Statements & Policies
Please view our current statement & policies below.
This access statement does not contain personal opinions as to our suitability for those with access needs, but aims to accurately describe the facilities and services that we offer all our guests/visitors.
Access Statement for Roch Castle, Roch, Pembrokeshire SA62 6AQ
Introduction
Roch Castle is located in Roch Village, seven miles from Britain’s smallest city, St Davids, Pembrokeshire. It is a unique heritage property built in the late twelfth century, on a rocky outcrop high above the incredible landscape of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, offering stunning panoramic views over St Brides Bay and the Preseli Hills. We have six ensuite bedrooms within the castle; two king double bedrooms with ensuite shower, one king double bedroom with ensuite shower and bath, two super king double bedrooms with ensuite shower and bath, one super king double bedroom with ensuite shower. As it is a historical property we have made every effort to meet the needs of all our guests however, the rooms and public areas are all set around a long winding staircase. The property also boasts other period features which may make it difficult for people with limited mobility. We do offer two bedrooms on a lower level to help accompany the needs of these guests, but even they have stairs to get to them, and up to our breakfast dining area. Please contact us for further information.
Pre-Arrival
We are located within the village of Roch, on Church Road. For full details and maps of how to reach us please see the Contact Us & Location page of our website. Alternatively, you can plan your journey by public transport using www.traveline-cymru.info, or by car, using http://www.theaa.com/route-planner. Simply enter your postcode and ours, which is SA62 6AQ to get your travel options or directions.
- The nearest airport to Roch Castle is Cardiff Airport, 105 miles away.
- The nearest railway station is the town of Haverfordwest, 7 miles from Roch. Trains from Haverfordwest connect with services at Swansea.
- Taxis are usually available at Haverfordwest train station but we can book one for you in advance if required.
- The nearest bus stop for the Haverfordwest to St Davids service is located in Roch on the A487 at the junction for Church Road and is approximately 800m from Roch Castle. The services operate between Monday and Saturday from approximately 07.30am to 7.00pm, visit https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/bus-routes-and-timetables for the latest timetables. There are also coastal bus services which operate from April to September each year, visit www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk and search for bus timetables for the latest information.
- As Roch Castle is a hypoallergenic venue, we do not accept dogs, and for the comfort of our guests, we do not allow dogs to be left in the car park overnight, we do of course welcome assistance dogs.
Car Parking and Arrival
- Roch Castle has a gated entrance which leads onto a tarmacked private driveway. When entering the property, the gates will need to be opened by yourself or your passengers. To do this you will see a silver post just outside the entrance to the right-hand side of the gate, you just need to press the button located on it and the gates will open for you. If you require assistance to gain entry, please call us on 01437 725 566. When leaving the property via car the gates sensor will see you and open the gates for you, if you are walking then there will be a secondary silver box located on the wall on the left-hand side of the gate.
- The car park is located directly outside of the hotel and set in the private grounds of the property, there is CCTV in place also for your safety.
- Access to the property is gained from the tarmacked car park through the main entrance. There are 29 steps to the main entrance with steps 18cm high and 150cm wide. There are nine stair landings approximately 150cm wide and 100cm deep. The fifth stair landing is 210cm wide and 250cm deep and includes an inlaid metal grid 100cm wide and 100cm deep with regular square holes of 2cm square. There are double wooden doors with a total width of 165cm wide, then an internal glass door of 85cm wide, which leads into a stone floor lobby area where a member of the Roch Castle Team will meet you.
- This outside area is well lit at night.
- There is also a lower ground floor entrance, which has one step 12cm high and 115cm wide and a traditional wooden door which is 114cm wide and opens into a tiled area. To reach the reception area from this entrance there are 21 steps in total. There are 10 steps, 16cm high and 96.5cm wide to the first stair landing, then one step 16cm high and 96.5cm wide to the second stair landing then 10 steps 16cm high and 96.5cm wide to the entrance. There is a handrail on one side.
- The area is well lit with overhead lighting.
- Assistance can be given with luggage from our team.
Bedrooms
- All six of our guest rooms are located within the castle and are accessed by means of stairs.
- Two bedrooms are located on the ground floor, St Davids and St Brides. Access to these rooms from the reception area are by means of 13 steps. There are 10 steps, 18cm high and 100cm wide to the first stair landing, then one step 17cm high and 77cm wide to the second stair landing then 2 steps 16cm high and 90cm wide to the ground floor. There is a hand rail on one side.
- One bedroom is located on the third floor, Ap Gruffydd. Access to this room from the reception area is by means of 27 steps. There are 16 steps, 19cm high and 94cm wide to the first stair landing, then one step 17cm high and 98cm wide to the second floor. Then 10 steps 16cm high and 96.5cm wide to the first floor. There is a hand rail on one side.
