Guide for guests
All are welcome to come and spend time at The House of Bread: to come on retreat, to come to an event or to host their own group or event.
To honour our mission as a place of retreat and a place of Christian discipleship, we are are unable to accept bookings for social gatherings, holidays or for accommodation only. For guests hosting their own event, we can only accept bookings where the teaching is rooted in the Christian faith and adheres to the basis of faith of the Evangelical Alliance.
We welcome children and youth to come along with their parents as part of a group but our site and accommodation is not suitable for groups of youth age only so we are unable to accept bookings for under 18s.
We sleep up to 36 guests in 19 en-suite bedrooms – mainly twin, with some single and some doubles. We operate on a self-catering basis only. Groups can choose to hire a caterer. Recommended caterers are listed on the self-catering document – which also has helpful information for catering. We will email you this document; it is also available on the ‘Visit’ page of the website.
Groups are welcome to come mid-week for one night or more; at weekends we only accept two-night bookings. Unfortunately, we cannot accept booking arrivals on a Sunday
Location and arrival
The House of Bread, The Mill, Burmington, Shipston-on-Stour, CV36 5AF.
We ask groups to come in as few cars as possible because of limited parking.
We are midway between the junctions to Tidmington and Burmington, to the west of the A3400, south of Shipston-on-Stour.
Local taxi numbers: Shipston Taxis 01608 661592, Miles Private Hire 01608 661555, Cotswold Private Hire 07895 028448.
Public transport
Train stations: from the south, Moreton-in-Marsh, – six miles; from the north, Stratford-upon-Avon – 14 miles.
Buses: Stagecoach route 50 – Stratford-upon-Avon to Chipping Norton which passes directly by The House of Bread on the A3400 near Burmington.
Pulhams route 51 – Moreton-in-Marsh – Stratford-upon-Avon stops in Shipston-on-Stour, then Stagecoach route 50 from Shipston-on-Stour.
Group bookings
The Mill
The main Mill building has four floors. Bedrooms are on the top two floors. The first floor has a large meeting room, seating up to 50, an adjoining large lounge and a small lounge.
The ground floor has a large dining or conference room, seating up to 50, a fully equipped self-catering kitchen and a small prayer room.
Another fully-equipped self-catering kitchen and dining room, seating up to 24, is situated on the second floor of the Mill.
The Alpha Suite
The Alpha Suite is a separate meeting room from the main Mill building. It is on ground level, it seats up to 30 guests, and has a kitchen and toilets
The Barn
The Barn is another separate meeting room from the main Mill building. It is on ground level, seats up to 50 guests, has a lounge, toilets and a kitchen area.
Provided for groups
meeting room and lounge area
additional meeting rooms by arrangement
self-catering kitchen and dining area
tea and coffee … overnight groups need to supply their own milk
overnight groups – en-suite bedrooms with bed linen … guests need to bring towels and toiletries
flexible arrival and departure times
please contact us if additional meeting rooms are needed
Group departure
On the morning of departure we ask guests to remove the used bed linen and put it down the laundry chute. Bedrooms need to be vacated by 10am, unless leaving on a Sunday or sometimes a later time is possible depending on housekeeping. A time needs to be agreed with the duty warden.
Individual guests or two people
Individual guests or two people are welcome to book for a day retreat or can book to stay overnight for one or more nights. Weekends are usually fully booked with groups; but sometimes it is possible to book a weekend date.
We set apart retreat weeks where the whole site is a quiet space for guests, with access to all the lounges and other rooms. Guests are welcome to tuck themselves away during their time here, or have the option of joining in with guided retreat days, prayer, worship and reflection times. When booked outside of retreat week dates, access may not be available to the lounges as we may have groups booked in – there is a sofa area in the dining room.
Provided for individuals or two guests
day guests will have a room … for two people this would be a meeting room or lounge. An individual guest may have a lounge or a bedroom with a chair
use of self-catering kitchen and dining area
tea and coffee … overnight guests need to supply their own milk
overnight guests – en-suite bedrooms with bed linen … guests need to bring towels and toiletries
flexible arrival and departure times
On departure
On the morning of departure we ask guests to remove the used bed linen and put it down the laundry chute. When departing on a Friday, bedrooms need to be vacated by 10am. On other days, as far as possible, depending on housekeeping, guests can stay in their bedrooms until they depart. A time needs to be agreed with the duty warden.
Accessibility
Due to the historic nature of the Mill building we regret that we have no sleeping accommodation accessible by wheelchair users. Ground floor meeting rooms have wheelchair access and facilities. A stairlift is available to access the first and second floor of the Mill, but we do not have a lift for a wheelchair.
When making a booking, please discuss with us any needs you may have.
Prices and payments
See the booking page of the website for up to date prices.
Payment can be made by card on the payment page of the website, or by bank transfer … our bank details are found on the invoice. Our preference is bank transfer as there are no payment fees.
Booking procedure and policy
Complete a booking request form on the website Booking page. If you have a query contact us by phone, email or through the website Contact page.
Before making a booking request please read and agree with the Evangelical Alliance basis of faith and have read through this guide … then tick the boxes indicating you have done so.
When we have received the completed booking request, we will confirm the availability of the date or offer alternative dates. A new booking request form will need to be completed for a new date.
