Discover the Essentials of Exploration Days

An overview of our booking and participation policies

9. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies to enhance user experience and analyze site performance.

For details, including how to manage your cookie preferences, please see our Cookie Policy [Insert Link to Cookie Policy]. We use:

• Essential Cookies: To enable core website functions (e.g., booking forms).
• Analytics Cookies: To track website usage (e.g., Google Analytics).
• Marketing Cookies: To deliver personalized ads (only with your consent).

10. Data Security

We implement technical and organizational measures to protect your data, including:

• Encryption of payment data during transactions.
• Secure storage of data on password-protected servers.
• Staff training on data protection and confidentiality.
• Regular audits of our data processing practices.

Despite these measures, no system is completely secure. If a data breach occurs, we will notify the ICO within 72 hours (if required) and inform affected individuals promptly.

11. Third-Party Links

Our website or emails may contain links to third-party sites (e.g., payment processors or event partners). We are not responsible for their privacy practices. We recommend reviewing their privacy policies before sharing personal data.

12. Complaints

If you have concerns about how we handle your data, please contact us first at [Insert Email]. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO):

• Website: www.ico.org.uk
• Phone: 0303 123 1113
• Address: Information Commissioner’s Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AF

13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of significant changes via email or a notice on our website. The updated policy will be effective from the date stated at the top of this document.

14. Contact Us

For any questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

• Email: coach.tours@thaxteds.co.uk
• Address: 82A James Carter Road, Mildenhall, Suffolk, IP28 7DE.

Cookie Policy for Paul Stribling Tours (Trading as

Thaxted’s River Ramble Tours)

Effective Date: 01 June 2025

Last Updated: 01 June 2025

Introduction

Paul Stribling Tours, trading as Thaxted’s (“we,” “us,” or

“our”), uses cookies and similar technologies on our website [Insert Website URL, e.g., www.thaxtedsriverrambletours.co.uk] to enhance your browsing experience, analyze site performance, and deliver personalized content. This Cookie Policy explains what cookies are, how we use them, and your choices for managing them. It complements our Privacy Policy, which details how we handle your personal data.

We operate river tours on the Norfolk Broads, themed activities such as medieval jousting events, and float plane experiences on large lakes, providing immersive tourism services. This policy ensures we comply with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR).

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files placed on your device (e.g., computer, smartphone, tablet) when you visit a website. They store information about your browsing activity, such as preferences or session data, and send this information back to the website or third-party services. We also use similar technologies, such as pixels and local storage, which serve similar purposes.

2. Types of Cookies We Use

We categorize cookies based on their purpose and whether they are set by us or third parties:

• Essential Cookies: Necessary for the website to function properly. These cookies enable core features like navigation, secure booking forms, and access to user accounts. They do not require consent under PECR.
• Example: Session cookies to maintain your booking cart during checkout.
• Analytical/Performance Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our website, such as which pages are most visited or where users encounter errors. This allows us to improve our website’s performance.
• Example: Google Analytics cookies (_ga, _gid) to track page views and user journeys.
• Legal Basis: Consent (you can opt out via our cookie banner).
• Functionality Cookies: Enhance your experience by remembering your preferences (e.g., language or region) and providing personalized features.
• Example: Cookies to remember your preferred tour type (e.g., river tour vs. jousting event).
• Legal Basis: Consent.
• Marketing/Targeting Cookies: Used to deliver relevant advertisements and track the effectiveness of our marketing campaigns. These may be set by us or third-party partners (e.g., social media platforms).
• Example: Cookies set by Meta Pixel to show ads for our float plane experiences on social media.
• Legal Basis: Consent.

4. How We Use Cookies

We use cookies to:

• Enable essential website functions, such as processing bookings for river tours, jousting events, or float plane experiences.
• Analyze website performance and user behavior to improve our services (e.g., identifying popular tours).
• Remember your preferences to provide a tailored experience (e.g., suggesting similar activities like medieval events).
• Deliver personalized marketing, such as ads for upcoming Norfolk Broads river tours, based on your browsing history.
• Ensure security by detecting and preventing fraudulent activity during online transactions.

6. Managing Your Cookie Preferences

When you first visit our website, a cookie banner will prompt you to accept or customize your cookie settings. You can:

• Accept All Cookies: Allow all cookies, including non-essential ones.
• Reject Non-Essential Cookies: Only essential cookies will be set.
• Customize Settings: Choose which categories of cookies to allow (e.g., enable analytics but disable marketing).

You can manage your preferences at any time by:

• Clicking the “Cookie Settings” link in the footer of our website.
• Adjusting your browser settings to block or delete cookies (see below).

