Reviews of Pontins Brean Sands, Somerset

What can I say!! As soon as we arrived the place looked run down. We had to queue for over an hour. When we finally arrived at our chalet I took one look at it and wanted to leave straight away. The matresses were worn and tired, there were disgusting stains on them, the carpet was filthy and on the curtains there looked like blood stains. The chairs looked like they had been borrowed by the local school and the only sofa to sit on was stained and grubby. I put up with it for one night for the sake of our six year old son, who had been looking forward to it. Then checked into a lovely B&B, just down the road, to show our son what holiday accomodation should be like!! You get better conditions in a prison. We may have only payed £9.50 from The Sun offer, but I certainly expected it to be of a certain standard. I will never ever go to one again, and I strong advise the same for anyone else. Judging by comments made on this site we are not alone. If only I had seen this first!!!

When my husband first suggested Pontins, eight years ago, I must admit that I turned my nose up, I'd neer been on that kind of holiday before.Well, after returning to Brean Sands every year since and only ever having two issues in that time, I can only assume that people going on the £9.50 Sun Holidays need to upgrade to a Club Apartment. Although it's not The Hilton, the apartments do the job of being somewhere to lay your head. Really this is all you need as invariably when you go to Pontins you have the kids in tow, so the holiday should be spent outdoors entertaining them. If you want to spend most of the holiday in the apartment then what are you doing at Pontins? The Bluecoats do a fine job of entertaining both children and adults, the apartments are cleaned every morning, there is so much for the kids to see and do, the characters are plentiful and regular around the site and the only two issues that I have ever had are, and this is not down to Pontins, is that the family entertainment centre allowed smoking which is quite irresponsilble as there are so many children there, thankfully it now non smoking and once we complained about the entertainment, it must have been a particulary poor season. But as thats not the only place to be entertained in and around Pontins, its not so much of an issue. So come on everyone, it may be basic, but it's value for money, clean and family orientated with reasonably priced holidays, So those of you that can afford Mauritius and the like, please remember that not everyone can and for those that can't Pontins makes a memorable fun holiday for families with young children on a budget.

after reading peoples coments i was going to cancel my hoilday but as my children new they were going i had to go .yes it does need to be sorted out it is not the best place i have stayed but the entertaiment 4 the kids is fantastic and 4 the adults the dancing . i took my sister and her 2 children 4 the 4 day break and my 2 children they loved it but i took all my own stuff towelsand bedding 4 us all and u only sleep there at night so its no big deal .the campdoes need a clean up but i think it is so buisy there is no time .the toilets were not the best but i put loo roll on it when the kids went .i would go back but i stayed in classic and we looked at club and they were much better so i will book club next time thanks to all the blue coats they work so hard to keep everyone entertained .

how can u rate badly on a sun £9.50 holiday wen u really get what u pay 4 a budget basic room to sleep in??

iv been to several pontins prestatyn, wall park(devon) and brean, and loved all of them.

i have never been to tight to upgrade to a classic on a sun holiday and even club sometimes for the sky tv for the children, microwave and all the clean towels each day. i have even booked independantly and never had a grumble..

my advice if u want the weather go to devon pontins.. if u want fun packed action prestatyn its the biggest pontins centre they have..



10/10 to pontins

My partner and I have taken several Sun holidays this was our 6th so we felt well prepared...

