Arrival

Where We Are

Orchard Farmhouse
Alcester Heath
Alcester
Warwickshire
B49 5JJ

Check-in & Check-out

Check-in	4pm
Check-out	10am
Check-out for Sundays	4pm
House Manager, Alison Vaughan	07906 290961
House landline number	01789 765 885

Getting To Us

Best postcode to use for satnavs	B49 5JJ
Nearest train stations	Redditch (for London Midland) Stratford-upon-Avon (for London Midland & Chiltern Railways)
Nearest airport	Birmingham
Taxis	Sapphire Taxis | 01926 881313 24×7 Taxis | 01789 332126

Directions

Orchard Farmhouse in on Alcester Heath (B4090) if approaching the house from direction Warwickshire then please look for a large white sign on your left that says CAB studios. The turning is immediately to the left at this sign, follow the house signs to the very end of this road, the house is hidden from view but it can be seen as you round the corner to the left at the very end of this road.If approaching from direction Worcestershire / Redditch along Alcester Heath, the sign for CAB studios will be

If approaching from direction Worcestershire / Redditch along Alcester Heath, the sign for CAB studios will be on your right, it is on the brow of a hill approximately 1.5 miles along B4090. Turn at the sign to the right and follow the house signs to the very end of this road, the house is hidden from view but it can be seen as you round the corner to the left at the very end of the road.

PLEASE NOTE: The house is called Orchard Farmhouse and the sign is black and cream, reading “Orchard Farmhouse”. This sign is next to the sign for CAB Studios, NOT to be confused with Alcester Heath Farm, which is a different house further along the same road.

Cooking & Dining

Chef & Catering Services

DineInDulge
A unique & truly special private chef experience brought direct to you. Combining a personal chef hire service with restaurant-quality cuisine, DineInDulge is designed to be affordable, accessible & simple to book for anyone.
www.dineindulge.co.uk/?ref_code=KATETOMS

Côte at Home
Get bistro-quality food delivered to your door. From starters, mains and desserts, to picnics, breakfasts and barbecue favourites – the professional chefs at Côte at Home can freshly prepare a wide range of dishes, which you can simply serve up, or pop in the oven or microwave to heat. That means less time spent prepping and cooking, and more time enjoying your holiday!
https://coteathome.co.uk/?aff=Z49Q55Y2

The Holistic Chef
The Holistic Chef, Jamie Raftery, can offer bespoke menus to suit all occasions and dietary requirements. He has also worked alongside some of the best chefs, including Gordon Ramsay and Heston Blumenthal.
07585 708693 | www.holisticchef.co.uk

Great Places to Eat & Drink

Orchard Farmhouse has some excellent dining places and pubs nearby so we have listed a small selection below that we think you’ll enjoy. Booking in advance is strongly recommended.

Pubs

Turks Head
Timber frames, flagstone floors and three snug fireplaces give the place its olde-worlde, home from home vibes with a vast array of premium drinks to tickle the fancies of the lively local crowd and Alcester’s many visitors. The Turks boasts a wide selection of continental lagers, real ales and fine wines; the icing on The Turks’ cake being good, honest food.
4 High Street, Alcester, B49 5AD (5-minute drive / 30-minute walk)
01789 765 948 | www.theturkshead.net | [email protected]

The Roebuck Alcester
Exquisite dining, relaxing bar scene and warm, welcoming rooms are all an integral part of making The Roebuck Alcester one of the best freehold establishments in the Warwickshire area. After a total refurbishment just over a year ago, the family run inn opened its doors to wide acclaim and approval and has now firmly established its reputation as a fantastic pub restaurant.
Birmingham Road, Kings Coughton, Alcester, B49 5QA (5-minute drive / 20-minute walk)
01789 762410 | www.theroebuckalcester.com | [email protected]

Restaurants

Please note that most of the establishments listed above in the Pubs section also provide great food and are considered some of the best places to eat in the area.

