Guest Information
Did we mention we're Vegan?
The Base is a small animal sanctuary and a Vegan retreat.
We like to make it clear to all guests that The Base Vegan Retreat Animal Sanctuary is strictly plant based out of compassion for ALL animals and our Earth, which means we DO NOT ALLOW any animal derived food products (meat, fish, milk, cheese & eggs) and food products containing such ingredients on the property, with the exception of packaged food for your companion animals.
Standing by our principles of compassion in the world of business is never easy, so your support is very much appreciated.
Access Instructions
Self entry access instructions will be texted to you on your day of arrival, but we are almost always here anyway if you require any assistance or just want to say hello and ask any questions for your stay. The Cabin is accessed through the side gate into the garden.
Animals: Feeding
You are welcome to bring fresh raw food for the animals, here is a general guide to their preferences.
Birds: most seeds, blueberries, strawberries, oranges, peas, salad, herbs, courgettes.
Guineas: salad, herbs, greens, peppers.
Buns: greens, carrots, herbs, apples, willow and dandelions.
Not too many carrots or apples as they are sugary.
Animals: Drop in Visitors
You are welcome to drop in to see and spend time with the animals. We are open for visitors Fri to Mon inclusive, 10am to 4pm, but please arrange your visit with us in advance.
A minimum donation of £15 per adult can be made on the website before you come. This includes tea and cake and also contributes to the costs of care, feed and housing for the animals, which is very much appreciated. You are welcome to bring some fresh raw food as above for the animals.
Alternatively, you could book an Afternoon Tea in which case there is no need to make a visitor donation.
Bank Details
Bank: Monzo Bank
Account type: Business
Account Name: The Base Vegan Retreat
Sort code: 04-00-04
Account number: 66841313
BIC: MONZGB2L
IBAN: GB53 MONZ 0400 0466 8413 13
Bank address: Broadwalk House, 5 Appold St, London, EC2A 2AG, United Kingdom
Check In Time 4pm to 9pm
The earliest you can check in is 4pm. This is the earliest we can offer because in addition to seeing to the accommodation, we also need time to tend to our rescue animals and the garden. If it would like to arrive early just to leave your car here until check in time, you can do so any time after 11am. There are green spaces on the doorstep and a leisure park within 5 minutes' walk.
Check Out Time by 11am
Please respect our check out time as we need time to prepare as thoroughly as we did prior to your own arrival and we also have the animals to tend to.
If you have settled up for any extras, then there is nothing to do except leave your keys in the door.
If it helps, you can leave your car here up to 3pm if you need to, but again, please let us know in advance in case we are having deliveries or maintenance etc.
Directions to The Base
Our address is 54 Hollyguest Road, Bristol BS15 9NW.
We are on the one-way section of Hollyguest Road so it's important to use the full address in your sat nav, which should have you approach from Cock Road / Kelston Grove and head down the one-way lane next to the allotment car park. We are on the right hand bend, but behind you on the left hand side. Look for our green sign "The Base".
Google Maps also gives directions for public transport, cycling and walking, just look out for the buttons below when using Google maps:
The public transport directions will include full details like walking to bus stops, bus numbers and departure times.
The Google Maps app gives a better experience than the Google Maps website.
Dog Walks
The precariously named 'Cock Road Ridge' is a perfect green space for walking yourself and/or The Dog with open meadows, woody paths and views. Muddy most of the year so get your boots on. Turn left out of the driveway and stroll down the lane.
Late Arrivals
We are able to accommodate arrivals later than 9pm, but please prepare a reasonable excuse and arrange it with us in advance.
Parking
You can park on the main driveway in front of the resident motorhome. Two additional spaces are also available. A smaller one in front of the porch window, and a larger one at the other end of the main house (mind the large step outside the door).
Please do not block the lane or access to gates and doors etc.
Pets (Animal Companions)
Animal companions are very welcome, but dogs must be kept on a lead at all times when in the garden, without exception. Most of our resident VIPs are prey animals and even just getting a fright can affect their behaviour for days.
Pet Food
Bringing meat based pet food for your animal companions is OK, but we encourage guests to consider trying plant based pet food. Let us know if you would like to try a free sample.
Pubs
Riverside Pubs
Both of these are within a 40 minutes' walk from us. You can also walk from one to the other along the river, and there is also a ferry service which goes to and from the city centre.
Nearest 100% Vegan Pub
Harp and Crown, 36 min drive East of us, in Corsham, Wiltshire.