Frequently Asked Questions
Booking
How do I book a lake through SwimbookerHolidays? Browse the lakes using the search and filter tools on the homepage or lakes page. When you find a lake you like, click View Lake to see full details, availability, and pricing. Booking is handled securely through Swimbooker — click the booking button on the lake page and you’ll be guided through the process.
Do I need a Swimbooker account to book? Yes. Swimbooker handles all bookings, payments, and confirmations. Creating an account is free and takes just a few minutes at swimbooker.com.
Can I book directly with the lake owner? All bookings are made through Swimbooker to ensure your payment is protected and your booking is confirmed. We don’t facilitate direct bookings outside the platform.
How far in advance can I book? This varies by lake. Most venues on SwimbookerHolidays allow bookings up to 12 months in advance. Check the individual lake page for availability.
Can I book for a group? Yes — many of our lakes are exclusive hire venues, meaning your group has the water to yourselves. Filter by Lake Exclusive or Exclusive + Accommodation to find venues suited to groups.
Availability & Dates
How does the availability search work? Enter your desired arrival and departure dates using the date fields or the voice search feature. SwimbookerHolidays checks each lake’s live availability calendar — powered by Swimbooker — and only shows venues with a gap that fits your trip.
The lake I want shows as unavailable — can I join a waiting list? Contact the lake owner directly through the lake page, or get in touch with us via the Contact page and we’ll do our best to help.
What if availability looks wrong? Availability is pulled from each lake’s Swimbooker calendar and cached regularly. If something looks incorrect, contact us and we’ll check with the lake owner.
Pricing & Payment
Are the prices shown per person or per booking? Prices shown are per booking (i.e. for exclusive use of the lake or swim), unless otherwise stated on the individual lake page. Always check the lake’s detail page for a full pricing breakdown.
What payment methods are accepted? Swimbooker accepts all major debit and credit cards. Payment is processed securely through Swimbooker’s platform.
Is a deposit required? This depends on the lake and the booking window. Details are shown during the Swimbooker checkout process before you commit to payment.
Are there any booking fees? SwimbookerHolidays does not charge additional booking fees. Any applicable fees are shown transparently during the Swimbooker checkout.
Fishing & Travel
Do I need a fishing licence to fish in France? British and EU nationals fishing in France are not required to hold a French fishing licence for private lakes. However, rules can vary — always confirm with the lake owner before travelling.
Do I need to declare my catch? This depends on the lake’s rules. Some venues require catch reporting as part of their conservation programme. Check the rules section on each lake page.
Can I bring my own bait? Bait rules vary by lake — some venues have approved bait lists or restrict certain products. Always check with the lake owner in advance. Many lakes offer bait hire or sale on site.
What happens if I need to cancel? Cancellation terms are set by the individual lake and managed through Swimbooker. Review the cancellation policy shown during checkout before booking.