What is a Cookie?

A cookie is a simple text file that is stored on a user's computer (or mobile device) that is created when a user visits a website using a program called a browser (for example Internet Explorer, Firefox or Safari).

​

A cookie isn't a program itself and doesn't actively do anything on a user's computer. A cookie cannot be used to identify a user personally but they do contribute to improving a user's experience of a website.

​

A cookie simply allows the website to read the contents of the cookie text file. The text file itself simply contains a unique identifier code; the site name and some digits and numbers.

​

For more information about cookies, please visit www.allaboutcookies.org or www.knowcookies.com

​

To opt out of being tracked by Google Analytics across all websites, visit: Google Analytics Opt-out

​

Why are Cookies used?

Most websites will use cookies in order to improve the user experience by enabling the website to remember the user, either for the duration of the visit or for repeat visits.

​

Cookies do lots of different jobs, such as:

​

• remembering what items a user may have added to a shopping basket or an itinerary as the user moves between pages on a website

• saving a user's preferences to allow them to customise a website 

• measuring what users do on a website to ascertain which parts of a website are popular, how long they spend on a website, how often users return, where they come from etc

​

Types of Cookies we use

​

Essential/strictly necessary cookies

Some cookies are essential so that you can move around the website and use its features. Without these cookies, services you've asked for can't be provided. These cookies don't gather information about you that could be used for marketing or remember where you've been on the internet.

​

Examples of essential cookies:

​

When you add something to an online shopping basket, cookies make sure it is still there when you get to the checkout.

Some are session cookies, which make it possible to navigate through the website smoothly. However, these are automatically deleted after you close your web browser.

​

Functional cookies

These cookies enhance your experience on our website.

​

Examples of functional cookies:

​

• Remembering a previous search term, so you don’t have to type it in again.

• Remembering if you've filled in a survey, so you're not asked to do it again.

• Enabling social media components, like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

​

Performance cookies

These help us analyse how the website works and keeps our website content relevant and up to date. It helps us identify ways to improve the website and it's also very useful to be able to identify trends of how people find their way through our site.

​

Analytics cookies only record activity on the site you are on and they are only used to improve how a website works.

​

Targeting/Advertising

These cookies are used to share some information with third parties who we advertise with, so we can understand how you reached our website.

​

Example of targeting cookies:

​

Understanding what pages, you’ve visited so we can show you adverts or pages that we think are relevant to your interests.

​

Statistical

We also collect anonymised statistical information via Google Analytics and Social Media accounts. This information may include:

​

• the areas of the website you visit.

• the amount of time you spend on the site.

• whether you are new to the site, or have visited it before.

• how you came to our website – for example, through an email link or a search engine.

• the type of computer, browser, network location and internet connection you use.