Pontins has picked up the unwelcome title of Britain's worst holiday park, scoring just 61 per cent in the latest Which? ranking of UK holiday parks and resorts. The consumer group pulled no punches, describing the brand as being on its last legs and telling readers they'd likely have a better time pretty much anywhere else.
Things have changed a lot for Pontins since its heyday. Once a chain of 30 parks, it was rescued from collapse 15 years ago by Britannia Hotels. Today only one site is actually open to guests: the adult-only Sand Bay Holiday Village near Weston-super-Mare in Somerset, which offers a heated pool, dance sessions and themed quizzes. Despite those perks, it managed just two stars across every category in the survey — including cleanliness, food and drink, facilities, value for money and customer service. Some 2,221 holidaymakers were polled between February and March for the rankings.
Britannia Hotels pushed back on the result. A spokesperson said the group was disappointed, noted that no parks trading as Pontins are currently open, and admitted that parts of Sand Bay's accommodation "reflect the site's heritage". A programme of upgrades is under way, the company says, with a promise of better rooms and an improved guest experience ahead.
So who's worth booking instead? Potters Resorts took the top spot with an 83 per cent score, praised for attentive service and first-class facilities. It's a family-run operation with sites in Essex and Norfolk, dating back to the 1920s, offering all-inclusive food and drink plus everything from birdwatching to go-karting. Hoburne Holidays followed close behind on 81 per cent, winning fans for its relaxed, well-located retreats.
Interestingly, popularity and satisfaction don't always line up. Center Parcs, the most-visited park in the survey, scored a middling 69 per cent — decent, but nowhere near the leaders. Haven Holidays landed on 68 per cent but claimed the crown for value, ranking as the cheapest option in the UK. That's a useful datapoint if you're weighing cost against comfort for a family break.
The takeaway for anyone planning a domestic getaway this year: brand recognition isn't everything, and a bit of research before booking can save you from a disappointing week. The Which? survey covers facilities, value, service and cleanliness, so it's a solid starting point. If you want the highest-rated experience, Potters and Hoburne are the names to look at; if budget is the priority, Haven offers the lowest prices; and if you've already booked Sand Bay, it may be worth checking what refurbishments are happening at the site before you travel.
For anyone with fond memories of classic Pontins breaks, the story is a reminder of how far the brand has fallen — one surviving site, poor ratings across the board, and an owner promising fixes.