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
" RIP PONTINS HEMSBY & BRIXAM "
Submitted By: Colin01
Reviews for BOTH of these Pontins sites are really bad and I am sure they certainly helped to the Chain closing both camps at Hemsby & Brixham leaving many un-employed and ruining familys chances of a CHEAP get away in 2009 onwards....
Yes I agree, both sites were very dated and Pontins have been honest in admitting they were overdue refurbishment, but the sites did not make enough money to pay for this expense, soy uo can not really blame them for that....
With the credit cruch being on - These sites would have been brilliant for people with young families, now where are they to go.......Have you seen the cost of going to a Haven or Butlins for a week during the holidays????? Most people can not afford that, and that does not mean they are low lifes & rough....
I have '4' kids and over the Years we have been to most of Pontins sites in the UK. Yes they are shabbie, but our chalets were mostly always clean although very old and shabbie and I think that was the main problem.....besides if you complained, they always moved you (but yes,you should not have to complain really...I can see that point)
In the end of the day it was just a base to sleep and so long as the sheets and matress was clean who really cares about the rest as you go out and have fun in the area - who goes on holiday to be stuck in a chalet all the time??...For the price, no-one should knock Pontins, if you want something posher, then rob a bank and pay nearly a grand for a family at Butlins for a week....
I just wanted to say you WILL BE MISSED and I thank you PONTINS for serveral cheap and chearful holidays over the Years !!!!!
Well it Wall Park, Brixham going 1st in 2008, Now Hemsby in early 2009 - Which site will be next ???? My money is on Camber Sands....
Come on guys, give Pontins a break, they are clearly struggling like like hell and they need your support really to stay in business.
Yes I agree, both sites were very dated and Pontins have been honest in admitting they were overdue refurbishment, but the sites did not make enough money to pay for this expense, soy uo can not really blame them for that....
With the credit cruch being on - These sites would have been brilliant for people with young families, now where are they to go.......Have you seen the cost of going to a Haven or Butlins for a week during the holidays????? Most people can not afford that, and that does not mean they are low lifes & rough....
I have '4' kids and over the Years we have been to most of Pontins sites in the UK. Yes they are shabbie, but our chalets were mostly always clean although very old and shabbie and I think that was the main problem.....besides if you complained, they always moved you (but yes,you should not have to complain really...I can see that point)
In the end of the day it was just a base to sleep and so long as the sheets and matress was clean who really cares about the rest as you go out and have fun in the area - who goes on holiday to be stuck in a chalet all the time??...For the price, no-one should knock Pontins, if you want something posher, then rob a bank and pay nearly a grand for a family at Butlins for a week....
I just wanted to say you WILL BE MISSED and I thank you PONTINS for serveral cheap and chearful holidays over the Years !!!!!
Well it Wall Park, Brixham going 1st in 2008, Now Hemsby in early 2009 - Which site will be next ???? My money is on Camber Sands....
Come on guys, give Pontins a break, they are clearly struggling like like hell and they need your support really to stay in business.
Advice: Hemsby is GREAT and that is why we bought a Caravan there
Activities:
- Date of Holiday:Jun 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" happy hemsby holidays "
Submitted By: snopony
Im so sad the Pontins has closed at Hemsby. My family had many happy years there, and the weather was usually kind to us. Shame on Pontins for not doing more to improve the standards. Hemsby is a wonderful place for families don't be put off by the bad reviews. Hopefully someone will see the site potential and invest some money into the area.
Advice: check out louis tussards- its so bad its good!!!!
Activities: Visit Hemsby and Great Yarmouth its great for children
Good for: Beach
- Date of Holiday:Aug 2008
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" we loved it "
Submitted By: natalierose
we took out a car on finance and were given a free weekend at hemsby.
they were very accomodating towards my autistic son and moved us to a closer appartment free of charge so we could be closer to the attractions.
i found the staff very polite and the entertainment was of a good standard.
we pay up to £400 to go to butlins each year yet this was by far our most enjoyable and relaxing holiday.
they were very accomodating towards my autistic son and moved us to a closer appartment free of charge so we could be closer to the attractions.
i found the staff very polite and the entertainment was of a good standard.
we pay up to £400 to go to butlins each year yet this was by far our most enjoyable and relaxing holiday.
