Pontins Southport

norangeduck

I went here in sept/oct time last year we were in fact paid to go, they break cost £10 to go, for 2 for 4 nights, then they gave us £20 in pontins pounds, which you could spend on drinks at the bar (not bad really) Yes it is a dive, I wore my shoes in the chalet, at all times, the toilet made a funny noise when flushed, - but to be honest, I didnt pay anything for the hol, I actually quite enjoyed it - If your into u 4* (even, 3, 2 or 1*) you wont like it! - But if you dont mind slumming it, go for it.

The entertainment was funny, it brought me back to my childhood (lol im only 23 now) but I got to see britains got talent contestants (arn't, u impressed!!!)

The park is like 3 mins walk from the beach - the on site pool, is perhaps a little grim, its flaking away, and is proper 80's - the kids pool is a little better, take a dunk in there!

I enjoyed my time in Southport, (there is also a swimming pool in the centre of southport which has flumes andd things, but wasnt open when we went)
also go to see "Another Place" Figures by Antony Gormley - they are really good http://www.sefton.gov.uk/Default.aspx?page=6216 I also loved blackpool at night, lights were lovely - Im sure you'll have a good time, no matter where u stay!!!

andyathers

masonsmum wrote: »

Anyone got any advice on Pontins Southport. I was lucky enough to win a self catering break with them and we are going for 4 nights Mon-Fri at Easter.

However had a look on some review sites and the reviews are terrible :eek:

Anyone else been before and can advise. We did have a choice of parks but we are in south west Scotland so Blackpool or Southport were our only choices without travelling too far and Blackpool is a Half Board camp and we really didnt want to pay extra when we had the chance of a free holiday

OH my heart does go out to you we stayed five years ago and it really was unclean in the accommodation I sent my husband home for our bed linen because what they provided was awful and I do realise that this was a personal thing but I just couldn't have put my head on one of those pillows.The catering side of things was alittle pricey and not very appetising but on a plus note the splash pool which is in southport the complex is £22 for a family ticket and you will have a wonderfull time their it is open friday evening 4-7pm and 10am-5pm sat and sun this is during the winter months. I have been to the prestatyn pontins and had a great time we upgraded to the club classic and they where spotless,but a positive of that was we had great weather too. Southport its self is lovely and more so if its a good day. If you where to give me a free hoiday to southport I am afraid to say I would not stay at pontins.We also spent alot of money to keep busy away from the awfull facilities at the pointins sight. Hope this gives you some insight into your dilema.

masonsmum

Thanks for all your replies, I am really dreading this now however Dh says stay upbeat until we get there. I cant remember the grade of chalet we are in but it is the one above a basic so maybe thats a bonus

It is a free holiday so if it is really bad we can just leave however have booked into a hotel in Blackpool for an overnight on the way home. Might end up more than 1 night.

MILLYMOLLY

we've stayed at Southport Pontins a few times, but always upgraded to classic or club, apart from once when we stayed in budget.(never again) Like others have said it is a dated park and needs a good refurbish.
As to the noise at night is it actually any worse than the families up at the crack of dawn who show no consideration and make loads of noise.
I always wash every piece of cutlery, cups and plates the minute we get there. I also always check the kettle and if not happy send to thestores for a new one, never been refused.
Chalets in club and classic are usually in a nicer part of the camp and furnishings are slightly nicer.
It is a basic holiday camp holiday but my kids have always loved going there, they like all the activities and my 19 yr old has just said 'awesome place it was top'

There is a nice pub across the road for a nice and cheap sunday lunch an the beach is literally two minutes walk.

We have also been to Blackpool and it is definately worth paying te extra for the upgrade to half board, but can't comment on club or kids ativities as we used the camp as a base for Blackpool.
I have also found Pontins to be very good if you complain.

OurKev

sturll wrote: »

Its a dive.

Went last year courtesy of a free 5 day stay. Was more than happy getting hammered in the bar watching all the young Blue Coats (females) Wearing their skirts a few inch too short and making their breasts from a 32a appear like a C.

But once back at the chalet plagued by a sticky floor, c*m stained mattress and stench of last years B&H. If you can put up with the chalet best of luck with the skanky chavs it attracts as your neighbours. If you are a single male then no worries, you'll be up for a few a night. But if you have kids you'll no doubt spend your nights getting annoyed and frustrated at the inconsiderate b*****ds that have half a lager and then walk past your chalet at 2 am singing 3 lions and offering to take on the world.

So ... are you recommending it?

sturll

OurKev wrote: »

So ... are you recommending it?

Residents of Chatsworth Estate might enjoy it..

OurKev

sturll wrote: »

Residents of Chatsworth Estate might enjoy it..

Strangely enough I'm looking to buy a house there!

Not really, just shameless drivel!

helwarren

We stayed there in October half term and have previously been to the one in Bream. They both look run down which gives the impression of being dirty but I've always found the apartments to be clean enough- which is more than I can say for one stay at Butlins!
There is a pub which has reasonably priced meals and you usually get vouchers for free puddings or so much off. Kids always enjoy it -although we don't bother with the evening entertainment as thats too much hassle with 3 under 7 and only 2 of us to make sure they don't wander off!
Go with an open mind and enjoy the fact its free!

bamboozled2

Came across this quite late, but, here goes, I have stayed in a few holiday parks, one was a bogof and worked out at £500 for 2 weeks, when we got in, the ceiling was pealing, laminate was coming off around the edges of tables etc, one of the set of patio doors didn't lock and we were at the crappy/untidy end of the park next to a chain link fence and under poplar trees, which meant that even in august the caravan was surrouned by fallen autumn leaves, the view from the window was two big green biffa bins. I immediately went to reception and without making a fuss, (I was saving that, incase of a refusal) asked if they could do anything about it, Without batting an eyelid I was upgraded to a much better 'van, in a better area of the park. The van to the right of us was empty for the two weeks we were there, and the one to the left was filled only in the second week. I think they keep them for 'passing trade' who they can't fob off with a tatty 'van so easily.
The last time we stayed was Haven at Seton Sands (last August) when we walked in, my gut reaction was to go to reception and ask to be moved, but we'd had a long day travelling...
It was tatty, sticky, stunk of cigarettes, one of the bedrooms worse than others, the fact the bedding smelt of smoke made me go to reception, who were just closing, they organised new bedding. Next day I went to maintenance, who came and cleaned the upholstry and carpets and installed plug in room scenters, these were on full the whole time we were the, including the one in the smallest bedroom, and just made it smell nice, if you put one on full 24/7 in a full size room it would usually over power it.
We had taken the dog, so I didn't expect 5star, but this was horrible, I wish I had followed my gut instinct and gone straight to reception before we'd started to unpack, as you feel less like moving then. My advice to anyone would be to go and talk to reception and ask for an upgrade, after all they don't want bad feed back do they?

jopsey

I take everything back ...went to pontins Wales and as much as the staff are fantastic the accom was the pit's really dirty ,sorry OP I must have had my rose tinted glasses on or I was lucky first time around