- One bedroom is located on the fourth floor, Nest. Access to this room from the reception area is via the same route to Ap Gruffydd and then by means of 10 stairs. These steps are 16cm high and 96.5cm. There is a hand rail on one side.
- Two bedrooms are located on the seventh floor, De Rupe and Lucy Walters. Access to these rooms from the reception area is via the same route to Nest and then by means of 25 steps.
- Bedrooms St Brides and Nest each have a king bed, 58 cm high, with access from both sides and an ensuite bathroom with separate fixed head shower cubicle with a 64cm entry gap and a step of 20cm. The toilet is 43cm in height.
- Bedroom Lucy Walters has a super king bed, 58 cm high, with access from both sides and an en-suite bathroom with separate fixed head shower cubicle with a 64cm entry gap and a step of 20cm. The toilet is 43cm in height.
- Bedroom De Rupe has a king bed, 58 cm high, with access from both sides, with an ensuite bathroom with separate fixed head shower cubicle with a 64cm entry gap and a step of 20cm and a separate bath 60cm high. The toilet is 43cm in height.
- Bedrooms Ap Gruffydd and St Davids each have a super king bed, 58 cm high, with access from both sides, with an ensuite bathroom with separate fixed head shower cubicle with a 64cm entry gap and a step of 20cm and a separate bath 60cm high. The toilet is 43cm in height.
- Your bed combines the highest quality Sealy mattress with luxuriant, hypo allergenic Comforel topper, pillows and duvet and 300 thread linens
- There is seating, bedside tables, bedside lamps, a wardrobe and desk provided in each room. Flat screen smart TV’s with applications such as Netflix and Amazon prime that you can log your personal accounts onto. There is also a mini fridge, in room phone, hairdryer and irons available for guests to use. We also provide bathrobes, slippers, bathroom and room amenities at no extra charge.
Public Areas
- All public areas, hall, stairs, and landings are well lit using a combination of floor, ceiling and table lamps.
- The main reception area is tiled flooring, the stairs are polished stone, the dining room, Court lounge, Sun Room and bedrooms have wooden flooring
- The main reception area has a large circular seat of 45cm high, which is placed on a circular leather rug.
- The dining room is situated off the reception area on the first floor and the entrance to it is by means of one step of 16cm high and 96.5cm wide.
- There is one WC on the first floor within the reception area and is accessed via one door of 84cm wide. There is a slight slope down into the WC which is 40cm in height.
- The Court lounge and Sun Room are located on the second floor and access is by means of 16 steps, 19cm high and 94cm wide to the first stair landing, then one step 17cm high and 98cm wide to the second floor. There is a hand rail on one side.
- There is a study on the sixth floor. Access to this room from the reception area is by means of 35 steps. See access to bedroom Nest, then there are 6 steps, 19cm high and 94cm wide to the stair landing, then one step 17cm high and 98cm wide into the study.
- There is a treatment room on the seventh floor. Access to this room from the reception area is by means of 55 steps. See access to bedroom De Rupe, then there are 6 steps, 19cm high and 94cm wide to the gym.
- There is one toilet on the lower ground floor, which can be accessed either by the lower ground floor entrance; or from the main reception area.
- The castle is fully centrally heated throughout, temperatures can be adjusted via a radiator in each room to suit individual requirements. We also provide extra blankets and room fans.
- There are automatic audible smoke alarms in the main and upper halls, bedrooms, reception areas and kitchen.
- Each room has windows allowing plenty of natural light, supplemented by adjustable overhead lights and floor lamps.
- In the dining room, there is seating for 12 people at solid wood tables with fabric covered chairs.
- In the Sun Room, there is a fridge, stocking the items of the honesty bar and for use by our guests as well as the mini fridges provided in your rooms.
- In the Court lounge, there is a carpet rug covering 50% of the floor.
Garden
- The landscaped gardens can be accessed from the car park. There are picnic benches for guests’ use, and lounge chairs available in the summer.
Additional Information
- We have a fire meeting point out in the lower car park for the unlikely event of a fire. All rooms and public areas are suited with fire safe doors and glass. Public area doors will shut automatically at the sound of an alarm. In the event of a fire, if it’s unsafe to vacate the property then do stay in your room as it will protect you for long enough until the fire department can escort you out. The nearest fire department is in Haverfordwest and in St Davids. Fire procedures are explained to each guest on arrival.
- We have small room directory slips in each room with a QR code to scan to access extra information such as NHS facilities, local restaurants/pubs, travel, theatres, and local golf facilities etc, or please speak to a member of our team.
- Wi-Fi facilities are also available throughout the property.
- We are happy to cater for special dietary requests or particular likes or dislikes. Please advise us of your dietary requirements before arrival.