Advice: a lovely place to visit
Activities: the broads
- Date of Holiday:Mar 2008
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" the lnew yr party "
Submitted By: flash gordon
i went for the new yr and upgraded to club. i was very dissapointed when myself and the kids walked in as 1 of the children replied its the same as a classic. i was amazed to see the outlay of the chalet was very identical of which the only difference was it had a microwave and digital tv about 6 channels . i was dissapointed to say the least but nevertheless i couldnt let the kids down but if it had of been just myself i would have left immediatley thank god its gone bring on haven instead .
Advice: nothing at all as its gone now
Activities: the beach
- Date of Holiday:Dec 2008
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Final Curtain "
Submitted By: howardevansgb
AS a visitor recently who had a terrible time i thought this would be of interest to fellow vistors i do however feel sorry for the staff.
Pontins to close Hemsby holiday centre
Wednesday, 07 Jan 2009 12:25
End of an era at Hemsby
Pontins has announced it is to close its site at Hemsby on the Norfolk coast.
According to the holiday camp owner the site is need of "significant investment" and is faced with "escalating costs" and a decline in bookings.
As a result the site is scheduled to close later this month, bringing a presence of more than 70 years to an end at the site.
Over 50 jobs will be lost as a result of the closure.
A spokesperson for the organisation confirmed the six remaining centres – located at Pakefield, Southport, Blackpool, Prestatyn Sands, Brean Sands and Camber Sands - would remain open.
Pontins, which was founded in 1946 by Fred Pontin, specialises in half-board and self-catering breaks for British and international holidaymakers.
However, the organisation has faced a tough time in recent years, with Ocean Parcs buying the chain of seven resorts for £46 million in March last year.
By Chris O'Toole
Pontins to close Hemsby holiday centre
Wednesday, 07 Jan 2009 12:25
End of an era at Hemsby
Pontins has announced it is to close its site at Hemsby on the Norfolk coast.
According to the holiday camp owner the site is need of "significant investment" and is faced with "escalating costs" and a decline in bookings.
As a result the site is scheduled to close later this month, bringing a presence of more than 70 years to an end at the site.
Over 50 jobs will be lost as a result of the closure.
A spokesperson for the organisation confirmed the six remaining centres – located at Pakefield, Southport, Blackpool, Prestatyn Sands, Brean Sands and Camber Sands - would remain open.
Pontins, which was founded in 1946 by Fred Pontin, specialises in half-board and self-catering breaks for British and international holidaymakers.
However, the organisation has faced a tough time in recent years, with Ocean Parcs buying the chain of seven resorts for £46 million in March last year.
By Chris O'Toole
- Date of Holiday:Jan 2009
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" horrendous "
Submitted By: hubbs
We had the misfortune to spend new years eve at Hemsby. Never never never again. The chalet was filthy. Bearing in mind that we had upgraded to Club, I dread to think what the basic ones were like. I couldnt believe my eyes when going for an early morning paper on new years eve I found the club full and no tables available. I was told that people start arriving at about 6. What fools. Needless to say as soon as the bar is open they are downing drinks as fast as they could. We managed to get some chairs and then spend the whole of the day waiting for midnight. It was the longest day of my life. People obviously come each year as they knew what to do. How people can go back there beggers belief. Mind you seeing the state of them, probably Pontins was luxury to what they are used to. I suffered beer being thrown down my pack about four times during the evening, and on speaking to the mother of the so called little darling I was told to mind my own f.... business. We left at about five minutes past midnight. Once day break arrived the bags were packed and we were on our way, foresaking the other night we had paid for.
Advice: Never never go there
Activities: Restaurants? What restaurants
- Date of Holiday:Dec 2008
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" woop loved it! gone but not forgotton ! "
Submitted By: hanas_ewoop
i had the best ever tym here at xmas weve come nearly every year and our family have a great time every year.
the bluecoats are fantastic they put everything they have into it and are absolutley amazing.
im so sad to see it go but i wish all the bluecoats all the best for the future. i will miss it so so much but you are only gone and not forgotton.
the bluecoats are fantastic they put everything they have into it and are absolutley amazing.
im so sad to see it go but i wish all the bluecoats all the best for the future. i will miss it so so much but you are only gone and not forgotton.