However we weren't prepared for what we found at Pontins, Brean. Brean itself is a lively, bustling place from spring to autumn with plenty for the family to do. The main attraction for most people being Brean leisure park. Although quite pricey at around £18 for a ride wristband it allows unlimited rides on the parks many rides including 2 rollercoasters and a log flume. My kids love it there! There are plenty of places to eat and a couple of amusement arcades and not forgetting mile upon mile of saandy beach. Thats the good bits... The bad bits were when we arrived at pontins. On arriving we were herded by the staff into a car park miles from reception where we saw about 30 people unloading linen from big 'biffa' type bins onto the car park floor. This didnt bode well we thought. We eventually found reception where there were already people complaining about their accomodation. Although the weary looking receptionists tried to calm things down they looked to be in a losing battle. Again alarm bells started ringing but we endeavoured to pick up our accomodation keys. When we finally collected our keys we made our way to our Chalet. Walking past other people arriving at their chalets we thought everything looked quite run down. However when we reached our chalet we were stunned. Our front door had holes in the back of it where it had been punched and there were blood stains on the wall. The batroom was dirty and there was a 2 inch square in the bath where the enamel had flaked away leaving a sharp edge for you to cut yourself if you were brave enough to have a bath. The bathroom light was hanging off the ceiling exposing the wires . At this point we had seen enough and marched back to reception to complain. The receptionist was apologetic and expressed surprise that our room could be anything other than perfect. We expected to possibly be upgraded but no, we were handed another chalet key and sent on our way. The second chalet was only marginally better than the first. It was still filthy. The bath was intact but this time the light switch a pull type was hanging off the ceiling exposing the wires. The light above the mirror was cracked. The pull switch in the 1 bedroom was missing so you couldnt switch the light on or off and underneath the sofa bed in the front room the carpet hasd a 2 foot hole in it, not a tear, a hole. Having driven 3 hours to get here my partner and i decided to stay and make the best of a bad situation. It became apparent that the only money spent at pontins by its owners was in the places designed to make you spend yours. There were variuos activities on site for the children climbing and absseiling for example that cost £25 per person. the arcades and entertainment complexes had benefited from much investment. Overall Pontins is a dreadful place to stsy, even at £9.50. We would never ever consider going back there. We would go back to Brean but we would avoid Pontins like the plague

I had been going to Pontins since I was a child and the place has just stood still in time. The mattresses were smelly and dirty, the pillows were stained, and when we asked the cleaners to change them, they were just as smelly. I think the problem is with the cleaners, they were all foreigners, and do not know how to clean to our British standards.



There were holes in the walls, silver fish in the bath rooms, and cob webs. We took our own cutlery, paper plates, cups, frying pan, and the kettle had been cleaned out with disinfectant (the only time disinfectant was used) so we used a sauce pan to boil the water.



There was no entertainment. Years ago the Blue Coats entertained the guests, but now the only entertainment you get is what you do yourself, or bingo. Some one pooed in the swimming pool, they fished it out with a net.



I would never go back to Pontins; it is not cheap for what you get. It needs demolishing.

The accommodation was terrible; even though it was clean it did have the appearance of being very grubby and somewhat mislaid site from the 70's.



Although saying that we did venture on the Sun £9.50 holidays and you can’t really expect a Versace 6 star accommodation on that cost can you!



The rest of the holiday was absolutely amazing with my 2 children telling me it was the best holiday that they ever had (And that included expensive holidays abroad!).



The bluecoat were very happy to continue with the barrage of abuse that the children doled out to them and the food that was on offer there was great.



Would surely go again although I would pay the extra for an upgraded better apartment!!

My wife, 15 year old son and I stayed at Brean Sands in the October of 2006. We had upgraded to what we thought was the highest package, however when we arrived we found that we were at the bottom of the park with a good 10 minute walk to the facilities.



My sons bed was somewhat small for him as it was for a child of no more than 7 years old. The room had not been vacuumed for some time, the cutlery was green and greasy, our bed was damp and stank of mould. The windows had some sort of greasy imprint all over them, the cooker was greasy and green, the kettle-toaster-microwave was filthy. The so called DVD player was not there, the only channel we could get on the TV was ITV2 and that was snowy.



I had booked this holiday for my wife as she had had a bad year due to operation after operation and so at the time I did not complain. Again however on our return home I spoke to and wrote letters to their complaints department and finally after 2 months received compensation via a cheque. Do not stay at Pontins Brean Sands.

We came back from Pontins Brean Sands yesterday after our Christmas break there. We have celebrated Christmas there for the past 4 years.



