Planning Your Perfect Summer Holiday

While spontaneity certainly has its place, the best summer holidays often start with a little planning.

Summer is one of the busiest times of year for travel, and getting organised early can help you secure your ideal accommodation, make the most of your budget and ensure everyone in your group enjoys exactly the type of break they’re looking for.

At Waterside, we’ve spent decades helping families, couples, friends and dog owners create unforgettable holidays across Dorset and Cornwall.

Whether you’re dreaming of beachfront relaxation, countryside tranquillity or action-packed family adventures, this guide will help you plan the perfect summer holiday from start to finish.

No two holidays are the same. Some families want days spent on the beach followed by evening entertainment, while others are searching for peaceful countryside escapes with scenic walks and quiet relaxation. 

Taking a little time to think about what matters most before booking can make all the difference.

Looking for Beach Days?

If spending your days by the sea sounds ideal, our Dorset parks offer some fantastic coastal locations. 

Bowleaze Cove Holiday Park & Spa places you just moments from the beach, family attractions and seaside entertainment, while Chesil Beach Holiday Park offers stunning views across the famous Chesil Beach and the Fleet Lagoon. 

Prefer the Countryside?

For a quieter setting surrounded by nature, Tregoad Holiday Park in Cornwall and Osmington Mills Lodge Park in Dorset provide peaceful escapes with beautiful scenery and plenty of space to unwind. 

Relaxation or Adventure?

If your perfect holiday involves slowing down and recharging, Osmington Mills and Chesil Beach offer peaceful environments ideal for couples and those seeking tranquillity. 

For guests wanting more to do, Bowleaze Cove provides family entertainment, watersports, activities and attractions, while Tregoad offers a more laid-back programme of family activities alongside opportunities to connect with nature. 

Bringing the Dog? 

Tregoad Holiday Park is a dream destination for dog owners with dog-friendly accommodation, dedicated facilities, nearby beaches and plenty of countryside walks to enjoy together. 

Dining Out or Self-Catering?

If eating out is high on your wish list, Bowleaze Cove offers the widest choice of on-park dining experiences, from family meals to quick bites and sweet treats.

If you prefer the flexibility of self-catering, Chesil Beach, Osmington Mills and Tregoad provide excellent accommodation options with fully equipped kitchens, as well as an on-park restaurant, allowing you to holiday at your own pace.

Top Planning Tips:

- Compare parks before booking

- Check facilities and seasonal opening dates

- Keep an eye out for special offers

- Confirm pet policies if travelling with dogs

- Consider travel times and peak summer traffic

A word of caution, summer availability can fill quickly, especially for the busiest periods such as school holidays, and particularly for popular types of accommodation such as premium lodges, larger family properties, as those that include a hot tub.

One of the easiest ways to begin planning is by deciding how you want your holiday to feel.

Beach Days and Seaside Fun

Think sandy beaches, ice creams, paddling in the sea and coastal walks. Dorset’s coastline offers countless opportunities for traditional summer fun.

Activity-Filled Family Breaks

Families looking to stay busy can enjoy swimming, sports, watersports, play areas, entertainment and local attractions throughout their stay.

Relaxing Pool and Spa Escapes

For those seeking rest and rejuvenation, poolside relaxation, spa facilities and peaceful surroundings, can provide the perfect balance.

Dog-Friendly Coastal Adventures

Holidaying with your four-legged friend allows the whole family to enjoy beach walks, countryside trails and dog-friendly attractions together. 

Nature and Walking Holidays

From Cornwall’s rolling countryside to Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, there are endless opportunities to explore stunning landscapes on foot.

By choosing the style of holiday first, narrowing down destinations and accommodation becomes much easier. Explore our full range of holidays for some inspiration and ideas to help plan the perfect summer break for you.

Location plays a huge role in shaping your holiday experience.

When comparing destinations, consider:

- Travel time from home

- Nearby beaches

- Local attractions

- Access to shops and restaurants 

- Alternative activities for rainy days

Discover Dorset

Dorset offers a classic British seaside holiday experience, with dramatic coastline, charming villages and plenty of family attractions.

Highlights include:

- The Jurassic Coast

- Weymouth Beach

- Bowleaze Cove

- Chesil Beach

- Coastal walking routes

- Family-friendly attractions

The county combines natural beauty with a lively holiday atmosphere, making it ideal for families, couples and groups alike. 

