CORONAVIRUS POLICY:
We want you to enjoy our peaceful, rural location and relax. We have implemented a wide range of measures for your safety, and hopefully in doing so, providing you with peace of mind leading up to and during your stay with us.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How do we find you?
Our postcode is DT6 6RW, this is only geographic and will NOT bring you directly to The Dorset Hideaway. You will need to either
Use the map grid reference number: SY 39823 97842 or enter the longitude and latitude points into your satnav: 777016, -2.8548574 or print off the directions from the Contact/find us page of this website and follow these instructions once nearby.
We are only 3 miles from the main A35 road into the region.
There are signs along the lanes to help you too.
How to contact us
Our telephone numbers are:
- 07825 958822
- 01297 480851
- Our email is: info@thedorsethideaway.co.uk
- Our facebook page:facebook.com/thedorsethideaway
- Our Twitter account is:@dorsethideaway
How do we book?
- Press “BOOK NOW” button to open up the booking page
- Or telephone or email the above contacts
Where do we check- in?
Please go to Reception in the Hub building at the entrance to the site, here you will be asked to confirm your name, address, booking details and any booking anomalies, (things that might have changed, extra people etc.) Tea & coffee are available.
You will be given a welcome pack with site rules, WiFi code, shop/reception opening times, a site plan, spa price list, ideas for what to do and where to go and things that may be on, important telephone numbers and when the food vans are on site. (It is a good idea to keep this handy in your unit to refer to from time to time.) You will then be shown to your pitch.
What facilities will be open on site?
- The shower and toilet block are open from May 17th
- Before May 17th there will be access to toilets only – on a reduced capacity with one in one out.
- If possible and within guidelines and staffing limits we will try to run a diary appointment system for showering between the dates April 25th – May 17th – please call to check before booking if this is vital for your stay.
- Dishwash and laundry facilities are open on one in one out.
- Chemical toilet emptying room is open 24/7.
- Play barn and petting remain closed.
- There will be no access to shared fridge and freezer.
- The Play area is now closed until Spring 2022.
- Take away will be available Friday & Saturday nights only in high season & by pre-order only.
- If you wish to have a supermarket delivery arranged to come to site please call to arrange with us in advance of your stay as we have an area off site reserved for this purpose so as not to disturb other guests and limit the number people entering site.
How do we book a Spa treatment?
You can pre-book before you arrive by adding a comment in the notes section of the booking page, this is best to guarantee a particular time or day.
- You can email us direct
- You can call any of these numbers 01297 489761/480851 / 07825 958822
- If you are already on site – just pop into reception and make your booking
Do you accept large groups?
Unfortunately due to the small size of the campsite we have to limit the number of large group bookings so they are kept to a minimum as they tend to disturb the overall ambience of peace and quiet on site. That said we do however allow family groups to pitch together but please do call and make these bookings direct with us. All group bookings carry a £100 security deposit.
How many pitches are there?
There are currently 108 EHU pitches made up of a mix of fully serviced, mixed and grass EHU. There are 6 luxury glamping pitches. They are spread out over 2 acres of open farmland and there is a further 4 acres of open space around the site. There are 78 seasonal pitches on site.
What time can we arrive?
You can arrive anytime from 2pm onwards up to 6pm with a manned reception/shop (Hub building). If you arrive between 6pm & 8.30pm, reception will be closed, so you will need to text an ETA to this mobile 07825 958822 and you will be briefly shown to your pitch. To cover out of hours staff costs we charge £5 for arrives between 6pm – 8.30pm. For full site information please call into reception the next morning. Strictly no arrivals after 8.30pm. The main entrance vehicle and pedestrian access gates are alarmed after midnight. Please arrange your day accordingly.
What time do we need to vacate our pitch?
- You need to vacate your pitch by 11am at the latest unless you have paid for (if available) a late departure.
- All pitches must be left clear of litter, firepit & wood (if applicable) & pegs and all large bulky unwanted items taken home with you and no damages reported.
How do we cancel or amend a booking?
- You can either email info@thedorsethideaway.co.uk or telephone these numbers 07825 958822/01297 480851/01297 489761.
- We will do our very best to help with amendments where it is possible, we will offer alternative dates if possible.
- Cancellations more than 30 days before arrival date will be due a full refund less an administration charge, under 30 days notice there is no refund due.
Can we have open fires or dig pits?
