Pontins Southport, Merseyside

Hotel Information

User Rating:
4 / 10
 (135 User Reviews)

Hotel Description:

Southport Beach offers breath-taking views of the coastline, while Ainsdale Beach has recently been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag Award. The Centre itself offers everything you need for a fun-packed family holiday, with a host of entertainment and activities for all ages. There's no end of games and supervised activities for the kids to enjoy, they can even learn circus skills!
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Pontins Southport Reviews

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" We have just returned from Southport... "

We have just returned from Southport Pontins, I will never go back. We booked into a club apartment which was allegedly "top of the range". The room stank of damp, there was a big wet patch on the bedroom floor, the bedsheets had stains on them, the cutlery had dried food on it, the apartment was filthy. The damp smell bothered us all night so, we complained and were moved to a classic as that was all they had left. It was slightly cleaner but the carpet was filthy. The place overall was very unwelcoming but the entertainment was not bad. But it was overun with CHAVS EVERERYWHERE. If you want a good holiday DON'T GO HERE it will ruin your holiday. We paid 230 pounds for a club for 4 nights but downgraded so they gave us 50 pounds back. Way too expensive for what you get. Our first apartement before we got moved was next to a load of teenagers who were up till 4 in the morning. A couple of days later it was boarded up due to a smashed window. So I am glad we moved. I do not consider myself to be a snob but the kind of people there are not the kind you would want to associate with. They should rename it CHAV CITY!
 
  • User Rating:
    1 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Jul 2008
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:Booked Independently

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" after reading some of the reviews we... "

after reading some of the reviews we was dreading go to pontins southport, however we arived 15th july and we are still here now and it is nothing like anyone says, the chalet is spotless yes it is basic but we paid for budget, the carpets are clean, there is a telly , table and chairs etc and all is clean and smella fine, the site its self is perfect, the queen victoria sells food which is lovely and a fair price, the club is a bit expensive for beer but u can expect that, that is the only downside the price of beer everything else is perfectly fine and cheap and you couldnt ask for better, is is a 5 min walk from the beach and not far to southport neither, the shop onsite is a bit expensive but you can expect that for the size, the take away food next to the shop i advise you dont waste your money as it is horrible but the queen vic is lovely and the holiday is perfect and i will be returning next year, so please dont listen to bad reviews until u have been for yourself
 
  • User Rating:
    10 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Jul 2008
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:pontins

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" I have just returned from pontins. I... "

I have just returned from pontins. I didnt find it to bad but the chalet was so bad i had to wear my slippers all the time because the floor was sooo bad. The entertainment was ok but the entertainer for the childss was horrible the way he spoke to the children. I will never go back again! The bed sette was uncomfy and water was so bad my hair didnt get washed problemly and turned off every 5 seconds.
1 out of 1 reader found this review helpful  
  • User Rating:
    2 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Jul 2008
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:Other- Please Specify

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" I have been to many pontins over the... "

I have been to many pontins over the past twenty years or so and thought i would pay a visit before the sell off and the name change - what a pity this dashed my good memories of Pontins holidays, you stuck to the carpet in both the chalet and the ballroom and huge patches of what appeared to be sick were seen on the bedroom carpet. Rotting wood on the balconies made you wonder if it was save to lean on them- wallpaper and plastic coverings in the main entertainment room had been picked at or pulled off, the facilities smelled like a Saturday night at throwing out time - it looked like it hadn't had a lick of paint over the close season. I go to an ex pontins holiday park down south and looking at this i am jolly glad they sold it or i could be staying in a place like this - come on Pontins get your act together.
 
  • User Rating:
    3 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Jun 2008
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:Booked Independently

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" We came back from Pontins in... "

We came back from Pontins in Southport yesterday and had a really good time. . Our budget/basic chalet was dreadful though holes in the carpets and filthy(dried sick in the carpet)...
We went the next morning and moved rooms, we were actually given 6 different chalet keys to go and look before we moved all our stuff out of the dirty room. Out of all the other budget room we looked at only one was clean we couldn't take that one though as there wasn't enough beds..

In the end we were upgraded to a classic it wasn't spotless but it was okay. .
After all that we did enjoy our hols and we will go back but I'd only book the club chalet. My children enjoyed it especially my 8 year old he loved everything about it so we will take them back..
 
