Pontins Hemsby, Norfolk, England
Hotel Information
Hotel Description:
Just a short drive from the peaceful waterways of the Norfolk Broads, the charming little seaside village of Hemsby offers quiet golden beaches, a host of attractive buildings, a funfair, bingo, swimming pools, children's play areas*, supermarkets, gift shops, restaurants and a wide choice of top class evening entertainment. loading...
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Pontins Hemsby Reviews
" It was my beloved husbands idea to go... "
Submitted By: Mrs C Marshall
It was my beloved husbands idea to go to Pontins this year, after a dodgy stay in Butlins Minehead, many years ago I had always sworn off Holiday camps...Anyway when we arrived at Hemsby the first thing my husband did was apologise for bringing me to this rather exclusive council estate.
Deciding to make the best of it we unpacked in the rather shabby accommodation, putting any additional bed linen over the tatty sofa bed in the corner of the front room and inside the cupboards to put clothes on etc.
Maybe it was us, but I found trying to find out about the activities for the children fairly hard going as there was no clear information 'in your face' you had to go and find out about it.
My 8 year old daughter decided to have a go at the snorkelling going on in the main pool (she had done this before), when we asked if we needed to stay with her we were told no, imagine my surprise therefore when a tearful little girl arrived wearing only a towel after she had become upset and instead of being told to wait by the side of the pool until she had calmed down, had been told in no uncertain terms to go back to her apartment. She had been so distressed that she had left her glasses with the rest of her things which my husband then went and retrieved for her - Not the most sensible of instructors methinks!
The rest of the weeks stay really did not get any better and to be honest I needed another holiday once I had got home!
Oh and German for Pontins? Stalag!
Deciding to make the best of it we unpacked in the rather shabby accommodation, putting any additional bed linen over the tatty sofa bed in the corner of the front room and inside the cupboards to put clothes on etc.
Maybe it was us, but I found trying to find out about the activities for the children fairly hard going as there was no clear information 'in your face' you had to go and find out about it.
My 8 year old daughter decided to have a go at the snorkelling going on in the main pool (she had done this before), when we asked if we needed to stay with her we were told no, imagine my surprise therefore when a tearful little girl arrived wearing only a towel after she had become upset and instead of being told to wait by the side of the pool until she had calmed down, had been told in no uncertain terms to go back to her apartment. She had been so distressed that she had left her glasses with the rest of her things which my husband then went and retrieved for her - Not the most sensible of instructors methinks!
The rest of the weeks stay really did not get any better and to be honest I needed another holiday once I had got home!
Oh and German for Pontins? Stalag!
- Date of Holiday:Aug 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" On arrival at Pontins Hemsby which I... "
Submitted By: Mr I Argument
On arrival at Pontins Hemsby which I found quite easily, I was given the keys to my apartment. What a shock! The smell that greeted me and my partner can only be described as "Wet Dog".
So immediately opening the windows and doors to allow the smell to escape. We had booked a room for 4 persons the children did not see the room on arrival (Thank Heavens!). I complained to the receptionist that they had put us in a room for 2 persons.
They then informed me that we had to use a disgusting smelly sofa/bed that was covered in dog hairs. So we asked to be upgraded, But that would cost an extra £38
So after reconsidering we both decided to hand the keys back and go home,
Result Holiday ruined. I think Pontins Hemsby is old and in need of total refurbishment, the staff seem unhelpful and unable to make a decision.
Unfortunately the rating system only goes down to 1 otherwise I would have given it 0! After all this Pontins (to date) have not yet been in touch. For anyone considering a holiday at this resort please thing long and hard before committing to this.
So immediately opening the windows and doors to allow the smell to escape. We had booked a room for 4 persons the children did not see the room on arrival (Thank Heavens!). I complained to the receptionist that they had put us in a room for 2 persons.
