TERMS AND CONDITIONS
GENERAL TERMS
Introduction
Welcome to Gatcombe House, a Grade II* listed Georgian manor house situated in the heart of the Isle of Wight. These terms and conditions apply to all visitors, whether attending garden tours, wine tastings, or staying in our accommodation. By making a booking or purchasing admission, you agree to comply with these terms and conditions.
Opening Hours
• Garden Tours: April to September, twice weekly (Wednesday and Sunday), 2pm until approximately 4pm
• Wine Tasting: By scheduled appointment only
• Accommodation: Check-in from 3pm, check-out by 11am
Admission and Booking
1. All visitors must book in advance for garden tours, wine tastings, and accommodation.
2. Admission tickets and bookings are non-transferable and non-refundable except in circumstances outlined in our cancellation policy.
3.
We reserve the right to refuse admission or to remove any person from the premises who does not comply with these terms and conditions or who behaves in a manner that may pose a risk to themselves, other visitors, staff, or the property.
4.
Gatcombe House reserves the right to close all or part of the house, gardens, or estate without prior notice for maintenance, adverse weather conditions, private events, or other operational reasons.
Photography and Filming
1. Photography for personal, non-commercial use is permitted in the gardens and designated areas only.
2. Commercial photography, filming, or recording requires prior written permission.
3. Drones are not permitted without prior written authorization.
Health and Safety
1. Visitors must follow all safety instructions provided by staff or displayed on signs throughout the property.
2. In case of emergency, follow staff instructions and emergency procedures.
3. The designated fire assembly point is located in the parking area to the front of the Coach House.
4. Children under 16 must be supervised by an adult at all times.
5. Pathways may be uneven, and visitors are advised to wear suitable footwear.
6. For your safety, we may need to restrict access to certain areas during inclement weather.
Your Property
Gatcombe House accepts no responsibility for any loss or damage to personal property brought onto the premises unless caused by our negligence.
LIABILITY AND ACCESSIBILITY
Liability
1. Visitors attend Gatcombe House and its grounds at their own risk.
2.
While we take reasonable care to ensure your safety during your visit, Gatcombe Estate accepts no liability for any injury, loss, or damage suffered by visitors while on the premises, except where such injury, loss, or damage is caused by our proven negligence.
3.
Due to the historic nature of the property and gardens, the estate contains inherent risks including but not limited to: uneven pathways, varied terrain, steps, low doorways, and natural features that may pose hazards.
4. Visitors are advised to wear appropriate footwear, stay on designated paths, and pay attention to their surroundings at all times.
5. In wet weather, surfaces may become slippery; additional caution is advised.
Accessibility Information
1. Gatcombe House is a historic property with physical characteristics that may present challenges for visitors with mobility requirements.
2. At present, our garden tours require the ability to navigate uneven terrain, gravel pathways, and occasional steps without assistance.
3. We are committed to improving accessibility where possible while preserving the historic integrity of the estate.
4. We regret that the current tour route is not suitable for wheelchair users or those who experience significant mobility challenges.
5.
Visitors with specific access requirements are encouraged to contact us in advance at george.watts@gatcombeestate.com to discuss their needs, and we will make reasonable efforts to accommodate where possible.
6. We are continuously reviewing our accessibility options and working toward more inclusive visitor experiences.
Pets
1. Only registered assistance dogs are permitted on the Gatcombe House estate.
2. No other dogs or pets are allowed on the premises under any circumstances.
3. Owners of assistance dogs must keep them under control at all times and clean up after them.
GARDEN TOURS
Garden Tour Admission
1. Garden tour tickets must be purchased in advance through our website or by telephone.
2. Tours are available on Wednesdays and Sundays from April to September, starting at 2pm and lasting approximately 2 hours.
3. Tickets are valid only for the date specified at the time of booking.
4. A garden tour ticket allows entry to the gardens only and does not include access to the house interior unless specifically stated.