- We DO NOT allow open uncontained fires anywhere on site, no fires direct on the ground or in holes.
- We DO allow you to hire one of our insurance approved fire pits for use on site. We CANNOT and do NOT allow the use of your own fire pits on site, your understanding is appreciated. Please do NOT bring these with you so as avoid disappointment. The safety of everyone on site is paramount to us.
How many dogs can we bring?
A maximum of 2 dogs can be brought onto site per booking
Is there a dog walk?
There is a large fenced of lead dog exercise area on site.
We also have a dog wash / drying room on site.
Dogs can also be taken along the public bridlepaths that cross the site but must be on a lead at all times and we have 50 acres of our own traffic free farmland you can enjoy. When within the site fence boundary or in the wider open spaces dogs must be on a SHORT lead at ALL times and all fouling cleared up IMMEDIATELY. Dogs are NOT allowed in the play areas or in the Grub Pub Barn Dogs are NOT ALLOWED to be left alone in units. Dogs are NOT ALLOWED around the Amenity building, overflow shower block or Camp Kitchen areas.
What type of fishing is available and how much does it cost?
- The fishing is coarse fishing, the following fish are to be found in the pond: Carp, Roach, Rudd, Perch & Gudgeon
- Fishing is £5 per day.
What time does the reception/shop open?
The shop and reception are open and manned in high season from 8am – 6pm with a lunch break from 12-2:30pm. In mid season the hours are slightly shorter and in low season it is on demand.
Is wifi available? How much does it cost?
- The bandwith and speed available are what BT offer currently as a service to this area. We have no other option available to us at the present time.
- It is suitable for general web browsing and collecting and sending email, but not for video streaming, gaming or downloading large documents or images. It will just freeze if you attempt this.
- It will slow down as the number of people using it increases.
- It is only available in the information room currently and not directly on each pitch – but is FREE to use.
- Customers used to high speed broadband are often not aware that the national infrastructure is not fully inclusive, leaving many rural areas either not connected, or provided with a virtually useless service. For this we apologise in advance but currently our hands are tied.
- We are aware of the importance of internet access to our customers and are looking into providing satellite internet in the near future.
Whilst we wait for the digital revolution to arrive in our beautiful corner of Dorset, we trust you find the service we are able to provide suitable for your holiday & basic day to day needs.
Is the shower block heated? Are there sockets for hair appliances?
- The Scrub (shower block) has underfloor heating, modern insulation to a very high U Value and solar thermal water heating to improve our energy efficiency and impact on the environment.
- There is a vanity area with mirrors, sockets, hooks and nooks for appliances and shelves for make up etc there are spotlights above and natural light from behind.
Are there any disabled facitilies?
- There is a separate disabled washroom with adapted shower, seat, wc and basin and emergency alarms and the requisite grab rails and drop bars. There is no radar lock.
- There is a freestanding baby change unit.
Is the site child friendly?
- After a risk assessment and under our insurance cover currently – bicycles & scooters are not allowed on site around the pitches or buildings. You can cycle freely along the lanes and bridle paths surrounding the site.
- There is a dedicated ball play area in the centre of the big grass field – as ball games are not allowed on site or around the pitches
- There is a dedicated under 12s adventure play area – both of these are unsupervised
- NO kites are allowed on site due to overhead power cables – should you wish to fly a kite please contact us first as we can show you a safe area to fly!
- NO children are allowed into the Scrub (shower block) building unsupervised.
- There is an open unfenced fishing pond in the field next to the campsite but the campsite does have it’s own fenced boundary, but you should be responsible for your own children at all times, especially beyond this area.
- We welcome families that wish to enjoy the beautiful surrounding countryside and bridle paths, sit round a firepit and stargaze but also respect our property and that of others on site. We will not tolerate unruly or rude behaviour and you may be asked to leave the site with no refund.
Do you offer caravan storage?
Yes we do! Please see the storage page of this website for full details.
What can we do on site? (not all are available outside the high season)
- There is fishing available in our small pond (free) – frozen bait to buy in shop
- There are spa treatments available in the ‘Hideaway Spa’ (pre-book)
- In high season there are tractor and trailer rides (providing sufficient numbers are available)
- From time to time we have baby animals on site in our petting area as part of the working farm
- You can collect fresh eggs from the chickens
There is a seasonal ‘pop-up’ bar with ad hoc entertainment – all closes at 11pm prompt so everyone can get back to their pitches and settle down by a sensible time.
