Frequently Asked Questions
Below, we hope to answer what we have identified as the key questions we get asked.
- “Will the house actually work for our group?”
- “Will everyone fit comfortably?”
- “Is the location right?”
- “Will booking direct be safe?”
- “Are there any hidden catches?”
- “What happens if something goes wrong?”
If we haven’t answered your questions of concerns please contact us directly.
1. How can I make a reservation?
You can easily book your stay through our website, mobile app, or by calling our reservation team directly.
2. What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards, debit cards, mobile wallets, and secure online payments for your convenience and flexibility.
3. Can I cancel or modify my booking?
Yes, you can cancel or modify your booking based on our flexible policy. Please check terms before finalizing changes.
4. Do I need to pay in advance?
Advance payment may be required for certain bookings. Please review the payment terms during checkout or contact our team.
1. What time is check-in and check-out?
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM, and check-out is by 11:00 AM. Early check-in or late check-out may be available upon request.
2. Is breakfast included with my stay?
Yes, a complimentary gourmet breakfast is included with most bookings. Please check your room package for specific details.
3. Can I request a specific room or view?
Absolutely! While subject to availability, we do our best to honor special requests like high floors or scenic views.
4. Are pets allowed during the stay?
We offer a limited number of pet-friendly rooms. Please contact us in advance to confirm availability and guidelines.
1. What dining options are available at Stayheaven?
We offer an all-day restaurant, rooftop lounge, in-room dining, and a café — each with its own unique atmosphere.
2. Is room service available 24/7?
Yes, our in-room dining is available 24/7, offering a curated menu of local and international dishes delivered to your room.
3. Do you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Absolutely. Our chefs are happy to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-sensitive meals. Just let us know in advance.
4. Is breakfast included with every room?
Most room packages include complimentary breakfast. You can also upgrade to à la carte or buffet options during your stay.
1. What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations are free up to 48 hours before arrival. After that, a one-night charge may apply. Check your booking terms for details.
2. Is smoking allowed in the rooms?
Walpolehouse is a smoke-free property. Designated outdoor smoking areas are available for guest use.
3. Do you require a security deposit at check-in?
Yes, a refundable security deposit is taken upon check-in to cover incidental charges. This is returned at check-out.
4. What is your pet policy?
Pets are allowed in select rooms with advance notice. A cleaning fee may apply. Please contact us to check availability.
1. What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations are free up to 48 hours before arrival. After that, a one-night charge may apply. Check your booking terms for details.
2. Is smoking allowed in the rooms?
Walpolehouse is a smoke-free property. Designated outdoor smoking areas are available for guest use.
3. Do you require a security deposit at check-in?
Yes, a refundable security deposit is taken upon check-in to cover incidental charges. This is returned at check-out.
4. What is your pet policy?
Pets are allowed in select rooms with advance notice. A cleaning fee may apply. Please contact us to check availability.
Before Booking
How many guests can Walpole House accommodate?
Walpole House comfortably accommodates up to 19 guests across multiple bedrooms and living spaces. Whether you’re organising a large family gathering, a celebration weekend, a reunion with friends or a hen party, there is space for everyone to stay under one roof.
Is Walpole House suitable for large family gatherings?
Yes. Many guests book Walpole House for multi-generational family celebrations, birthday gatherings and reunions. The house offers enough communal space for everyone to spend time together while still allowing guests to enjoy their own privacy when needed.
Is Walpole House suitable for hen parties?
Yes. Walpole House is regularly booked for hen weekends and celebration breaks. Margate offers a fantastic mix of beaches, restaurants, bars, spas, live music, galleries and seaside activities, all within easy reach of the house.
Walpole House works best as the perfect base for your celebration rather than the venue itself. The house is located in a quiet residential conservation area, and we ask all guests to be mindful of our neighbours, including local families with young children.
Most hen groups find this works perfectly: enjoy everything Margate has to offer during the day and evening, then return to a comfortable and stylish house where everyone can stay together. Guests who are looking for a late-night party house with loud music and outdoor gatherings are recommended to find another property better suited to their plans.
Can we all dine together?
Yes. One of the biggest advantages of Walpole House is that large groups can gather together for meals, celebrations and socialising. Guests frequently tell us that being able to spend time together in one space is one of the highlights of their stay.
Do we need cars?
Not necessarily. Walpole House is centrally located in Margate, with the beach, Old Town, restaurants, cafés, bars and attractions within walking distance. Margate station also provides direct rail links to London.
How close is the beach?
The beach is under 200 yards away from the house, with step free access, making it easy to enjoy seaside walks, swimming, paddleboarding or simply relaxing by the coast.
About the Property
Is the entire property exclusively ours?
Yes. When you book Walpole House, the entire property is reserved exclusively for your group.
Is there enough space for everyone?