Browser Settings: Most browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings:

• Google Chrome: Settings > Privacy and Security > Cookies and Other Site Data.
• Mozilla Firefox: Preferences > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data.
• Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data.
• Microsoft Edge: Settings > Privacy, Search, and Services > Cookies.

Note that blocking essential cookies may affect your ability to use our website, such as booking a tour.

7. Third-Party Cookies

We use third-party services that may set cookies on your device:

• Google Analytics: To analyze website usage. Google’s privacy practices are available at Google Privacy Policy. You can opt out via the Google Analytics Opt-Out Browser Add-On.
• Meta Pixel: To deliver targeted ads on Facebook and Instagram. See Meta’s privacy policy at Meta Privacy Policy.

We ensure third-party providers comply with UK GDPR through data processing agreements.

8. Data Transfers

Some third-party services (e.g., Google Analytics, Meta Pixel) may transfer data outside the UK. We ensure these transfers comply with UK GDPR by using Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) or other approved mechanisms. For more details, see our Privacy Policy.

9. Your Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have rights over your personal data collected via cookies, such as the right to access, rectify, or erase your data. For details on exercising these rights, see our Privacy Policy. You can also contact us directly (see Section 11).

10. Changes to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of significant changes via a notice on our website or by email. The updated policy will be effective from the date stated at the top of this document.

Booking Policy for Tours and Excursions

1. Booking Process

• Reservation: All tours and excursions must be booked in advance through our official website, authorized booking platforms, or directly with our customer service team via phone or email.
• Confirmation: A booking is considered confirmed only upon receipt of full payment or a deposit (as specified for the tour) and issuance of a booking confirmation email or voucher. Customers must review the confirmation for accuracy and contact us within 24 hours of receipt if there are any discrepancies.
• Minimum Age: Certain tours may have age restrictions. These will be clearly stated in the tour description. Minors (under 18) must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
• Group Size: Some tours have minimum or maximum group size requirements. If the minimum is not met, we reserve the right to cancel the tour and offer a full refund or an alternative tour option.

2. Payment Terms

• Deposit: A non-refundable deposit (typically 20-50% of the total cost, depending on the tour may be required at the time of booking to secure your spot. The remaining balance is due by the deadline specified in the tour details (typically 7-30 days before departure).
• Full Payment: For bookings made within the payment deadline (e.g., less than 7 days before the tour), full payment is required at the time of booking.
• Accepted Payment Methods: We accept payments via credit/debit cards and bank transfers. All prices are quoted in GBP Great British Pound Sterling, and any applicable taxes or fees will be clearly disclosed at booking.
• Currency and Pricing: Prices are subject to change until the booking is confirmed.
  We are not responsible for fluctuations in currency exchange rates for international customers.
• 3. Cancellations by the Customer
• Cancellation Notification: Cancellations must be submitted in writing via email or through our website’s cancellation form. Verbal cancellations will not be accepted.
• Cancellation Fees:
• More than [30 days] before departure: Full refund, less the non-refundable deposit.
• [15-30 days] before departure: 50% refund of the total tour cost.
• Less than [15 days] before departure: No refund.
• Specific tours (e.g., special events, cruises, or private tours) may have stricter cancellation policies, which will be outlined at booking.
• No-Show Policy: Failure to arrive at the designated meeting point on time without prior notification will be considered a no-show, and no refund will be provided.
• 4. Cancellations or Changes by the Company
• Tour Cancellation: We reserve the right to cancel a tour due to insufficient bookings, extreme weather, safety concerns, or other unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, customers will be offered a full refund or the option to reschedule for an alternative tour or date.
• Itinerary Changes: We may modify tour itineraries, routes, or activities due to weather, safety, or operational needs. We will notify customers as soon as possible and provide comparable alternatives where feasible. No refunds will be issued for minor changes that do not significantly impact the tour experience.
• Force Majeure: We are not liable for cancellations or delays due to events beyond our control, such as natural disasters, political unrest, or pandemics. In such cases, we will work with customers to reschedule or provide credit for future tours, subject to availability.
• 5. Refunds
• Processing Time: Refunds, when applicable, will be processed within [7-14 business days] to the original payment method.
• Non-Refundable Items: Deposits, service fees, travel insurance, and certain third-party costs (e.g., event tickets) are non-refundable unless otherwise stated.
• Disputes: Any refund disputes must be raised within [30 days] of the tour date by contacting our customer service team.
• 6. Customer Responsibilities
• Health and Fitness: Customers must ensure they are physically and medically fit for the tour’s activities. Certain tours may require disclosure of medical conditions or physical limitations at booking.
• Travel Documents: Customers are responsible for obtaining valid passports, visas, vaccinations, or other required documentation. We are not liable for issues arising from failure to comply with entry or health requirements.
• Conduct: Customers must adhere to the tour guide’s instructions and behave respectfully toward other participants, staff, and local communities. We reserve the right to remove participants from a tour without refund for disruptive or unsafe behavior.
• Personal Belongings: Customers are responsible for their personal belongings. We are not liable for loss, theft, or damage to personal property during the tour.
• 7. Travel Insurance
• • We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance to cover cancellations, medical emergencies, and other unforeseen events. Customers are responsible for ensuring their insurance meets the needs of the tour (e.g., adventure activities, international travel).
• 8. Special Requests
• Requests for dietary accommodations, accessibility needs, or other special arrangements must be submitted at the time of booking. While we will make reasonable efforts to accommodate, we cannot guarantee all requests.
• Private or customised tours are subject to availability and may incur additional fee.