How do we connect to the electric on our pitch?
- You will need an electric hook up lead that looks like the 1 below (not a domestic 3 pin extension lead!!), available to buy in reception shop.
- The longer the better so you have more choice of space to pitch on away from the hookup bollard.
You just lift the flap on our bollard and push the blue (non flapped end) into the socket – there is a nib (as you can see in the picture below) that sticks out on the socket to help you guide it into the socket.
Can we freeze ice packs and how much does it cost?
- Yes, provided they are in a bag marked with your surname – the freezer can be found in the Snug Barn. The facility is free.
How do we connect to then mains water supply and grey waste water drain on a fully serviced pitch?
- Waste water is taken from the caravan/motorhome drain outlet on the outside of the van via a hose that looks like this – you will need at least 8m to ensure you can reach the drain regardless of which side the outlet is on your van .
- You may need a Y piece if you have more than one outlet – like the picture below right.
Are we allowed to fly a kite on site?
NO kites are not allowed to be flown on site but if you contact reception we can show you where you can fly a kite safely away from overhead power cables.
Are bikes/trikes/scooters etc allowed on site?
NO unfortunately no bikes/scooters/trikes are allowed to be ridden around the site roads due to the small nature of the site and its access roads our risk assessment suggested it would be safer not to allow them.
Are there any walks nearby?
- We are within 4 miles of the South West coast path
- We are within ¼ mile of the Jubilee Trail and Monarch’s Way
- We are 4 miles from the Wessex Ridgeway trail
- There are numerous bridle paths around the area and two directly from site
- There are printed circular walks sheets available from reception at a cost of £1 * See on site activities page for circular walks pdfs.
- There are also Treasure Trails – look them up if you are not familiar – there are several different types and we have two that start directly from our site – approximately £5 each – keep the little ones entertained on a circular walk.
Where is the nearest pub?
- Our nearest pub is 1 mile away – The Shave Cross Inn – they are not always open every day so please check their website listing for more information. Dogs allowed in bar. Oldest skittle alley, pool table & jukebox, lots of history, pretty thatched pub and beer garden, Carribean a la carte menu and bar menu.
- The Five Bells Inn is our village pub in Whitchurch Canonicorum – about 3 miles walk along the lanes – please see their website for events, local ales and food menu – good simple fayre with a nice welcome and dogs allowed in bar, pool table & skittle alley. Events from time to time.
Where is the nearest supermarket?
- In Bridport you will find Morrisons, Lidl, Coop and Waitrose – approx. 6 miles away
- There is a small Nisa/Spar type supermarket in Charmouth 3 miles away – stays open late
- Tesco is either in Axminster or Chard (24 hour)
- We do NOT allow supermarket deliveries on site – we are too small for lorries and we want to try to encourage people to buy locally and keep the food miles down. Why not give the supermarket giants a miss while on holiday and sample some of our local delights – some of which are stocked in our on site shop.
Where is the nearest petrol station?
The TEXACO garage in Bridport is the nearest petrol station or Morrisons store
Where is the nearest place to get gas cyclinders exchanged?
- Charmouth at Dorset Leisure Centre Ltd open 10-4pm (Mon – Fri) 11-1 (Sat) Closed on Sundays
- Then any of the petrol stations /supermarket forecourts
-
The site shop stocks (in opening hours or an emergency!)1. replacement blue camping gas cyclinders.RD 904 & RD 907 Exchanges have to be like for like2. 6kg Red propane LPG cylinders by flogas. Exchanges must be between two flogas cylinders and not other makes but can be of different sizes.3. Replacement gas cartridge canisters for the gas hob units
Where is the nearest beach? Where is the nearest dog friendly beach in summer?
- Charmouth is the nearest beach approx. 3 miles from the site; it is possible to walk from the site, following the river down to the sea along the marked bridle paths (may be difficult with a buggy but fine on foot) – this route is totally off road and peaceful and safe. Charmouth has a ‘Jurassic Coast – visitor centre’ – please visit here first for some very important safety advice on access to the beach and cliffs and also for some wonderful information about the history of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site
- Please visit www.dorsetforyou.com/walking dog on beach for full up to date dog beach access.
Where is the nearest bus stop/train station?
