FAQs

Do I need to know how to cook before I come on a course?

Our scheduled courses are designed both for guests with little cookery experience, as well as for those who want to refresh and develop their cooking skills.  Caroline’s many years of teaching means that you are in very safe hands.  We aim to give you a fun, positive learning experience and leave you more confident in your cooking abilities by the end of the course, no matter at what level you begin.

If you would like to discuss a bespoke course designed around specific skills you’d like to master, please get in touch via our contact form or by email at bookings@dudwellschool.com.

How many people are on each course?

We can accommodate a maximum of 8 people per course.  Bespoke courses can be for any number of people, up to the maximum of 8.

What should I bring to wear?

Comfortable clothing and covered, non-slip soled shoes for when you are cooking - jeans are ideal, but we request that you do not wear shorts in the kitchen for safety.   We will provide everything else you may need while in the kitchen, as well as linen and towels if you are staying with us. 

You may also like to bring items such as swimming costumes, tennis racquets and balls (although you are also welcome to borrow ours) and sports shoes in addition to your normal clothes, so you can enjoy all the facilities during our afternoon break times. 

Is there a minimum age limit?

We are happy to accept groups of all ages, although there is a minimum age limit of 16 for unaccompanied minors.  Classes for children are also possible, with adult supervision - please get in touch if you would like any further information.

Are there any train stations nearby?  Can I park with you if I drive?

Yes, our two nearest stations are Bath Spa (40 minutes away) and Castle Cary (25 minutes away).  There are always taxis available at Bath, but booking is necessary if you arrive at Castle Cary.  Both taxi journeys should cost about £35.

Dudwell is around a 2 ½ hour drive from London and there is plenty of parking available. See our Directions page for detailed instructions.

How do I book and when are the full fees due?

To book one of our courses, please email us with your name, telephone number and which date(s) you are interested in, and we will revert as soon as possible with details of availability.  Alternatively, you may also fill in the Booking form directly, or get in touch with us via the Contact form.

If you would like to go ahead, we require a £200 deposit upon booking, which you can pay by bank transfer or cheque.  You will receive an invoice for the balance of the fees 6 weeks before the course begins.  If, however, you are booking less than 4 weeks before the start of the course, or for short courses of 1 or 2 days, you will need to pay the fees in full.

What does the fee include?

In addition to high quality ingredients and teaching time, the course fee includes:

• Accommodation - each twin / double room has an en-suite bathroom, with either a rainforest shower (3 rooms) or a roll top bath (1 room).  All linen and towels are included, as well as dressing gowns and slippers.  If you do not wish to stay with us, however, we offer a 15% discount for non-residential participation.
• Food - all meals each day, including the lunch and dinner you have made yourself (served with wine each evening), and a buffet breakfast, served in our summerhouse.  If you would however like to bring a special bottle of wine or two with you to enjoy with dinner, you are more than welcome.
• The Dudwell School Recipe Book to take home and enjoy.
• Use of all recreational facilities (see below) and free wi-fi.
• Access to a washer and dryer.

Is there a discount if I want to come on a non-residential basis?

Yes, we offer a 15% discount on the course list price if you do not wish to stay with us at Dudwell.

What recreational facilities are available?

We have a tennis court, heated outdoor swimming pool, snooker table, ping pong table, badminton facilities - and a rather bumpy croquet lawn - which are all at your disposal.  There is also a large library with a home cinema and a wonderfully comfortable TV room if you want to just relax for a few hours, as well as a variety of after-dinner games.  A sauna bath is also available for your use.  Students will be able to access free wi-fi and there are laundry facilities.

Do I have to share a room?  Is there a single room supplement?

Our rooms are set up as twins / doubles, so if the course is full (maximum of 8 people), the rooms would typically be shared.  However, we do not charge a single room supplement if there are fewer than 8 people staying at Dudwell, or if you require a single room while you are here.  Please do let us know as soon as possible if you require a single room occupancy, however, as we may be limited with regard to the number of single rooms we are able to offer.  In this case, you may be staying in the main house, rather than with the other participants in the guest accommodation.

We do not offer the option to continue staying with us over the weekend if you come to the week-long courses (which end on Friday), but we do at times hold weekend courses with accommodation - please get in touch for more details.

Dudwell School Ltd, Dudwell Lane, Chewton Mendip, Bath, Somerset BA3 4ND  Ι  Tel: 07860 123827

www.dudwellschool.com  Ι  bookings@dudwellschool.com  Ι  Company Number 0776954