Cookie policy

What is a cookie?

A cookie is a small file, typically of letters and numbers, downloaded on to a device when the user accesses certain websites. Cookies are then sent back to originating website on each subsequent visit. Cookies are useful because they allow a website to recognise a user’s web browser or device.

Blocking and removing cookies

Your browser may give you the ability to block or delete cookies should you wish to do so. Please see the ‘Help’ menu in your browser for further information. Please note that blocking all cookies will have a negative impact upon the usability of many websites, including this. We therefore recommend that you permit the use of cookies when using our website.

Our use of cookies

Cookies on our website may be set by us, or by independent third parties such as advertisers.

Our site makes use of both ‘session’ and ‘persistent’ cookies. ‘Session’ cookies remember information from page to page for filtering and completing searches before being removed when you end your session. ‘Persistent’ cookies enable our websites to recognise you when you make return visits to us, and remain stored on your computer until deleted, or until they reach a specified expiry date. Persistent cookies placed on your computer as a result of your use of our websites will never be stored for longer than 2 years from the date of your last visit.

The table below sets out the various types of cookies we use, why we (or relevant third parties) use them, and includes information you can use to control and learn more about the cookies used on our site.

Cookie TypeWhy we use it and additional information
EssentialEssential cookies, as their name suggests, are vital to the proper functioning of the website. They enable us to remember your selections between pages, such as routes, dates or other relevant information.
AnalyticsWe also use cookies to monitor and understand more about how our websites and services are used and accessed, which in turn lets us optimise the user experience and build a website that suits the needs of our users and drive the direction of our business. We use Google Analytics who store cookies on your device to generate anonymous reports and statistics.
AdvertisingOur website tries to serve advertisements that are relevant to you by displaying Google AdSense interest-based advertisements. These are tailored by Google using cookies which will track your behaviour across the web, again using anonymous statistical rather than personally identifiable information. Third party advertisers may also use cookies, for such purposes of ensuring relevant advertisements are being displayed, to help prevent the same adverts being served twice to the same user, and to ensure that adverts are correctly sized and don’t detract from your experience of the site.