Dog-Friendly Day Trips from Weymouth & Beyond
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Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to the Waterside Holiday Group FAQs page — your go-to guide for quick answers about our parks, bookings, and holidays. Whether you’re planning your first stay or returning for another unforgettable getaway, we’ve gathered the most common questions from our guests to help make your experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible. From accommodation details and on-park facilities to booking policies and pet-friendly options, you’ll find everything you need to know right here.
What are the check-in and check-out times?
CHECK-IN: Your EARLIEST possible check in time depends on the grade of accommodation you have booked. The actual time you can check in will also be printed on your holiday confirmation.
- ALL Holidays at Tregoad and Osmington Mills can check in from 4pm.
- At Bowleaze Cove and Chesil Beach only;
- Luxury Lodges can check in from 2pm.
- Signature Holiday Homes can check in from 2pm.
- Signature Safari Lodge can check in from 2pm.
- Deluxe Holiday Homes can check in from 3pm.
- Deluxe Safari Lodge can check in from 3pm.
- Superior & Classic Holiday Homes can check in from 4pm
CHECK-OUT: Every accommodation has a check-out time of 9:30am. We politely request that on departure, you leave the accommodation tidy, remove all rubbish to the nearest Recycling point and return your accommodation keys and barrier passes to reception or security.
Where should I go on arrival?
Bowleaze Cove:
On arrival please go to Reception where our holidays team will welcome you.
Chesil Beach:
On arrival please go to Reception where our holidays team will welcome you.
Osmington Mills:
On arrival please go to our Country Club where our holidays team will welcome you.
Tregoad:
When you arrive, please use our Intercom. And then head to Reception.
What should I do if arriving late?
If you are planning to arrive after 5.30pm when some of our Receptions close, or are running late, please let the park know in advance so we can make alternative arrangements for your arrival. Please note that unless you have advised us in advance, if you do not arrive on the date stated on your confirmation, your booking will be cancelled the following day and we reserve the right to resell the accommodation.
Bowleaze Cove:
Reception open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday until 5.30pm.
Monday, Friday and Saturday until 8pm.
Chesil Beach:
Reception open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday until 5.30pm.
Monday, Friday and Saturday until 8pm.
Osmington Mills:
Reception open daily until 5.30pm
Tregoad:
Reception open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday until 6pm. Open Monday, Friday & Saturday until 7pm.
Where will my caravan be located on park?
When you book a holiday with us, you do so to stay in a specific grade of accommodation and NOT a specific holiday home on a specific pitch. For operational reasons, your booking will not be assigned to a caravan or lodge until just before your arrival on park. We are therefore unable to guarantee precisely where you will be staying on the park but rest assured that you will be staying in the grade of accommodation booked.
If booking more that one holiday accommodation or travelling with friends, if made aware, we will endeavour to locate you within a short distance of each other, however we are unable to guarantee this as it depends on a number of factors including the respective grades of accommodations booked, when they were booked, and how full the park is on the dates concerned.
Where will I park and what vehicles can I bring?
There is designated parking alongside, or on rare occasions, adjacent to your holiday home for only 1 car. If you bring more than 1 car you may need to use additional parking provided, however we cannot guarantee this will be by the holiday home. Signature accommodation at Bowleaze Cove Holiday Park & Spa does have 2 parking spaces.
Please note that parking for apartments, cottages and The Manor House at Tregoad is communal but adjacent to the accommodation. Please also note we do not permit jet-skis, boats, lorries, vans (including camper vans) or other commercial or sign written vehicles on our park.
Do you accept dogs and other pets across parks and accommodation?
Up to 2 well-trained small dogs up to 15kg each (or 1 medium/large weighing greater than 15kg) of breeds not listed in the Banned Dog Breeds section of the Pooch Policy in our Terms and Conditions, and their responsible owners, are welcome on the park and in DESIGNATED holiday accommodation only. There is a charge included in the cost of the accommodation reflecting the increased cost of cleaning and maintaining dog-friendly accommodations. When booking, look out for specific ‘Dog Friendly’ in the title of the accommodation and/or ask our helpful reservations team to point you in the right direction. We regret however that only Registered Assistance dogs are permitted in the facilities. If you’ve brought your four-legged friend on holiday with you, we ask that they are kept on a lead at all times whilst outside with the exception of the designated dog walking area. Unfortunately we are not able to accept any pets other than dogs. When dogs are inside the accommodation they must sleep in their own beds. We also ask that dogs are not left unaccompanied within your accommodation as they may get nervous with new surroundings!
Please note that your four-legged friends are welcome in the Stargazy Bar & Grill at Tregoad, The Country Club at Osmington and Drift Bar & Grill and Southside Bar & Grill at Bowleaze Cove. Breeze Bar & Grill at Chesil Beach has both a limited number of indoor tables for dog owners and their dogs as well as a heated & covered outdoor area for guests to dine with their 4-legged friend.
