FAQ's

General

We are an adults only country venue, offering great fishing to anglers who wish to unwind in beautiful surroundings. Our business is predominately weekly bookings for couples.

Frequently asked questions Headings below:

1. Cottages and Accommodation
2. Fishing - Resident
3. Fishing - Membership
4. Fishing - Day Tickets
5. Restaurant
6. Caravan Site
7. Entertainment

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Cottages & Accommodation

• Do you take all male parties? - Yes we do, but only in specific lodges and bed & breakfast, but not in the cottages. No party should be more than 6 people.
• Do you have any late availability? - Sure. There is a link on this web site with all our vacancies.
• Do you do short breaks? - We will consider short breaks and long weekends (breaks into two weeks). We will consider all options nearer the date preferred. In the summer we cant consider anything less than 7 days until at least 10 days before arrival, just in case a week booking comes along instead. Full payment is expected on booking, with a card (Be aware of card fees)
• Do you take minors under 18? - No, sorry we are an adult’s only accommodation. Minors are welcome in the day for day tickets fishing, accompanied with an adult, but can not stay on the estate. No exceptions
• What is your email address? -  docklowpools@hotmail.com
• Do I need to bring any bedding if I'm staying? - Bedding is supplied; you just need to bring your towels, tea towels. Also your own washing liquid and dustbin bags. That’s all...and of course your fishing gear!
• Do you take dogs? - Yes, we have six cottages available. Primrose, Mistletoe, Clover, Snowdrop, Bramble and Honey Suckle. We charge just £30 per week for a pet
• I have booked a holiday, when do I need to pay the full balance? - We normally prefer the whole remaining balance to be paid at least six weeks before arrival.  All late bookings have to be paid in full upon booking
• Is the price person or per cottage/lodge? - Prices quoted are per cottage/lodge. B&B is per person.
• Do the cottages have DVDs? - Yes, most have a DVD machine is installed in most cottages.
• Can I pay by card over the phone? - Although we prefer to take the booking payments by the traditional method of cheque, (payable to "Docklow Pools"), we can take cards over the phone now, with the correct information. Unfortunately we do have to charge 1.5% per transaction to cover card machine charges. Cheques are free.
• Does the holiday include VAT? - Yes
• Do have any accommodation near the river? -The river Wye is approximately 18 miles away from Docklow Pools and the Teme is approx 10 miles. There are no rivers at Docklow Pools, but we own three stretches that guests can fish in the season.
• Do you take stag parties? - No. I'm afraid we don’t. Predominately we are a couples business, encouraging relaxing quiet enjoyable holidays for adults.
• Do you rent the cottages out on long lease? - Yes we do as holidays or weekend break, based upon you taking up the lease for 5 months over the winter period. Scheme is aimed at couples who want to get away weekends and join in with our friendship at Docklow. It’s extremely in-expensive. It helps keeps bar and restaurant going in the winter period. As it’s a holiday cottage, individuals can use it as much as possible but mustn’t live in it permanently. Normal rules apply. Subject to availability.
• I am coming on a winter break, will the bar be open? - In the winter (October to April) the bar is open, yes from Wednesday to Saturday evenings with full restaurant. Bar open too Wednesday to Sunday lunchtimes. Restaurant will be closed Mid October to early November as Chef is on his annual holiday.
• What happens if i have to cancel? - We'll always try and help where we can to offer some alternatives. We wont refund deposits and holidays wont be refunded if arrival date is 6 weeks before arrival date as it doesnt leave us enough time to readvertise. etc.
• What is the maximum people in a party? - From 2010 onwards its now 6 for new parties. Changed from 2009. Previously 8. Existing parties are fine.
• What time do we need to vacate the cottage/lodge? – All guests are kindly asked to vacated so our cleaning team can working from 10am Saturday morning.
• What time can we check in from? – As vacating deadline is 10am, to allow the cottages to be cleaned thoroughly we always suggest between 1pm and 4pm at the latest. Our cleaners should be finished by 2pm. You are welcome to come earlier and fish, or dine in the restaurant from midday. For arrivals after 4pm please can you advise the office on 01568760256
• What is mobility like for the disabled? –  With the obvious exceptions of the barn conversions which of course have stairs, the majority of the accommodation including log cabins are bungalow based. There aren’t too many issues getting in and out of the cottages. The restaurant has disabled access from the car park. There are easy to reach car parks at each lake, with shingle paths around the pools. A map is available to download or email to you. Naturally the weather can make a difference. Most pegs are concrete platforms. Upon booking its best to talk things through and we’ll suggest the best option.
• Where do I put my tackle and bait at night? – All properties have tackle lock ups, so your tackle and bait can be stored at night. We strictly do not allow tackle, particularly bait in the cottages or lodges naturally for hygiene purposes. They are concrete sheds effectively with either one sole key or a combination. Some residents bring a pad lock too for the lockable door.
• Is it possible to come down a day earlier to avoid traffic? - The holidays in the summer are always Saturday to Saturday, but if the cottage is vacant the week before we may be able to offer it to you on our cheapest nightly rates. Give us a call for more help