They then informed me that we had to use a disgusting smelly sofa/bed that was covered in dog hairs. So we asked to be upgraded, But that would cost an extra £38
So after reconsidering we both decided to hand the keys back and go home,
Result Holiday ruined. I think Pontins Hemsby is old and in need of total refurbishment, the staff seem unhelpful and unable to make a decision.
Unfortunately the rating system only goes down to 1 otherwise I would have given it 0! After all this Pontins (to date) have not yet been in touch. For anyone considering a holiday at this resort please thing long and hard before committing to this.
- Date of Holiday:Sep 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Reading the reviews after we booked... "
Submitted By: Ms A M
Reading the reviews after we booked our break, I was rather apprehensive and would have preferred to cancel. However my other half reminded me that these types of holiday parks are not the Ritz and are intended as 'holidays for the masses'. Perspective does make a difference and 'you get what you pay for'. So armed with full bedding (even though it was supplied) and cleaning supplies we went to Pontins, Hemsby.
We arrived late (7ish) and got keys and directions from the security gate. The chalet was reasonably clean, with no evidence of smokers. Yes it was basic, but adequate - we did not intend to do much more than sleep and eat there anyway. The sofa bed was more comfy than it looked and certainly no worse than any other sofa bed we had slept on.
Our 10 year old daughter had an amazing time and was non-stop all day. Being the sporty type, she had a go at all of the PGL activities and was addicted to the tower (climbing, zip wire and abseiling). She had fencing lessons, swam, and tried circus skills and much more.
The PGL instructors were great with the kids (and remembered their names) although female instructors were much more mature and professional (but that’s from my daughters and my own female opinion, boys may prefer a more informal 'laddish' approach). But remember they are just young people themselves on placements for the summer working for very little - this may well be their first experience of employment and living independently. PGL provide excellent opportunities for both those wanting to try new skills and for young people wanting to teach sporting activities.
We did peep in at the Fun Factory offerings and agreed it was not for us. But each to their own and it certainly looked popular. Ditto the on-site catering and arcades.
The park itself was a bit dated and the chalets and facilities could be enhanced if they want to compete for the custom of families who normally go abroad. But it’s easy to see why these holidays are still popular and for those on limited budgets it can be a cheap and cheerful holiday with the knowledge that the children will be safe and happy. We'd certainly go on this type of break again.
We arrived late (7ish) and got keys and directions from the security gate. The chalet was reasonably clean, with no evidence of smokers. Yes it was basic, but adequate - we did not intend to do much more than sleep and eat there anyway. The sofa bed was more comfy than it looked and certainly no worse than any other sofa bed we had slept on.
Our 10 year old daughter had an amazing time and was non-stop all day. Being the sporty type, she had a go at all of the PGL activities and was addicted to the tower (climbing, zip wire and abseiling). She had fencing lessons, swam, and tried circus skills and much more.
The PGL instructors were great with the kids (and remembered their names) although female instructors were much more mature and professional (but that’s from my daughters and my own female opinion, boys may prefer a more informal 'laddish' approach). But remember they are just young people themselves on placements for the summer working for very little - this may well be their first experience of employment and living independently. PGL provide excellent opportunities for both those wanting to try new skills and for young people wanting to teach sporting activities.
We did peep in at the Fun Factory offerings and agreed it was not for us. But each to their own and it certainly looked popular. Ditto the on-site catering and arcades.
The park itself was a bit dated and the chalets and facilities could be enhanced if they want to compete for the custom of families who normally go abroad. But it’s easy to see why these holidays are still popular and for those on limited budgets it can be a cheap and cheerful holiday with the knowledge that the children will be safe and happy. We'd certainly go on this type of break again.
- Date of Holiday:Aug 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" We have just returned from a... "
Submitted By: Mrs J Cerson
We have just returned from a wonderful weekend at pontins hemsby. Although the weather was terrible and rained continuously this did not spoil our fun. The staff were wonderful very friendly and our nine year old daughter was entertained all the time.
