Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Walberswick Camping ("we", "us", "our") is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

By using our website and services, you consent to the collection and use of your personal data as described in this Privacy Policy.

2. Data Controller

Walberswick Camping is the data controller responsible for your personal data.

3. What Information We Collect

3.1 Information You Provide to Us

We collect information that you voluntarily provide when you:

• Make a booking: Name, email address, phone number, postal address, payment information
• Create an account: Username, password, profile information
• Contact us: Name, email address, phone number, message content
• Subscribe to our newsletter: Name, email address, preferences
• Complete surveys or feedback forms: Opinions, ratings, comments
• Visit our site: Vehicle registration number (if applicable), number of guests, pet information

3.2 Information We Collect Automatically

When you visit our website, we automatically collect:

• Device information: IP address, browser type and version, operating system
• Usage data: Pages visited, time spent on pages, click patterns, referring website
• Location data: Approximate geographic location based on IP address
• Cookies and tracking technologies: See our Cookie Policy section below

3.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive information about you from:

• Payment processors (for transaction verification)
• Social media platforms (if you connect your account)
• Analytics providers
• Review platforms

4. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal data for the following purposes:

4.1 To Provide Our Services

• Process and manage your bookings and reservations
• Communicate with you about your booking (confirmations, modifications, cancellations)
• Process payments and prevent fraud
• Provide customer support and respond to your inquiries
• Send essential service communications

Legal Basis: Performance of a contract, legitimate interests

4.2 To Improve Our Services

• Analyze website usage and user behavior
• Improve our website, products, and services
• Conduct research and statistical analysis
• Test new features and functionality

Legal Basis: Legitimate interests

4.3 For Marketing Purposes

• Send promotional emails and newsletters (with your consent)
• Provide personalized offers and recommendations
• Conduct marketing campaigns and promotions
• Display targeted advertising

Legal Basis: Consent (you can opt-out at any time)

4.4 For Legal and Security Purposes

• Comply with legal obligations and regulations
• Prevent fraud, abuse, and security incidents
• Enforce our terms and conditions
• Protect our rights, property, and safety
• Respond to legal requests from authorities

Legal Basis: Legal obligation, legitimate interests

5. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your personal data to third parties. We may share your information with:

5.1 Service Providers

• Payment processors: To process transactions securely
• Email service providers: To send booking confirmations and newsletters
• Hosting providers: To store data and maintain our website
• Analytics providers: To analyze website usage (e.g., Google Analytics)
• Customer support tools: To provide customer service

These service providers are contractually obligated to protect your data and use it only for the purposes we specify.

5.2 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law, court order, or government authority, or to protect our legal rights or the safety of others.

5.3 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of our business, your personal data may be transferred to the new owner.

6. International Data Transfers

Your data is primarily stored and processed within the United Kingdom. If we transfer your data outside the UK or EEA, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, such as:

• Standard Contractual Clauses approved by the UK ICO
• Adequacy decisions confirming adequate data protection
• Other legally approved transfer mechanisms

7. How Long We Keep Your Data

We retain your personal data for as long as necessary to:

• Booking data: 7 years (for accounting and tax purposes)
• Marketing data: Until you unsubscribe or withdraw consent
• Website analytics: 26 months (Google Analytics default)
• CCTV footage: 30 days (if applicable)
• Customer support records: 3 years

After the retention period expires, we securely delete or anonymize your data.

8. Your Rights Under UK GDPR

You have the following rights regarding your personal data:

• Right to Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you
• Right to Rectification: Ask us to correct inaccurate or incomplete data
• Right to Erasure ("Right to be Forgotten"): Request deletion of your data in certain circumstances
• Right to Restrict Processing: Ask us to limit how we use your data
• Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format
• Right to Object: Object to processing based on legitimate interests or for marketing purposes
• Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for marketing communications at any time
• Right to Lodge a Complaint: Contact the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) if you believe we've mishandled your data

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at [email protected]. We will respond within 30 days.

9. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience and analyze website traffic.

9.1 Types of Cookies We Use

• Essential Cookies: Necessary for the website to function (e.g., session management, security)
• Performance Cookies: Collect anonymous data about how visitors use our site (e.g., Google Analytics)
• Functionality Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings
• Marketing Cookies: Track your browsing to show relevant advertisements (with your consent)

9.2 Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling cookies may affect website functionality. Most browsers allow you to:

• View and delete cookies
• Block third-party cookies
• Block all cookies (not recommended)
• Delete cookies when closing the browser

Learn more about cookies at www.aboutcookies.org

9.3 Third-Party Cookies

We use the following third-party services that may set cookies:

• Google Analytics: To analyze website traffic and user behavior
• Facebook Pixel: For targeted advertising (if applicable)
• Payment processors: To process secure payments

10. Security of Your Data

We take data security seriously and implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal data, including:

• SSL/TLS encryption for data transmission
• Secure, encrypted storage of personal data
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Access controls and authentication measures
• Staff training on data protection
• Secure payment processing through PCI-DSS compliant providers

While we use industry-standard security measures, no method of transmission or storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

11. Children's Privacy

Our services are not intended for children under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal data, please contact us immediately, and we will delete such information.

12. Links to Other Websites

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites. We encourage you to read their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

13. Marketing Communications

With your consent, we may send you marketing emails about our services, special offers, and news. You can opt-out at any time by:

• Clicking the "unsubscribe" link in any marketing email
• Contacting us at [email protected]
• Updating your preferences in your account settings

Note: Opting out of marketing communications does not affect essential service emails (booking confirmations, account notifications, etc.).

14. CCTV and Site Security

We may use CCTV cameras on our premises for security purposes. Signs are displayed where CCTV is in operation. Footage is:

• Retained for a maximum of 30 days
• Used only for security and safety purposes
• Accessed only by authorized personnel
• Shared with law enforcement if required

15. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. The "Last Updated" date at the top of this page indicates when the policy was last revised. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

For significant changes, we will notify you by email or through a prominent notice on our website.

16. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or how we handle your personal data, please contact us:

Information Commissioner's Office (ICO):
If you are not satisfied with our response, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the ICO:
Website: www.ico.org.uk
Phone: 0303 123 1113