Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL TOURS

*This section relates to our general tours departing from Weymouth

WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?

The cancellation policy below relates to our general tours departing from Weymouth.

We like to keep our cancellation policy as simple as possible!

Free cancellation:

Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the activity starts. If you cancel under this time or do not show up, you will not be refunded.

More than 48 hours notice before the tour – 100% refund*

Less than 48 hours notice before the tour – No refund.

It is your responsibility to cancel your tour prior to the tour date. No refunds will be issued if you cancel after your tour departure time.

Dorset Tours does operate a minimum number policy. Dorset Tours needs a minimum number of passengers to operate any tour. The minimum is variable in relation to a specific tour or discounts given to operate a specific tour. Dorset Tours reserve the right to cancel a tour at any time if the minimum number is not reached. If we need to cancel your tour due to insufficient numbers, you will be refunded in full.  


*Be aware: An international reversal transaction cost can be incurred by third party booking software (Stripe), your bank or credit card company. International reversal transaction costs can be up to 15%. This is out of our control.

DO YOU HAVE A MINIMUM GROUP NUMBER?

Yes.

Like many small tour companies, we do require a minimum number of passengers to operate any of our tours.

If our minimum number of passengers is not met, you will be notified 48 hours before your tour departure date and offered another date. *subject to availability.

If we need to cancel your tour due to insufficient numbers, you will be refunded in full.  

DEPARTURE LOCATIONS?

General Tours: Weymouth Train Station car park. Postcode: DT4 7BN (See Map)

Portland Cruise Passenger Excursions: Portland Castle (See Map)

Private Tours: Pick up from your preferred location, Hotel or B&B within Dorset. 

DEPARTURE TIMES?

Your tour start time is selected from the dropdown box during the booking process.

You can also find your departure time listed in the ‘Booking Essentials‘ section on the specific tour page you choose.

HOW DO YOUR TOURS WORK?

Our tours are PART GUIDED. This means at each site your guide will give you a brief description of the area, orientate you, talk to you about its history and its geology.

You will then have FREE TIME to explore the area as you wish before moving on to the next site.

CAN I PAY CASH?

No. I’m afraid our guides do not carry cash or handle payments. All bookings must be made through our secure website.

MOBILITY DIFFICULTIES?

Our tours vary depending on location & sights visited, some tours may be more suitable than others depending on the nature of mobility restrictions. Please contact a member of our team via email to go through any concerns you may have.

WHAT ARE YOUR GROUP SIZES?

Our group sizes are no larger than 15 passengers per group, but can often run with as little a 4 to a group.

ENTRANCE FEES?

There are no entrance fees for the attractions on the Jurassic Coast, however it does cost around £7-10 to enter Corfe Castle. We find that 90% of our clients like to explore the wonderful village of Corfe and take pictures from outside the castle.

Please note that tickets to the Tank Museum or any attractions are not included in the cost of our tours. Before your tour date, it’s essential to check for any special events or occurrences at the attractions and secure your tickets in advance or be prepared to purchase at the gate. We cannot be held accountable if you are unable to gain entry due to a lack of pre-purchased tickets or failure to check the attractions schedule.

TOUR SHOWING GREEN, STILL CANT BOOK?

Some of our tours have a booking cut off period. This means that we are unable to accept bookings within 48-72 hours of the tour start date. This policy is in place to ensure that our vans, guides, and supplies are adequately prepared and ready for the tour ahead.

Even if the tour is showing Green on the calendar, you will not be able to book a tour if you are within 48-72 hours of you chosen tour start date. 

PORTLAND CRUISE PASSENGERS

*This section relates to our Cruise Excursions departing from Portland

DO YOU PICK UP FROM THE PORT?

Portland Port is a working commercial port and they do not allow you to roam freely.

You are permitted to get the FREE BLUE SHUTTLE BUS that transports you to our location. (See the shuttle bus in photo below)

We are located at Portland Castle: (See Map)

Portland Castle a 3 minute ride from your ship.

One of our representatives will be waiting for you as you exit the shuttle.

WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?

Cancel more than 7 days before the tour: Full refund.

Cancel 3-6 days before the tour: 50% refund.

Cancel less than 3 days before the tour: No refund.

No show or cancellation after the tour has started: No refund.