The Broom Tavern
Situated in one of Shakespeare’s drinking haunts in the beautiful small village of Broom, lies this historical 16th Century public house. The Broom has a traditional bar serving real ales and fine wines in front of roaring log fires by winter and a sunny, spacious beer garden during summer. A number of daily specials. The Broom is always happy to cater for special requests, allergies and vegetarians – just let them know and they can work with you from there to create some suitable options.
32 High Street, Broom, Alcester, B50 4HL (10-minute drive)
01789 778199 | www.thebroomtavern.co.uk | [email protected]

The Throckmorton
There’s a great range of quality food on offer here, including roasts and pub classics. Serving fresh, locally sourced, homemade breakfast, lunches and dinner every day from 9am to 9pm.
Coughton Hill, Alcester, Warwickshire, B49 5HX (5-minute drive / 30-minute walk)
01789 766 366 | www.thethrockmorton.com | [email protected]

The Garden Restaurant at Hillers
Sink into soft leather sofas with a coffee and the newspapers, or lunch alfresco on the garden terrace and enjoy a glass of wine with friends. Serving delicious home-made meals cooked from fresh local produce ensures that lunchtimes are always a hubbub of activity, so table bookings are strongly recommended at these busy times. Serving breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and light refreshments throughout the day. Everything is freshly prepared by the chef and his team, using produce from the Farm Shop and Fish Shop.
A H Hiller & Son Ltd, Dunnington Heath Farm, Alcester, B49 5PD (8-minute drive)
01789 772771 | www.hillers.co.uk | [email protected]

Cardamom
Head Chef & owner of Cardamom, Mr Miah, has an obsession for cooking and serving exciting and delicious food. In order for customers to taste the distinct flavours and fragrances of the meal, he takes great care in creating each individual dish which means that the food will not be served as “fast food” but food that is created in the traditional Bangladeshi and South Indian style. Taking great care to use his culinary expertise, he combines carefully selected, freshly ground herbs and spices with different methods of cooking for mouthwatering taste.
2 Swan St, Alcester, B49 5DP (5-minute drive / 30-minute walk)
01789 765 859 | www.cardamomindiancuisine.com | [email protected]

Shopping for Food

Takeaways

Please find below details for a number of great local takeaways.

Romna
If you prefer to stay in, all of the great dishes served in this restaurant are available to order in the comfort of your home, making them your first and best choice if you feel like an Indian takeaway in Alcester.
Unit 1 Moorfield Road, Alcester, B49 5DA (5 minute drive / 30 minute walk)
01789 765 430 | http://www.romnaofalcester.com/contact.php | [email protected]

Rooster Chinese Takeaway
3 Swan St, Alcester B49 5DP
01789 762612

Supermarkets

All supermarkets listed below can also deliver.

Waitrose
Moorfield Rd, Alcester, B49 5DA (5 minute drive)
01789 766740 | www.waitrose.com

Warner’s Budgens
Salford Rd, Bidford-on-Avon, Alcester, B50 4AW (10 minute drive)
01789 773352 | www.warnersbudgens.co.uk

Morrisons
Alcester Rd, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 9DA (15 minute drive)
01789 267675 | www.morrisons.com

PLEASE NOTE: For deliveries, the house is called Orchard Farmhouse and the sign is black and cream, reading “Orchard Farmhouse”. This sign is next to the sign for CAB Studios, NOT to be confused with Alcester Heath Farm, which is a different house further along the same road.

Convenience Stores

One Stop
76 High St, Bidford-on-Avon, Alcester B50 4AD (10 minute drive)
01789 773324

Spar
Bridge End Service Station, Oversley Green, Alcester B49 6PQ (6 minute drive)
01789 762684

Butchers

A P Meats Ltd
Unit 3 Precision Way, Tything Road West, Alcester B49 6EP (3 minute drive)
01789 400115

Freemans of Alcester
Hopkins Precinct, Kinwarton Rd, Alcester B49 6AA (7 minute drive)
01789 762607

Ragley Estate Meats
Dunnington Heath Farm, Dunnington, Alcester B49 5PD (8 minute drive)
01789 778228

Bakers

Fatherson Bakery
As you walk around the bakery you will notice that traditional bakery methods are still used to produce each and every one of the handmade products supplied.
Unit 16 Arden Forest Industrial Estate, Alcester, B49 6EP (4 minute drive / 30 minute walk)
01789 766779 | www.fathersonbakery.com | [email protected]

