Feather Down Farm - last minute group split... Advice

[Nicky1234]

A group of 5 families has booked early in the year to stay with feather down farm and were advised that we would all be together. Now 2 weeks before our stay we have been advised that in actual fact we are being split up because a group of 2 wants specific tents and so it makes that field too small for us.
Anyone been to one of these farms and do you think it will be a problem, we have 10 kids between us, 6 and under, so I am worried that they'll disturb other guests (rather than all being together they'll have to find each other). Also though there is a brook between the 2 fields so we're going to have to shepherd them about and it seems such a shame they cant just roam a little free (poor loves get no freedom). Selfishly the adults won't be able to hang out in the evenings either...
Im also really upset that we have to split up as seems unnecessary and unfair...
Any thoughts/ideas/suggestions to put my mind at ease.
Thanks

I'm so at Feather Down Farm's reaction! I'm another one who was considering some sort of 'glamping' holiday next year but I now have zero confidence in FDF's ability to honour a booking or sort out a cock up so will be avoiding them at all costs.

It would be good if MN could give us their opinion on this, and maybe see if they can pull a few favours in

We need to be in Dorset really and sadly the camping idea, although fantastic for the kids I agree just won't work. A combination of us not being keen or not having the time...
I'm looking at Longthorns though, thanks for who posted it (frantically looking for poster sorry).
Onwards and upwards - just need to pack now - ooops

I would be absolutely heartbroken that a company who prides itself on offering family holidays, promoting 'togetherness' as its USP can so callously destroy and subsequently cancel the holiday of a group of friends and their children.
Surely it goes against everything they claim to stand for?

Never mind bad business management, from a purely moral point of view how can they do this? How can these MD's sleep at night, do they think so very little of their customers, their fellow human beings?

Am disgusted and saddened. I too had requested a FDF brochure. I too have just slung it out with the recycling.

have you thought about a big country house? there may be late bookings... can you give us an approx budget?

The popup hotel looks ace. Gosh, I would drive a long way for that! I'm pleased this thread has more posts now. So sorry frazzled, I was really hoping they would have sorted themselves out.

What about those 'camping pod' things? You take your camping equipment but don't have to stay in a tent? Not sure what they're like but they seem to be getting quite popular.

I have just read this thread slack jawed. Are Featherstone Farms for real?

Their entire handling of this situation from start to finish is a farcical and I can only assume that their marketing department consists of a sad little man with a tiny knob who is trying to point score. Who the hell behaves like this?

Featherstone Farms you made a mistake, and now you are behaving like a bunch of 16 year olds playing at running a business.

Another wannabe glamper putting the brochure in the bin.

FDF - just in case you are reading this you've just struck another person off your list of potential customers & I won't hesitate to tell the tale either. Thank God you were fully booked when we phoned earlier in the year, feel we've had a lucky escape. So sorry to read of all this stress OP, I do hope things work out and that you do end up having a lovely family time together.

I was considering FDF for a late break. No more.

I can't quite believe this thread. Totally shocked that a company could treat a customer so badly. I wll tell everyone I know.

Good luck with finding a better place to stay.

i've sent a copy of the thread to voyager pr, who have them listed as a or recent client.

weird, that should say 'current or recent client'. voyagerpr.co.uk/clients.htm

This has gone onto my facebook, and have people sharing it already. I doubt Feather Down Farm will have much 'business' soon.

This must be as bad as that 'MiL rants at bride to be story'. Isn't there anyone on here who works for the Telegraph or something? Frazzled are you definitely not going to featherdown farm for the weekend?

i have it on my google+

AlmaMartyr We stayed at Trill Farm Cottages when dd was a bit younger. If it's organised by the same people, then they were lovely and it will be great

We've stayed at Feather Down farms and had a good time but decided not to go again because of all the 'extras' that are chargeable when you get there. Also the number of sites kind of put us off. However we were looking for a last minute break later this month and were looking at Feather Down farms but will look no more. Another booking lost.

Have looked at the recommendation for Canopy and Stars and it looks brilliant.! Will keep them bookmarked. And well done to them for responding furthur up the thread.

Hope you get something sorted frazzled, feeling for you.

The MD of Feather Down Farm has called my friend. Given us a massively apology AND a free tent!
Woop Woop - can't thank you enough all
The mess up has happened as the MD is in holiday!so a big escalating mess.
Thank goodness it's all fixed.
Thank You from the not quite so frazzled frazzled

Blimey I bet there's been some arse kicking going on at FDF HQ this morning

Glad they've come through for you Frazzled. Have a good time.

Yay! That's great, hope you and your children have a fantastic holiday now :)

Hurrah! But still doesn't bode well if it all goes tits up when the MD goes on holiday! He'll just have to hope that the company's reputation hasn't been permanently tarnished by this episode.

Hope the FrazzledFive have a great holiday. Report back :o

Hello. Feather Down Farm have been back in touch with us this morning and have asked us to post up the following statement.

"We wanted you all to know that we have been back in touch with frazzled's group this morning to say how glad we are that they're still coming for their holiday and to offer them one of their five tents for free - a 20% discount on their group's booking.

We have also apologised to them for the whole confusion and for the way our booking system has let them - and us - down.

We would like to reassure you all that the comfort and happiness of all our guests is of utmost importance to us and our farmers. And we will be taking steps to review our booking procedures and upgrade our online booking system to try to make sure this kind of mistake never happens again."

i heard back from the PR company. i had asked if she still handled featherdown in my subject line.

Hi X,
I do.... and it is out of my hands. I have spoken to the management. They have offered the group free babysitting (so they can be together in the evenings) and a 20% discount for next year and also a full refund. I think Mark Gordon the boss is going to handle this now. He is on holiday but has been contacted so hopefully it will all be resolved.
Many thanks
Yasmin

she does seem nice, doesn't she? fingers crossed it will all be resolved, then, but it will take some doing i think. this has been horrible for poor frazzled...

to break it down, though.

"free babysitting"

this is cack because it means someone else hanging around, in particular someone who wants their kids to sleep. that cannot help but destroy the 'hang out, relax' vibe. it is JUST NOT THE SAME as having a field to yourself and getting pickled with your pals while children run in and out of each others' tents, dropping off to sleep where they fancy.

"20% discount FOR NEXT YEAR"

i don't have to explain, do I? surely to god i don't have to explain why featherdown farms screwing MORE money out of these people is not a good deal?

"Full refund"
Big fucking deal. it's THEIR money. Featherdown Farms have fucked up their booking and come to them with this information at a time when it is TOO LATE for them to book elsewhere. the offer of a full refund at this stage is nothing more than brinksmanship and bullying.

I really hope Mark Gordon understands that.

WELL DONE FDF MD!

Enjoy your hol, Frazzled, I hope that it all works out. The tents, furnishings and facilities do look fab.