Our chalet was basic but perfectly sufficient and reasonably clean. The only thing that I could fault was the restaurant, the tables always felt sticky and the food although ok could have been better.
The camp itself is great always something going on and loads of activities for the kids, our daughter tried climbing, zip wire and quad bikes the evening entertainment is what you would expect from pontins, geared towards kids but all good fun and the later cabarets were quite good.
All in all this is one of the better pontins camps we have visited and we would definitely return.
Our chalet was basic but perfectly sufficient and reasonably clean. The only thing that I could fault was the restaurant, the tables always felt sticky and the food although ok could have been better.
The camp itself is great always something going on and loads of activities for the kids, our daughter tried climbing, zip wire and quad bikes the evening entertainment is what you would expect from pontins, geared towards kids but all good fun and the later cabarets were quite good.
All in all this is one of the better pontins camps we have visited and we would definitely return.
- Date of Holiday:Aug 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Oh where do I start! Never having... "
Submitted By: Mrs G Perez
Oh where do I start! Never having experienced a Pontins holiday and with 2 young children - 5 & 1 - we decided on a short weekend break Friday to Monday in Pontins at Hensby Bay.
We arrived very late at night having got lost (not a good start!), the actual road signs to the holiday centre were confusing and we stopped to ask for directions.
Upon arrival we were told they couldn't find our booking or reference numbers, after a very long wait, they put us in an apartment (I'm shuddering thinking about the state of it now) It needed a good clean, I had to spread sheets over the chairs before anyone could sit down, the carpeted bit of floor was filthy, covered in dirt and ash & my shoes stuck to the lino floor of the kitchen. By this time it was 1am, my children were asleep on their feet so after spreading more sheets on anything they could touch we went to sleep.
The next morning we went to reception to sort out our proper apartment, they wanted to keep us in the one that we'd slept in! After a bit of discussion they moved us to a much nicer apartment, it looked clean and seemed in a quieter area of the park. Saturday evening we went to their restaurant on site, Carters. After waiting to order for over an hour we complained and were given free soft drinks, we ordered and waited, and waited, and waited, after 2 hours, my children were getting antsy, there’s only so many I-spy type games you can play with them sitting at a restaurant table. When the food came, oh my.
My 5 yr old had ordered scampi and chips, she refused point blank to eat the chips, we tried them and found that although they looked cooked on the outside they were raw inside. For myself & hubby we'd ordered a mixed combo to share, he is legendary in my family for eating anything & everything but even he drew the line at this meal. The breaded mushrooms were like bullets and when squeezed a load of water came out, the chicken wings looked uncooked and the wedges were raw inside. Oh I could go on. It was disgusting. We complained.
The staff apologised and explained that all the experienced chefs had been working during the day for a buffet so there were no qualified staff on site to cook, hence the wait and poor quality of food, I wish they'd told us this when we'd first complained, I wouldn't of stayed to eat!
We actually ended the holiday on the Sunday morning, came home a day early. Couldn't face staying there any longer!
We arrived very late at night having got lost (not a good start!), the actual road signs to the holiday centre were confusing and we stopped to ask for directions.
Upon arrival we were told they couldn't find our booking or reference numbers, after a very long wait, they put us in an apartment (I'm shuddering thinking about the state of it now) It needed a good clean, I had to spread sheets over the chairs before anyone could sit down, the carpeted bit of floor was filthy, covered in dirt and ash & my shoes stuck to the lino floor of the kitchen. By this time it was 1am, my children were asleep on their feet so after spreading more sheets on anything they could touch we went to sleep.
The next morning we went to reception to sort out our proper apartment, they wanted to keep us in the one that we'd slept in! After a bit of discussion they moved us to a much nicer apartment, it looked clean and seemed in a quieter area of the park. Saturday evening we went to their restaurant on site, Carters. After waiting to order for over an hour we complained and were given free soft drinks, we ordered and waited, and waited, and waited, after 2 hours, my children were getting antsy, there’s only so many I-spy type games you can play with them sitting at a restaurant table. When the food came, oh my.