The house has been designed specifically to accommodate larger groups. There are multiple bedrooms, bathrooms and communal areas so guests are not competing for space.
Are bed linen and towels provided?
Yes. Fresh bed linen and towels are provided for all guests.
You will need to bring beach towels.
Is there Wi-Fi?
Yes. Superfast Plusnet fibre broadband is hard wired to the TVs and complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.
Is the kitchen fully equipped?
Yes. The kitchen is equipped for self-catering and includes the essentials needed to prepare meals for larger groups.
Are children welcome?
Absolutely. Many families stay at Walpole House with children of all ages.
Please not we do not provide highchairs and cots. Also, the property is not equipped with stairgates.
Is the property suitable for elderly guests?
Many multi-generational families stay with us. If mobility requirements are important to your group, please contact us before booking so we can discuss the layout and help determine whether the property will suit your needs.
Do the photos accurately reflect the property?
Yes. We want guests to arrive pleasantly surprised, not disappointed. The photographs are an accurate representation of Walpole House.
Location & Things To Do
What's within walking distance?
Margate’s beaches, Old Town, cafés, restaurants, pubs, galleries, including the Turner, and independent shops are all within easy reach.
As is Cliftonville’s Northdown Road with fabulous bakeries (Oast), cafes (The Good Egg, Forts, Cliffs) and independent breweries.
Are there good places to eat nearby?
Yes. Margate has become one of Kent’s most popular coastal destinations and offers everything from casual cafés and brunch spots to excellent seafood restaurants and lively bars.
What is there to do for groups?
Popular activities include beach days, coastal walks, spa visits, paddleboarding, gallery visits, private dining experiences, cocktail evenings and exploring Margate’s Old Town.
There are escape rooms, ten pin bowling and axe throwing all on your doorstep.
Is Margate good for a weekend break?
Very much so. Margate combines traditional seaside charm with a thriving food, arts and culture scene, making it particularly popular for celebration weekends and group getaways.
Booking Direct
We've never booked direct before. Why do guests choose to?
Many guests first discover Walpole House on major booking platforms and then choose to book directly because they prefer dealing with the owner personally, receiving straightforward answers and avoiding unnecessary platform fees.
Why book directly rather than through Airbnb or Booking.com?
Booking direct allows you to communicate directly with the property owner, receive the most accurate information and often secure the best available rate without third-party booking platform fees.
Is it safe to book directly?
Yes. You will receive a booking confirmation, clear terms and conditions, and direct communication throughout the booking process. Many guests choose to book directly for the added reassurance of dealing with the owner personally.
What payment methods do you accept?
Your booking is secured upon receipt of a deposit equal to 50% of the total booking cost.
We accept all major credit and debit cards. Payments are processed securely through Yapstone International Limited’s Holiday Rental Payment platform, one of Europe’s leading payment providers for holiday accommodation.
At no stage do we or our booking software have access to or store your card details.
When is the balance due?
The remaining balance is due three months before your arrival date.
We will send a reminder before payment is due, together with details of any security deposit required.
Do you require a security deposit?
Yes, We ask our guests for a security deposit pre-authorised against your credit or debit card. This is in case there is any damage to the property during your stay. The money is simply reserved and released afterward if there is no damage.
During Your Stay
What time is check-in?
Standard check-in is from 4pm.
If you’d like to make the most of your first day in Margate, we offer pre-bookable early check-in options (subject to availability). Depending on the booking schedule, you may be able to arrive from 12 noon or 2pm, giving you extra time to settle in, unpack and start enjoying your stay.
What time is check-out?
Standard check-out is by 10am.
Many guests choose one of our extended check-out options to make the most of their final day by the sea. Subject to availability, late check-out can be booked until 2pm or even 8pm.
A 2pm departure gives you time for a relaxed breakfast, a stroll along the seafront and lunch before heading home. An 8pm departure effectively gives you another full day in Margate — whether that’s beach time, shopping in the Old Town, a long lunch with friends or simply those reluctant to leave enjoying the house and gardens for precious extra hours.
What if we need help during our stay?
We’re always available should you need assistance during your stay and will do our best to resolve any issues quickly and efficiently.
Before you arrive, you’ll be given access to our Guest Information Platform. As well as practical information about the house, parking, access arrangements and recommendations for making the most of your time in Margate, you’ll also find a dedicated Emergency Information section.
This includes useful contacts and guidance for medical assistance, pharmacies, veterinary services, local emergency information and other situations where you might need help during your stay.
Most guests never need it, but it’s reassuring to know it’s there.
Can we decorate the house for a celebration?
Absolutely. Many guests decorate the house for birthdays, anniversaries, family gatherings and hen weekends, and we’re delighted to see guests making the space their own for a special occasion.
We simply ask that decorations are put up and removed in a way that does not damage the property.
