Holiday Home Ownership: General FAQs
Your questions answered. Find out all you need to know about owning one of our luxury holiday homes for sale in Dorset and Cornwall.
Life as an Owner
What entertainment is on offer for holiday home owners?
We have a dedicated Entertainment Team who are always busy organising a whole host of activities, entertainment and fun . We have regular events exclusive for owners too, including: our popular CSI mystery evening, sporting events on the big screen, and family-friendly events from magic shows to bingo.
We also have a variety of exciting events & activities planned to raise money throughout the year. Our fundraising efforts in 2022 will help support Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and Dorset Mind.
What water sports are on offer at the holiday parks?
At our Bowleaze Holiday Park & Spa we have water sports for all ages throughout the year, offering kayak, paddle boarding and surfboard hire all direct from our Southside area on park.
There are also taster sessions available for newbies that have never tried it before. Don’t forget to use your Owner Pass for discounts. Call to book on 07870 659081 or pop along and speak to the team.
Does holiday home ownership come with any perks?
Of course! Our holiday home and lodge owners receive an Owners’ Card full of exclusive deals and complimentary services, including:
- Free use of all facilities
- 20% discount in all of our bars and restaurants in all four parks
- 20% off our Waterside Delivers App where you can view menus, place and pay for orders and get it delivered straight to your holiday home!
- Bookable complimentary use of our Spa and Hydrotherapy Pool
- 20% discount off treatments and products in the spa
- 10% water sports hire discount
- Discount to local restaurants and attractions
You will also receive complimentary bus travel and exclusive owners’ events.
To see the full list of our Ownership benefits have a look here.
Does my holiday home require a TV licence?
When you buy a holiday home with us your home TV Licence will usually cover you to watch live TV on any channel and BBC programmes on BBC iPlayer on any device away from home.
You’ll need to buy a TV Licence for your static caravan, mobile home or moveable chalet if: anyone, at the same time, is watching or recording live TV on any channel or watching or downloading BBC programmes on BBC iPlayer at your main licensed address.
Will my Holiday Home have Wi-Fi?
All of our holiday homes come with free super-fast Wi-Fi which is accessible across the parks. When you browse our holiday homes for sale you can see all the features and specifications, including high speed Wifi.
Are friends and family allowed to come and use the facilities?
Most certainly! For many, being able to invite family and friends to stay is part of the joy of owning a holiday home. Our complimentary concierge can make the arrangements and greet your family and friends into the park if you are unable to. Use of all the leisure facilities is complimentary for all of your immediate family (parents, grandparents, children and grandchildren). Wider family (such as uncles, aunties, brothers and sisters) receive complimentary entry to our entertainment venues and are very welcome to use the leisure facilities for a small charge. There is no external membership available to our facilities, all the facilities are exclusively for owners and holidaymakers.
Our Parks
Why should I choose the Waterside Group?
If you’re thinking of owning a holiday home, we have many reasons why our Waterside parks make the perfect destination, but most of all it’s our long standing commitment and service to creating a personal connection with our holiday homeowners. We were established in 1963, and ever since we have sought to be the market leaders within our industry. Through family-ownership and knowledge that has been passed down through the generations, we have developed a strong understanding into what truly makes a family holiday experience memorable and we endeavour to provide an unrivalled holiday home ownership experience with service to reflect the sought after holiday homes for sale on our prestigious parks. Our continual programme of investment has seen millions of pounds invested to improve our parks and the service that we offer, and this will continue moving forward. We are here to help you every step of the way.
What do I do on my Experience Day?
Owning one of our holiday homes doesn’t just give you access to the sea-side and nature but also a range of park facilities including swimming pools, our award-winning restaurants and lots of evening entertainment. With your experience day you can get a chance to fully explore the benefits of holiday home ownership with Waterside, including a lunch on us at one of our restaurants.
How do I book an Experience Day?
It’s easy to book an Experience Day, all you need to do is call 01305 836 836 and one of our friendly team will be able to book you in for a day that suits you. You will be able to ask them any questions preceding your visit so you can make the most out of the day. We look forward to welcoming you in!
