announce that we have purchased our own light up hot tubs for our guests to hire for the duration of their stay. This means we will always have availability but we do need to know in advance so that they can be set up & heated ready for your arrival. Hot tub hire prices for 2020 are £100 for 2 nights, £120 for 3 nights & £10 per night thereafter. We change the water & santitise the tubs between every booking.
Most people like to bring their own bedding and towels when Glamping. There are mattress protectors already on the bed. We are more than happy to provide bedding & towels for the duration of your stay (particularly helpful if you are on a motorcycle or cycle tour!) at an additional cost of £25.00 per bed to include duvet, pillows x 4, fitted bottom sheet, duvet & pillow covers, flat sheet, 2 x bath towels, 2 x hand towels, 2 x face cloth
All of the heating in the pods is electric. There are two electric radiators in the living area, which you can control yourself and a heated towel rail in the en-suite shower room. Electricity use is included in the cost of your booking.
Sainsbury’s has a large store 2 miles away on the retail park in Stanway. There are many food outlets over there too!
In the village we have a petrol station, a small store and a Fish & Chip shop, just a 10 minute walk away. Also in the village is Brick Kiln Farm where you can buy free range eggs, local meat & produce.
5 miles away in the village of Wormingford is Colletts Farm kitchen http://www.collettsfarm.co.uk/index.cfm
and just 3 miles away is one of the finest butchers, Willshers https://www.awillsherandson.co.uk/home offering amazing BBQ meat and home cooked meals. Their sausage rolls are amazing too!
The Cricketers is a 10 minute walk from Swallows Field. Please see the Activities page for details of some other local pubs, either a short drive or longer walk away.
Yes, we are on a bus route. There is some useful bus route information on the village website https://eightashgreen.com/village-life/timetables/bus/
We are 4 miles from the main railway station in Colchester, where you can be in Liverpool Street, London in 50 minutes.
Colchester also has a Park & Ride available from junction 28 on the A12, just 10 minutes away from Swallows Field.