Good for: Beach
- Date of Holiday:Dec 2008
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" family holiday to remember "
Submitted By: kermit.1974
Do not go to Pontins if you want high quality. The price tells it all, its half the price of Butlins and usually under £100 for a 3/4night break. It is not Disneyworld.
Of course the rooms could do with new carpets to get rid of the 20year old smell(i'm not exagerating- I've been coming here since I was 9 and am now 34 and the main hall has the same carpet!)
It's basic but has all you need.
The entertainment staff put their heart and souls into the performances tho are not around in the day as much as when I was young.
I started coming to Hemsby with my family when I was 9. we go every couple of years and over the past 5 yeears have been 1 or 2 times a year as a memory holiday with parents and grandchildren or myself husband and kids.
The local beach at hemsby has a great beach and play area, giant slide rides, shops etc and is quieter than Great Yarmouth.
I have just heard it is no longer under Pontins, I love it my kids love it and so do all my family and it will be greatly missed.
Of course the rooms could do with new carpets to get rid of the 20year old smell(i'm not exagerating- I've been coming here since I was 9 and am now 34 and the main hall has the same carpet!)
It's basic but has all you need.
The entertainment staff put their heart and souls into the performances tho are not around in the day as much as when I was young.
I started coming to Hemsby with my family when I was 9. we go every couple of years and over the past 5 yeears have been 1 or 2 times a year as a memory holiday with parents and grandchildren or myself husband and kids.
The local beach at hemsby has a great beach and play area, giant slide rides, shops etc and is quieter than Great Yarmouth.
I have just heard it is no longer under Pontins, I love it my kids love it and so do all my family and it will be greatly missed.
Good for: Beach
- Date of Holiday:Oct 2008
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" filth "
Submitted By: rick@rjrelec.fsnet.co.uk
we just returned from the break from hell.the first apartment we entered we were hit by the most awful smell and filth, the second apartment was filthy but didnt smell . we had to keep shoes on all the time and after having a shower you felt dirtier than when you got in. the mould around the windows and behind the beds was discusting. had it not been for the children we would have left. the entertainment, well, you had to get at the door from "5am" yes "am" on new years eve to get a table, by 7am they had all been taken. the managment said " oh well you should have got up earlier" at 2pm they opened the other venue but not the bar and they put on a christmas cd until 7pm when 2 people tried their best to entertain 500 people who were not best pleased as in the other venue from 9am they had party games, disco, quizes, all that you would expect from a family Pontins Holiday "the best value a family can buy" HA HA . at 8pm the beer ran out and you had to buy bottles untill they recieved a delivery from Pakefield.A band was also robbed from Pakefield who were ok which made a change. at 12 15 we were told to all go to the other venue as this one was closing however ther was no room so they reopened our bar again. dont go unprepared like we did. better still dont go
- Date of Holiday:Dec 2008
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" security "
Submitted By: bobbob
the site was overun with "travellers" security was not able to cope, or willing to confront problems, curtailed holiday.
Advice: do not go to hemsby at xmas
Activities:
Good for: Beach
- Date of Holiday:Dec 2008
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Pontins Hemsby. "
Submitted By: hemsby
Prior to going on holiday for the first time ever I read a holiday review website (this one) and thought with all the low scores I saw that maybe it was not going to be any good.
However having come back after having one of the best most relaxing holidays I have ever had. I would have scored it 10/10 from that point of view, but from an overall point of view I have capture most of my reasoning below.
We found the the welcome from the gate house staff to be very warm, and instantly felt on holiday.
CHECK IN WAS ABYSMAL. The queues were ridiculously long, and the response that 'oh its half term and we had not realised there were so many people' was just insulting. PONTINS PLEASE IMPROVE CHECK IN, as it was a very poor first impression.
Earlier postings commented on the smell of the venues/arcade, and I agree there was a lingering horrible smell, though I am not sure if this was dirty carpets or some sort of cleaning chemical smell, either way it was unpleasant.
We were budget accomodation, and found our apartment to be clean and presentable upon arrival, and a very good size for the 5 of us. Plus point was the sofa bed, which actually gave good support when sitting on seat, or lying on bed, as previous Pontins visits have had poor sofa beds.
