privacy policy

Last updated: October 2026

This privacy policy explains how The Hiddle Hut collects, uses and protects your personal information when you visit our website, make an enquiry or book a stay. We only collect what we need, we never sell your information, and we keep it safe.

Who we are

The Hiddle Hut is run by Catherine Cape, Bardon Mill, Hexham, Northumberland NE47 7ES. Catherine is the data controller for the personal information described in this policy. You can contact us about anything in this policy by email at bentsmeadow@gmail.com or through our contact page.

What we collect

• Enquiries: when you use a contact form on this website, we collect your name, email address, phone number (if you give it), your preferred dates and your message.
• Bookings: when you book, we collect the details needed to manage your stay, such as your name, contact details, the number of guests, your dates, any requests you make (for example dietary needs for a hamper) and payment information.
• Website use: with your consent, we collect anonymous information about how visitors use our website, such as the pages viewed, how long people stay and roughly where they are visiting from.

How we use your information

• To reply to your enquiry and give you the information you asked for.
• To take and manage your booking, prepare for your stay and contact you about it.
• To keep the records we need for accounting and tax purposes.
• To understand how our website is used, so we can improve it (only with your consent).

We don’t send marketing emails unless you’ve asked us to, and you can opt out at any time.

Our legal basis

Under UK data protection law we rely on: contract, to manage your booking; legitimate interests, to reply to your enquiries and run our business; legal obligation, to keep financial records; and consent, for analytics cookies and embedded content such as maps.

Bookings

Our online booking calendar is provided by Freetobook. When you book online, your booking and payment details are processed by Freetobook and its payment providers under their own privacy policies. We receive the booking details we need to look after your stay.

Cookies

Cookies are small text files stored on your device. We use:

• Necessary cookies that make the website work, including remembering your cookie choices. These can’t be switched off.
• Analytics cookies from Google Analytics and Jetpack Stats, which help us understand how the website is used. These are only set if you accept them.
• Third-party content, such as the Google Map on our Explore page, which may set cookies of its own. It only loads if you accept cookies.

When you first visit, a banner lets you accept, reject or choose which cookies to allow. You can change your mind at any time using the cookie settings button at the bottom of the page.

Who we share your information with

We only share your information with the services that help us run The Hiddle Hut, and only as much as they need:

• our website host, Fasthosts (UK)
• our booking system, Freetobook
• our email provider, to receive and reply to your messages
• Google, for website analytics and maps (only with your consent)
• professional advisers, such as an accountant, where needed for bookkeeping and tax

Some of these providers may store data outside the UK. Where they do, they use appropriate safeguards required by UK law. We never sell your information or share it for anyone else’s marketing.

How long we keep it

• Enquiries that don’t lead to a booking: up to 2 years.
• Booking and financial records: 6 years, as required for tax purposes.
• Analytics data: up to 14 months.

Your rights

You have the right to ask for a copy of the information we hold about you, to have it corrected or deleted, to object to or restrict how we use it, and to withdraw your consent at any time. To make a request, email bentsmeadow@gmail.com. We’ll reply within one month.

If you’re unhappy with how we’ve handled your information, please talk to us first. You also have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) at ico.org.uk or on 0303 123 1113.

Links to other websites

Our website links to other sites, such as local businesses, Facebook and Instagram. We’re not responsible for their privacy practices, so please read their policies when you visit them.

Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time. The latest version will always be on this page.