Cancellation Policy & Cancellation Protection Scheme

CANCELLATION POLICY: WHAT TO DO IF YOU NEED TO CANCEL YOUR HOLIDAY

Upon confirmation of your booking, a legally binding contract is formed between you and Sweetcombe Cottage Holidays.

In the unfortunate event that you need to cancel your holiday, please contact Sweetcombe Cottage Holidays; as soon as possible. Written confirmation of your cancellation must also be received within five working days.

If you cancel a confirmed booking, your non-refundable booking deposit will be retained, and you will remain liable for the balance of the total holiday cost. We will make every reasonable effort to re-let the accommodation on your behalf. Should we succeed, we may, at our sole discretion, refund some or all of the amounts paid, less our administrative charges: a £50.00 administration fee and a £45.00 booking fee.

We strongly recommend that you obtain appropriate cancellation protection prior to making your booking.

If your reason for cancellation is covered under our Cancellation Scheme or by your own travel insurance, we will require relevant supporting documentation, depending on the circumstances of the claim.

SWEETCOMBE CANCELLATION PROTECTION SCHEME: BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE

Updated December 2025

Each year, some guests are unfortunately unable to take their holiday due to unforeseen circumstances. To provide additional peace of mind, we offer a Cancellation Protection Scheme. If you need to cancel, even at short notice, you will be covered, provided you meet the eligibility criteria. There is no policy excess, and you will receive a full refund of your holiday cost (less the scheme fee, a £50.00 administration fee, and a £45.00 booking fee).

Please note: If you cancel before your balance is due and your reason for cancellation is not covered under our Cancellation Protection Scheme, you will remain liable for payment of the full balance on the due date.

YOU ARE COVERED FOR:

• Death, illness, injury or compulsory quarantine of you or any member of your travelling party named on the booking, or of any close relative even if they are not travelling with you (spouse, partner, child, parent, parent in law, brother or sister. Close business associate (Co-Director or Business Partner)). A valid Doctor’s certificate will be required.
• Public Transport delays of twelve hours or more due to strike, industrial dispute, or civil commotion on which you rely to reach your holiday home. Tickets required as proof of claim.
• You or any member of your travelling party named on the booking form being required to undertake jury service or appear as a witness at a court of law – providing you have had your written request for an alternative date refused.
• Police requiring the presence of you or any member of your travelling party named on the booking form following fire or theft at your home or place of business.
• You or any member of your travelling party receiving notification of redundancy within two months of the holiday start date, which qualifies for statutory payment under current legislation.

WE CANNOT OFFER PROTECTION FOR:

• Bookings for guests’ resident outside the U.K.
• Any recurring, chronic or continuing illness or condition and pre-existing medical conditions or injuries.
• Suicide or attempted suicide.
• Drug addiction or alcoholism.
• Failing to follow medical advice.
• Certain hazardous sports.
• Travelling against medical advice.
• Divorce, separation or personal relationship breakdown.
• Pregnancy or giving birth when the expected date of birth is within two months of the start of your holiday.
• Epidemic or pandemic as declared by the World Health Organisation, Department of Health or DEFRA.

The cost of cover is 5% of the cost of the holiday. 

*Refund of the cottage rental is at the discretion of Sweetcombe Cottage Holidays LTD, The decision of the Agency is final in all cases.*