Garden Tour Conduct
1. Visitors must stay on designated paths and follow the prescribed route.
2. Please do not pick flowers, damage plants, or remove any natural materials from the gardens.
3. Picnicking is permitted only in designated areas.
4. Litter must be placed in bins provided or taken home.
WINE TASTING EVENTS
Wine Tasting Booking
1. All wine tasting experiences require advance booking and payment.
2. Participants must be 18 years or older. Valid proof of age may be required.
3. Minimum group size for private wine tastings is 4 people, maximum 12 people.
Wine Tasting Conduct
1. Gatcombe House promotes responsible drinking. We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone who appears to be intoxicated.
2. Wine purchased during tastings may be consumed on-site or taken away.
3. External alcohol is not permitted on the premises.
4. Wine tastings start promptly at the scheduled time. Late arrivals may miss portions of the experience.
ACCOMMODATION
Booking and Payment
1. A non-refundable deposit of 25% of the total booking cost is required to confirm your reservation.
2. Full payment is due 30 days prior to arrival.
3. Bookings made less than 30 days before arrival require full payment at the time of booking.
4. Prices include VAT and are subject to change until your booking is confirmed.
Check-in and Check-out
1. Check-in time is from 3:00pm to 7:00pm. Please notify us in advance if you will arrive outside these hours.
2. Check-out time is by 11:00am on the day of departure.
3. Late check-out may incur additional charges.
Accommodation Capacity
1. The number of guests must not exceed the maximum occupancy stated at the time of booking.
2. Additional guests may not stay overnight without prior agreement.
3. We reserve the right to refuse entry or charge for additional guests if the stated maximum occupancy is exceeded.
Care of Property
1. Guests are responsible for keeping the accommodation in good condition and for any damage caused during their stay.
2. Any damage or breakages must be reported to management as soon as possible.
3. Smoking is not permitted in any of our accommodation. A cleaning fee of £250 will be charged for violations.
4. Candles, fireworks, and other fire hazards are strictly prohibited.
Noise and Behavior
1. Please respect other guests by keeping noise to a minimum, especially between 10:00pm and 8:00am.
2. Disruptive behavior that interferes with the comfort and enjoyment of other guests will not be tolerated.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Garden Tours and Wine Tastings
1. Full refunds are available for cancellations made at least 48 hours in advance.
2. No refunds for cancellations made less than 48 hours before the scheduled visit.
3. In the event of cancellation by Gatcombe House, a full refund or alternative date will be offered.
Accommodation Cancellation
1. Cancellations more than 30 days before arrival: loss of deposit only.
2. Cancellations 15-30 days before arrival: 50% of total booking cost.
3. Cancellations less than 15 days before arrival: 100% of total booking cost.
4. We strongly recommend travel insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances.
Force Majeure
1.
Gatcombe House cannot accept liability or pay compensation where the performance of our obligations is prevented or affected by events beyond our control, including (but not limited to) war, civil unrest, terrorist activity, natural disaster, adverse weather conditions, fire, flood, or industrial dispute.
2. If government restrictions prevent us from operating, we will offer a full refund or rebooking for a future date.
CHANGES TO BOOKINGS
Amendments
1. Amendments to existing bookings may be made subject to availability and at our discretion.
2. An administration fee of £25 may apply to booking changes.
3. Changes to dates or significant alterations may be treated as a cancellation and rebooking.
PRIVACY AND DATA PROTECTION
Data Protection
1. We collect and process personal data in accordance with current UK data protection legislation.
2. Your personal information will only be used to process your booking and to personalize your visit.
3. We will not share your data with third parties except where necessary to fulfill our contract with you.
4. For our full privacy policy, please visit our website.
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Complaints
1. If you have any complaints during your visit, please inform a member of staff immediately so we can address the issue.
2. Complaints made after your visit should be sent in writing to george.watts@gatcombeestate.com within 14 days.
Marketing
Guests may receive occasional emails about special offers and events at Gatcombe House. You can unsubscribe from these communications at any time.
Changes to Terms and Conditions
Gatcombe House reserves the right to amend these terms and conditions at any time. The latest version will always be available on our website.
Governing Law
These terms and conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with English law, and any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.
By making a booking or purchasing admission to Gatcombe House, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these terms and conditions.
Last updated: May 2025