How long is the season?
Bowleaze Cove Holiday Park & Spa (formerly known as Waterside Holiday Park), Chesil Beach Holiday Park (formerly known as Chesil Vista Holiday Park) and Tregoad Holiday Park are open from the 1st March to the 15th January every year giving you an amazing 46 week season. This means you can enjoy your holiday home over the Christmas and New Year period if you so wish. Most on-park facilities are open from mid March until the end of October. Osmington Mills Lodge Park (formerly known as Osmington Holiday Park) is open from 15th March to the 15th January.
Are pets allowed?
Certainly. As an owner you are welcome to bring your pet with you particularly as the surrounding areas are fantastic for dog walking. As it is a family park we do restrict certain breeds of dog (please ask for details) and request that they are kept on a lead whilst in the park.
What gym facilities are on offer to the owners at the holiday parks?
Across all of our parks in Dorset we have some wonderful facilities for our owners to benefit from. Our Bowleaze Cove Holiday Park & Spa boasts both a heated indoor and outdoor pool as well as a well-equipped gym with WattBike Icon, recumbent bike and all in 1 multi trainer unit, which includes dual cable weight stack, leg attachments, pull up bar, bench press, and smith system.
Is there a spa available?
At Bowleaze Cove Holiday Park & Spa we have an on-site spa, offering a wide range of treatments, alongside a hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room and rainforest shower for ultimate relaxation! Owners benefit from bookable complimentary use of our Spa and Hydrotherapy Pool, plus a 20% discount off treatments and products. Don’t forget to use your Owners’ Card for discounts. Call to book on 01305 836800 or pop along and speak to the team.
Is there parking at the holiday parks?
All of our holiday homes have a parking space available for owners to park their vehicles.
Can I choose the location of my holiday home?
Yes, for new holiday homes for sale and pre-loved holiday homes we will show you which locations are suitable for the size of holiday home you are purchasing and then the choice is yours!
Advice and holiday home finance
How do I keep my holiday home maintained throughout the year?
We have a team dedicated to helping you look after your holiday home. From lawn mowing to plumbing and wet weather checks, you can rest assured knowing that we have expert hands keeping an eye on your precious holiday home when you’re not there.
What other costs are associated with holiday home Ownership?
There are additional running costs for your holiday home, including electric and gas bills, insurance and water supply. If you’re wondering if a holiday home makes a good investment, then why not have a chat with us, we can give advice on financial breakdowns, subletting arrangements and more.
How much are the site fees?
The site fees vary upon location. You can find the current fees in our latest brochure.
Can I sublet my holiday home?
Yes, fully managed letting packages are available through our award-winning holiday brand. This unique service analyses booking trends and market conditions to maximise your holiday home occupancy, with all bookings, payments, guest correspondence, key handling, check in/check out services included.
Can I part exchange my touring caravan or existing holiday home?
We take touring caravans, motorhomes & static caravans in part-exchange! So if you are ready to park up and leave the open road & if you feel that you are ready to settle at one of our stunning parks… come and see what we can offer you!
Do I own the land?
No, you own the holiday home but the land that it is on is sited.
Can I live in my holiday home?
No, Waterside Holiday Group is designed to be enjoyed as your perfect retreat, not as a permanent residence.
Are finance options available?
Yes, we can offer finance packages available through Santander.
With 9.9% representative APR and terms up to 120 months, our finance packages are the most popular choice our owners use to fund their holiday home.
Also, remember to ask us about part exchanging your old caravan or holiday home.
Can I purchase a caravan elsewhere and bring it to the park?
No, the holiday home must be purchased through the park.
Are there age limits for holiday homes?
No, we do not have an age limit for the holiday homes on our parks, however we do require them to be kept in a good condition. The licence was drawn up in association with our industry trade body, the British Holiday Home and Parks Association (BH&HPA), in association with the Office of Fair Trading.
Do you offer holiday home insurance?
Yes, we know this is important to lots of our home owners and we offer quoting on request.