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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to ask your opinions of Pontins

81 replies

thickgit · 21/04/2017 21:47

We went there today. We came back today. I'm sad that I couldn't cope with it, for the sake of my children. It was supposed to be
a three night stay.
Does anybody have an experience of Pontins?

OP posts:
CotswoldStrife · 21/04/2017 21:48

What was the reason that you didn't stay?

exWifebeginsat40 · 21/04/2017 21:49

people get stabbed at Pontins. stabbed. ugh.

leccybill · 21/04/2017 21:49

Was it Southport? If so, you did the right thing. The stories I've heard!

FanaticalFox · 21/04/2017 21:50

Pontins is the skankiest of all the holiday parks so I'm not surprised you didn't like it. Try and book a sun holiday at a haven or another 5* type park.

Alyx80 · 21/04/2017 21:51

Grim

ShamefulDodger · 21/04/2017 21:51

We don't get to go often but I quite like Butlins. Definitely no stabbings and lots of young children around.

I have heard bad things about Pontins so have never been, so can't compare for you.

Violetcharlotte · 21/04/2017 21:52

I've only been once, 17 years ago with a six week old baby. There was mould in the walls, it was freezing and the bed was uncomfortable. I cried all night the first night as I wanted to come home!

pennypickle · 21/04/2017 21:53

The last time we went to Pontins - about 10 years ago - we arrived to find the chalet hadn't been cleaned, then we had an infestation of ants. The evening "entertainment" was dire!

We left early morning and booked into a Haven camp on the way home - at a much reduced cost. Much better!

Vegansnake · 21/04/2017 21:53

Same as violet....grim indeed

littleducks · 21/04/2017 21:54

We got a free holiday there from some competition . On arrival we upgraded as accommodation was so dire. We still came home early.

Vegansnake · 21/04/2017 21:55

I'm actually shocked it's still going...I thought it had shut down yrs a go..don't know anyone who's been lately

Original poster
thickgit · 21/04/2017 21:56

It was Camber. I'd read the bad reviews, so my expectations were low. The whole place was just nasty. I'm not sure how it's actually open to the public. Very dirty and very run down. It didn't help that it was freezing, but seriously. . . The carpet in the arcade was unbelievable.
We've got Haven coming up in October, also bought through the Sun deals. We've been to Butlins a few times and love it there. Pontins is in a different league. I guess I'm after other opinions because I feel so bad for my children. They don't see dirt :-(

OP posts:
thatverynightinmaxsroom · 21/04/2017 21:56

I went as a kid about 20 years ago with my friend and her Mum. Her Dad dropped us off (wasn't staying) and I remember him and her Mum having a hushed conversation along the lines of "are you sure you want to stay, I could take you home right now."

My friend and I had a wonderful time doing things I'd never have been allowed to do at home. God knows what sort of time her Mum had. It is not somewhere I'd take my own children now that I'm an adult.

RatOnnaStick · 21/04/2017 21:56

If it was Camber you certainly did the right thing. Place looks like a prison camp. Dirty and, yes, skanky. Grin grim grim.

kathryn77 · 21/04/2017 21:57

I survived one night. Mouldy curtains. Beds with holes in. Porches and posh cars outside but felt like we were in some dodgy council estate where you were afraid to walk outside. Truely horrific.

kathryn77 · 21/04/2017 21:57

Ours was Prestatyn.

thatverynightinmaxsroom · 21/04/2017 21:58

We were Camber too!

Please try not to feel guilty. If you feel that uncomfortable in a place then it's really better you're not there. What did you tell your children? How did they react?

GinDoll · 21/04/2017 21:58

Have been once and loved it. It was run down and grim looking (grimy and scruffy) and most of the staff seemed fed up but the kids had the best time which meant we actually relaxed for the first time at a holiday camp. Added to which the otheright holiday goers all seemed friendly and relaxed and asleep by midnight. I've been to all sorts of holiday parks and this was the most relaxed I've ever been. I'd like to go back actually ... Still its definitely not for everyone OP and I have just returned though from a lovely stay at a very small and quiet holiday park on the Isle of Wight which might be better for you...

ThymeLord · 21/04/2017 21:58

Pontins isn5t great IME but I'd have coped with 3 days rather than make my kids come home. That seems really mean.

GinDoll · 21/04/2017 21:58

PS also Camber Sands xx

FanaticalFox · 21/04/2017 22:00

Haven is your friend. Put pontins out if your mind and never go back. It was recently on watchdog yet somehow its still going!!

CotswoldStrife · 21/04/2017 22:02

It is very cheap and I do think you get what you pay for Grin We've used them as self-catering accommodation (there is a camp near some of our family) but our DD loved the evening entertainment tbh. It is a few years since we've been and I always take cleaning stuff with me although we have been lucky with our accommodation!

I haven't been to Butlins for decades but even that (ancient experience) was better than the modern-day Pontins for me. However, as I said, our DD liked it Hmm

Whosthemummynow · 21/04/2017 22:02

Love pontins at camber, stayed there recently. Yes the arcade floor isn't pristine (show me an arcade that is) the room we had was basic and clean, new oven etc. Theres a brand new play park that's been built just as you walk in. Various other parks, good swimming pool, crazy golf, good evening entertainment, fabulous beach a minutes walk away. I honestly don't know what people expect? They don't advertise as 5*.....

Dozyoldtwonk · 21/04/2017 22:03

Is Camber the one in Suffolk, close to Lowestoft? If so, I've driven by many a time & often thought it resembled a prison camp Confused

littleducks · 21/04/2017 22:03

Yes my story was camber- we go back most years to the beach as it's lovely but for daytrips/ stay elsewhere