My 5 yr old had ordered scampi and chips, she refused point blank to eat the chips, we tried them and found that although they looked cooked on the outside they were raw inside. For myself & hubby we'd ordered a mixed combo to share, he is legendary in my family for eating anything & everything but even he drew the line at this meal. The breaded mushrooms were like bullets and when squeezed a load of water came out, the chicken wings looked uncooked and the wedges were raw inside. Oh I could go on. It was disgusting. We complained.
The staff apologised and explained that all the experienced chefs had been working during the day for a buffet so there were no qualified staff on site to cook, hence the wait and poor quality of food, I wish they'd told us this when we'd first complained, I wouldn't of stayed to eat!
We actually ended the holiday on the Sunday morning, came home a day early. Couldn't face staying there any longer!
- Date of Holiday:Jul 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Our first impressions were not very... "
Submitted By: Miss C Green
Our first impressions were not very good and were considering booking into the camp just along the road where we had stayed the previous week. We later went to have a look round and ended up in the "fun factory" where it felt like walking into a school dining room, though when we later went back the atmosphere had changed and it was a pleasant evening.
A member of our party was in a wheelchair so when we booked we specifically asked for a ground floor apartment close top reception; but when our key was allocated we realised that our apartment block was one of the furthest away however it was on the ground floor. The chalet was basic but was very clean and well equipped, our only complaints were the electric meter used its credit very quickly and you can't use hot water and the cooker at the same time.
Throughout our stay we realised that there was plenty to do day and night, and all the bluecoats worked very hard to entertain everyone.
A member of our party was in a wheelchair so when we booked we specifically asked for a ground floor apartment close top reception; but when our key was allocated we realised that our apartment block was one of the furthest away however it was on the ground floor. The chalet was basic but was very clean and well equipped, our only complaints were the electric meter used its credit very quickly and you can't use hot water and the cooker at the same time.
Throughout our stay we realised that there was plenty to do day and night, and all the bluecoats worked very hard to entertain everyone.
- Date of Holiday:Jul 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" We booked a last minute deal which... "
Submitted By: Mrs C Ormsby
We booked a last minute deal which was still not cheap at over £200 but whilst we accepted that for this price we were not going to get luxury we were very disappointed with what we found. Our initial booking was for a Budget apartment, which is a room with twin beds and a sofa bed in the lounge. The sofa bed was disgustingly dirty/worn and looked like something which was born before my granny was.
The room only had a bath not even upgraded to a shower (even one which went on the taps!). We were so disgusted with the standard of this room we paid to upgrade. Even then, I have a teenage son and daughter, who quite rightly don’t want to sleep in the same bed, so we gave them the twin room. Our mattress on the sofa bed was covered in plastic and sweaty was not the word.
The electric wasn’t too bad, but even though we had booked believing most things were free it cost us £12 for half an hour for bikes which could only be ridden round the smallish camp. Hot dogs advertised as available at discount at the downtown diner weren't available because it was shut. I have been to Pontins at Camber sands before and even though they are basic, their standards outstripped those at Hemsby. Sorry guys, the ents team was great but everything else was very poor quality.
This company need to haul themselves out of the "hi di hi" days and provide the quality that’s deserved for the price you pay. In a full week you would pay over £600 for an apartment, you can go abroad for this. If the company want to stay in business they have to get back to providing what they did before, value and quality for money.
The room only had a bath not even upgraded to a shower (even one which went on the taps!). We were so disgusted with the standard of this room we paid to upgrade. Even then, I have a teenage son and daughter, who quite rightly don’t want to sleep in the same bed, so we gave them the twin room. Our mattress on the sofa bed was covered in plastic and sweaty was not the word.
