Pontins, Southport

cherylf3

Hi,

Just to let you know we have just come back from Pontins Southport and really enjoyed it.

We had a budget chalet and although it was basic it was clean, we only used it as a base.

The entertainment was fantastic, kids had a great time which at the end of the day was the reason for going.

If you go with an open mind im sure you will have a great time.

Cheryl

miss_independent

A group of my friends and I went to visit a friend who was on the entertainment staff and I'm sorry to say it was awful, the worst place I've ever been. We were too afraid to use the shower as it was filthy and the bedrooms were freezing, it was so windy at night I was afraid to go to sleep in case the thin windows blew in on me, the place was a complete dump! We were also shocked at some of the people there and I was quite afraid/intimidated by a few, we ended up referring to it as the most notorious local council estate we know - we couldn't wait to get the hell out of there!

madleypiper

well i can give you a nice report about southport. yes everything is a bit dated and if your not too fussy and wanting something 3/4/5 star your be fine.
i went last june with my two girls ages 5 and 2. we all loved it. there was lots of entertainment on for them starting from about 10am if i remember properly. the accomodation had a few dirty stains on the carpet but was fine as we werent crawling around on the carpet. we took the girls scooters and there was a nice green outside our chalet so the girls loved it. the beach is two minute walk, and had an ice cream van on.
we had the morning using the facilities on site and then we went to back to chalet and cooked some lunch then we went to the beach for a bit. came back put everything back and went to the park or swimming and then a chill out and to the club at night. we went monday to friday and there was lots to do. the prices in the club are alot cheaper than haven and they give you money off coupons to use for the shop, bar, food etc. really hope you have a nice time.
(we did go once in feb with a big group of adults and kids but to the prestatyn one) and that was good- but prefered southport but we only went budget and because it was so cold we did use alot of electricity but then the chalet had not been used from nov- feb. thats the only bad thing i can say about all the pontins we have been

theregan

Don't bother! I live in Southport and have always given Pontins a very wide birth. I did give it the benefit of the doubt last year though when they had an open day.

I have 2 kids (4 & 11), and i thought it'd be nice for a cheap day out. What a horrific experience! Two hours was well enough time and i had to go!

There are several kids rides (merry-go-rounds, dodgems etc) oustide the main function area. The parents who had the kids on the rides where stood round smoking & drinking pints of beer!!! Classy!!!

My youngest wanted to go on the dodgems, so i gave in. I spotted a sign which said £4.00, i presumed this was "per dodgem", so we both climbed in. The attendent came round to collect the money (complete with a cigarette in hand), and said "Eight pound mate". I couldn't believe it! I made a sharp exit!!!

We then ventured into the "entertainment/function" building. The carpet entering the building was full of cigarette burns, was very worn out and the building had a bad musty smell. We went into the bar area (the only place we were able to get the kids a soft drink & a cup of tea) which also doubled up as the restaurant which happened to be serving the Sunday carvery (i'm glad i wasn't dining!!!).

Next door which joined up to the bar area was the entertainment lounge. The staff were putting on some form of play/pantomime for the kids. To be fair to the staff, it looked very professional and entertaining and would be worth staying to watch (it's a shame everything else let it down!!)

In conclusion-Pontin's is a hole of a place! It was supposedly granted a large financial package to re-vamp the place several months ago but i've heard nothing since.

Southport is a small seaside town with nice shops and a lovely Victorian feel to the place (i've lived here for the past 30 years!). It's well worth a visit and a nice place to have a short break.

But to spend one whole week at Pontins would be hell on earth to me! It's grotty, run down and generally nasty! Save your well-earned money and spend it elsewhere!!!

bestyman

Here is my review from TA. It is possible to have a good holiday there if not expecting too much . Treat it as a camping holiday rather than a hotel and you will be ok.

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g191255-d671263-r33449683-Pontin_s_Southport-Southport_Merseyside_England.html

Things to pack, Nice non stick pan for brekkie stuff. Electric fan heater , takeaway menus.

kristi

We have been here twice now, first time was a complete freebie and we were in basic accom, it was a bit grubby and cold (couldn't take shoes off on carpet) but the entertainment etc made up for it. Second time was a Sun hol and we promptly upgraded to 'club' class. It was much better, right by the complex, priority check in (so no queuing with everyone else, which is a nightmare). Like I say the entertainment is great, we spent most of our evenings in the smaller club room, through the arcade, which was more for kids then karaoke and disco later. We didn't use much else on the camp as we spent our days in the town and local attractions. there is a farm callled Farmer Teds a few miles away which was lovely. We would defo go back but wouldn't pay more than the upgraded sun hol price.

There is a tesco about a mile away and a Morrisons in the town centre but the shop on the camp has all the essentials and not too expensive.

HTH
Kristi x