• 9. Liability
• We act as an agent for third-party providers (e.g., transportation, accommodations) and are not liable for their actions, omissions, or failures. All activities carry inherent risks, and customers participate at their own risk.
• Our liability is limited to the cost of the tour. We are not responsible for indirect losses, such as missed flights or additional accommodation costs.
• 10. Contact Information
• For questions, changes, or cancellations, contact our customer service team at [insert email/phone] or through our website [insert URL].
• Office hours: [insert hours, e.g., Monday-Friday, 9 AM-5 PM].
• 11. Policy Updates
• • This booking policy is subject to change without prior notice. The policy in effect at the time of booking applies to your reservation.

Refund Policy for Tours and Excursions

1. General Refund Conditions

• Refunds are only issued in accordance with the cancellation terms outlined in our Booking Policy or as required by applicable law.
• To request a refund, customers must submit a written request via email to [insert emaill or through the cancellation form on our website [insert URL]. Verbal requests will not be accepted.
• Eligibility for a refund depends on the timing of the cancellation, the type of tour, and the reason for the request.

2. Customer-Initiated Cancellations

• Standard Refund Schedule:
• Cancellations made more than [30 days] before the tour departure date: Full refund, less the non-refundable deposit (typically [20-50%] of the tour cost, as specified at booking).
• Cancellations made [15-30 days] before departure: 50% refund of the total tour cost.
• Cancellations made less than [15 days] before departure: No refund.
• Non-Refundable Items: Deposits, booking fees, service charges, travel insurance premiums, and third-party costs (e.g., event tickets, special permits) are non-refundable unless otherwise stated.
• No-Show Policy: Customers who fail to arrive at the designated meeting point on time without prior notification are considered no-shows and are not eligible for a refund.
• Special Tours: Certain tours (e.g., private tours, special events, or cruises) may have stricter cancellation policies, which will be clearly stated at the time of booking.

3. Company-Initiated Cancellations

• If we cancel a tour due to insufficient bookings, extreme weather, safety concerns, or other unforeseen circumstances, customers are entitled to:
• A full refund of all payments made, including the deposit, or
• The option to reschedule for an alternative tour or date, subject to availability.
• Refunds for company-initiated cancellations will be processed without deduction of fees.

4. Force Majeure

• In the event of cancellations or disruptions due to circumstances beyond our control (e.g., natural disasters, political unrest, pandemics), no monetary refunds will be issued. Instead, we will offer:
• A credit for a future tour, valid for [12 months] from the cancellation date, or
• Rescheduling to an alternative tour or date, subject to availability.
• Customers are encouraged to rely on their travel insurance for financial protection in such cases.

5. Partial Refunds for Itinerary Changes

• If we modify a tour’s itinerary, route, or activities due to operational needs, weather, or safety concerns, no refunds will be issued for minor changes that do not significantly alter the tour experience.
• If significant changes (e.g., cancellation of a major tour component) occur, customers may be offered a partial refund or alternative arrangements, at our discretion.

6. Refund Processing

• Processing Time: Approved refunds will be processed within [7-14 business days] from the date of approval and returned to the original payment method.
• Currency: Refunds will be issued in the currency of the original payment. We are not responsible for losses due to currency exchange rate fluctuations.
• Disputes: Any refund disputes must be raised within [30 days] of the tour date by contacting our customer service team at coach.tours@thaxteds.co.uk

6. Refund Processing

• Processing Time: Approved refunds will be processed within [7-14 business days] from the date of approval and returned to the original payment method.
• Currency: Refunds will be issued in the currency of the original payment. We are not responsible for losses due to currency exchange rate fluctuations.
• Disputes: Any refund disputes must be raised within [30 days] of the tour date by contacting our customer service team at coach.tours@thaxteds.co.uk

7. Non-Refundable Circumstances

• Refunds will not be issued for:
• Failure to meet tour requirements (e.g., valid travel documents, visas, vaccinations).
• Dissatisfaction due to personal preferences or expectations not explicitly promised in the tour description.
• Early departure from a tour for personal reasons or due to non-compliance with tour rules (e.g., disruptive behaviour).
• Customers are responsible for ensuring they meet all tour requirements and for obtaining travel insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances.