  • User Rating:
    8 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Jun 2008
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:Booked Independently

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" After reading some of the horror... "

After reading some of the horror stories on review sites, we very nearly cancelled our holiday. We arrived at the site full of dread(scary security guards, filthy park, no facilities). However we were pleasantly surprised! the staff are very friendly, the park is clean and tidy and their Queen Victoria pub serves good pub food - prices reasonable too.
if i was to complain it would have to be about the chalet. Although we had been concerned about the cleanliness before arriving, there was no need to worry as it was more than acceptable for the money. My problem was the furniture. There was 7 in our group and there was only 1 bed settee to sit on. Also the seating at the table consisted of 6(not 7) hard plastic chairs, just like school. So there was a lot of swapping of seats as only 2 people could sit down comfartably at any one time. we stayed for 4 days and boy did my bones know about it when i got home!!!!
All in all Pontins was no where near as bad as i expected.
Park clean
Facilities good
Prices of food and drink Reasonable
Staff/bluecoats Amazing
Entertainments Very good
the bluecoats work tirelessly all day and night and deserve medals- WELL DONE.
 
  • User Rating:
    7 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:May 2008
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:Booked Independently

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" HAVE TO SAY NEARLY DIDNT GO AFTER... "

HAVE TO SAY NEARLY DIDNT GO AFTER READING SOME OF THE COMMENTS ON THIS SITE WE HAVE JUST GOT BACK FROM A LONG BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND ME AND MY HUBBY TOOK OUR TWO GRANDCHILDREN AGED 6 AND 5 AND STAYED IN BUDGET ACCOMADATION AND I HAD ARMED MYSELF WITH EVERY CLEANING PRODUCT AVAILABLE BUT WHAT A SURPRISE THE CHALET WAS NICE AND CLEAN THE KITCHEN AREA BEING IMMACULATE YES THERS WERE A FEW MINOR THINGS WRONG THE PAINT WAS SCUFFED THE HOOK ON THE BACK OF THE DOOR FELL OFF THE TOILET SEAT SLID TO THE LEFT BUT NOTHING MAJOR . WE ATE IN THE QUEEN VIC WHICH WAS VERY NICE WE HAD A FAMILY MEGA MEAL AT THE ON SITE BURGER PLACE FOR £9.99 THE KIDS LOVED THE ENTERTAINMENT CAPTAIN CROC AND THE GANG WITH PARTY DANCES ETC THE ADULTS ENTERTAINMENT WAS FINE I HAVE SEEN MUCH WORSE . TAKE A SHORT WALK TO THE BEACH AND A LONG WALK TO THE SEA AND THE KIDS PLAYED FOR HOURS IN THE SANDDUNES SOUTHPORT ITSELF WAS SMASHING WITH LOTS TO DO IN THE PARK AT THE FAIR AND PLENTY OF SHOPS OVERALL A FAB WEEKEND YES PARTS OF PONTINS COULD DO WITH A BIT TLC BUT WE HAD A GREAT TIME.
 
  • User Rating:
    8 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:May 2008
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:Booked Independently

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" A rundown of what I think about... "

A rundown of what I think about Pontin's Southport.

In my experiences there (I've lost count of how many times I've stayed!), the accommodation hasn't been that bad. I've stayed in far worse hotels / B&Bs. I'm amazed that some of the reviewers here can even survive in the real world!

I've had the odd issue (faulty kettle, e.t.c.) but it has always been dealt with promptly. Perhaps if fellow guests could be a bit more responsible and not go out of their way to trash the place... but Pontin's seems to attract... well, I'll be frank... scum, especially on the really cheap weeks (Sun offers are a prime example). If the camp were in perfect condition, it wouldn't be after a couple of nights with some of the people I've seen staying there. I bet they couldn't even plant some nice new trees without some unruly brat with parents getting sloshed 24/7 from kicking them down. I guess you could blame the site for having 3 bars, and not encouraging responsible drinking (they actually advertise alco-pops by the pint, and beer is much better value in a 4 pint jug, what do they expect - polite level headed guests all sober as a judge?!)

The Bluecoat shows at night weren't really my cup of tea, but they passed the time, and I guess any live entertainment is better than nothing at all (well, not always, but this wasn't bad, just not what I'm used to. I prefer live bands, rock music, e.t.c.)
I hear the Bluecoats are great for kids but can't comment on that aspect, as I don't have any!

The on-site food / drink is acceptably priced, and of reasonable quality. The fried chicken outlet is no more expensive than any high-street chain version (a chicken wrap, drink and fries was just over £4, no worse than KFC), and was surprisingly nice, although I didn't try any portions or reformed junk (uuggh... nuggets), I stuck to fillet based stuff. Pub meals also reasonably priced. The on-site chippy isn't worth bothering with though, to be quite honest I had a meal there and it was completely over greasy, to the point when I threw 90% of it away - and I never leave a clean plate if I can help it. Note to chippy staff : thick chips should not be transparent.

