Frequently asked questions
Accommodation
Do you have a plan of the bedrooms?
Yes, these are available here. They show how many beds are in a room, whether a room has a bathroom, shower room, or neither, and which rooms are on the ground floor.
Do you have accessible bedrooms?
Yes, we have two step-free accessible rooms (one in the manor and one in the mews) and four other rooms downstairs (all in the Mews).
Can I bring my partner/friend who is not doing the course?
Usually, yes. On most courses, we offer non-participant prices for people sharing a room with a course participant. These cover accommodation and meals for the second person, who is then free to explore the local area during the day.
Can I stay on a Sunday night?
Maybe. We sometimes offer this option on weekend courses, but not always. Please ask at time of booking. Sunday nights must be booked in advance.
Do you provide towels and bedding?
We do, but you’re always welcome to bring your own if there’s something that you prefer to use. Spare pillows and blankets are available in the rooms (usually in the wardrobe). We provide a bath towel, hand towel and bath mat to everyone staying in the Manor and Mews, plus soap. We don’t provide any other toiletries.
What if I have to cancel?
Please see our cancellation policy for your options. Halsway Manor Society membership gives you cancellation benefits if you become a member before you cancel.
Camping or bringing a campervan
What facilities are there for campers?
During the summer, we welcome campers into the Water Garden at the bottom of the drive. There you will find a toilet and water supply. In the winter, camping is allowed beside the manor at the top of the drive (3 spaces) and on the gravelled area near the Wendy House past the manor frontage. Campers can use the shared showers and toilets in the manor. There are two showers and two toilets in the West End (left at the top of the stairs) and two shower rooms at the East End of the building (right at the top of the stairs, far end of the corridor).
Have you got hook-ups for a caravan or campervan?
Yes there are four hook-ups: two by the manor and two in the water garden. These can be used on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be booked.
Can I empty my camper waste?
Yes, there is a waste disposal point in the water garden behind the Garden Cabins.
Getting here and arrival
What should I bring?
Bring anything that you would usually pack to go on holiday to a hotel, including toiletries (hand soap is provided). You’ll need any items required for your course, plus appropriate clothes for the British weather. Don’t forget your walking boots - the Quantocks are beautiful. We always advise packing an extra layer - if the temperature drops during your stay, the manor’s heating sometimes take a while to catch up.
Can I get to you on public transport?
Yes, we are on a bus route from Taunton which is connected to the main UK rail system - find out more about getting to Halsway.
What time can I arrive?
Check in is usually at 4pm on Mondays and Fridays. Just come in at the front door after that time. If no one is at the desk, please ring the bell. Unless you’ve been told otherwise, your first session or workshop will begin after dinner. Our camping hook-ups are available on a first-come, first-served basis, though we request that you do not arrive early to claim one.
Anything else
Can I hire the whole property?
Maybe! We offer a year-round programme but are happy to discuss partnership hires which meet our charitable aims and objectives.
Can I bring my dog?
No. We do not allow dogs anywhere on-site unless it is a registered assistance dog.
Is there wi-fi?
We usually have wi-fi in the communal areas - the bar, library and hall. We say ‘usually’, because sometimes our remote location affects our connection to the internet, and if there’s no Wifi, it’s out of our control. 4G coverage is good, though. Not having wi-fi across the entire property is a conscious choice. Think of it as a retreat. For more info, see our courses page.