8. Travel Insurance

• We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance to cover cancellations, medical emergencies, or other unexpected events. Refunds will not be issued for issues covered by standard travel insurance policies.

9. Contact Information

• For refund requests or inquiries, contact our customer service team at coach.tours@thaxteds.co.uk
• Office hours: 0900-1700 Monday to Friday.

Food Allergy Disclaimer Policy

1. Purpose

At [Your Company Name], we prioritize the safety and well-being of our guests. This Food Allergy Disclaimer Policy is designed to inform customers about the risks of food allergies during our tours and excursions and to clarify our responsibilities and limitations regarding allergen management.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all tours, excursions, and experiences offered by Thaxted’s where food or beverages are provided, whether prepared by us, our partners, or third-party vendors (e.g., restaurants, caterers, or local suppliers).

3. Disclosure of Allergens

• We strive to provide accurate information about the ingredients in the meals or snacks offered during our tours. However, we cannot guarantee that all food items are free from allergens or traces of allergens, including but not limited to: peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, eggs, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, sesame, and gluten.
• Customers with food allergies or dietary restrictions must inform us in writing at the time of booking, specifying the nature and severity of their allergies. This can be done via our booking form or by emailing coach.tours@thaxteds.co.uk.
• Where possible, we will share allergen information provided by our food suppliers or partners. However, menus and ingredients are subject to change, and we may not always have complete control over food preparation processes.

4. Cross-Contamination Risks

• Many of our tours involve meals prepared by third-party vendors, such as restaurants, local eateries, or caterers, where food may be prepared in shared kitchens. We cannot guarantee that cross-contamination will not occur, even if a dish is labeled as free from a specific allergen.
• Packaged snacks or beverages provided during tours may also contain allergens or be processed in facilities that handle allergens, as indicated on their packaging.

5. Customer Responsibilities

• Disclosure: Customers are responsible for notifying us of any food allergies or dietary restrictions at least [7 days] prior to the tour start date. We cannot accommodate last-minute requests or guarantee allergen-free options without prior notice.
• Precaution: Guests with severe allergies should take necessary precautions, such as bringing their own safe food, carrying emergency medication (e.g., epinephrine auto-injectors), and informing their tour guide of their condition at the start of the tour.
• Review: Customers are encouraged to review ingredient lists, ask questions about meal preparation, and exercise caution when consuming food during the tour.
• Risk Acknowledgment: By participating in a tour that includes food, customers acknowledge the inherent risks of allergen exposure and assume responsibility for their own safety.

6. Limitations of Liability

• While we make reasonable efforts to accommodate dietary needs when notified in advance, we are not liable for any allergic reactions, illnesses, or injuries resulting from food consumption during our tours.
• We do not guarantee that any food provided is free from allergens or suitable for individuals with food allergies or intolerances.
• Customers with severe allergies participate at their own risk, and we strongly recommend consulting with a medical professional before booking a tour that includes food.

7. Special Requests

• We will make reasonable efforts to accommodate allergy-related requests (e.g., gluten-free, nut-free meals) if notified in advance. However, availability is not guaranteed and may depend on the tour location, third-party vendors, or local culinary practices.
• Additional fees may apply for special dietary accommodations, which will be communicated at the time of booking.

8. Third-Party Vendors

• Many of our tours include meals provided by third-party vendors, such as restaurants or local suppliers. These vendors are responsible for their own food preparation and allergen management practices. We will communicate your dietary needs to them but cannot control their processes or guarantee allergen-free meals.
• Customers are encouraged to speak directly with the vendor or tour guide if they have concerns about a specific meal.

9. Emergency Response

• In the event of an allergic reaction, our tour guides are trained in basic first aid and will assist in contacting local emergency services. However, customers are responsible for carrying their own emergency medication and informing the tour guide of their needs.
• We are not liable for delays in medical response or outcomes resulting from an allergic reaction.

10. Contact Information

For questions about food allergies, to notify us of dietary restrictions, or for more information, please contact us at:

• Email: coach.tours@thaxteds.co.uk
• Office hours: 0900-1700 Monday to Friday.

11. Policy Updates

This policy is subject to change without prior notice. The version in effect at the time of booking applies to your reservation and will be available on our website www.riverrambletours.co.uk