Please do not use Blu Tack, Sellotape, adhesive hooks, drawing pins or any other fixings on walls, ceilings, woodwork or furnishings. These commonly pull away paintwork, leave marks or cause damage that requires immediate repair.
We also ask that glitter, confetti and similar decorative materials are not used. While they may look festive, they are extremely difficult to remove completely and often require additional cleaning.
Walpole House is a much-loved home that we work hard to keep looking its best for every guest. Any damage caused by decorations, or any additional cleaning required as a result, will be charged to the booking party.
Margate Q&A
Is Margate worth visiting?
Yes. Margate is a popular UK coastal destination known for Blue Flag beaches, Turner Contemporary, Dreamland, and a strong creative scene. It suits families, couples, and weekend travellers.
What is Margate famous for?
Margate is famous for the Turner Contemporary, Dreamland, tidal pools, sandy beaches, vintage culture, and its nickname Shoreditch-on-Sea.
What are the best things to do in Margate?
Top attractions include Turner Contemporary, Dreamland, Shell Grotto, Margate Caves, Crab Museum, Old Town, Botany Bay, and Walpole Bay Tidal Pool.
What are the best restaurants in Margate?
That is a tuff one as the choice is brilliant. Some of our favourites are The George & Heart, The Bouy & Oyster, L’Olvio and GB Pizza Co. The cafes are fabulous too: Oast, Forts and Cliffs as well as Alexandria Cafe.
What can you do in Margate for free?
Free activities include walking the Viking Coastal Trail, swimming in Walpole Bay Tidal Pool, exploring Old Town, visiting Turner Contemporary, relaxing at Botany Bay, and watching sunset at Margate Steps.
What can you do in Margate when the weather is bad?
There is loads to do in bad weather. 10 pin bowling, axe throwing, escape rooms, pool and snooker, amusement arcades, museums, the Shell Grotto, Margate Caves… In fact, on sunny days, you might prefer some of these options.
What is the best beach in Margate?
- Families: Margate Main Sands
- Scenery: Botany Bay
- Swimming: Walpole Bay Tidal Pool
- Quiet walks: Kingsgate Bay
- Rock Pools: Joss Bay
- As well as Blue Flag Beaches and we recommend using Surfers Against Sewerage for live updates
Is Margate good for families?
Yes. Families enjoy Dreamland, sandy beaches, arcades, tidal pools, shallow swimming areas, and family-friendly cafés. You can also request a family-focused FAQ.
How far is Margate from London?
Margate is around 1 hour 25 minutes from St Pancras by high-speed train and 1 hour 45 minutes by car.
What’s on in Margate this weekend?
Current events can be found on Visit Thanet’s What’s On listings, which provide real-time updates.
What is Cliftonville known for?
Cliftonville is known for independent cafés, vintage shops, art studios, multicultural food, the Oval Bandstand, and the Cliftonville Lido. It was named one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world by Time Out.
What food is Margate known for?
Margate is known for bakeries, breweries, seafood, and award-winning restaurants in Old Town, including Oast Bakery, Northdown Brewery, and The Good Egg.
Is Margate safe?
Yes. Margate is safe for visitors. Standard awareness is recommended during busy summer months.
What are the best day trips from Margate?
Popular day trips include Whitstable (30 mins), Broadstairs (coastal walk), Kent Downs (1 hour), and Dover Castle (40 mins).
Does Margate have good nightlife?
Yes. Margate offers cocktail bars, breweries, live music venues, beach bars, and late-night restaurants. Dreamland also hosts concerts and DJ events.
Why is Margate called “Shoreditch-on-Sea”?
The nickname comes from its creative community, independent shops, vintage markets, art studios, trendy cafés, and the number of Londoners relocating to the area.
When is the best time to visit Margate?
- Summer: beaches, festivals, events
- Spring/Autumn: quieter, ideal for walks and galleries
- Winter: cosy cafés, exhibitions, dramatic coastal views
- LIVE WEATHER APP LINK
Still deciding?
How do I know this is the right place for our gathering?
We know that when you’re booking a house for up to 19 people, you’re not simply booking accommodation.
You’re organising a celebration, a reunion, a long-awaited catch-up or precious time with family and friends. There’s often one person coordinating everything and hoping it all comes together.
We never lose sight of that.
From your first enquiry to your departure, our aim is simple: to provide a joyful destination (Walpole House and Margate), clear communication and the confidence that you’ve chosen the right place for your time together.
While the house and town are important… The memories made is the purpose. We get that.
What makes Walpole House different from other large group accommodation?
Walpole House combines the character of a large seaside home with a central Margate location and enough space for everyone.
Margate has all you need to entertain every generation. Good or bad weather. All on the doorstep.
Many guests tell us that being able to share meals, celebrations and downtime in one house creates memories that simply aren’t possible when a group is split across hotels or multiple properties. Also, the house is large and designed for both everyone to be together as well as smaller more intimate groups.
