Our caravan is sited on the Butlins Minehead Resort, and is available for hire throughout the year. Our caravan is a family caravan, which we hire out so other families can enjoy the magical experience of Butlins that we knew growing up.
Our terms and conditions are in place for your benefit, so that you and all of our guests can enjoy a safe and comfortable holiday. You will be bound by our terms and conditions and also the terms and conditions of Butlins. Please ensure that all terms and conditions are read carefully and understood before booking, we are always happy to answer any questions which you may have. Payment of the deposit or any monies received is considered as acceptance of these conditions.
Richs Retreat reserve the right to update these terms and conditions where necessary to reflect changes in legislation, government requirements or Butlin’s rules. Any changes will not retrospectively alter the agreed price or materially change the terms of an existing booking unless this is necessary to comply with the law or Butlin’s requirements. Where a change materially affects an existing booking, we will notify the lead booker as soon as reasonably possible.
By paying the deposit on your break, you are hereby agreeing that you have read, understood, and agree to these terms and conditions and will be bound by them for your booking.
1 – Butlins Facilities
- In order to use the Butlins resort facilities, you must purchase ‘entertainment passes’ for each member or your party based on their age at the time of your arrival date. We include 2 adults and 2 child passes in the holiday cost, and extra can be purchased through us at an additional cost. There are also some special events that are ticket only and arena events. Tickets to these events are NOT included in the price of the holiday and MUST be purchased separately.
- Guest services or reception can be contacted on 01643 700630. For emergencies out of hours either contact us or the onsite facilities team on 01643 703331.
- In the event that Butlin’s changes the programme of entertainment or removes/cancels any facilities or entertainment, this is completely beyond our control, and we cannot be held liable for these occurrences.
- We are unable to guarantee that guests will gain access to every show/activity some days/times are busier than others and we cannot be held liable for these busy times.
- We would hate to see it happen, however, to protect everyone onsite, if any serious incidents or persistent bad behaviour is reported, including the non-adherence to government guidelines, Butlins will ask those guests to leave. If this happens there will be no refunds given.
- In the unlikely event that Butlins ban you or a member or your party from site, for any reason, we cannot be held liable for any costs or the resulting loss of any holiday. We will also not hire to you or members of your party in future.
- Please be aware, at present the Skyline and Reds will operate as “free flow” venues, with a single queue line. Centre Stage and Studio 36 will operate a booking system. A limited number of Butlins Direct guests will be able to book a table in advance, all other guests, including all caravan guests, will need to join the standby queue. In the vast, vast majority of cases (we are only aware of a single show on a single break when it hasn’t) the standby queue will get in to the show, however we strongly advise you arrive early for shows you are desperate to see.
2 – Bookings
- All advertised rates are based on 2 adults and 2 children, extra passes can be purchased through us at time of booking up to a maximum of 8 on family breaks. On adult weekends we allow up to 5 passes. The total number of berths may not be exceeded by law. Please be aware that there are 3 bedrooms in the caravan that sleep 6 people, with an additional 2 people able to sleep on a fold out bed in the living area. We reserve the right to refuse large group bookings if we feel we cannot comfortable accommodate your stay.
- As per Butlin’s rules there must be at least one person aged over 25 within any adult only party booking and no single person or same sex group bookings are allowed during family breaks unless a valid reason can be given. Butlin’s will not accept bookings where there are more than 5 children under 15 years old per adult.
- Only guests named on the booking form are permitted to stay in the caravans. Violation of this rule may result in your entire party being removed from site and banned from future bookings. We will also cancel your break with no refund if we find this has occurred.
- All guests who are required by Butlin’s to provide electoral-roll verification must meet Butlin’s requirements. Guests who cannot be verified may be required to provide alternative identification or proof of address where accepted by Butlin’s or Butlin’s reserve the right to decline the booking and may result in the loss of your holiday with no refunds being issued.
- All bookings are non-transferable. This means you cannot re-sell or transfer your holiday to another party. Only in some circumstances can we change the name of the lead booker this will incur an administration charge of £50.00
- The details (title, name, age and address) of all people staying in the caravan are needed for the booking form which is required by Butlin’s. Any details provided to Richs Retreat will never be passed to any other party except Butlin’s as part of the booking process and the Police if required.