We had a gold 2 bed room apartment (although there is only myself and 3 children as it gives you the extra space, especially at Xmas with all the toys).



The room was spotlessly clean with lovely fluffy towels in the bathroom. The kitchen and lounge were immaculate too.



The bluecoats totally excelled themselves this year - they did a Strictly Come Brean Sands Dancing Competition which was very good and put on a version of High School Musical and I have never seen so many people enjoying themselves. The bluecoats totally make the holiday. They are superb with the kids.



I did say that it was definitely the last time we were going there because of the hassle of taking all the presents, the tree, the food etc. Needless to say, I rebooked yesterday before I left, and the queue to rebook was really long so it speaks for itself really - people thoroughly enjoyed it.



I have had bad rooms at Brean Sands that’s why I always book gold, so if you can afford the extra it’s well worth it. Plus you are right near the park, the swimming pool and the entertainment.



Well recommended.

Went on our holiday to Brean Sands, August 2007. After reading all the reviews on here was terrified! Arrived at 12 pm so had 2 hrs to kill before booking in, had a look around the site and outside , wasn’t too bad overall.



Once booked in which wasn’t too bad really, only about 10 people waiting to check in. Once we had our keys went to find our apartment which was a classic 2 bedroom and wasn’t too far from site building. Once managed to actually open door inside it wasn’t too bad, basic but not terrible. Shower and kitchen was clean, beds abit hard but what do you expect when Pontins have so many people in and out. Bedding and towels clean and fresh. Cheap and cheerful I would say and didn’t plan on spending a lot of time in chalet anyway.



Entertainment mostly aimed at children up to about the age of 10 but there is some adult and older kids entertainment after 9.30 in clubhouse. Overall I would say it wasn’t that terrible, staff were ok, site could do with a little bit of a overhaul to bring it up to date but what do you expect for a holiday so cheap? If you’re used to 5* holidays then stick to them but if you don’t mind a holiday that is full of fun and a bit basic then go for Brean Sands. Holidays are what you make them regardless of where you stay and if you’re going to moan all through your stay then that isn’t going to make for a good time.

Well what can I say? It's like going back in time. We went through the Sun newspaper so only paid 9.50each which is all it’s worth!!



When I arrived I said to my partner I don't think I can stay here, just looking around it was not the sort of holiday I am used to. My friend and her partner were also with us, I think if it was just me and my partner we would have checked into a hotel in the area!



Reception area is in the arcade you have to queue in between the machines, good tactic as people stand there using them while waiting in the huge queue!



The chalets are in blocks and they look like cattle sheds, you don't get much privacy as its all open fronted windows and people walk past and stare in, we had our curtains closed most the time because its weird people walking past as your sitting on the sofa watching TV.



The chalet we had was supposed to be for 6 adults but there is no way we would have been able to fit in we had to take it in turns to sit on the sofa as you only get two other chairs which are like the chairs you have at school and are really uncomfy. To be fair the bed sheets and plates, cups etc were all clean which made it easier to stay there.



We went and had a look at the entertainment room, we walked in and then straight back out again. It was crammed full with people it was hot and sticky and didn't have a very nice smell about it. I can't understand why people use the facilities there when you can jump in your car and go to nice country pubs or even down the road where they have a few bars anything is better than that place.



We spent most of our time away from the chalet anyway visiting the local area so it was an ok trip.



People who pay more the 9.50 for this place are mad... there are so many better places. It needs a revamp. It's certainly put me off Pontins anyway.



From now on I will be staying in hotels wherever I go at least you have your own privacy and you don't hear the people next door talking.

First and last time at Pontins I'm afraid. Had read other reviews on this site before we went and thought it can't be that bad; unfortunately after a good couple of hours travelling, we turned up, waited in the long queue and yes, we had an appalling apartment!



The apartment was dirty, mouldy, and the electric heating was dire! They didn't look as though they would work, never mind if they were safe!



