Pontins

[gentlegiraffe]

Has anyone ever been? Can you tell us what it's like?

We seem to have acquired a break at the one near Lowestoft, DHs idea but trip advisor hasn't given me much hope! DD is coming, she's 6

God I went to a Pontins in north wales many years ago and it was awful, we stayed one night and went home early the next day! I'd say avoid any Pontins site tbh.

My advise, just don't.

You will think it can't possibly be as bad as the reviews. It's that bad and worse.

We stayed at the one in Southport. Please, just don't. It was awful

Oh no! I thought this might be the case!

DH thinks it's going to be brilliant!

I don't know about that one, but I have heard horror stories about the others. Go by all means, but have a plan B

We have stayed near the one in camber. Even being near it was bad enough. You couldn't pay me to go there.

It would be totally acceptable to send Dd and DH right?
And me and the dog will stay at home, as I'll also be heavily pregnant

I went when I was 6! Loved it. We've done haven and park resorts, yes tacky but for a six year old it's perfect - kids activities, pool and bingo every night (mine still love bingo) followed by children's disco, much like the offering at many a Spanish hotel, just bring rain jackets and wellies for the beach!

And cleaning products.

The accommodation is disgusting.

I am beginning to feel worse by the minute about this!

I suppose if dd has fun that's something

The lowestoft is the only half decent one. It's a lot smaller than the others, it's quieter.
The other ones are really really bad.
There is a theme park near that's quite good.

I lived our Pontins holidays, but that was 30 plus years ago! I didn't realise that they were still around.

Thank you! I'm
Starting to feel a little better

Lowestoft has a nice beach and has the lovely Southwold a 10 minute drive away. I have never been there but know where it is situated and there's lots to do in the area.

I do love southwold and dunwich, but maybe dh misunderstood when I said country holiday park.

I'm told it was cheap, suppose I shouldn't grumble

For me my idea of hell ....... my children loved it fun, games, dancing, swimming and arcades. We regularly take them abroad on holiday but both say they want to go back to pontins

The kids enjoyed it, the evening entertainment was good, there was loads for the kids to do. It was a cheap break.
The downsides are that the chalets where you sleep are dirty and half the restaurants were closed so if you wanted to buy food there were huge long queues, think an hour to get chips.
Despite that we have been three times and honestly we do enjoy it.

I was serious about taking cleaning products.

And bedding. And don't look at the state of the mattresses.

@Tomtontom I may take bedding I can throw away after and a sleeping bag just in case

Read the reviews on tripadvisor. Then cancel.

Why would you go somewhere that's filthy! Go somewhere nice!

I think I will try and change it and never let him plan anything ever again

I go every year to the camber one. I can get a weekends break for £60, which is all I can afford and it's better than nothing. Beggars can't be choosers and all that.

My kids LOVE it. They love the characters (Captain Croc, chuckles the monkey etc), they love all the entertainment and shows and dancing. We bring our own food (don't eat there. Ever. To put it in context- I think airplane/hospital food is tasty, and I won't touch food at pontins), and be prepared to leave your judgy pants at home - there are so many parents drinking heavily by lunch time, and don't stay out once the kids entertainment has finished because fights kick off frequently. Ditto to bring your own linen.

@TheBrilloPad thank you.

Can I ask how you manage to cook it etc

There's a microwave, hob and oven. In my experience, the cleaners don't clean these before you turn up (or at best, they may give them a cursory wipe), so definitely bring some cleaning wipes and stuff, and wash the pots & pans before using them.

I just try and view it as the equivalent of camping - just with a roof over your head. Don't expect any higher quality accommodation than you'd get in a tent, essentially.