When you have a date – a deposit or full payment is required
The booking deposit will be taken off the final payment amount
Individual or two guests coming for the day – we will email an invoice asking for full payment. When we have received the payment we will email a booking confirmation.
Individual or two guests staying overnight – we will email an invoice asking for full payment if the arrival date is within eight weeks. When we have received the payment, we will email a booking confirmation. If the arrival date is more than 8 weeks away, we will ask for a deposit of £40 per bedroom and then final payment two weeks before the arrival date.
Groups of three or more people coming for the day – we will email an invoice asking for full payment if your arrival date is within eight weeks. When we have received the payment, we will email a booking confirmation. If the arrival date is more than eight weeks away, we will email an invoice asking for the deposit – to be paid within 14 days – the booking remains provisional until we receive the deposit. When we have received the deposit, we will email a booking confirmation.
Groups of three or more people booking overnight accommodation – we will email an invoice asking for the deposit – to be paid within 14 days – the booking remains provisional until we receive the deposit. When we have received the deposit, we will email a booking confirmation. A deposit of £40 per bedroom will be required. Please note: if you want to reduce the number of bedrooms you have made a booking for, we need at least eight weeks notice prior to your arrival date. If you do not inform us that you would like to reduce the number of bedrooms The House of Bread will retain the £40 deposit for each unoccupied bedroom. If you wish to increase the number of bedrooms you require, please contact us for availability.
Please note – other guests may be staying on the same date as your booking if you have not booked all 19 bedrooms.
We will contact you 10 weeks before your arrival date
Individuals or two guests staying overnight – if the full payment has not been paid we will ask for the final payment, and we will send a welcome email. Final payment needs to be made two weeks prior to your arrival date.
Day groups – if the full payment has not been paid, we will request the total number of guests. We ask for this to be confirmed as soon as possible. When confirmed, we will send an invoice for the final payment. We ask that payment is made two weeks prior to the arrival date.
Overnight groups – we will email to request the final number of bedrooms required, and the final number of guests. We will ask you to inform us of any changes to the total number of bedrooms that have been booked, and also ask for confirmation of the total number of guests, and how many bedrooms will be shared or single occupancy. It is possible to reduce the number of bedrooms eight weeks before your arrival date without being charged for the all the bedrooms booked. Please note – If you do not inform us that you would like to reduce the number of bedrooms The House of Bread will retain the £40 deposit for each unoccupied bedroom. If you wish to increase the number of bedrooms you require, please contact us for availability. On receipt of the final number of guests we will send an invoice for the balance payment due, to be paid two weeks before the arrival date.
Cancellations and transfer of bookings
Individuals or two guests for the day or overnight
We appreciate as much notice as possible and we can transfer the payment to another date.
Group bookings
Please contact us as soon as possible to cancel or change the booking date.
Cancellations – deposits and final payments are not refunded.
Transfers for overnight booking deposits – we can transfer a deposit to a new date if more than six months notice is given for an overnight booking.
Transfers for day booking deposits – if more than eight weeks notice is given, we can transfer a deposit to a new date.
General policies
Alcohol
Out of respect to all guests, we have a non-alcohol policy.
Animals
No pets are allowed except guide dogs or assistance dogs, preferably with prior arrangement. Any damage or accidents may be charged for.
Campfires and BBQs
There is a BBQ available – please provide charcoal and fire lighters. Please speak to the warden on duty as to where this may be used. No small disposable BBQs may be used due to the risk of fire. Please ask if you would like to use the fire pit … there is a charge of £20 which includes a basket of wood, fire lighters and matches.
Candles or any other combustible using a naked flame
No candles or incense at all is permitted in any bedroom or area other than worship or prayer rooms as this may constitute a fire risk. Reed diffusers or battery operated candles are an acceptable alternative.
A candle, for prayer or meditation purposes, is permitted when used in a candle holder but it must not be left unattended.
Climbing frame and swings
There is a climbing frame and swings in the field. Please supervise your children at all times.
Damage
Please let us know if any damage is caused. Any damage to The House of Bread property may be charged for.
Furniture
We aim to keep a certain standard for our guests and so, to avoid damage, please refrain from moving furniture from one room to another.
Group register
The group leader is responsible for keeping a register of names of guests – a bedroom plan needs to be completed, and a copy given to the duty warden.
Heating
There is a thermostat in each of the bedrooms on the second floor. Instructions for the use of the heaters in the third floor bedrooms can be found in those bedrooms.
Ironing
No ironing is allowed in the bedrooms or meeting rooms (we have previously needed to replace bedding which has been scorched). An iron and ironing board can be made available, please ask.
Meals
To prevent damage to furnishings and to assist with housekeeping, it is requested that all meals should be eaten in the dining rooms.
Muddy footwear
In order to help keep the Mill clean, please do not walk through the Mill with muddy footwear. Dirty shoes can be left on the shoe-rack in the foyer of the Mill building.
River
Children should be supervised at all times whilst on site especially in the area of the river and mill pond due to the danger of water. In view of hidden dangers, this is an old industrial site, no swimming is allowed in the river.
Smoking
There is no smoking or vaping allowed in any building. Ask about a designated smoking area.