N.B. If you have a very small dog, please be aware that the gap between the balustrades on your decking can be up to 10cms.
Are linens and towels provided?
This will depend on which type of accommodation you have booked and which park you are staying at:
Bowleaze Cove & Chesil Beach
- Luxury Lodges - Bath Towels and Bed Linen
- Signature - Bath Towels and Bed Linen
- Deluxe - Bath Towels and Bed Linen
- Superior and Classic - Bed Linen only
Osmington Mills & Tregoad
- Bath Towels and Bed Linen provided in all grades
All of your beds will be made up upon arrival and please note that towels refers to bath towels and a tea towel. Please note that beach towels and towels for swimming are not provided.
Fresh towels?
For holidays of 7 nights or longer, a complimentary fresh towel exchange is included when returning to Housekeeping the towels provided at the start of your stay.
Do you accept groups including stag and hen parties?
Being family-focused holiday parks, our holiday experience is built entirely around the expectations of both families and couples and NOT groups including sports groups. Please therefore note that: If you request a booking for more than two people, we may ask you to prove that you are all couples or members of the same family. If you request a booking for more than one holiday accommodation, we may contact you to help us decide whether we are able to provide the holiday experience you are looking for and that it is not incompatible with our family-oriented values. You must tell us if your booking request is connected to any other booking e.g. you know the other party or you share a common purpose in visiting the Park. Failure to do so could lead to you being required to leave the park. Please see our Terms & Conditions for more details.
Do you have adapted accessible accommodation?
When do your parks open and close?
Details of our park opening and Closing dates are included on our Contact Us page.
Learn More.
What's included in my holiday?
Unless otherwise specified, all our caravan and lodge holidays come with the following as standard: • Private designated parking, next to or adjacent to your accommodation • A spacious minimum 12’ wide holiday home (Lodges are a minimum 20' wide) • Double glazing and central heating • Bed linen and beds made on arrival • Appliances including microwave, kettle, and toaster • A good selection of kitchenware, cookware, and utensils • Free WiFi • Access to all the facilities and amenities on your chosen park • Exemplary service from our dedicated team. In addition, our Accessible holiday homes also have ramp access, 2 twin bedrooms, wet room and lowered kitchen counters.
What is included in my holiday price?
Your holiday price includes any applicable discount or promotion and is for your holiday accommodation only and any facilities on park are provided on a complimentary service. Please note that some activities or Spa treatments (if available on your chosen park) may cost extra, and some may not be suitable for everyone.
What if I need to change my holiday?
We do understand that sometimes circumstances change and that you may wish to amend your plans. For minor changes such as the number of guests, we do reserve the right to charge a £20 administration charge. For significant changes (including but not exclusively date and grade of accommodation) made more than 10 weeks before your holiday arrival date, please telephone us as soon as possible and we will do all we can to accommodate those changes. Whilst we do not always make a charge for changing your booking, it may not always be possible to meet your requirements and the best options will be discussed with you. If an alternative booking is found for you but is at a higher cost, you will be required to pay the additional cost. If the change to your booking results in a lower cost holiday, the difference in cost will be refunded. If the change occurs within 10 weeks of the start of the holiday, the alteration to the booking will be treated in line with our cancellation policy and is at the discretion of the management team and dependant on availability.
What to do if I've been scammed by an owner?
When you book your holiday directly with a caravan owner at one of our parks, they become entirely responsible for your holiday experience and your use of their holiday home. Due to GDPR legislation, we are unable to provide you with details of any private owners. Therefore, please contact the owner or letting agent directly with questions in relation to your booking.
Unfortunately, fake web listings or accounts on social media platforms that impersonate holiday home owners at our parks do exist. If you choose not to book directly with Waterside, please be mindful of this as these options may not be genuine. We advise that you visit https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/scams/check-if-something-might-be-a-scam/ prior to going ahead with your booking.
Learn More.
Please note that holidays at Tregoad Holiday Park are ONLY bookable directly with Waterside either on this website or by calling the park Reception on 01503 262718.
What if I need to cancel my booking?
If you are cancelling for any reason other than those covered by the Waterside Group Cancellation Cover, your refund will depend on how much you have already paid and how close you are to the holiday start date. If cancelling at least 10 weeks before the start of your holiday you will receive a refund of all monies paid less your deposit. Please note that since cancellations within 7 days are not entitled to any refund, we strongly advise you contact us as soon as you know that you may wish to cancel your holiday. FULL details are included in the Holiday Terms & Conditions.
What if Waterside need to change my booking?