- Strictly no pets are allowed of any kind. Violation will result in the loss of the Refundable Security Bond and possibly incur additional charges. You will also have your holiday cancelled without refund and be asked to leave the site. The owner of the caravan does have a small dog which very rarely visits the caravan, after which it is deep cleaned. Those with serious dog allergies may be best not to book.
- Under 18’s are not allowed on the resort during adult only weekends.
- Wristbands are not to be sold on to anybody else they are assigned only to the guests staying in the caravan as per the booking. If anyone in your party is found to be selling them, you will be asked to leave the site with no refunds given.
- In the unlikely event that your caravan becomes unavailable for any reason, you will be given a full refund including deposit.
- Richs Retreat reserve the right to refuse a booking before it is confirmed. Once a booking has been confirmed, we may only cancel the booking where there is a reasonable or legitimate reason to do so, including where required by Butlin’s or where the information provided by the lead booker is inaccurate or the booking would breach these terms and conditions. Where we cancel a confirmed booking for reasons not caused by the hirer, any payments made will be refunded in full.
3 – Payments and Fees:
- We request a £100 non-refundable booking fee upon booking your holiday to secure your break, this is required to be paid within 7 days of initial bookings unless agreed with us at time of requesting a booking form.
- Butlins charge an administration fee of £10.00 per booking and this is included within your holiday price. This fee may increase if the booking is done closer to your holiday date, usually this is £25.00 within 48 hours of your arrival day and £40.00 if booked to arrive within 24 hours. Late booking fees are not included within the holiday price. Any changes to your booking after your details have been added to the Butlin’s system will incur a £25.00 administration fee.
- Any balances will be required to be paid by the due date shown on your holiday paperwork from us, usually this will be 8 weeks prior to your holiday start date. Bookings for December breaks are required to be paid in full by the beginning of November, this is due to Butlin’s closing the booking portal to caravan owners to allow time to process Christmas bookings. The final payment date will be on your paperwork. If the balance is not paid on time, it may result in your holiday being cancelled and re-advertised. The deposit will not be refunded.
- Richs Retreat charge a damage bond of £100.00 per family entertainment break and £200.00 on adult breaks. This is required to be paid at least a week prior to the start of your holiday, this will be refunded once we have the report from our contractors confirming there has been no damage or losses, or any additional expenses incurred; usually within 7 days of the last day of your holiday. Should any damage be caused the cost of correcting the damage or loss will be deducted from your damage bond. If any major damage or losses occur resulting in costs more than the value of the damage bond, the difference will be requested from the hirer. Failure to pay will result in the costs being recovered through a small claims court and the police informed. For the avoidance of doubt, the damage bond does not indemnify the hirer or their party from damage to the caravan.
- Failure to return the caravan key will result in a deduction of £80 from the damage bond to allow for a change of locks and new keys cut.
4 – Obligations Of The Lead Booker:
- A responsible adult over 25 must be the lead booker and staying in the caravan.
- The lead booker is liable for any damage caused to the caravan or contents during the period of hire, regardless of who actually causes the damage.
- The lead booker is responsible for ensuring that all terms and conditions are met at all times.
- Under 18’s must be supervised in the caravan by a responsible adult at all times.
- The lead booker is responsible for ensuring the caravan is properly secured, i.e., all windows and doors are closed and locked, when the caravan is not being occupied. Failure to do this will result in you being held responsible for any loss or damage. Please store your valuables out of sight when you leave during the day and at night as we will not be responsible for any losses during your stay.
- In the unlikely event that the caravan is broken into, you must first contact the Police and file a report to obtain a crime reference number. You must also notify Richs Retreat and Butlin’s.
- The lead booker is responsible for ensuring that all information on the booking form is correct and accurate. Any inaccuracies or false statements may result in refusal of entry to Butlin’s and your holiday being cancelled. If this occurs, you will not be entitled to a refund.
- The lead booker is responsible for all keys that have been provided to the caravan. If any keys are lost or not returned at the end of your stay, you will be charged for replacement locks to be fitted and all keys required by Richs Retreat and Butlin’s.
- There is a moat around the caravan park and a large open lake within the park and Butlin’s operate an open water policy. Please ensure all children and vulnerable persons are supervised at all times by a responsible adult and under no circumstances use the lake for swimming or paddling.
- Butlin’s is a family venue. Please be responsible for you and the rest of your parties actions. Any behaviour considered unreasonable, may result in you and your party being asked to leave the site and forfeiting the rest of your holiday. No refunds will be given in this instance.