An old apple core was left on the floor beside the wardrobe; the spare blankets had holes in and were dirty! The linen was clean but we had very thin duvets! The ironing board had more holes in it!



Overall not rated at all, we had been booked for four days and three nights but lasted half an hour - the receptionist didn't even flinch when asked for our money back! (They are used to it probably!).

Club apartment. What a joke that is. Knackered worn out matresses, sheets and bedding that smelt. Windows were filthy inside and out with mildew. Shower Luke warm, Pontins controlled temperature. It also leaked out of the side, soaking the floor after we had all showered.



Mould growing around edges of tiles. In the lounge area were an old two seater sofa bed and four school type plastic chairs, so how could six people be comfortably? The television picture was terrible and the walls were paper thin. Could hear next door all the time. Took ten minutes to lock the sliding patio door from the outside. If you managed to escape past the guards on the gate and have a day off site, when you returned you found you couldn't park anywhere near your cellblock, sorry chalet.



But the worst thing of all is the dangerous kitchenette area in the club cells. They put a microwave up on the wall on a shelf right above the so called breakfast bar making it awkward to open the door and take things out. The kettle and toaster were on a low ledge, in centre of kitchen / lounge area, with cables hanging over, easily pulled by a toddler. Very dangerous. I advise families with under fives AVOID these pontins chalets at all costs.



In each room there is a wall mounted electric heater, we noticed a funny smell coming from the one in the lounge area. When I checked it the plug was starting to burn. These chalets are poorly maintained, poorly cleaned and health hazards .And please remember we were in a so called club, top of the range chalet. Please Pontins do everybody a great favour and demolish this out of date holiday park.



The reps did try their best to entertain the children.

I have been coming to this site for about 20yrs and have always enjoyed my holiday particularly the Country & western week in October.



I have also had the same chalet for most of that time and all though the sheets and bedding were spotless the state of the floor which had stains all over it was not good at all.



My other complaint being a smoker was that apart from a small shelter outside the Queen Vic, anyone in the Ballroom area had no shelter at all. When I crossed the road and saw what the Seagull had done it is no wonder people are going outside. Surely some sort of shelter could be put up for those of us who still smoke outside near to the entertainment.



I have made a preliminary booking for next year but if there is no improvement it will certainly be my last.



D. Newman

We had booked a £9.50 sun deal, and not having been to Pontins before, we were quite excited about our long weekend away. We usually holiday abroad, and never less than 4* all inclusive holidays on the beach.



A week before our break at Brean sands, I made the big mistake of reading the reviews!



I was TERRIFIED and almost cancelled. However, my 5 year old daughter had really been looking forward to it. So, instead, I packed my antibacterial wipes, bought some 'smart price' pillows to take with us, and armed myself with information on alternative accommodation incase it was awful. We also paid the £60. to upgrade to club, but having read the reviews, we were still not expecting much.



The brochure states that a club chalet will give you ‘Luxury’ and that you can 'pamper yourself’ It certainly wasn't my idea of 'luxury' but it was absolutely fine.

The bathroom and kitchen were fine, and very clean. The microwave immaculate.

The carpets were not stained; just bore the signs of many feet having trampled over them.

The children’s beds were comfortable, the bedding and towels whiter than white.

The sofa bed, was however, extremely uncomfortable.

The staff did their best to help, they replaced the mattress, and tightened the springs, but I'm afraid it remained very uncomfortable.



The children’s facilities where fantastic! so much for them to do, both inside and out.



The characters were frequently about and my daughter took great delight in meeting Postman pat and Barney.



The food in the Queen Vic pub was disgusting, but there is a 'Hungry Horse' pub and another lovely pub opposite the Hungry horse, that served delicious meals.



All in all, the accommodation is basic, but clean, and the facilities very good for a long weekend away.

I don't know what the 'budget' chalets were like, but the club was fine for us, and my standards are high.



I do agree, a lot of the complex is very Hi-di-hi, but good fun, and the children really enjoyed themselves.