- We can refrigerate prescription medication and additionally store any perishable food in our kitchen fridge for the duration of your stay if required.
- Mobile phone reception at Roch Castle is generally good.
Contact Information
Address: Roch Castle, Roch, Pembrokeshire. SA62 6AQ
Telephone: +44 (0)1437 725 566
Email: stay@rochcastle.com
Website: www.rochcastle.com
Hours of Operation: 8.00 am to 7.00 pm
Taxis: Tony’s Taxis +44 (0)1437 720 931 / Frank’s +44 (0)1437 721 731 /Morgan’s Taxis +44 (0)7788 292 976 / Jones’ coastal taxis +44 (0)7984 696 404 / Llandeloy Cabs +44 (0)7817 831 265
Local Public Transport: Pembrokeshire County Council www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk (search for bus timetables), general enquiries www.traveline.info.
We look forward to welcoming you to Roch Castle. If you have any queries or require any assistance please phone +44 (0)1437 725 566 or email stay@rochcastle.com.
For this policy:
“The Retreats Group” refers to Twr y Felin Hotel, Penrhiw Priory and Roch Castle.
Personal information means information about you that is personally identifiable like your name, address, e-mail address or phone number, and that is not otherwise publicly available and is not part of your work identification.
Your Personal information may be gathered in the following ways:
1. Making a reservation.
2. Providing the information to us by participating in a marketing initiative.
3. In order to continue to purchase and or provide goods to your company.
Below we will outline the type of information normally collected in each of these circumstances, the reasons for doing so, how we will use it and store it.
- When making a reservation with any of our properties it is necessary for us to gather the following information in order to identify you, to be able to contact you and be able to process your reservation. This information will usually include your name, address, phone number, e-mail address and your credit card number and expiration date. We may gather other information such as dietary requirements and special requests.
- From time to time, we may offer packages or other services that involve third parties. If you are partaking of such a package or service, your personal information will be shared with that third party to the extent necessary to provide that service and process the purchase or request.
- The Retreats Group may use the information you provide to send you offers and information about our services. If you do not wish to receive such offers and information you may unsubscribe or opt-out by sending an email to marketing@retreatsgroup.com, using the subject line “Unsubscribe”, so indicating your request with sufficient personal identifiers so we can appropriately act on your request. All our marketing communication of this type will also contain instructions for unsubscribing.
- For contractors on a monthly basis we will use your details to send invoices and other any other communications regarding your account. The data will be used for this purpose only.
When would we disclose any information?
- We disclose personal information only in these limited circumstances:
- We may disclose a guest’s personal information to an agent of the guest – for example, a travel agent who is booking a reservation on behalf of the guest
- Personal information will be shared with the Twr y Felin, Penrhiw Prioy or Roch Castle so that they may provide the services you have reserved.
- Personal information will be shared with a third party involved in supplying the guest with the services they have purchased to the extent necessary to effect the supply and the processing of the transaction.
- Personal information may be shared with an agent retained by The Retreats Group to evaluate a customer’s credit worthiness or in order to collect a customer’s account.
- Personal information may be shared with a public authority or an agent of public authority if in the judgment The Retreats Group it appears that there is an imminent danger to life or property which could be avoided or minimized by disclosure of the information, or which disclosure is compelled by legal authority.
Principles
- The Retreats group will only collect and use your personal information for the purpose that has been identified.
- We will ensure your information is protected when we deal with 3rd parties.
- We will honour your request to access your personal information in as timely fashion as possible.
- You may withdraw your consent to the use of your personal information for marketing purposes at any time, subject to legal or contractual restrictions and reasonable notice, by clicking the appropriate link on the email or by e-mailing us on marketing@retreatsgroup.com using ‘Unsubscribe’ as the subject line, and providing us sufficient personal identifiers so we can act effectively on your request. However, in either case, this may limit our ability to serve you.
If you have questions or concerns about our privacy practices or wish to make a request in respect of your personal information please contact us on marketing@retreatsgroup.com or if you prefer by writing us at :
The Marketing Manager
The Retreats Group
Twr y Felin Hotel
Caerfai Road
St Davids
SA62 6QT
The Retreats Group Ltd is fully committed to the principles of environmental sustainability through identifying and addressing the environmental aspects resulting from and associated with, its activities, products and services. In addition, the promotion of the conservation of natural resources is recognised as a priority consideration for the business and for the communities in which the business operates.
The purpose of this Policy is to ensure that all relevant activities, products and services of the organisation are identified and carried out in compliance with the relevant in-country environmental legislation and other requirements including but not limited to Prevention of Pollution.
Retreats group Ltd operates to support its Customers to reduce the environmental impact of their business activities and improve environmental efficiency through Objectives, Targets, Systems and Programmes. This includes but is not limited to:
- Increasing the deployment and delivery of sustainable services and solutions, which contribute to the reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions.