Farmers’ Markets

Alcester

Every Friday and the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month
Golden Square, Petworth, GU28 0AH (5 minute drive)
07921 358 022 | www.alcestertownhall.org.uk

Wine Merchants

Vin Neuf
Union Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6QT (20-minute drive)
01789 261 747 | www.vinneuf.co.uk | [email protected]

C A Rookes
Western Road Industrial Estate, Western Rd, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 0AH (20-minute drive)
01789 297777 | www.carookes.co.uk

Things to Do

• Walks With Hawks
  Enjoy This Experience at the comfort of the property!
  www.walkswithhawks.co.uk | 01452 537420

The Malvern Bike Hire Company
Suitable for ages 6 and over. Great outfit of professionals who will guide you through 350 acres of pasture and woodland. There’s also a picnic area and cafeteria on site.
54 Guarlford Road, Malvern WR14 3QP (40-minute drive)
01684 572445 | www.malvernbikehire.co.uk | [email protected]

Clay-Pigeon Shooting

Warwick
How about a fantastic clay shooting experience at the largest and best attended shooting ground in the midlands. This Warwick site guarantees an action-packed event for the novice or the expert, whether you’re shooting alone or as part of a group.
0800 078 9508 | www.thebigshoot.co.uk

Horse Riding

Equine Learning
Offering regular weekly sessions, clinics, horsemanship training, riding lessons, teambuilding and leadership days. Learning opportunities for everyone, no matter your experience or age.
Wootton Park, Wootton Wawen, Warwickshire, B95 6HJ (15 minute drive)
01564 642101 | www.equinelearning.org.uk | [email protected]

Malvern Riding School
Teach adults as well as children in private lessons. They are happy for friends to share to make up a small group lesson also.
Northend Farmhouse, North End Lane, Madresfield, Malvern, Worcestershire, WR13 5AD (40 minute drive)
07766 853668 | www.malvernridingschool.co

The Warwickshire Golf & Country Club

Golf
Green fees are available to golfers who wish to experience the 18 hole or 9 hole courses at The Warwickshire. Make full use of the practice facilities before you play. Their 26 bay driving range and practice putting green are available to all visitors. The best green fee deals are available direct on the website.

Ragley Hall

The Estate
The magnificent Ragley Hall, at the heart of the Ragley Estate, dates back to 1680 and is open to the public seasonally throughout the year for guided tours of the impressive state rooms, which can also be hired exclusively for your private celebrations. Memorable, versatile and located in one of the Midland’s most beautiful counties, Ragley Hall is also the perfect venue for corporate and outdoor events. Today, the Ragley Estate covers an area of 6,500 acres.

Gardens
Ragley Gardens occupy 10 hectares and surround the magnificent Ragley Hall. Although the 170 hectares of parkland were designed by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown (1716– 1783) during the 18th century, little is known about the gardens prior to 1873. However, it is thought that the Capability landscape came right up to the Hall itself until garden designer and outstanding horticulturist Robert Marnock (1800-1889) enclosed the present 10 hectares as pleasure grounds, planting them up with trees and shrubs around meandering pathways and created a formal Victorian flower garden on the west side of the hall.

Fun for Children
With acres of outdoor space, an adventure playground, 3D maze, boating lake and indoor and outdoor picnic area, Ragley provides the perfect venue for your children’s birthday party.
07802 582826 | www.ragley.co.uk | [email protected]

Warwick Castle
Warwick Castle is a medieval castle developed from a wooden fort, originally built by William the Conqueror during 1068. Warwick is the county town of Warwickshire, England, situated on a meander of the River Avon. The original wooden motte-and-bailey castle was rebuilt in stone during the 12th century.
Warwick CV34 4QU
01926 406610 | www.warwick-castle.com

Brewery Tours

Purity Brewing
Interested in how Purity brew their beer? Interested in how they maintain Pure quality and consistency? Or want to find out how they have created a successful, eco-friendly and energy-efficient brewery? Well, why don’t you join them on one of their popular brewery tours. On the evening tours they’ll take you through the Purity story over a pint of their award-winning ales in the visitor centre. They will talk to you about Paul and Jim’s founding principles for Purity, offer a brief discussion of brewing history and provide a background against which you can then enjoy the tour of the state of the art brewhouse and wetland system to see just how far they’ve come. The brewery shop will be stocked with Purity beers and speciality ales for you to take home at the end.
The Brewery, Upper Spernall Farm, Off Spernal Lane, Great Alne, Warwickshire, B49 6JF (10 minute drive)
01789 488007 | www.puritybrewing.com | [email protected]