- Please keep noise levels down to a minimum at night and respect other caravan park users.
- The green area outside of the caravans is a lovely area for children to play, please be mindful that ball games are not permitted in these areas, and could cause damage to the caravans in the area, which you may be held responsible for. Please remember to be respectful to other guests staying in the cove. Any continuous disruption to other guests where complaints are made may result in you and your party being asked to leave. No refunds will be issued
5 – Use Of The Caravan:
- In order to keep our prices as low as possible, there are some items that we do not supply as part of the hire. We supply pillows and duvets, but you must provide your own bed linen, such as bed sheets, pillowcases and duvet covers. We can organise a “beds made on arrival” service via our contractor at an additional cost which must be arranged at time of booking. Any mattress or pillow protectors must not be removed.
- We understand that accidents can happen, especially with little ones overnight. Richs Retreat recommends that bed mats be placed under the bed sheet to protect the mattresses. If there are any accidents, please notify us so that we can arrange for it to be sorted before the next guest goes in. Any soiled mattresses could result in the loss of your damage bond.
- Other items that are not provided as part of the hire include towels, tea towels, toilet paper, washing up liquid, washing up equipment, soap and toiletries. We do try to make sure that some cleaning items are in the caravans as we know these things can easily be forgotten and are important to a good break, but if you do use the cloths already in the caravan, we ask that you try to replace for the next guests.
- ABSOLUTELY NO smoking or vaping/e-cigarettes are permitted in or near the caravans. This includes leaning out of open windows or doors or smoking on the decking. Violation of this will result in the loss of your damage bond and you will be asked to leave with no refunds being given. Smoking is permitted outside away from open windows or doors, but please dispose of your cigarettes responsibly. Discarded cigarettes on the ground are regarded as littering and the cleaning charge from our contractors will be passed to you. If you do use an ashtray outside, please make sure you dispose of its contents safely before you leave.
- Please check your caravan upon arrival. In the unlikely event that there is a problem with your caravan, please advise us within 2 hours of arrival by calling or texting on 07942336942 or messaging through our Facebook page. We would not wish for you to be held liable for damages caused by the previous occupants should it have been missed by our contractors. We maintain a high standard, and if there is a problem with the cleanliness of the caravan, we would like to be made aware of this so that we can rectify any issues as quickly as possible and monitor the situation.
- In the event that you or one of your party breaks or damages anything, please report this to Richs Retreat as early as possible. The sooner we are made aware, the more likely that we will be able to rectify the problem in the most cost-effective way. It is accepted that accidents do happen, and where small items are broken (e.g., glasses, plates, cups or pans being burnt) If we know then we can advise on what to do without risking the loss of your damage bond i.e., you replacing or cleaning the item whilst you are there as there are additional charges incurred if we have to arrange ourselves.
- Pushchairs, prams, buggies or wheelchairs must only be taken into the caravan if the wheels are clean. Bicycles and scooters must not be taken inside the caravan. To protect the carpets and to safeguard your damage bond, we request that all outdoor footwear is removed as soon as you enter the caravans. Please note that high heels/stilettos are likely to cause damage to the flooring in the non-carpeted areas of the caravans and appropriate care should be taken.
- You must not dispose of nappies, wipes (even flushable ones) or sanitary products down the toilets as these are liable to cause a blockage which will result in a call out which may be charged back to you.
- In our caravans we have a highchair and bed guard. Richs Retreat recommends that you check and clean these before use as we are unable to guarantee that they have been cleaned to a high standard or damaged by previous guests. Please ensure children are not left unattended in these seats. These items are in the caravans for the convenience of guests and are used at the guests own risk. Richs Retreat cannot be held liable for any incidents involving these items.
- The Butlin’s facilities and activities are extensive and should keep your family amused all day long. We do not encourage the use of colouring pens, felt tips, crayons, play doh or any other messy activities, however we do understand that children may need to be kept amused inside the caravans. In the event that you do any of the above, the children must be supervised at all times. Should walls, upholstery or any other surfaces become marked, it will result in the need for specialist cleaning or redecoration which the lead booker will be liable for.
- We ask that guests are mindful when using make up items, nail varnish or body paint if any of these items get on to the furniture or flooring this will result in specialist cleaning or replacement. The lead booker will be liable for this.