Explore Cornwall

Cornwall offers a slightly slower pace, with picturesque fishing villages, hidden coves, beautiful beaches and breathtaking countryside.

Highlights include:

- Looe

- Polperro

- Cornwall’s beaches

- Scenic harbour towns

- Nature reserves

- Outstanding local food and drink

Tregoad Holiday Park provides the perfect base to explore everything Cornwall has to offer while enjoying peaceful countryside surroundings.

Looking for a lively seaside holiday? A coastal lodge retreat? Or, a Cornish countryside escape? We offer a destination to suit every type of traveller.

Accommodation has a huge impact on your experience. It's the heart of your holiday and picking the place that's right for you goes a long way in creating a comfortable and enjoyable summer holiday. 

Especially in hotter weather and longer days, where having a cool and shaded base to return to is a must, and having everything you need from fans and sunscreen to cold water and ice cream in supply.

When booking, consider:

- Group size

- Bedroom configuration

- Outdoor space

- Facilities and amenities

- Private decking and parking

- Hot tub options

- Dog-friendly accommodation

Booking early for summer gives you the best chance of securing exactly the accommodation you want, especially during school holidays and peak travel periods.

Comfortable holiday homes. Stylish lodges. Luxury accommodation with hot tubs. There are options to suit every type of break.

Browse our accommodation options to find your perfect stay.

Summer holidays are often remembered for the experiences shared together, and with blissful weather and plenty of light, planning the perfect holiday activities is vital.

Across our parks and local areas you’ll find plenty to keep everyone entertained, whether you're looking for days out with the family, exciting solo adventures, or relaxing evenings in peace.

Sunny Day Activities

- Beach days

- Coastal walks

- Watersports

- Outdoor pools

- Adventure play areas

- Family activities

- Local attractions and sightseeing

Rainy Day Activities (just in case!)

- Indoor heated pools

- Saunas and steam rooms

- Soft play areas

- Local museums and galleries

- Cinemas and theatres

- Board and card games

Many activities can be spontaneous and visiting local areas usually means ticking a few off your list at once, but planning ahead is the perfect way to ensure you get the most out of your time on holiday.

Where activities require booking, we recommend reserving your place in advance through the Waterside app to avoid disappointment during busy summer periods.

Explore activities available across our parks before you travel.

Food is often one of the highlights of any holiday, and tasing local cuisine should be at the top of everyones list when they visit a new destination.

During peak summer periods, restaurants can become busy, so a little planning goes a long way. Mixing eating out with home cooked meals is another great way to ensure convenience, manage cost and make the most of your summer holiday getaway.

Consider:

- Booking restaurants in advance

- Planning your arrival meal

- Stocking up on self-catering essentials

- Mixing dining out with home cooking

- Checking children’s menus

- Looking at takeaway options

At Tregoad, guests can enjoy delicious meals at Stargazy Bar & Grill, while self-catering accommodation provides flexibility for breakfast, lunches and relaxed family dinners. 

Across our Dorset parks, there are just as many delicious options, Bowleaze Cove alone features Drift Bar & Grill, Southside Pizza and The Arena Sport Bar (among others).

A good rule of thumb is to plan:

- One easy meal for arrival day

- One special meal during your stay

- A few flexible dining options in between

This helps strike the perfect balance between convenience and holiday indulgence.

Discover our restaurants and bars before your visit.

If you've chosen a destination, accommodation, activities and dining options, one of the last things to think about is what to pack.

A little preparation before departure can make your holiday much more enjoyable and help you avoid that horrible feeling of remembering all the things you forgot and will have to buy while you're there.

View our other packing checklists here:

- With a baby

- With a toddler

- With children

- Caravan holidays

Travelling With Dogs?

Don’t forget:

- Food and treats

- Leads and harnesses

- Bedding

- Towels

- Water bowls

- Favourite toys

If you do forget anything, don’t worry.

Our on-park shops, laundrette facilities and guest services can help with many everyday essentials throughout your stay.

Planning a dog-friendly escape? A relaxing countryside retreat? A family adventure? Or, a summer break packed with memorable experiences?  

With luxury accommodation, excellent facilities, indoor and outdoor activities, beautiful surroundings and easy access to some of Dorset and Cornwall’s most loved destinations, it’s the perfect time to plan your next summer memory. 

Book your summer holiday today and start counting down the days.