Staff were fine, security staff on at night seemed to keep things in order, and seemed cheerful with the guests - professional but welcoming, not intimidating. Bluecoats also seemed fine but they are more for the 'kids' than myself. The arcade area was fine, although it really could use a thorough clean. Put it this way, if you dropped something on the carpet, I think the carpet would eat it. Otherwise fine. A dodgy smell but maybe that was me?

** Useful advice for anyone considering it :

Southport is a lovely town, with an excellent range of shops (Chapel Street, and especially the famous Lord Street), and a huge array of food and drink on offer, including a Wetherspoons and a Lloyds No1. If you don't fancy the onsite pub, give them a shot! Also the usual McDonalds, KFC, Subway, Pizza Hut, Frankie & Benny's, plenty of fish and chip shops and even upmarket restaurants. If you don't mind walking the 5>10 minutes into Ainsdale for the train, Southport is a £1.95 return (as of April 2008) for adults, which is well worth it.

Ainsdale Village just down the road is a lovely picturesque village (at least as far as I walked into it!). Plenty of small family-run type businesses, paper shops, a supermarket (Somerfield), some more pubs, a Toby Carvery (it's been recommended but I didn't get a chance to try it!) and a nice safe, upmarket feel to the area.

There is a world outside Pontin's, and if you do as I do (use Pontin's as a base camp - a place to grab breakfast before heading out, then return to so you can wind down at night, and sleep), making sure to make the most of the local area during the day, you can't really go wrong.

If you intend to stay on camp 24/7 when there is so much to do in the local area, then more fool you, you deserve to notice small stains on the carpet and bits of dust for confining yourself to what is basically a shoebox by-the-sea.

There you have it, I think the site is 'generally good, not perfect and definate room for improvement, but NEVER worthy of 1/10'. People who compare the site to prison camps e.t.c. need to stand back and take a look at themselves.

Just someone PLEASE give the site a lick of paint, and generally 'modernise' it. Paint would be a good start, inside and out. Just generally tart it up a bit, so it doesn't look run down, otherwise guests will assume you just don't care about them, or the business.
 
  • User Rating:
    8 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Apr 2008
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:Booked Independently

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" FRIENDLY STAFF CHALET NOT TO BAD IN... "

FRIENDLY STAFF CHALET NOT TO BAD IN BUDGET CLUB NOT WORTH THE EXTRA MONEY PLENTY TO DO BAR PRICES NOT TO BAD FOOD NOT BAD THE SERVICE ABIT SLOW IN THE SLOW FOOD SORRY FAST FOOD OUTLETS ABOUT 30 TO 60 MINS WAIT ENTERTAINMENT GOOD SITE NEEDS ABIT OF PAINT IN PLACES BUT STILL GOING NEXT YEAR LIKE THE PAST 8 OR 9 YEARS AN ALL AROUND CHEAP HOLIDAY U PAY FOR WONT U GET ITS NOT BUTLINS BUT STILL GOOD AT MORE WHEN HALF THE PRICE BETTER PRESTATYN
 
  • User Rating:
    8 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Jun 2007
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:pontins

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" FRIENDLY STAFF CHALET NOT TO BAD IN... "

FRIENDLY STAFF CHALET NOT TO BAD IN BUDGET CLUB NOT WORTH THE EXTRA MONEY PLENTY TO DO BAR PRICES NOT TO BAD FOOD NOT BAD THE SERVICE ABIT SLOW IN THE SLOW FOOD SORRY FAST FOOD OUTLETS ABOUT 30 TO 60 MINS WAIT ENTERTAINMENT GOOD SITE NEEDS ABIT OF PAINT IN PLACES BUT STILL GOING NEXT YEAR LIKE THE PAST 8 OR 9 YEARS AN ALL AROUND CHEAP HOLIDAY U PAY FOR WONT U GET ITS NOT BUTLINS BUT STILL GOOD AT MORE WHEN HALF THE PRICE
 
  • User Rating:
    8 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Jun 2007
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:pontins

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" My husband myself and two friends... "

My husband myself and two friends have just returned from your camp at Southport. Before going I went on to your web site and read reports of people who had already been. |I went away with mixed feelings and expecting the worst. When we arrived we were greeted with a smile and directed with courtesy to where we had to book in. We were dealt with almost immediately and shown were our chalet was. The chalet was bigger than expected and spotlessly clean. The staff in the bars and restaurants were polite and friendly and the tables were bieng cleaned constantly. Although we did not eat in the restaurants the food we saw served up looked excellent.
Thank you Pontins for a very enjoyable weeks holiday.
The holiday was booked in the name of Mrs Shaw and we are all going to your camp at Prestatyn in October "Can't wait"
 
  • User Rating:
    9 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Apr 2008
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:Booked Independently

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" We have returned from a very... "

We have returned from a very enjoyable weekend at Pontins, OK the Classic Chalet accommodation wasn't great but it was liveable.