Pampering

Glo Pamper
For pampering in the comfort of your property, there is a range of treatments available from a local therapist including massage, pedicure, manicure, etc. To book please use the contact details below and remember to quote ‘kate & toms’. Guests are advised to book well in advance.
0207 096 0385 | www.glo-pamper.co.uk 

Aura Spa
A treatment at Aura Spa offers the perfect opportunity to relax, totally unwind and regain energy. Aura has four treatment rooms within the peaceful surroundings of The Warwickshire Golf and Country Club. A world away from the hustle and bustle of any city, you will relax and be revitalised with every visit.
Leek Wootton, Warwick, Warwickshire, CV35 7QT (25 minute drive)
01926 409 409 | www.thewarwickshire.com | [email protected]

Top Things to Do for Children

Treetop Adventure

Go Ape!
Situated in 6000 acres of ancient woodland, the Wyre Forest is one of largest remaining ancient woodlands in the UK, and so provides the perfect setting for an adrenaline-fuelled day out. Full of hire-wires, wobbly crossings and heart-stopping zip-lines, Go Ape! is an ideal day out for families. We advise to book sooner rather than later in the busy spring and summer months to avoid disappointment.
Callow Hill, Kidderminster DY14 9XQ (50 minute drive)
0333 331 7812 | www.goape.co.uk

West Midlands Safari Park

Go on Safari and come face to face with some of the fastest, tallest and cutest animals around on the Safari Drive-through.

African Plains
Home to a herd of southern white rhino and one of the Park’s most popular sights and experiences – the elegant giraffe. Not to mention the well-known stripes of a zebra, prized Ankole cattle, ellipsen waterbuck, Congo buffalo, swamp loving Red Lechwe, Ostrich and the Eland, largest of all antelope species.

Wild Asia
An area of contrasts, from the enormous Asian water buffalo to the dainty blackbuck, and the great sambar deer. Not forgetting of course the world’s rarest deer, the Philippine spotted deer, the endangered barasingha and the amazing armoured greater one horned rhino!

Carnivores
An area of the Safari drive-through that is home to some of the world’s greatest hunters. From magnificent and powerful Tigers, to the world’s fastest land mammal – the Cheetah. As well as a pack of rare African Wild Dogs, and the King of the beasts – the African Lion.

Elephant Valley
See the fantastic and extremely clever African elephants as they explore their surroundings in Elephant Valley. Also see Sutton! He may be seen most days charging around Elephant Valley under the watchful gaze of Mum Five and Aunt Latabe.

Spring Grove Farmhouse, Spring Grove, Bewdley DY12 1LF (45-minute drive)
01299 402114 | www.wmsp.co.uk

All Things Wild Nature Centre

Even more amazing animals of all varieties to see. Meerkats, Lemurs, Reptiles, Rabbits, Monkeys and lots more. Explore all about when the dinosaurs existed and get up close to the ever popular Tyrannosaurus Rex, Stegosaurus & Triceratops that remain ‘Frozen in time’ in the Step Through Time Dinosaur Experience. Book ahead.
Station Road, Honeybourne, Nr Evesham, Worcestershire, WR11 7QZ (20-minute drive)
01386 833083 | www.allthingswild.co.uk | [email protected]

Stratford Butterfly Farm

Five minutes walk from the town centre, just over the river Avon foot bridge and opposite the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Enjoy the unique pleasure of watching hundreds of the world’s most spectacular and colourful butterflies flying all around. You can see them feeding and flying in a wonderful tropical environment.
Swan’s Nest Lane, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 7LS, (25 minute drive)
01789 299 288 | www.butterflyfarm.co.uk | [email protected]

