Privacy Policy

Last updated: January 2026

April Cottage Bacton is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal data responsibly. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information when you use our website.

1. Who we are

Data Controller: Jemma McCarthy
Business name: April Cottage Bacton
Location: Bacton, Norfolk, United Kingdom
Contact email: aprilcottagebookings@aol.com

We are the data controller for the purposes of the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR).

2. What personal data we collect

We collect personal data only when it is necessary to manage bookings or communicate with you. This may include:

  • Name
  • Email address
  • Telephone number
  • Billing address
  • Booking dates
  • Number of guests
  • Notes or special requests you choose to provide
  • IP address and basic technical data (collected automatically)

We do not collect any unnecessary personal information.

3. How we use your data

We use your data to:

  • Process and manage bookings
  • Send booking confirmations and essential stay information
  • Communicate with you about your reservation
  • Process payments securely
  • Comply with legal and tax obligations
  • Improve the performance and usability of our website

We do not use your data for advertising or marketing purposes.

4. Payments

Online payments on this website are handled securely by Stripe.

  • Card payment details are processed directly by Stripe
  • We do not store or have access to your card details
  • Refunds, where applicable, are processed via Stripe

Stripe acts as an independent data controller for payment information. You can view Stripe’s privacy policy at:
https://stripe.com/privacy

5. Cookies and analytics

We use cookies to ensure the website functions correctly and to understand how visitors use the site.

Analytics

  • Google Analytics (GA4)
  • Google Search Console

Analytics data is anonymised and used only for statistical and performance purposes.

We do not use:

  • Advertising cookies
  • Remarketing or tracking pixels
  • Third-party ad platforms

A cookie banner is in place allowing you to manage your preferences.

6. Emails and communications

We send:

  • Booking confirmation emails
  • Essential follow-up emails relating to your stay (e.g. arrival information)

We do not send:

  • Marketing emails
  • Newsletters
  • Promotional communications

7. How long we keep your data

We retain personal data only for as long as necessary:

  • Booking records: up to 7 years (for accounting and legal purposes)
  • Enquiry emails: up to 12 months
  • Analytics data: anonymised and aggregated

When data is no longer required, it is securely deleted.

8. Who we share data with

We only share personal data with trusted third parties where necessary, including:

  • Stripe (payment processing)
  • Website hosting and booking system providers

We never sell or rent your personal data.

9. Children’s data

Bookings are made by adults aged 18 or over.
We do not knowingly collect personal data from children.

10. Your rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:

  • Access the personal data we hold about you
  • Request correction of inaccurate data
  • Request deletion of your data (where legally possible)
  • Restrict or object to processing
  • Request data portability
  • Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the email address above.

11. Data security

We take appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal data against loss, misuse, unauthorised access, or disclosure.

12. Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page.