The electric wasn’t too bad, but even though we had booked believing most things were free it cost us £12 for half an hour for bikes which could only be ridden round the smallish camp. Hot dogs advertised as available at discount at the downtown diner weren't available because it was shut. I have been to Pontins at Camber sands before and even though they are basic, their standards outstripped those at Hemsby. Sorry guys, the ents team was great but everything else was very poor quality.
This company need to haul themselves out of the "hi di hi" days and provide the quality that’s deserved for the price you pay. In a full week you would pay over £600 for an apartment, you can go abroad for this. If the company want to stay in business they have to get back to providing what they did before, value and quality for money.
- Date of Holiday:Aug 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Good quality accommodation. Very... "
Submitted By: CheekyMare
Good quality accommodation. Very clean and fully equipped. We paid a little extra for the club class accommodation and it was well worth it. It is like a home from home with everything you need including a microwave, bath and shower, towels provided, full sized kitchen and lounge and even a digital TV!
Plenty to do day and night especially for families with young children. There is something going on most of the day and the evening entertainment for the kids is far superior to anywhere else we have stayed - and we go away in England 3 times a year.
Staff very friendly and helpful. Highly recommended, would definitely go there again. In fact we were so impressed we are trying out the Pontins in Brean Sands this September - I'm sure it will be as good.
Plenty to do day and night especially for families with young children. There is something going on most of the day and the evening entertainment for the kids is far superior to anywhere else we have stayed - and we go away in England 3 times a year.
Staff very friendly and helpful. Highly recommended, would definitely go there again. In fact we were so impressed we are trying out the Pontins in Brean Sands this September - I'm sure it will be as good.
- Date of Holiday:Jun 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" My family and I booked to stay for a... "
Submitted By: Mrs M Timms
My family and I booked to stay for a week at Pontins Holiday camp in Hemsby, Norfolk. Only after booking did I think of looking for a review of the site on the net. Much to my horror and dismay I found their ratings to be quite poor with loads of negative comments left. Obviously this made me a little nervous but as I had already handed over my hard earned cash I decided to plough ahead and just deal with what occurred once we had arrived.
This was probably the best decision I have made in a while. I found the camp to be very clean and well run and the facilities were very good. We only paid for budget accommodation so I was expecting the worse when I put my key in the lock of apartment 110. Although it was basic, it was very well equipped with everything we could possibly need provided. It was clean and tidy and my only complaint would be the grill pan lacked a handle which was easily overcome with a tea towel.
The staff were very welcoming and friendly and seemed eager to help. My children were entertained by blue coats while my husband and I queued to check in. The queue was rather large but was quickly dealt with by the check in staff.
I was very impressed with the security of the camp. A guard at the gates checked all visitors in to ensure that no undesirables were allowed access and I felt it was safe enough to allow my children who are 8 and 11 to play outside unsupervised.(Usually I am very overcautious)
My family and I have previously stayed in Haven camps and last year we holidayed at Kiln Park in Tenby, Wales. On this occasion we took along our tent for the week and on the first night we encountered a group of local youths having a running battle with each other on the field outside our tent. It took me at least 10 minutes to get hold of a security guard on the phone and another 10 minutes for them to come to sort out the problem, mob handed, by which time the trouble had subsided. These local yobs terrorized the camp and regularly stole from campers tents when they were out so the extra security at Hemsby was much appreciated.
I found the local people of Norfolk to be very friendly and on quite a few occasions we were helped by complete strangers. We decided to hire a day boat from Barns Brinkcraft based at Wroxham. On arriving we were about to pay £5 for parking in the private car park and the attendant came over and informed us that if we drove around the corner parking was free for the boatyard customers. Which would never have happened in Plymouth were we live.
On the whole I can honestly say that this was one of the best holidays we have had as a family. Norfolk has an abundance of beautiful places to visit and I would strongly recommend that anyone put of by the reviews of a few fussy individuals take the plunge. It was well worth the long drive (380 miles) to see the smiles on my kids faces. Great value for money and I will definitely be returning next year.