- Increasing energy and resource efficiency in the design of all our Properties.
- Enhancing the environmental efficiency of its business facilities to reduce the
- consumption of energy and other natural resources (e.g. water, waste).
- Comply with relevant environmental Standards and regulations as well as with
- In country legislative requirements.
- To act as market leaders achieving organic growth through a sustainable and
- responsible business model.
Authority & Accountability
An Environmental commitee acts on behalf of the Company director to set policy, regularly review and authorise plans at the management level, receive reports on rehearsal and implementation of plans as well as constitute the highest level of management for environmental activities.
The Environmental Committee shall identify owners of processes by which environmental risks, opportunities and aspects of The Retreats Group Ltd business activities are understood and managed in compliance with the international requirements and where relevant, in compliance with country/regional legislation.
All members of the Group are accountable for the implementation of this Policy within their area of Responsibility.
The Policy Owner shall:
- Ensure that all relevant Employees are aware of and, where appropriate, trained in the operation of this Policy and any changes to it;
- Ensure that any changes to the Policy or its associated Processes are duly authorised, for example by a suitable management meeting;
- Ensure that Processes are specified and maintained to enable Retreats Group Ltd to achieve its strategic objectives in respect of this Policy.
Employees:
- Each Employee in the organisations to which this Policy is applicable must comply with it and with its associated Processes.
- Any Employee found to be in breach of any Policy may be subject to disciplinary proceedings that may lead to dismissal.
Retreats Group Sustainability
Twr y Felin Hotel and sister venues Penrhiw Priory and Roch Castle are passionate about their environmental impact and strive to continually identify and improve their practices.
The Green Key
The group has developed and expanded its sustainability policy with a view to achieve the Green Key award for all three venues, which is a leading standard of excellence in the field of environmental responsibility and sustainable operation within the tourism industry. In 2019 the group achieved their goal after making positive changes to their working practices, to enhance the existing sustainability policy.
Grounds and Buildings
- Penrhiw Priory is the flagship venue of eight business in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority’ Naturally Connected Programme, due to its 12 acres of biodiversity Wild Flower Meadow and Woodland Walkway.
- Electric or battery operated gardening machinery.
- We have planted 1000’s of trees and shrubs in the grounds at all three venues.
- We use Car y Mor (love of the Sea), seaweed fertilizer on our grounds.
- We have Water Refilling Station signage outside each of our venues.
- We use LED bulbs throughout the 4 venues where possible.
- Our eco-warrior team turn off plugs and lights whenever possible
- We have solar panels on our roof at Twr y Felin Hotel.
- Water saving taps, which limit the flow of water used.
- Electric car charging for guests at all of our venues.
- We often car share and encourage those that live close to walk or cycle.
- We offer bicycle parking and storage.
- We have the Visit Wales’ walking and cycling accreditations.
Receptions and Offices
- We are almost 100% paperless. In terms of our guests, all contact is done by phone or email and we have an app displaying our room directory, local information on where to go and what to see
- Guests can check in and out and pay their bills online and view the menus and information on the local area by using our app.
- All of our files are created digitally and we ask our suppliers to use a digital process for invoicing.
- We have a recycling system and recycle all possible items, including batteries, crisp packets.
- Paper pens are used instead of plastic ones which can be recyclable.
- Recyclable printer ink cartridges.
- Compostable Cellotape from plant based material
Housekeeping and Laundry
- We clean our own laundry locally to reduce carbon footprint and use non biological hypoallergenic powder to clean our linen.
- We use hypoallergenic cleaning products for the rooms, public area and kitchens in all 4 buildings that are environmentally friendly.
- We offer refillable toiletries in our bathrooms, including shampoo, conditioner, body/hand wash and body lotion.
- There is signage in the bathrooms encouraging guests to reuse towels.
- Recyclable bins are in all bedrooms for guests to use with biodegradable bin liners.
- Sustainably produced toilet paper and tissues for desk in rooms
Kitchens
- We source as much produce as possible from local suppliers, including seafood from Car y Mor, an environmental initiative in St Davids.
- Biodegradable cling film.
- Silicone covers for food containers
- We use aluminium foil made from recyclable materials.
Restaurant, Bars and Lounges:-
- We offer locally sourced bottled water and so we can recycle them and reduce our carbon footprint with local deliveries.
- All other drinks are offered in glass bottles.
- We use paper straws, take away cups and lunch boxes.
The Future
One part of the group’s weekly Heads of Department meeting is to brainstorm for ideas to develop our sustainability practices.
On a small scale we hope to continue identifying small things such as items we can reuse and recycle. On a larger scale we plan to switch our group vehicles from diesel to electric in the next 5 years and work towards becoming carbon neutral.
