Which? has ranked the UK’s vacation parks. survey – and it’s Potters Resorts that comes top, with Pontins ranked bottom due to failings that include ‘dingy campsites and stained mattresses’.
In the survey respondents were asked to rate 19 holiday parks out of five across seven categories – cleanliness, quality of accommodation, customer service, facilities, entertainment, food and drink, and value for money.
Potters Resorts wins with an outstanding overall customer score, 88 percent. Waterside Holiday Group comes in second place with an impressive 87 percent. They both score five stars across all categories. Pontins has an overall score of 59 per cent, scoring just two stars out of five for accommodation – the worst in the survey.
Which? surveyed UK holiday parks and ranked them. survey – and it’s Potters Resorts that comes top, with Pontins ranked bottom due to failings that include ‘dingy campsites and stained mattresses’
For those who know that hotel chain Britannia owns Pontins, its place at the bottom of the table may not be a surprise – its parent company has been rated as the UK’s worst hotel chain by Which? For nine consecutive years.
As well as dingy campsites and stained mattresses, Pontins guests also complained in the study – a survey of more than 2,200 stays – of ‘cobwebs, musty smells and sticky furniture’.
It also received only two stars for entertainment, which is its main attraction.
Others reported that they had an “amazing” time, and the trip brought back memories from childhood.
Potters offers two locations: one in Essex and the other in Norfolk. One bedroom is shown in the picture.
The Waterside Visitors ‘appreciated having the choice between a luxurious caravan and central heating, or camping in safari lodges with private hot tubs.
Center Parcs scored just one percent more than Butlins’s which is a cheaper alternative. The former has an overall customer score of 72 per cent and an average per-night price of £71. Butlin’s is just behind on 71 per cent, but costs only £41 per night.
Which? According to Which? The company has just three sites – Bognor, Minehead and Skegness – and has spent millions smartening up its accommodation and pool complexes in recent years.
“The investment paid off, as it beats Pontins’ in almost every category while also charging less customers on average.
In third place is Aria Resorts (pictured), now owned by Away Resorts. It scored an amazing 85 percent
Pontins has an overall score of 59 per cent, scoring just two stars out of five for accommodation – the worst in the survey
However, Which? However, Which? revealed that not all were happy. One Butlin’s guest said it was ‘good’ for families but ‘could use a lot more TLC.
John Fowler Holiday Parks (6th) is back at the top. Which? Noting that “it offers guests the classic vacation park experience without breaking the bank”, The review continued, “It is cheaper than Pontins’ and has a comparable price to Butlins’, with a 78% overall score, which includes four stars for value.” This could be the best deal of the summer with its themed weekends and kids’ club. There are also static caravans available at 11 beaches in Devon, Cornwall, Somerset.
Potters operates in two different locations. noted, in Norfolk and Essex, ‘and everything is included in the price – that means free food and alcoholic drinks’.
Which? says it promises “first-class” entertainment with West End-inspired shows, facilities, such as a shooting range and boating lake.
One customer said, “They believe that good customer service is essential from the time you first book to when you depart.” The entertainment is amazing with shows that can just as easily take place in the West End. The food is delicious and the chefs will help you with any dietary concerns.
Who are the Waterside Visitors? According to Which?, waterside visitors “appreciated having the option of either a spacious caravan with central heating and widescreen TVs or camping in safari lodges with their own hot tub.” The parks of Dorset and Cornwall have beachfront restaurants and bars.
Guy Hobbs (Editor of Which? Guy Hobbs, Editor of Which? Travel said that the UK offers a wide range of resorts and holiday parks. You can pick from resorts with swimming pools, slides and other activities, or you could opt to stay in luxury lodges with hot tubs.
“Our survey showed that smaller resorts run by family members won over big names. This means there’s no reason to spend a lot to enjoy a memorable experience.
The Butlin’s Bognor Regis leisure center is visible above. Which? According to Which? In recent years, the company spent millions on improving its accommodations and pools.
Waterside Holiday Group CEO Dave Bennett commented, “We are delighted to have received such a remarkable score as part of an acclaimed nationwide survey that reflects genuine visitor reviews.
“We invested heavily in all of our holiday parks to make sure we provide a five-star vacation experience for our guests with excellent quality accommodation, facilities and customer service. Waterside Holiday Group has been instrumental in us achieving excellence throughout our parks.
MailOnline Travel reached out to Pontins with a question.