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

1 - Cottages & Accommodation

  • We are two chaps wanting a week away? where can I stay? -We have B&B or self catering fishermen lodges. The cottages are for couples only.
  • Do you do any deals? – “Yes”. This year we’ve frozen our 2010 tariff for all customers who book in 2011. Means the VAT increase will paid by Docklow Pools. We have limited weekend deals but dont do any other "deals" of any description 
  • 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.  We are predominately a “Couples” business.
  • Do you do short breaks? – There is a big difference between In season and Out of Season availability. All short breaks need to be paid in full including fishing at point of sale.
    • In Season (14th April to 30th September) - We will consider short breaks and long weekends in four certain cottages only. Dovecote, Willow, Stable & Treetops only. This is for couples only and not for all male parties.
    • Out of Season (30th September to 13th April) – We lease the large majority of our cottages out to valued summer customers so in the winter there is limited availability. Yet B&B, Lodges and cottages that aren’t taken can be considered. Winter bookings are only taken September to April and not before as availability is known. 
  • 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  the old AOL email no longer exists which maybe shown on old brochures. This AOL email is no longer maintained or managed.
  • 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 you’re 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.
    • We don’t take “Yappy or aggressive dogs” for obvious reasons. We will check naturally when the booking is taken. Docklow is a place of peace and quiet and we’d like to keep it that way.
  • 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 two months before arrival.  All late bookings have to be paid in full upon booking. If you need longer to pay please just keep us informed and speak to Jonathan Bozward who will try and help.
  • Whats the booking process? – Bookings can be made by email, but we’d prefer to talk to you either face to face or on the phone to answer any questions and ensure clarity.
    • Booking forms are online at  www.docklowpools.com/booking-form.php . 
    • A deposit is required within 10 days of booking, normally £50 per person per week.
    • Balance as above is required two months before arrival in full including all extras.
    • We will write formally to all payments made to the address provided on the booking form.
    • If a reminder is required let us know when you book and we’ll get back in touch ten weeks before the arrival date.
  • Is the price person or per cottage/lodge? - Prices quoted are per cottage/lodge. B&B is per person.
  • Do the cottages have DVDs? – "No"  not all properties now have a DVD machine as so many machines have been damaged following the use of copy discs which burn the laser. Working DVD players have been left in properties where they work but not replaced where they now do not
  • How can I pay? – Things have moved on from the good old days of cheques and cash. Everything goes through the books. We take:
    • Debit Card – No charge. We don’t take mastercard or credit cards unless in absolutely 100% necessity situations. We will charge 1.8% of the value of the transaction to cover the credit card company transaction charges. We will hold your card receipt as it has your card details on it. When you arrive if you’d like it then let us know
    • Cheques – Payable to "Docklow Pools"
    • Online – Please ask for details.
  • Does the holiday include VAT? - Yes of course but it is included not an extra.
  • Do you have any late availability? - Sure. There is a link on this web site with all our vacancies.
  • Do have any accommodation near the river? -We've four stretches as shown on the river linkThe 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 as a bonus to our fantastic venue.
  • 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. Its invitation only, not upon request.
  • 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 is the maximum people in a party? - From 2010 onwards its now 6 for new parties. Changed from 2009. Previously 8.
  • What time do we need to vacate the cottage/lodge? – All guests are kindly asked to vacate 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 accommodations 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. Most pegs are concrete platforms.
    • A map is available to download or email to you. Naturally the weather can make a difference.
    • 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 (including B&B) 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
  • Do you have Wifi? – There isn’t wifi in the cottages but we do have it in the office so it is possible to pick up emails etc in office hours.
  • Breakages and Damage - all breakages must be paid for

 