This was probably the best decision I have made in a while. I found the camp to be very clean and well run and the facilities were very good. We only paid for budget accommodation so I was expecting the worse when I put my key in the lock of apartment 110. Although it was basic, it was very well equipped with everything we could possibly need provided. It was clean and tidy and my only complaint would be the grill pan lacked a handle which was easily overcome with a tea towel.
The staff were very welcoming and friendly and seemed eager to help. My children were entertained by blue coats while my husband and I queued to check in. The queue was rather large but was quickly dealt with by the check in staff.
I was very impressed with the security of the camp. A guard at the gates checked all visitors in to ensure that no undesirables were allowed access and I felt it was safe enough to allow my children who are 8 and 11 to play outside unsupervised.(Usually I am very overcautious)
My family and I have previously stayed in Haven camps and last year we holidayed at Kiln Park in Tenby, Wales. On this occasion we took along our tent for the week and on the first night we encountered a group of local youths having a running battle with each other on the field outside our tent. It took me at least 10 minutes to get hold of a security guard on the phone and another 10 minutes for them to come to sort out the problem, mob handed, by which time the trouble had subsided. These local yobs terrorized the camp and regularly stole from campers tents when they were out so the extra security at Hemsby was much appreciated.
I found the local people of Norfolk to be very friendly and on quite a few occasions we were helped by complete strangers. We decided to hire a day boat from Barns Brinkcraft based at Wroxham. On arriving we were about to pay £5 for parking in the private car park and the attendant came over and informed us that if we drove around the corner parking was free for the boatyard customers. Which would never have happened in Plymouth were we live.
On the whole I can honestly say that this was one of the best holidays we have had as a family. Norfolk has an abundance of beautiful places to visit and I would strongly recommend that anyone put of by the reviews of a few fussy individuals take the plunge. It was well worth the long drive (380 miles) to see the smiles on my kids faces. Great value for money and I will definitely be returning next year.
- Date of Holiday:Jul 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" First floor apartment with no lift to... "
Submitted By: Mrs W Harrison
First floor apartment with no lift to assist with luggage or to assist cleaners with linen trolley. Top standard apartment, but not very spacious. High standard of cleaning, but pans were old and in poor condition. Not able to use hot water at the same time as the cooker. Ice compartment in fridge far too small. Facilities very limited - not much to do. Poorly maintained site with minimum staff. Has some good bands/shows, but they don’t start till very late at night. Children’s shows do not start until 9.45pm, which I think, is far too late for young children and the bar in that venue was closed. Children’s playground has benches alongside it where adults can sit and enjoy a drink from the bar next door whilst supervising the children. The site shop sells a very wide range of goods besides groceries, but does not seem to stock a large enough quantity of the fastest selling items, such as baby items and mobile phone top ups. The ATM only accepts the new style chip-and-pin cards, so anyone ho has an old style card is unable to use it.
- Date of Holiday:Jul 2005
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Pontins
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As you can see from the ratings I give this a 2 out of 10. We paid over £200 for a four night break, this was for a club apartment, one of the best.
When we walked into the apartment after a 3 hour journey we were disgusted at the basic accommodation that we had paid for.
The smell of pee on the carpets along with dampness and the place needed a thorough clean everywhere.
One thing that was clean was the sheets so we put these on the floor and sofa.
The next day we complained, the supervisor totally agreed with everything, she showed us several more rooms and they were very much the same.
We said we wanted our money back and were packing to leave, 20 mins she arrives to take us to some new apartments, which we agreed to stay in as they were clean, still basic but much better.
The overall place was a dump, all activity and public areas smelt and needed a good clean. My 2 year old loved the ball pool and under 8 area but I want you to know it was dirty and in need of a sterile clean.
Happy holidays!!