- We have installed alarm sensors throughout the caravans for guests to use overnight for the protection from intruders and to help notify if any children or vulnerable persons try to exit without the responsible adult’s knowledge. If you intend to use this, please contact us for details on how to set this up. Richs Retreat cannot be held liable if this sensor fails.
- BBQs are allowed away from the caravan only, not on any benches, the decking and not near the caravan due to calor gas and undergrowth. Please ensure all BBQs are properly extinguished and disposed of after use.
- There are ventilation grates in the floor of each room of the caravan. Please do not block these as they help with the condensation and build-up of any carbon monoxide gases should any arise.
- There are smart smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors installed for our guests safety, please do not tamper with these as they are life saving devices. Any guests found to tamper or remove these items will be asked to leave with no refunds given. If an alarm sounds your can silence this by pressing the alarm. We may contact you to check everyone is okay as the alarm will notify us in some situations.
6 – Arrival And Departure:
- Please arrive at the East Gate where you will be directed to the drive through check-in huts. Your welcome pack with your keys will be available from 4pm on the day of your arrival. You are welcome to arrive at the resort to use the Butlin’s facilities by 1pm however you are not permitted to bring your car on to site before 4pm, so if arriving early you will need to park up on the sea front and walk on to the resort from 1pm. Once you have your welcome pack you will be directed to the caravan park where you will be able to park one car only in the allocated parking space.
- Please let us know if you are going to be arriving later than 5pm so we can advice Butlins.
- You must depart the caravans and return the keys by 10am on the day of departure. You are welcome to use the Butlin’s facilities on the morning of your departure, but you must move your car to the main carpark.
- Before departure, please leave the caravan in a tidy respectable condition. All kitchen equipment including cooking utensils, cups, glasses, plates, bowls, saucepans, and cutlery must be cleaned, dried and put away. All rubbish must be removed from the caravan, please do not leave food or drink in the cupboards or fridge/freezer. There are large bins located around the caravan park for you to dispose of any items you do not wish to take home. Please be aware that these items are not covered by the cleaning contractor and failure to do so will result in an additional cleaning fee which we will have to pass on to the lead booker.
- All personal belongings need to be taken with you on departure day as we cannot be held responsible for items left behind.
- On departure day, please ensure all heating is switched off.
- Any missing equipment will be deducted from the damage bond. This is why it is essential that you report damage or missing items upon your arrival.
7 – Parking:
- There is one allocated parking space per caravan, for caravan 159 this is directly next to the caravan and spaces are numbered. Please note that these can only be used if the vehicle falls within Butlin’s restrictions (vehicles should be no bigger than a people carrier.) Please use the space specified for the caravan only and at no time are you permitted to park on any of the grass areas.
- Please display your parking permit in the windscreen failure to do this may result in you receiving a parking note from Butlin’s.
- If you have more than one vehicle, once unloaded the second vehicle needs to be moved to the main carpark. Please do not park in any other spaces. Failure to park in the correct spaces may result in a parking fine from Butlin’s.
8 – Refunds:
Richs Retreat refund policy is as follows:
- If you have to cancel the break before you have paid the balance, then there are no refunds given of the booking fee you have paid.
- If you have to cancel the break once the balance has been paid, we will refund the balance only using the following scale of weeks before your break.
- If you have paid for your break in full before the 8 week date and cancel you will be refunded minus the booking fee. The percentages below refer to the balance paid for the holiday and do not include the £100 non-refundable booking fee.
WEEK 8, 80%,
WEEK 7, 70%,
WEEK 6, 60%,
WEEK 5, 50%,
WEEK 4, 40%,
WEEK 3, 30%,
WEEK 2, 20%,
WEEK 1 10%.
We highly recommend that you take out appropriate holiday insurance should there be any problems. We are unable to advise on which company to use.
9 – Limitations in Liability:
- We cannot be held liable for any loss resulting from actions / enforcement of policy / changes or cancellation of entertainment or facilities by Butlin’s as this is beyond our control.
- We cannot be held liable for any loss of holiday resulting from extreme weather conditions, acts of God, communicable diseases, epidemics/pandemics.
- We cannot be held liable from any loss of holiday resulting from travel implications i.e., train cancellations, car problems etc.