There were several items missing in the apartment, and house keeping were very good and responsive at repairing or replacing items. (I just wish that I could go to a place Pontins, Butlins, Haven etc and not have to always go to housekeeping in the first place, it would be so nice if all the things were there and correct.)
Evening entertainment was let down significantly by the fact that there was only the one main venue open (excluding the pub venue), which was full with families having to stand around. Unless you liked Bingo and got yourself a seat 1 1/2 hours before the childrens entertainment came on, there was limited opportunity of getting a seat. This led to us on some nights not going to the venue at all. Even more the disappointing that there was another full sized venue which just remained closed the whole time we were there. This should have been opened up for a couple of hours in the early evenings (i.e. whilst Bingo was on) so that young families could be entertained away from a Pub venue.
Blue Coats were friendly.
Childrens Crocland was really good venue during the day, and our children really liked it.
SWIMMING POOL IN MY OPINION WAS DANGEROUSLY OVERCROWDED. We went swimming once as the pool in my opinion was so overcrowed with very poor life guard coverage. I would not be suprised if there is a serious incident at the pool due to this.
Crazy golf was good.
Daytime games activities for the children could have been better, although the autograph hunt was a big sucess with our children.
A big WOW for us was the beach. Walking up the road through a bit of a shabby looking beach food / shops area, we did not think there was anything really special up there, but when we got to the very end of the road and went to the beach, it was fantastic. Looked like miles of soft sand beach. I would not reccomend it for swimming, as the sea breaks in on the beach, and is far to rough for novice even good swimmers. However as it was October we were not going to be swimming anyway.
As regards the Arcade at Pontins I thought it was overpriced, and gave away far to few tickets. If you want a fair priced Arcade I would recommend the first one on the left as you walk up towards the beach, as this seemed to give a fair amount of tickets out.
Maybe coincidence, but the one day I had food at Pontins, that night I had a poor stomach.
But please do not let the above put you off, as we all really had a great time a Pontins, and despite the above I would whole heartedly reccomend it. I just wanted to put what I think is a full honest review of the place, as some of the reviews I had read I think were so negative in the extreme, that looking back on them, they almost read to me as though they were written by other holiday venue people.
However having come back after having one of the best most relaxing holidays I have ever had. I would have scored it 10/10 from that point of view, but from an overall point of view I have capture most of my reasoning below.
We found the the welcome from the gate house staff to be very warm, and instantly felt on holiday.
CHECK IN WAS ABYSMAL. The queues were ridiculously long, and the response that 'oh its half term and we had not realised there were so many people' was just insulting. PONTINS PLEASE IMPROVE CHECK IN, as it was a very poor first impression.
Earlier postings commented on the smell of the venues/arcade, and I agree there was a lingering horrible smell, though I am not sure if this was dirty carpets or some sort of cleaning chemical smell, either way it was unpleasant.
We were budget accomodation, and found our apartment to be clean and presentable upon arrival, and a very good size for the 5 of us. Plus point was the sofa bed, which actually gave good support when sitting on seat, or lying on bed, as previous Pontins visits have had poor sofa beds.
There were several items missing in the apartment, and house keeping were very good and responsive at repairing or replacing items. (I just wish that I could go to a place Pontins, Butlins, Haven etc and not have to always go to housekeeping in the first place, it would be so nice if all the things were there and correct.)
Evening entertainment was let down significantly by the fact that there was only the one main venue open (excluding the pub venue), which was full with families having to stand around. Unless you liked Bingo and got yourself a seat 1 1/2 hours before the childrens entertainment came on, there was limited opportunity of getting a seat. This led to us on some nights not going to the venue at all. Even more the disappointing that there was another full sized venue which just remained closed the whole time we were there. This should have been opened up for a couple of hours in the early evenings (i.e. whilst Bingo was on) so that young families could be entertained away from a Pub venue.
Blue Coats were friendly.
Childrens Crocland was really good venue during the day, and our children really liked it.
SWIMMING POOL IN MY OPINION WAS DANGEROUSLY OVERCROWDED. We went swimming once as the pool in my opinion was so overcrowed with very poor life guard coverage. I would not be suprised if there is a serious incident at the pool due to this.
Crazy golf was good.
