An independently owned holiday park in Wales has been named among the best UK holiday parks, ranking higher than major staycation operators like Center Parcs and Haven. Bluestone in Pembrokeshire received a customer satisfaction score of 77% in Which?'s annual survey, based on responses from 1,700 people released last September.
Bluestone's High Scores and Family Appeal
Bluestone scored highly for cleanliness, customer service, and quality of accommodation. The resort, partly set in Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, offers luxury lodges and cottages and features a sub-tropical water park with slides. It holds an impressive 4.6 stars on Google reviews. One recent review said: "Everything we could want and need with a small child," while another wrote: "The whole resort is beautifully kept, peaceful, and perfect for families looking to relax and spend quality time together."
Reviewer's Enthusiastic Account
Steffan Rhys, who visited Bluestone earlier this year, described it as magical. "This remote corner of the UK is magical. It is steeped in history and home to the most beautiful landscapes. Stone burial chambers date back 4,000 years, standing stones inscribed with Latin and Ogham dot the countryside and wrapped around it all is one of the most striking coastlines anywhere," he wrote. "At the heart of it all is the Bluestone National Park Resort, set within 500 acres of wild Welsh countryside. So well-absorbed is the resort into its surroundings that, despite its size and its hundreds of lodges, you'd scarcely have any clue it was there until you were well inside."
Top Three Parks in the UK
The Which? survey placed Potters Resorts at number one with an 87% score. Potters has two all-inclusive resorts in Norfolk and Essex, offering West End-style evening entertainment. Our writer Mikey Smith recently visited Potters at Hopton on Sea and had a sensational time. "The Potters at Hopton on Sea is a little British gem tucked away on Norfolk’s coast, which is steeped in history but has been bold enough to move with the times. It has also been voted the best holiday park in the UK. And I would go back in a heartbeat," he wrote. He praised the restaurant-quality food, noting a buttery Sea Bass fillet and crispy deep fried Halloumi.
Coming in third was Forest Holidays with an 80% score, which has thirteen parks across the UK, including two in Wales: Beddgelert in Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri and Garwnant in Bannau Brycheiniog. These parks scored well for customer service and quality of facilities, but received three stars for overall value for money and free activities. One Which? member said: "It's possibly not a holiday for anyone looking for constant entertainment and activities like Center Parcs, however if you like long walks with your dog through forests and quiet paths, hillwalking, cycling or just a bit of peace and quiet, it's ideal."
Bottom of the Chart: Pontins
At the bottom of the chart was Pontins, which scored 56% and two stars in most categories. Once boasting over 30 parks, only two Pontins remain open: Sand Bay Holiday Village near Weston-Super-Mare (adults-only) and Pakefield Holiday Village, currently closed for bookings as it houses workers constructing a nearby nuclear power plant. Despite being the cheapest option, Pontins scored poorly for value for money. A recent review said: "The rooms were filthy. We didn't even have matching curtains! If we had been there for a holiday rather than a scooter rally we would have left straight away. Food was nowhere near the quality of past visits and the queues were ridiculous." However, some positive reviews noted: "Rooms are basic but clean, food is self service but plenty of choice and really nice. Bar staff were great and coped at busy times."
Full Ratings List
Best and worst UK holiday parks and resorts rated: Potters Resorts 87%, Forest Holidays 80%, Bluestone Wales 77%, John Fowler Holiday Parks 77%, Hoburne Holidays 75%, Hoseasons 74%, Waterside Holiday Group 74%, Warner Leisure Villages 71%, Centerparcs 69%, Haven Holiday Parks 69%, Parkdean Resorts 68%, Butlins 67%, Park Holidays UK 66%, Away Resorts 64%, Largo Leisure Parks 64%, Pontins 56%.