  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
    • Specimen Pool (Major Bill) and Two rods is £50 per week for a double rod ticket.
    • Both prices include VAT
    • Both tickets include our river stretches
  • I’ve bought a single rod weekly ticket, where can’t I fish? - You can fish all the pools except the Major Bill.
    • However if you fancy the odd day on the specimen pool, as a resident and you have the correct gear as long as there is availability on the pool we should be able to sort it, but can’t guarantee.
    • A £50 prepaid double rod ticket guarantees you to fish on the Major Bill
    • Single rod permit includes the rivers
  • If I don’t buy a weekly ticket can I still fish the resident pools including 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.
  • I am resident and want to have a knock with my friends? – There are four matches a week now at Docklow and we believe that gives ample opportunity to fish against your friends. We’re not really a big match fishery; our emphasis is on fun and pleasure.
    • We are a keep net free venue; hence why fish are are in very good condition.
    • There is a resident match every Tuesday which has been every Tuesday since 1970’s 
    • Plus of course, Opens Saturday on the Snake
    • Open on Stock Pool Sunday and Thursdays. Stock Pool matches need to be booked in advance through the shop on 01568760 544

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. Then becomes cheaper the longer you stay in continuously
  • 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 at least a three year waiting list which is totally understandable as it’s such a great pool.
    • We limit the membership to just 40 members as there are 20 pegs.
    • Most Major Bill members have been with us a while and only pay £140 on average so they rarely drop out.
    • You'll need to be known OR at least be a Docklow Member to even be considered for the waiting list.
    • Waiting list is based upon "Good Customers" for Docklow not necessarily how long youve been waiting.
    • A weekly Ticket is available for £100 Monday to Friday if interested

Fishing - Day Tickets

  • What lakes are day tickets? - Mickey mouse and Moby Dick (both on left hand side of the drive), figure of eight
  • How much is day ticket? - £6 per day. Buy your ticket from the shop or £10 on the bank.
  • Can we night fish? - No night fishing for day tickets.
    • Must pack up an hour before dark
    • Day tickets can start fishing from 6am
  • How is it fishing? -Call John in the shop on 01568 760 544 Thursday to Sunday 8am to 4pm.
  • I am a day ticket, what matches are on? - No matches will affect the day ticket water.
    • Matches are on: Stock, Match pool or Farmer Jack lakes only.
  • What Bait bans are there? - Please see Docklow Rules on this site. But the main bans are Groundbait, hemp, pellets and paste. To be honest you won’t need them anyway. The best methods by far are sweet corn, meat, maggots and worm
  • Are you adults only fishing? - We are an adult’s only holiday business, but we like to see young people fishing too naturally. So all children under 16 must be accompanied with an adult.
  • What happens if I leave litter? - We have an idea of who leaves litter obviously from walking around. Mostly the pools are clean and tidy, but if we find litter deliberately left behind, the angler will be banned without exception from Docklow Pools for life. Docklow is a beautiful place, and litter louts will not spoil it.
  • I am a day ticket and I'd like to bring some friends to watch - We like nothing more than seeing people enjoy the countryside. We allow one guest per paid angler. Extras will need to buy a spectator ticket which is £5 a person. We do this to retain the peace and tranquillity of the beautiful countryside.
  • I am a junior angler and want to day ticket fish - No problem.
    • Under 16's need to be with an adult. One adult per angler.
    • Over 16's are fine to fish solo.
    • Remember under 18's can’t become a resident.
    • We have a junior membership too don’t forget! Ask for details

 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

  • How much are your caravan pitches a night? -£15 a night including VAT and awnning. Dogs extra £4 a night 
  • Do you offer camping? - No sorry.
  • As a caravan resident can I fish all the lakes? - "No". But you can if you become a member. See details. Caravaners otherwise need to buy a day ticket and fish the Moby, Mickey or figure of 8 only
  • 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 awning, £4 Dog per night. 
  • Can I pay on arrival? -  Not any more. Pitches to be paid in full 6 weeks before arrival, by cheque or card. Invoice sent to confirm pitch etc therefore you can come at ones leisure and go straight down without calling at the office 

 

 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 isn’t 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.

 

Docklow has two
fabulous additional
stretches of

The River Wye

We have a wide
choice of places to
stay for the duration
of your fishing holiday

Premier
Accomodation

Why not join us and
relax in our friendly bar
after that hard days
arm aching work down
on our pools!

Bar and Restaurant

For all your fishing
needs, visit our tackle
shop.

Fishing Tackle Shop

Take a look at our
weekly catches
from the Docklow
Pools.

Match Results