Umberslade

Umberslade Farm Park
At Umberslade youngsters of all ages can enjoy a once in a lifetime opportunity to bottle feed newborn lambs and calves, hold the cutest little chicks, rabbits, and guinea pigs and even have the chance to ride one of the beautiful ponies.
Umberslade Farm Park, Butts Lane, Tanworth In Arden, Warwickshire, B94 5AE, (25-minute drive)
01789 299 288 | www.umberslade.com | [email protected]

Umberslade Adventure
Umberslade Adventure is open to the general public to provide a large outdoor facility for educational, leisure and physical purposes for all ages, encouraging the participation of outdoor activities for families to have some fun and learn new skills at the same time. There’s lots to get involved in, such as low ropes, commando courses and zip-lines, as well as fishing, archery nature trails and camping.
Chalcot Wood, Cut Throat Lane, Hockley Heath, West Midlands, B94 6SE (25-minute drive)
07515 378 969 | www.umbersladeadventure.com | [email protected]

The MAD Museum

The MAD Museum does what it says on the tin! Based in the centre of Stratford-upon-Avon, this quirky attraction displays interactive pieces of mechanical art, in particular kinetic art and automata. In a nut shell mechanical art is usually beautifully crafted, moving sculptures either made to have an exaggerated purpose or made simply for the fun of it.
Henley Street, Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 6PT (20-minute drive)
01789 269356 | www.themadmuseum.co.uk | [email protected]

Royal Shakespeare Company Tour

Get closer to the world of theatre on a tour and enjoy spectacular views from the Tower. Tours last one hour and depart from the cloakroom. We recommend arriving before the start time and booking in advance. Kids go free. Visit the Tower with children this summer and you can get two free kids (under 16) tickets with every full price adult ticket purchased. The offer applies Monday to Friday from 25 July to 2 September. See website for full details about the range of tours.
Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Waterside, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 6BB (20-minute drive)
01789 403493 | www.rsc.org.uk

Evesham Vale

Evesham Vale Light Railway
The EVLR is normally steam-hauled and passes some of the old apple orchards to Evesham Vale Station, stopping briefly. You can break your journey here to enjoy some activities and the area, including a children’s play fort and some lovely country walks. You can then return to the train a little later.

Evesham Vale Station Picnic Area
There are picnic benches and a large grass area, where you can enjoy a picnic overlooking some of the best scenery the Vale of Evesham has to offer.

The Valley, (Former, Evesham Country Park), Twyford, Evesham, Worcestershire, WR11 4TP (15 minute drive)
01386 422282 | www.evlr.co.uk

Picnic at Abbey Park

Evesham’s Abbey Park has been named as one of the best picnic spots in the Cotswolds area. Cotswold Life magazine have chosen the beauty spot as one of their top picks to enjoy food and time out with family and friends.
Waterside, Evesham WR11 4SL (20-minute drive)

Useful Information

Bedrooms and Bathrooms

• Sleeps up to 16
• 7 bedrooms
• 3 en-suite, 1 family bathroom
• 2 additional z-beds available

Bedrooms	Sleeps	Beds	Features
Bedroom 1	2	King	En-suite
Bedroom 2	4	King + 2 Singles
Bedroom 3	2	King	En-suite
Bedroom 4	2	King or Twin
Bedroom 5	2	Twin	Access via Bedroom 4
Bedroom 6	2	King or Twin	En-suite
Bedroom 7	2	King or Twin

• __________

Cooking and Dining

• Dining table seats 14 guests comfortably
• Aga & Range oven
• Large American style fridge freezer in kitchen, small fridge in games room
• Dishwasher
• Microwave & toaster
• Gas BBQ
• Quality pubs and cafes minutes drive away
• Private chef available

• __________

Children Welcome

• Toys, books and DVD’s for children
• 2 travel cots available – linen provided
• 2 high chairs available
• Outdoor play area

• __________

Inside

• 48” Smart TV in Media room and 32” Games room with Freeview
• Freeview
• Games room with pool table & football table
• Selection of books
• Open fireplace – logs included

• __________

Outside

• Hot tub
• 2.5 acres of gardens
• Outside tables and chairs on terrace

• __________

House Restrictions

• Hen parties welcome
• 3 dogs welcome at £25 per dog – pet policy in place
• Sorry, no fireworks
• Noise policy in place