- Nearest bus/coach station is in Bridport – the main A35 road which is 3 miles from the site has a coastal X53 bus – check online direct or with tourist information regarding times etc
- Nearest train station is either Axminster or Crewkerne – all stations to Exeter and Waterloo London
Access Statement for The Dorset Hideaway
Introduction
Our site can accommodate tents/trailer tents, touring caravans and motor homes/campervans.
We aim to ensure all our guests, regardless of age or mobility, enjoy their stay with us and we will assist in any way we can both with planning a visit and during your stay with us.
- Our recently updated website has information about the site and surrounding area and incorporates this access statement
- We have a colour brochure which can be posted together with our current tariff and a copy of this access statement
- We can be contacted by telephone (01297 480851/ Mobile 07825 958822 / 07909 690927) email (info@thedorsethideaway.co.uk) , or post.
Arrival and Car Parking
- The site is accessed by a single track lane from the main A35 road – approx. 3 miles.
- The site entrance is tarmac with parking by reception for one unit.
- We have two wooden gates at the entrance which are kept closed at all times, assistance by reception staff is available if necessary.
- There is a 5 mph speed limit throughout the site and a 1-way system in operation.
- There is space for one car parking beside your touring caravan pitches – if using a tent pitch please state on booking form you will need parking for limited mobility access.
- Any extra cars and visitors will be directed to a separate parking area at a nightly rate of £5.00.
Reception and Shop
- Access to Reception/Shop is by a ramped walkway with hand rail. The door opens inwards and the reception is on one level. The tourist information is located next to the reception area, along the same ramp.
- The floor surface is non slip vinyl.
- There is ample space for a large wheelchair to manoeuvre and turn.
- Unfortunately at this time we do not have a low counter – height currently at lowest point is 900mm.
- There is a fridge in Reception/Shop where medication can be stored.
- Staff in the Reception/Shop can provide assistance if required.
Dish washing & Laundry Room
- The dish washing area is located in the toilet and shower block (scrub building) and is accessed by one step.
- There are three sinks with draining boards, paper towel roll & dishwashing liquid.
- The laundry room is located internally through the dishwashing room & is open at set hours.
- The door opens inwards it is a narrow door of 700mm wide.
- The floor is tiled with non-slip tiles and is level throughout
- There is one standard sized front-loading washing machine, and tumble dryer and one iron and ironing board – all are operated via a coin meter.
- We do not have a payphone on site.
Toilets and Showers - Ladies and Gents
- The access to these areas are via a step to each door.
- The doors opens inwards and tall the floors are tiled and level
- There are two toilet cubicles, one door open inwards and one outwards and with grab rails and a basin/vanity/privacy cubicle in both the ladies and gents.
- There are two hand wash basins and hand dryers in the gents and three hand wash basins in the ladies.
- The access is via sloped rough tarmac paths/road. The road and paths surface is of loose gravel and asphalt and can be difficult to manoeuvre a wheelchair in areas. The grassy areas are of the agricultural coarse type which grows very quickly in warm wet weather when these areas are difficult to mow. Due to their wet & heavy topsoil and long grass these areas are not suitable for wheelchair users.
- The showers are accessed beyond the toilets on same level tiled floor, there are no steps inside showers.
- There is also a dedicated disabled wash room at the far right end of the Scrub building, complete with wet room, disabled wc and basin and all associated grab rails and drop down bars, access to this is via a smooth ramp and the door opens outwards and is 1000mm wide. (There is a freestanding baby change unit). There is a sharps yellow bin in here too.
- There are sockets provided for use with your own hairdryers & hair appliances.
- Showers are free of charge.
Additional Information
- Two members of our staff have completed a Welcome All course in accessibility and awareness and would be happy to help on arrival and for duration of stay. One member of staff is first aid trained
- There is a 5 mph speed limit throughout the site.
- Site plans and Information are available at reception and on the website.
- The site is set on level and sloping ground the steepest gradients being on the grass non electric tent area in the centre of the site.
- The Site has several bridle paths either on or nearby the site, neither are suitable for wheelchairs.
- Assistance dogs are welcome on the park and we have an off the lead dog exercise area on the opposite side of the lane to the campsite entrance, access is via a rough tarmac ramp and bins, bags & scoop are readily available.
- Our signing throughout the park is in clear large print.
- The Park has limited mobile phone signal with certain networks – Vodafone being the best.
- There is no nearby public transport. (A pick up service can be provided at a supplementary charge)
- The owners live opposite the site and can be contacted in an emergency- but there is also a seasonal (Mar-Oct) on site warden.