  Residents Fishing

• I'm staying for a holiday, can I buy a weekly ticket? - "Yes". Instead of buying a day ticket at £6 per day, residents can buy a weekly ticket for either one or two rods for their stay. Single rod (one person) is just £30 per week including VAT (£3.80 per day before VAT!), or £50 per week double rod ticket. Both prices include VAT.
• Ive bought a single rod weekly ticket, where cant I fish? - You can all the pools except the Major Bill and the river stretches no problem.
• If I dont buy a weekly ticket can I still fish the Match lake? - "No". We changed our rules in 2010. Weekly permit holders can fish all lakes only. Residents who buy day tickets can fish Day ticket waters only.
• If I buy a single rod, but want one day on the specimen lake, can I do that? - "Yes" we'll sort something for you. Normally charge just £10. Please make sure you have the correct tackle and know the rules.
• I am resident and want to have a knock with my friends? - We are a keep net free venue; hence why fish are are in very good condition. There is a resident match every Tuesday which may answer your question. Plus of course, Opens saturday, sunday and thursdays. So plenty of opportunities.

Membership

• Can I join the Docklow Membership? - Docklow membership is available to genuine anglers. Ask for details on 01568760256 or the shop 01568760544. Details also on the membership tab on this web site.
• How much is the membership? - Its just £70 +VAT to join for the first year.
• Does that cover all the lakes? - It covers all the lakes apart from the Major Bill specimen lake
• Can I join the Major Bill? - There is a three year waiting list which is totally understandable. We limit the membership to just 40 anglers. We wont add any one to the waiting list if they arent known to the business. Best method is naturally introduce yourself.

Fishing - Day Tickets

Restaurant

• Is food available everyday? - Yes. Restaurant is open with the exception of Sunday evenings and Mondays, but otherwise bar meals is available all week. In the winter we are closed on a Tuesdays for restaurant and bar snacks too. For large parties we will make special alternative arrangements to open those days for you. Call on 01568760256.  Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturday evening full comprehensive restaurant menu. Day times food available apart from Mondays.
• Is your produce local? - Yes. We pride our selves on buying as much of our produce from Hereford, Worcester or Shropshire suppliers. Alternatively we grow our own vegetables.
• Where is your beef from? - Its of course Herefordshire Beef, bought from Neil Powell butchers in Hereford. The farmer is John Price from Wooferton.
• Do you cater for large parties, such as Birthdays, Funerals and Parties? - Yes of course. Please give us a call and we'll be happy to help as much as we can.
• Are you open Christmas? - "Yes we are". Christmas day will be limited numbers and is proving quite popular without advertising. Price TBA. Open Boxing Day too, What are the opening times? - Bar opens at 6pm to 11pm daily and at 12am to 2pm lunchtimes daily expect Sunday until 3pm.
• Food allergies; what food do you do? - Speak to Colin our chef, 01568760256 from Tuesday to Friday lunchtimes and he will help you 

 Caravan Site

• Can I book a caravan for late 2010 or 2011? - We're withdrawing touring caravans from October 2010 until further notice
• Do you offer camping? - No sorry.
• What is a Super pitch? - Its a caravan pitch with the following amenities: TV, water, sewage and electric. All are hard standing.
• Do I need to book a pitch? - Yes always advisable
• Can I fish the residents match? - No sorry. We have had experiences of people staying just one evening, fishing the match, winning and leaving true residents to lick their wounds. A Docklow resident is someone staying B&B, in lodges or a cottage.
• Is there a shower block? - Yes. One minute walk from your pitch.
• How much is it per night? - £15 per pitch + VAT, £5 orning, £4 Dog per night. Docklow members have discounted prices.
• I staying in the caravan, can I fish the match pool? – No, caravans non members can fish day ticket waters only. Ask for membership details if youre a regular visitor.
• What about the future for caravans at Docklow? – From October 2010 we are withdrawing all touring caravans until further notice. The present caravan is being used to build new Log cabins. Storage vans will remain. A waiting list is in place, for appropriate guests

Club Match Bookings

• We are a new club, can we book the match pool? - We no longer take new club bookings. Only bookings taken from existing club secretaries.
• How much is it to book the Match/Farmer Jack pools? - £150 +VAT for whole pool. Half pool options available
• When do we need to pay? - Two months before arrival
• Can we book breakfasts and evening meals? - Yes absolutely.

 Evening Entertainment

• Quiz night (summer only). Monday in the bar. Starting at 9ish. Just for fun, nothing serious. Aimed at residents mostly. See Jonathan
• Tuesday & Friday Carvery (summer only). Thereafter a singer in the oak room until last orders.
• Bingo - For all guests Fridays in the winter
• Most Saturdays in the winter have a singer or dancing.

Video added to YouTube

Firstly, please excuse the amateur video. Intention was to show how close the lakes, are to our log cabins. However finding a steady hand isnt as easy as I thought! Yet I'm sure you'll understand the point being made.

Youtube is completely free, and allows us to show video of our splendid fishery in High Definition. Hope you enjoy it

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OswvZRZQSVU Match Pool with log cabins in the back ground.

http://www.youtube.com/user/docklowpools#p/u/0/IQbHsY-WEsI

http://www.youtube.com/user/docklowpools#p/a/u/2/S2_gOoBQfZA Bottom of Match pool - log cabins to the right

http://www.youtube.com/user/docklowpools#p/a/u/0/ZIIe-iENpCM Log cabins and Pet friendly properties.