Guest guidelines help the many parts of Tafaria work well together, from accommodation and events to animals, pools, learning spaces and art facilities.

The guidelines are intended to make a mixed-use destination work smoothly. Tafaria hosts families, school groups, artists, conferences, events and overnight guests, so clear expectations help protect safety, privacy and the quality of each group's experience.

A Tafaria booking is clearest when the date, guest numbers and the chosen room, ticket, programme or event arrangement are confirmed together. For organised visits, the written quotation or booking confirmation should show what has been reserved for that particular visit.

Availability and capacity

Rooms, event spaces, guided programmes and some experiences have practical capacity limits. A preferred date is therefore not fully secured until the relevant arrangements have been confirmed.

If the plan changes

If the number of guests, dates, room requirements, meal plan or event programme changes after confirmation, ask for the booking to be updated. This avoids relying on an earlier quotation that no longer matches the visit.

Keep the confirmation with the group

For schools, conferences and other organised groups, the person coordinating the visit should have the latest confirmation available on arrival so the agreed programme and numbers are easy to verify.

Day visits at Tafaria are organised around Leisure and Immersion ticket formats. Leisure focuses on recreation, while Immersion focuses on the guided tours and learning spaces that introduce Tafaria more deeply.

Booking and availability

Advance booking is recommended when a particular activity or guided experience is important to the day. Availability can depend on the programme, group size and what else is taking place on the property.

Food and supervision

Meals and refreshments are available at Tafaria, and outside food and drinks are not normally permitted. Children should remain with their accompanying adults or organised group, particularly around animals, sports and supervised activities.

Organised groups

Schools, conferences, celebrations and other organised groups may have a programme or quotation that differs from the standard individual day-ticket format. In those cases, the confirmed group arrangement determines what is included.

Tafaria does not normally allow visitors to bring outside food and drinks for consumption on the property. Dining is provided on site through Tafaria's restaurants, lounges and group catering arrangements.

For overnight stays, the amount of food already included depends on the meal plan. Day visitors can add a standalone meal, while school, conference, wedding and other group menus can be organised as part of the wider programme.

Different Tafaria activities call for different clothing, so the most useful approach is to dress for what you plan to do rather than follow one dress code for the whole property.

Swimming

Bring appropriate swimwear if the indoor pool is part of your visit, together with a change of clothes if needed afterwards.

Sports, horse riding and outdoor activities

Wear clothing that allows easy movement and closed, comfortable footwear where the activity requires it. Activity staff may give additional safety instructions before riding, archery or other supervised experiences.

General time around the property

A warm layer remains useful for the highland climate, especially early or late in the day. The separate visitor clothing guide covers weather and general packing in more detail.

Commercial photography and drone operations require prior approval to protect guest privacy, safety and scheduled activities.

Planning photography responsibly

Popular visual settings include the castle frontage, lawns, Spill Garden, horses and carriage, art installations and broader countryside views. Commercial shoots, drones or work that needs special access should be cleared in advance rather than treated like ordinary guest photography.

Many areas are wheelchair accessible and a wheelchair is available on site for guests who require assistance.

Planning accessibility before arrival

Accessibility varies by space because Tafaria combines a castle, outdoor grounds, farm areas, studios and newer facilities. Some arts-centre spaces are partially accessible, and additional assistance can be arranged with prior notice. Guests with mobility or other access needs should share the exact itinerary they hope to follow when booking.

Where a guest needs accessibility support, special timing, equipment or another accommodation, advance notice gives Tafaria the best chance to plan assistance around the specific spaces in the itinerary.

Confirming the details that matter

Clear Tafaria information is part of the visitor experience. Policies, rates, opening times and programme descriptions should be easy to verify and should be corrected across all public channels when something changes.

Safety at Tafaria depends on the activity. Children should remain under the supervision of their accompanying adults, and visitors should follow the instructions given for horses, archery, swimming, farm visits and other supervised experiences.

Activities with specific guidance

Horse experiences, archery and swimming require closer attention to the instructions given at the activity area. Farm, herbarium and museum visits also involve shared spaces, animals, plants or displays that should be treated with care.

Safety in organised group visits

Schools and other large groups should agree supervision roles before activities begin. Any medical, mobility or access need that affects participation is easier to support when it is shared before arrival.

Responsible waste disposal, careful use of water and respect for plants, animals and artworks are simple ways to protect the environment while enjoying Tafaria.

Respect the living landscape

Plants and animal areas are part of the learning environment, not props. Following marked routes and guidance around farm, herbarium and animal spaces helps protect both visitors and the things being cared for.

Leave shared spaces ready for the next person

Use bins for waste, avoid damaging installations or vegetation, and keep shared leisure and picnic areas tidy. These small habits support the same environmental responsibility explored in Tafaria's conservation and learning programmes.