Frequently asked questions
The shepherd’s huts at The Hamlet
How many people can stay in a shepherd’s hut?
Each hut sleeps up to 4 guests, with two comfortable double beds.
Are the huts dog-friendly?
Yes — selected huts welcome well-behaved dogs for a small additional fee. Dog-friendly huts must be booked in advance, and this can be done online.
What facilities are included in each hut?
Each hut includes an en-suite bathroom, central heating, electricity for charging phones etc, outdoor seating, and a fire pit.
Are the huts suitable for year-round stays?
Yes — they are fully insulated and heated, making them comfortable in all seasons.
Do the huts have hot tubs?
Only Southworth Spa features a hot tub. When you upgrade your stay to the Southworth Spa glamping experience, you’ll enjoy a wood-fired hot tub, sauna, plunge shower, and fire pit.
Southworth Spa
What is included in the Southworth Spa experience?
Southworth Spa includes exclusive use of a wood-fired hot tub, outdoor sauna, plunge shower, fire pit, a luxury hut for sleeping (for 2), and a separate sitting hut.
Is Southworth Spa private?
Yes — the spa is for your exclusive use during your stay.
How many people can stay at Southworth Spa?
The spa is designed for two guests, with additional huts available to book for group stays.
Is Southworth Spa suitable for groups?
Yes — it works well as a shared space when additional huts are booked. Find out more…
Food & Drink
What food and drink options are available?
You can enjoy fire pit cooking, pre-orderable BBQ packs, on-site dining, takeaway options, and nearby restaurants. Guests also receive 10% off at the delicious on-site restaurants – Maria’s Tearoom and The Garden Room Eatery.
Do the huts have kitchens?
No — the huts are designed for a more relaxed, sociable style of dining. BBQs and outdoor cooking are encouraged.
Things to Do & Local Area
What is there to do on-site?
Guests can enjoy woodland walks, outdoor spaces, a playground, and access to the grounds of Samlesbury Hall.
Can we visit Samlesbury Hall during our stay?
Yes — entry is free when Samlesbury Hall is open. Please note access is subject to opening days, times, and private events, you can check the opening times here: Samlesbury Hall Opening Times.
What is there to do nearby?
The Hamlet is ideally located for exploring the Ribble Valley, local pubs, scenic walks, and nearby towns like Preston.
Getting Here & On Arrival
What time is check-in and check-out?
Check-in is between 4pm–5pm, and check-out is by 10am. Early or late options may be available.
Is parking available?
Yes — each hut has one allocated space, with additional parking available nearby.
Can we arrive late?
Late check-in may be possible — please contact the team in advance to arrange this.
Bookings, Payments & Cancellations
How do payments work?
A deposit is required to secure your booking, with the remaining balance due before arrival. Some bookings require full payment at the time of booking.
Are bookings refundable?
Cancellation charges apply depending on how far in advance you cancel:
- Up to 6 months: 25% of total cost
- Within 3 months: 40%
- Within 1 month: 50%
- Within 2 weeks: 100% (non-refundable)
Can I change my booking?
Bookings are generally non-transferable. Please contact the team directly to discuss any changes.
Do special offers have different terms?
Yes — special offer bookings are usually non-refundable and require full payment at the time of booking. Please check the individual T&Cs.
Group Bookings
Can we book for a group?
Yes — multiple huts can be booked (please enquire for packages and discounts), and exclusive hire is available.
Can we have visitors during our stay?
Visitors are welcome during normal opening hours but must leave by 4pm.
Are there any house rules?
Yes — guests are expected to respect others on site. Noise, smoking/vaping in huts, and illegal activity are not permitted.
Practical Information
Is there WiFi and mobile signal?
Yes — free WiFi is available, and most networks offer strong coverage (5G is available for most providers).
What should we bring with us?
Linen and towels are provided. You may wish to bring a torch and any additional items for outdoor cooking.
Are the shepherd’s huts easy to find?
Yes! The Hamlet and Southworth Spa are located in the grounds of Samlesbury Hall, located on Preston New Road in Samlesbury, between Preston and Blackburn in Lancashire, just 3 minutes from the M6
From the M6 Junction 31 at the Tickled Trout Hotel, head right towards Blackburn and the A677. At the traffic lights at the Hotel, head straight on via the second exit and Samlesbury Hall is approximately one mile down the road on the left-hand side.
From the M65 Junction 6, for Blackburn, head towards the A6119 to Preston New Road and the A677.
If travelling by bus, you can catch the number 59 that goes between Preston and Blackburn every 30 minutes.
Extras
Do you offer gift vouchers?
Yes — gift vouchers are available and make a great gift. Buy glamping gift vouchers online…
Happy to help
Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Our team is always happy to help with questions about your stay, availability, group bookings, Southworth Spa, or anything else you’d like to know. Simply complete the form below and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
Prefer to speak to us? Call 01254 812010
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