The Queen Vic served excellent food and reasonably priced.

All in all had a good weekend.

Next time would upgrade to a Club Chalet.

Don't be put off with what you read, it's what you make of it that counts!
 
  • User Rating:
    6 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:May 2008
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:Booked IndependentlyFootball Tourament - Sports Tours

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" we stayed at southport pontins in... "

we stayed at southport pontins in march 08 bank hols when we got their it started electric meter was not working even though it had been checked ????? we decided to have fish and chips from the on site chippy the wait was nearly 1 hour and their was only 10 or so people in front of me. then we had to scrub bathroom and kitchen areas befor use as they were FILTHY, at night was the best we hqad to wedge a towell in the window to try and stop the draft (freezing) like the food . during the day not much to do (boring for the kids) on the sunday night we had burger and chicken and chips from the fast food place what a mistake that was the food took for ever when it arrived it was cold and the chicken pieces were as hard as stone so i complained and they replaced the only thing was made my wife and son viontly sick ill which completly ruined our last night. so i made a formal complaint and to this day i have not heard anything back i have tried to contact a lady called susanne collier to no avail, so what am i to do now.
all i can say is this has been the worst weekend i and my family have had.
FINAL THOUGHT
IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A LONG W/E OR ENGLISH HOLIDAY PLEASE PLEASE AVOID PONTINS AS I CAN ONLY ASSUME THEY ARE ALL THE SAME
NO CUSTOMER RELATIONS
NO STANDARD OF ACCOMADATION (ZERO STAR)
NO HEALTH OR HYGIENE KNOWLEDGE
NO ADDEQUATE TRAINING FOR STAFF IN IN ALL THE ABOVE AREAS

AFTER ALL THIS I WILL STILL TRY TO GET HOLD OF SOMEBODY TO EXPLAIN WHY IT IS SO BAD.
 
  • User Rating:
    1 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Mar 2008
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:Booked Independentlydirect with pontins

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" Spent one night at Pontins and that... "

Spent one night at Pontins and that was to long. Discusting and filthy not fit for the fleas that were on the carpets or the beatles that ran from under the beds. The beds were dirty and damp.
Food also discusting. Wouldn't feed it to the local dogs.
I have given Pontins an overall rating of one but really this is to good. I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone and never want to see it again. It needs knocking down.

 
  • User Rating:
    1 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Apr 2008
  • Board Basis:Room Only
  • Tour Operator:Booked Independently

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" We upgraded before we arrived to the... "

We upgraded before we arrived to the TOP OF THE RANGE!!!! what a disaster of a place.Met at the gate by a security guard that must of thought he was directing prisoners, abrupt and lacking in any manners or personality just plain rude, good start.The camp itself well it looks like a prison camp so uninviting .The apartment so freshly painted it really smelt, paint over the T.V ,had difficultly opening the curtains as the paint was on the curtain tracks. The floor was stained and dirty, the kitchen was dirty, big bits of toast in the toaster,bin was filthy,oven greasey and dirty,kettle disgusting (had to change it),cutlery and plates ,well sugar and coffee stuck to cups ,forks and spoons all needed soaked.Bathroom YUK!!.Can only assume they employ blind people or they think and except the Holiday makers will want to clean everything (that is what we did) .
We arrived at the weekend, as did lots of loud, older woman and men celebrating 40th birthdays,stag nights and other parties.Security guards were plenty (a feel of prison again) some woman said they were searching people for drink - nice!,we didn`t stay long.
About 2 o`clock that`s when the disco finished and the noise began,screaming,shouting,banging of doors---not a place for a family or anybody who wants a proper holiday.STAY AWAY DON`T RISK IT ,IT WILL HAVE TO BE KNOCKED DOWN BEFORE IT GETS ANY BETTER
 
  • User Rating:
    1 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Apr 2008
  • Board Basis:Self Catering
  • Tour Operator:Sun Newspaper offer

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