On very rare occasions we may need to amend or even cancel your booking. In the unfortunate case that you are affected, we will advise you at the earliest possible opportunity and offer one of the three following options. 1. A replacement holiday that is similar or better than the one you booked. 2. A replacement holiday that is less expensive than the one you booked with the refund of any price difference as appropriate 3. A full refund. Needless to say, you will also receive a full apology for the inconvenience caused.
Are cots and highchairs available for hire?
Yes, they are. Please enquire at the time of booking, or prior to your arrival, and we will be able to advise as to whether they are available. Please note that there is a charge for Cot and Highchair hire. Bedding is not provided by the supplier, so please remember to bring your own.
Can I make special requests?
We will happily note any Special Request on your booking and endeavour to satisfy it. We must advise however that all such requests are made in full acceptance that Waterside cannot guarantee that will be fulfilled. In the event that we are unable to meet a request, we will do our best to offer a suitable alternative.
Do you have an app?
Yes, we have two! Our "Waterside Holidays Group" App is your OnPark pocket guide to seeing What's On, finding out Opening Times, Booking fun activities and entertainment, and lots more! Our "Waterside Deliveries" App allows you to view our menus, place and pay for orders, and either book a table or arrange for your food and drink to be delivered straight to your holiday accommodation! Both Apps are Free and downloadable on IOS and Android from your chosen App store.
How do I book activities
All of our parks offer different indoor and outdoor experiences. We have introduced a booking systems to ensure we comply with government guidelines. Our "Waterside Holidays Group" App is your OnPark pocket guide to seeing What's On, finding out Opening Times, Booking fun activities and entertainment, and lots more! Depending on the park you are visiting, you can find out about and book everything from swimming sessions to gym workout times, and archery to evening entertainment. The App is Free and downloadable on IOS and Android from your chosen App store.
Can I receive supermarket and takeaway deliveries?
If ordering a delivery from a supermarket or a restaurant/takeaway not run by The Waterside Group, you will need to meet them at the park entrance barrier to collect your purchases as commercial vehicles are not permitted to deliver on the park itself for our guests' safety.
How do I book to use the swimming pool?
At Bowleaze Cove you will not need to book a session to use the swimming pool. At Chesil Beach, Osmington Mills & Tregoad, you will need to book a session to use the swimming pool. This can be done through the Waterside App.
Are there any hot tub guidelines?
Firstly, we appreciate your understanding and patience as we cannot guarantee that your Hot tub will be at its optimal operating temperature of between 37°C and 39°C immediately after you have checked in to your accommodation. This is due to the fact that prior to your arrival, your Hot tub will have been completely emptied, cleaned and refilled to maintain the required standards of cleanliness. Re-heating the volume of water involved takes time. We sincerely want you to enjoy use of your Hot tub, and for you to do so in a safe and secure manner. With this in mind, on the one hand we test both chemical balance and water quality a minimum of once a day. On the other hand, we have to insist that you observe the user information below also detailed in the terms & conditions when using your Hot Tub.
- Take care both when removing and replacing the Hot Tub cover and when entering and exiting the Hot Tub
- Shower before and after use. Do not use any soaps or oils in the Hot Tub nor use if you have applied fake tan.
- Do not stand, sit, or lie on the lid or edge of the Hot Tub and certainly do not jump or dive into it.
- Your Hot Tub has a maximum number of occupants, and this must be observed to enable its filtration system to function correctly and maintain a suitable chemical balance
- No child under 4 years should use the Hot Tub and it is your responsibility to supervise all minors between the ages of 4 and 16 years if allowing them to use the facility.
- You should avoid use of your Hot Tub if you are under the influence of alcohol or have recently eaten a substantial meal. No glass or food should be brought into the vicinity of the unit, and you must refrain from smoking during use.
- Do not use if you are pregnant. If you suffer from heart disease, diabetes, blood pressure issues or any other serious illness, please take advice from a medical professional before use.
- You must only use a Hot tub continuously for a maximum of 15 minutes. At any time during usage, if you feel unwell, you must get out immediately. Please ensure you cool down between periods of use.
- If our usage guidelines are followed, your Hot Tub will provide you with many happy memories. However, if used excessively, it may be that the levels of cleanliness and the chemical balance of your Hot Tub cannot be corrected by routine maintenance. Under such circumstances, we will be required to drain the hot tub down and re-fill and re-heat. Naturally, the Hot tub will be out of use until we deem it ready.
- You are not permitted to use the Hot Tub after 11pm and ask that when doing so after 10pm that noise be kept to a minimum. Do not use at any time during stormy weather where there is a risk of lightening!
- When not using the Hot tub, we kindly ask you to replace the cover. Turn off the jets but do not turn off the Hot Tub as you will wish to maintain the water heat for subsequent use.