SHIP FAILS TO DOCK

In the event your ship fails to dock due to circumstances beyond your control, we offer a 50% refund to help offset the disappointment while covering your tour preparation expenses including tour guides, insurances, reservation of vehicles and other equipment.

*An international reversal transaction cost can be incurred by third party booking software or your bank or credit card company. International reversal transaction costs can be up to 15%. International reversal transaction costs are out of our control.

Flight Delays and Cancellations

In the event of a cancellation due to last-minute flight delays or flight cancellations, our standard cancellation policy will still apply. Please note that Dorset Tours is not responsible for any inconveniences or costs incurred due to missed flights or flight cancellations. We strongly recommend that all travelers obtain comprehensive travel insurance to cover such eventualities. This insurance should assist in managing any disruptions to your travel plans, including coverage for any non-refundable tour costs. Ensure your travel insurance policy covers all necessary aspects of your trip to provide peace of mind while you enjoy your travels with us.


*Be aware: An international reversal transaction cost can be incurred by third party booking software (Stripe), your bank or credit card company. International reversal transaction costs can be up to 15%. This is out of our control.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOUR START TIMES?

Your excursion is adjusted to coincide with your ships arrival and departure.

Your “Meet & Greet” instructions and tour start times will be emailed to you approximately 2/3 weeks prior to your tour.

If you have booked a Private Tour, your tour start time can be adjusted to suit your needs. Email us to arrange your private tour start time.  

If you are worried you’ll be late on the day, just contact Sally on (+44) 1305 230053 Email: info@dorsettours.com

WHAT CURRENCY DO YOU ACCEPT?

Here in the UK we use GBP £.

All tours must be booked through our website and will be taken in GBP £ (British Pound).

WHAT IF OUR SHIP CANNOT DOCK?

If your ship cannot dock due to last minute changes or bad weather, you will receive a full refund*

Passengers must email or call us on the day / or as soon as they know.

No refunds will be issued if you cancel your tour after your excursion departure time.

*Be aware: An international reversal transaction cost can be incurred by third party booking software (Stripe), your bank or credit card company. International reversal transaction costs can be up to 15%. This is out of our control.

Email or call Sally: info@dorsettours.com – +44 1305 23 00 53

GETTING BACK TO THE SHIP

Our first priority is getting you back to the ship on time.

Your tour is adjusted to suit your time on shore and arranged with your guide. We ensure you arrive at least one hour before your scheduled departure time.

If your time on shore becomes limited, some of the attractions on the itinerary may vary in order to get you back to the ship on time. This is not negotiable.

SHOULD I BOOK NOW OR WAIT?

Our advice would be to try and reserve your tour as soon as possible, we take bookings incredibly quickly for cruise dates and only have a certain number of guides and vans.

Securing your tour for your preferred date is highly advisable.

CAN I PAY CASH?

No. I’m afraid our guides do not carry cash or handle payments. All bookings must be made through our secure website.

ARE CHILDREN PERMITTED ON YOUR TOURS

Children are welcome on our tours.

However, please note that due to local government regulations we are restricted from carrying children under the age of 13. As a result, we do not offer specific children’s rates for our tours. The ticket price remains the same for all participants, regardless of age.

MOBILITY DIFFICULTIES?

Our tours vary depending on location & sights visited, some tours may be more suitable than others depending on the nature of mobility restrictions. Please contact a member of our team via email to go through any concerns you may have.

WHAT ARE YOUR GROUP SIZES?

Our group sizes are no larger than 15 passengers per group, but can often run with as little a 4 to a group.

ENTRANCE FEES?

There are no entrance fees for the attractions on the Jurassic Coast, however it does cost around £7-10 to enter Corfe Castle. We find that 90% of our clients like to explore the wonderful village of Corfe and take pictures from outside the castle.

Please note that tickets to the Tank Museum or any attractions are not included in the cost of our tours. Before your tour date, it’s essential to check for any special events or occurrences at the attractions and secure your tickets in advance or be prepared to purchase at the gate. We cannot be held accountable if you are unable to gain entry due to a lack of pre-purchased tickets or failure to check the attractions schedule.

More Questions?

Feel free to contact me

Hi. I’m Sally, I’m the Tour Coordinator here at Dorset Tours.

Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.

Email: info@dorsettours.com

Our office hours are:

Mon – Fri: 9am – 5pm
Sat: 10am – 3pm
Sun: Closed

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