- We are not responsible for loss, damage or injury caused by circumstances outside of our reasonable control, or by the actions of the hirer or other members of their party. Nothing in these terms excludes or limits any liability which we cannot legally exclude or limit, including liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence, or your statutory consumer rights.We appreciate that a holiday is a time for everyone to relax and have a good time. All we ask is that all guests remain respectful of our caravan and be mindful that what is done in the caravan could impact the next guests going to enjoy Butlin’s with their families or us. We are only a small family business and do not have the ability to swallow expenses that occasionally happen.
We appreciate that a holiday is a time for everyone to relax and have a good time. All we ask is that all guests remain respectful of our caravan and be mindful that what is done in the caravan could impact the next guests going to enjoy Butlin’s with their families or us. We are only a small family business and do not have the ability to swallow expenses that occasionally happen.
10 – Norovirus and Contagious Diseases
- Please do NOT travel to Butlin’s if you or any of your party are feeling unwell, displaying any symptoms of disease. Richs Retreat strongly recommend you take out travel insurance just in case you must cancel the break or leave early as we cannot offer refunds.
- Please wash and sanitize your hands frequently during your stay to help combat spreading infection. Please also be respectful of others and maintain any required social distancing.
- If anyone in your party becomes unwell during your stay, please inform us straight away and return to the caravan. Butlin’s will be informed by us and they may ask you to leave the site. Again, for this reason Richs Retreat strongly recommend taking travel insurance.
- In the event of you needing to cancel your break our cancellation policy is on a sliding scale and can be found under Section 9 in this document.
- Should Butlin’s become aware, or have reasonable grounds for suspicion, that a guest has contracted a contagious disease, that has the potential to infect a large number of people quickly, they and their party will be required to leave the resort. If this is not possible, then restrictions will be placed upon their activities and movements in order to prevent the disease from being transmitted to other guests. No refunds will be offered in such circumstances and Richs Retreat strongly recommend you take out travel insurance for anything that may occur out of our control as holiday insurance is not included.
- Richs Retreat are unable to recommend any insurance companies, you must use your own due diligence to ensure your provider covers what you need.
- Should the site be closed due to disease then we will guarantee your choice from the following options:
- Full refund including deposit
- Move the break to another time. If that break is a different price, then you will be responsible for the difference in cost.
- Move the break to the same period in the next calendar year (usually at the same price)
- If the site remains open and severe restrictions are bought back into place, then you will be offered the following:
- Move the break to another time. If that break is a different price, then a refund or request for extra funds will apply.
- Keep the break as planned, and you will be offered a refund to reflect the current restrictions.
These are in addition to our standard Terms and Conditions and relate to ADULT ONLY BREAKS!
Our caravans are family owned and are for our family’s enjoyment we let these out for other families to enjoy Butlin’s as much as we do. Whilst we want you to enjoy your adult only break, please treat the caravan with respect. Damage bonds will be kept, and the police informed for any serious or deliberate damage to the caravan.
1 – ARRIVING ON RESORT:
Arrivals must currently bring a form of photo identification. Ideally, this would be a passport or driving licence. However, if you don’t own one of these another form of identification will be acceptable if it has your name and a clear photograph.
*Please note that without the above information, access to our resort will not be permitted, and you will be asked to go home. We would hate for this to happen so, please ensure that all your guests are aware of what to bring with them!
If any of the above is not complied to and Butlin’s do refuse entry, then there will be no refunds given.
2-Wristbands:
A-Wristbands are required to be worn by all guests the cost of these is included in the price of most of the adult breaks but not the ticketed event breaks these need to be purchased separately through us.
B-The wristbands supplied with the breaks are for use by the guests staying in our caravans and named on the booking form they are NOT to be resold. If anyone is found to do this, then they will be asked to leave and forfeit the rest of the break with no refunds given.
We appreciate that the adult breaks are where guests want to let of steam and have a good time. All we ask on these breaks is that guests remain respectful of our caravan and be mindful that what is done in the caravans could impact the next guests going to enjoy Butlin’s with small children. We are only a small family business and do not have the ability to swallow expenses that occasionally happen on adult breaks.
Privacy and GDPR
- Any and all information you provide to us is held in accordance with the data protection act.
- This information is used to facilitate the booking of your holiday onto the Butlins system. Once on the Butlins system it is then covered by their own policies.
- We only hold onto the information for tax declaration purposes.
- We do not share or sell any of your information to any other party or company.
- We do not contact you with any other offers or marketing.