We trust that you will enjoy your Hot tub experience but please do so responsibly and safely.
Is smoking permitted on the park?
By Law, smoking is not allowed in any of the buildings or accommodation that we provide. We do however have clearly signposted smoking areas outside public buildings. Smoking includes tobacco cigarettes, vaporisers and e-cigarettes. If you do smoke, please do so outside of your accommodation since if it is apparent that smoking has taken place in your holiday home, additional cleaning costs will be charged. Please always ensure you dispose of any cigarette butts in a suitable waste bin.
Is there public transport serving the park?
Buses:
Bowleaze Cove - Bus Route 13 comes onto Bowleaze Cove Park and goes to the Town Centre every 30 minutes during peak season and every 1 hour during off peak season.
Chesil Beach - Outside the Park entrance the Bus Route 1 goes to the Town Centre up to every 15 minutes
Tregoad - The number 10 comes directly onto Tregoad Holiday Park and drops you directly into Looe, Polperro or Plymouth.
Taxis:
Please contact the Reception at your chosen park and they will happily recommend a reliable local taxi firm
Trains:
South Western Railway (SWR) and Great Western Railway (GWR) run frequent services to Dorset with the latter also serving Cornwall and Looe Station which is only a 5 minute drive from Tregoad Holiday Park
Given that timetables do change throughout the year, we strongly recommend that you visit the relevant train company's website or call their customer services to get hold of a copy of their most up-to-date timetable information
GWR: 0345 700 0125
SWR: 0345 600 0650
What are the emergency contact details?
Police:
In the event of an emergency during your stay with ourselves, please call 999. For non-emergencies enquiries please call 101.
The nearest Police station to Bowleaze Cove, Chesil Beach & Osmington is situated in Weymouth in Radipole Lane DT4 9WW.
The nearest Police station to Tregoad is situated in Looe right next to the Train station PL13 1LS.
On Park Security:
Bowleaze Cove Holiday Park & Spa Security Number is 07769 746422
Chesil Beach Security Number is 07769 746422
Osmington Mills Security Number is 07769 746422
Tregoad Security Number is 07950 250420
Feeling Unwell?
In the first instance we advise you call 111.
If you need to visit a Doctor or a Pharmacy during your holiday with us, your helpful Reception Team on park will be able to point you in the right direction
For more serious illness and injury, the closest Accident & Emergency department near Tregoad is situated at Plymouth Derriford Hospital, Derriford Road, Plymouth, PL6 8DH. You can call them on 01752 202082. For the Dorset Parks, Dorset County Hospital in Williams Ave, Dorchester DT1 2JY is the closest. They are contactable on 01305 251150.
What should I do about lost or forgotten property?
If you realise once you have left us that you may have left something behind, please call your park Reception on:
Bowleaze Cove - 01305 833103.
Chesil Beach - 01305 773233
Osmington Mills - 01305 837010
Tregoad - 01503 262718
Every effort will be made to locate the missing item; however, we are not liable if this isn’t possible or if it is damaged. When we find your item, we will return it to you, but you will be asked to cover the postage cost.
What is the Waterside Price Promise?
When you book directly with The Waterside Group, you deserve to be rewarded with certain benefits:
The Waterside Group Best Price Promise:
We believe that you deserve peace of mind when you commit to booking your holiday early with us. Therefore, when you book before the 24th December for your holiday the following year, our Price Promise provides you with the reassurance that you will be getting the best price for your holiday. In the unlikely event that you see your exact holiday available on our website at a lower price than you originally paid, simply email info@watersideholidays.co.uk no later than 72 hours prior to your arrival date with a screenshot of our website showing availability at the reduced rate. Assuming the exact same holiday remains available, we will happily issue you a voucher for the difference in price compared to what you have paid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.
Why should I book with Waterside and not privately?
Some of our holiday homeowners let out their accommodation privately and this can be an alternative way to spend some valuable holiday time with us.
We do however need to make you aware that when you enter in to a private letting arrangement directly with a 3rd party, we are not involved in the booking and have no control over the availability, quality, and cleanliness of the holiday home you are renting.
As a result, any queries about your booking need to be raised with them and not with us. We also strongly advise that you verify that you are dealing with a genuine owner and that both parties fully understand the contractual relationship and each other’s responsibilities. This article offers some balanced advice: https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/7-ways-to-spot-holiday-scams-villa-rental-fraud-fake-companies-online-travel-agent-a7586486.html.
Where can I find holiday terms and conditions?
Looking for your holiday T’s & C’s? Please read our Terms and Conditions or follow the link at the bottom of the website.
What are the prices and opening times at Southside Funfair, Arcade and Soft Play?
For more information on the opening times and prices at Southside Funfair, Arcade and Soft Play, please see the website - https://southsidefunfair.co.uk/
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