• __________

What’s Included

• Linen, towels and essentials
• Use of washing machine & tumble dryer
• Hairdryers in all bedrooms

Noise Policy

• The house is set in private grounds but we do have neighbours whose needs we respect – and who are used to enjoying a peaceful, tranquil environment in this lovely location. We therefore ask all our guests to show consideration to the environment and our neighbours in all matters, and especially with regard to noise.To help ensure everyone’s holiday goes well, we ask you to respect the following noise rules:

1. After 11pm please use the terraces and gardens around the house as quiet areas.
2. Please do not set up music systems outside the house.
3. Please limit any loud music playing inside the house so it cannot be heard outside.
4. Please show consideration for our neighbours in the early morning and late evening.
5. If you are having any deliveries or ordering taxis please ensure they have clear directions.

• The vast majority of our guests will of course behave with great consideration to our neighbours and would never intend to offend but observing our noise policy will remove any potential for the harmonious environment to be disturbed.

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Hot Tub Use

We hope you’ll enjoy using the hot tub. We want to make sure it is as safe as possible for everyone, so we ask all guests to ensure that the following guidelines are respected. These guidelines are designed to meet basic health and safety regulations, so ensure that all members of your party have read the rules regarding the use of the hot tub.

1. Swimming costumes are obligatory and you will need to bring your own towels
2. You must shower before entering the hot tub to remove any skin oils, make-up, hair products etc. This is vital to ensure a clean and healthy hot tub. If this rule is abused the hot tub may need to be closed for several days so that the water can be thoroughly refreshed.
3. Outdoor shoes and coats must be taken off around the hot tub area.
4. No alcohol or smoking is allowed in the hot tub.
5. Do not bring any form of glass into the hot tub area.
6. Do not bring in any electrical equipment into the hot tub area where you could be in contact with water.
7. Do not over-occupy the hot tub as this will lead to water spillage and will cause the hot tub to stop working. This is because the filter needs to be covered with water to work.
8. Children must be supervised in and around the hot tub and must not use it without an adult present. Some children can overheat; please seek medical advice if this occurs.
9. Please keep noise levels to an acceptable level. The hot tub is a place of peace and relaxation – be mindful that there are neighbouring properties in close proximity.
10. It is safer and more enjoyable to use the hot tub with another person. We advise against using the hot tub alone without a member of your group knowing of your whereabouts.
11. On leaving the hot tub please switch off all jets and lights and make sure that the hot tub is sealed with the cover provided.
12. Please note you must not use the hot tub if you are suffering from an infectious disease or you have an open wound or sore that cannot be covered by a waterproof plaster.
13. You must not use the hot tub within 48 hours of suffering any stomach illness.
14. Certain medical conditions can be affected by the hot tub, particularly those involving extremes of temperature. You are advised to consult your doctor if you are pregnant, or suffer from any of the following: heart disease; circulatory problems; high or low blood pressure; diabetes; or any other condition that affects your body’s ability to react to heat.
15. Prevent taking any medication which may affect your circulation or your ability to react to heat.

Pet Policy

• Should you be bringing a pet with you on your stay, you must comply with the below policy and rules that the owner has in place. This policy applies to all pets and not just dogs.

1. You must not allow the pet upstairs, on the bed or other furniture
2. The pet must sleep downstairs either in the utility room or another appropriate room with hard surface flooring
3. You must supply your own pet bed, food and any other pet amenities required for your stay
4. Any fouling at the Property must be cleared up without delay and disposed of accordingly
5. The pet must not be left alone at the Property at any time and must go with you whenever you leave the Property
6. You must ensure that the pet is free from parasites before the Rental Date, failure to do so may incur further charges which the Owner is entitled to recover from you in full
7. Where there are other properties near the house, dogs should be kept on a leash and you must be mindful of other people and animals, including livestock, in the vicinity so as not to allow your pet to become a nuisance

• Please note that a pet friendly property does not necessarily mean that the property has an enclosed garden.

• Should any of the conditions stated in the policy above be breached, the owner will have the right to deduct any sum from the Cautionary Deposit so as to deal with such breach. Should the Cautionary Deposit be insufficient to remedy such breach, the Owner of the Property shall have the right to recover any sum from you so as to make up any shortfall.

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Guest Reviews