FAQs
Can anyone stay and visit Birch (Selsdon)?
Short answer: yes.
Slightly longer one: just do one of four things…
Book a room for the night.
Book into the all day dining restaurant, Elodie.
Host an event, work meeting or party at Birch (Selsdon), or be a guest of one of those.
Become a member and you can come and go as you please.
Can anyone eat at Elodie?
Yes. You don’t need to be staying the night with us, or a Birch (Selsdon) member, to eat in our signature restaurant Elodie. You do need to book ahead though. Booking open Spring 2023 .
What time is check-in and check-out?
We guarantee your room will be ready after 3pm. Check-out is by 11am. Feel free to arrive earlier or leave later.
What’s your room cancellation policy?
You can cancel your room booking by 3pm, 24h before the arrival date. Please be informed that in case of cancellations within 24h of your arrival stay, your full stay is not refundable. If you need to cancel your room, please email: reservations.selsdon@birchcommunity.com
What kind of stuff can members & hotel guests do while at Birch (Selsdon)?
Birch (Selsdon) is an escape for the explorers (i.e. there’s a lot to do here).
We run an events programme (from art workshops and maker masterclasses, to talks and parties), a busy workout schedule (yoga/spin/HIIT classes every week), and a growing programme which includes foraging walks, and pottery classes.
Work, rest, and play with, three bars, two restaurants run led by Lee Wescott, co-working space, wellness space, pottery studio, and art rooms.
Of course, you can always just rest and reset with a long sleep and lazy walk around our 200 acres of nature.
Pls note to take part in any of the programme mentioned above you must be a member of Birch (Selsdon) or a hotel guest.
Can I book one of your events or classes?
We run a range of events – like pottery workshops, candle making masterclasses, and foraging walks. And classes – like riding, stretching, and sculpting. You get total access to them when you stay with us or if you’re a member. In order to book you must be a member or hotel guest of Birch (Selsdon). Booking open Spring 2023
If I’m staying with you, how can I book an event or class?
In house guest, two weeks before your stay we’ll send you details so you can log in to our website, see what’s going on while you’re with us, and book any events or classes you want.
Members, you will have access to your portal 24/7 and can book whenever you like.
What can I do for exercise?
There are plenty of ways for you to work up a sweat at Birch (Selsdon)… Run in our 200 acres of land or in the Gym. Swim in our lido. Spin, sculpt, and stretch in one of our weekly classes. Or head out for a foraging walk with our makers. Our wellness space opens in April 2023.
Can I get pampered?
We’ve created wellness practices in response to urban pressures, digital overload, and environmental pollution. These therapies are made to synchronise your body and brain. Booking open Spring 2023.
What’s the easiest way to get to Birch (Selsdon)?
If you’re coming by train then head for East Croydon station. From there, we’re a short bus ride or 10-minute taxi/Uber. If you’re coming by car then we have plenty of parking.
Are kids welcome?
Of course. We just ask that children are always with a parent or guardian. If you’re sleeping over then you may want to choose a Bunk room which is ideal for families.
Is there stuff for kids to do?
Yep – a bucket and spade load.
Outside you’ve got nature, chickens, open spaces and the Lido. Inside you’ve got the Arcade (our games room), Art Room and all over the place we’ve got frisbees, films, and board games.
We run events for kids too. Kids Clubs and Funday activities. We adapt our schedule to seasonality so there’s always plenty going on at the weekends and during the school holidays.
Wander the woods. Get dirty. Make memories. Birch (Selsdon) is a playground for all.
Can I bring my dog?
Yep. They’re welcome in all our communal areas (excluding the Bakery, Lido and Gym). Just be considerate of others. While you love your dog, and we love your dog, not everyone may be a fan. Oh, and please pick up their mess.
If you want them to sleep over too just let us know in advance via the comments box at the time you make your reservation so we can plan accordingly. It’s £15 for the stay (per dog max. 2 dogs per room).
All dogs must be kept on a lead at all times.
Cash or card?
Birch (Selsdon) is cashless so no notes or coins needed. We accept all major cards, including Amex.
The Lido
Do In-House guests get access to the Lido?
Yep, for the whole of your stay. Opening Summer 2023
Staying with us?
The next few questions are for you…
How do I get through Birch (Selsdon) entrance gate?
48 hours before your stay you will receive an email where you can tell us your car reg details. We will get you set up on the gate so that you can come and go as you please during your stay. Any issues just shout. If you’re arriving by taxi, just ring the buzzer.
Where do I park?
There’s loads of parking spaces to choose. First off though, swing by the Mansion House to say hi and check-in.
When will my room be ready?
3pm is the general rule. However, feel free to arrive earlier and hang out.
When does my room get cleaned?
Before your stay we’ll do a deep clean and check of the room. Once you’re in, it’s your private space and we won’t come in again until you say goodbye. We want your room to be your space.
Just a quick note! Your rooms are not serviced throughout your stay, however, if you wish to have a refresh we can totally do this between the hours of 9am-4pm.
Of course if you need anything then just ask our Placemakers.
What if I need an iron?
Speak with our Placemakers and we’ll sort it.
You say Birch (Selsdon) is ‘pay as you go.’ What does that mean?
Nothing too tricky here… You pay for things as you use them. Eat something, pay there and then. Drink something, ditto. This avoids any annoying check-out nonsense so you can come and go easily.
Wanna go old skool and set up a credit account to charge things to? No worries. Chat with our Placemakers and we’ll sort it.
What do I need to do to check out?
Basically nothing. Whenever you want to go before 11am you can and that’s about it. This avoids you having to queue in a check-out line for 20 minutes.
What do I do for food?
You’ve got a few options here.
Elodie: one of our main attractions. Elodie is our all day signature restaurant led Lee Wescott.
All Day Dining: this all-day dining extravaganza in the middle of the Mansion House (although you can also eat outside on the terrace). Open to members and hotel guests only.
What about drinks?
There are three bars at Birch (Selsdon) serving Cocktails, beer, wine on tap… Drink up.
Yep. Thats what our Birchlings Kids Club (that’s our name for it, you might just call it ‘childcare’) is for. Our experienced team will take care of your young saplings for outdoor fun and adventure.
I haven’t booked any events or classes. Can I still join one? And how do I know what is on today?
You’ll be able to see what’s on at our events & classes page soon, where you’ll be able to book. Or, head to Reception when on site and you see that day’s schedule. The Placemakers can get you booked onto things and chat to you about what’s what.
Yes, it’s best to book this stuff in advance. However, there’s plenty going on so we’ll do our best to get you into something.
Final one… When will the Wellness Space open?
April 2023
Right, enough of all the questions already. Just come see for yourself.