Daytime games activities for the children could have been better, although the autograph hunt was a big sucess with our children.
A big WOW for us was the beach. Walking up the road through a bit of a shabby looking beach food / shops area, we did not think there was anything really special up there, but when we got to the very end of the road and went to the beach, it was fantastic. Looked like miles of soft sand beach. I would not reccomend it for swimming, as the sea breaks in on the beach, and is far to rough for novice even good swimmers. However as it was October we were not going to be swimming anyway.
As regards the Arcade at Pontins I thought it was overpriced, and gave away far to few tickets. If you want a fair priced Arcade I would recommend the first one on the left as you walk up towards the beach, as this seemed to give a fair amount of tickets out.
Maybe coincidence, but the one day I had food at Pontins, that night I had a poor stomach.
But please do not let the above put you off, as we all really had a great time a Pontins, and despite the above I would whole heartedly reccomend it. I just wanted to put what I think is a full honest review of the place, as some of the reviews I had read I think were so negative in the extreme, that looking back on them, they almost read to me as though they were written by other holiday venue people.
- Date of Holiday:Oct 2008
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" [--] Hole "
Submitted By: Mr N Jay
What a dump!!!!!!!!
It may of been cheap to book but they are quite right that you only get what you pay for. Even so I think we deserved better than this crap hole.
The stinking Queen Vic "pub" was only out stunk by the stinking "show bar".
I have been to scores of holiday camps which range in my opinion from 2/10 to 10/10. Well done Pontins at Hemsby for making my range complete with 1/10 (no lower option available suggest holiday watchdog add demolition to the range!).
There were no redeeming factors and this place needs to be dragged through the 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's to what people expect in 2008 as some sort of normal standard.
It may of been cheap to book but they are quite right that you only get what you pay for. Even so I think we deserved better than this crap hole.
The stinking Queen Vic "pub" was only out stunk by the stinking "show bar".
I have been to scores of holiday camps which range in my opinion from 2/10 to 10/10. Well done Pontins at Hemsby for making my range complete with 1/10 (no lower option available suggest holiday watchdog add demolition to the range!).
There were no redeeming factors and this place needs to be dragged through the 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's to what people expect in 2008 as some sort of normal standard.
- Date of Holiday:Oct 2008
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:The Sun Paper
" congrats hemsby blues you do a great job "
Submitted By: bebbybyrne
Id just like to add a positive review about this centre it doesnt deserve all these bad reviews my kids love it the bluecoats the entertainment, the competitions too. they work so very hard and shouldnt have to put up with the general abuse that they recieve on a daily basis. We have already booked to go back next year and my children cant wait. its just sad that so many bluecoats have left and the ones that are left might not be there next season. but the shows and whoever the blues are next season im sure will do just as great job as they always have.
- Date of Holiday:Jan 2008
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" After holidaying every year at... "
Submitted By: Mrs S Stevens
After holidaying every year at pontins hemsby as a child i decided thios year to take my own 2 kids there for the week. We arrived at 4pm were given our keys, upon entering our chalet someone was in bed and there possessions everywhere. We were then told we had to wait 2 hours for another chalet to be cleaned.After 2 hours we were then told the cleaners had found fault with the chalet so we were moved again and had to wait another hour for that one to be cleaned. Upon entering our chalet to say it had just been cleaned was a lie it was filthy. I have a 5yr old and 3 month old son, on sweeping the carpet the room filled with dust which made my kids gag. Half of the amusements/cafes were closed on the site, bluecoats were trying to bed single mothers away with their kids. There was no airness in the bluecoats choosing the kids where games were concerned as any child under 10 didnt get a look in. I am appalled by our encounter and things got that bad we cut our holiday short on day 3 and moved to the haven site in yarmouth for the remainder, which i could thoroughly recommend.Were not posh just a normal working class family but the place is tatty and filthy and very unorganised. Nearly everyone we spoke to there had the same feeling about the place and also said they would never go back there. Pontins what has happened to you i literally am a positive person but have nothing at all good to say about you.
- Date of Holiday:Sep 2008
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:sun tokens
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Advice: Norfolk itself is a lovely place. Great beaches and good weather.
Activities: Bewilderwood - a tree based fairy activity . Little ones loved it.
Good for: Beach