Author's product rating: 
| Advantages: |
Cheap holday, entertainment |
| Disadvantages: |
Minor irritations |
| Recommend to potential buyers: |
yes |
Have you noticed my absence for a few days? Hmm, well maybe not, but I have been away for a short break.
Where have I been?...I've been to Pontins to check out the scene!!
I first went to Pontins at their Blackpool site three years ago with my husband. I won a three day holiday there courtesy of my local bingo hall, very appropriately on mothers day! Eager to have a small break from family life (three very energetic kiddies) hubby and I pottered off on an all expenses paid trip to sunny Blackpool !!
Despite winning on Mothers day, it was in fact September when the holiday was taken. The bingo hall in question had booked the entire of Pontins for the break and had awarded holidays to every club in the country (also Scotland). Travel was laid on with coaches and activities above and beyond Pontins own were arranged.
Several thing particularly struck me about the holiday... firstly that this was not how Pontins would usually function, typically being aimed at families, now being over run by bingo addicts all over 18!! Secondly they had obviously gone out of their way to cater to our needs by arranging meals at different times to suite our off-site activities. Lastly that it was substantially quieter than it would normally be.
Over all the holiday was a resounding success (missed the kids heaps but basked in the quietness), and as a freebie i could fault nothing, but would I feel the same if I'd paid for it and taken the kids? Roll on three years and let's find out !!!
Meandering along my local high street I found myself staring into the window of Lun Polly (travel agents), we'd been contemplating a holiday and were struggling to decide where to go, hence at every available opportunity i scrutinized the bargain offers displayed in the windows of such establishments.
Failing to be inspired by Cos, Costa del Sol or the Camen islands... my eyes glimpsed a flashy poster and brochure advertising half price breaks to Pontins (flash back to great last break there).
Now many of you would be mystified by the aparent allure of a Blackpool holiday camp over exotic sun drenched shores of distant lands....but bear with me, there is method to my madness.
Having a family of 5, with three children ranging from 5 to 12, one of which is Autistic presents a multitude of problems when considering a holiday
destination. Also having saved long and hard for the holiday that is likely to be the first and only one in a long time, we wanted to make sure we got it right!!
Taking those factors into account and pondering the bargain sign I had spotted, my mind went into over drive and hey presto inspiration struck !!!
A small and very cheap break would give us an ideal opportunity to check out how my son would cope with travel and a strange place. It would also enable us to book our big holiday further in advance (we were so desperate for a holiday that the prospect of waiting til next summer was depressing us). Additionally it would hopefully show us what sort of family holiday we would benefit from most...after all , if this turned out to be a flop then we would know to take a different sytle of holiday in the future.
Ok, so inspired and prepared ..<Enter the travel agents>......"Could you tell me how much the five of us could go for, when we could go at the cheapest and how to avoid being tied to a stove for the holiday ?" I politely ask the assitant.
Less than 10 minutes later I had booked a three night vacation (Friday to Monday), half board, for 5, to Pontins at Blackpool and all for the princely sum of £180 !!
Six weeks later (last weekend to be precise), we were ready for off!! Our confirmation letters had arrived in the post a fourtnight before departure.
Essential planning had been made by using the free AA route planner online, and we set off on our two hour journey to holiay -ville.
**Arrival**
Having previously been by coach , I had a rough idea of the location and we very quickly found the site. I didn't notice it particularly well sign posted though around Blackpool itself.
We were met at the main entrance by security men who informed us that we couldn't take the car on site until a\ we had booked in and b\ had a passed issued us for disability users as this was a disabled vehicle access site only.
We didn't know this and had not brought my sons disability badges and proof..security informed us briskly, slightly patronizingly and very firmly that we MUST have know as it was clearly stated on all our holiday booking information!!
Hubby parked up and I stormed into the booking-in office and aimed directly for the help desk. Within 2 minutes I had expressed my anger (very reasonably) and pointed out that we could not stop under such conditions and that it was NOT stated on any information I had. The lady at the desk promptly apologized and informed me that because we booked through the travel agents that our information didn't include this matter and that the agents should (but often didn't) have informed us...not to worry and that she would sort us out.
Another two minutes and we were parked inside ready to book in and armed with an on-site parking pass.
**Booking in**
Booking-in proved to be relatively easy. Rooms are not ready until 4pm on the day of arrival, but when we arrived at around 3.45pm the had started to process incoming guests. the queues were fairly lengthy and when joining the queue it was not possible to see the signs that (in small print) instructed which line you needed to be in depending on the alphabetical order of your surname. This could have been a most annoying problem, however the speed at which the gets were dealt with meant that despite having stood in the wrong line and having a good 40+ people in front of me, I was in fact processed in less than 10 minutes.
I was issued with a key, rooms number, information pack and map of the park, highlighted to show where our rooms were and how to get to them.
**Accommodation**
Finding our unit was easy, unlike most similar camps each room has its own unique number and not one that is repeated in different named blocks, The apartments are in standard rows of about 10 units long situated evenly around the park which is not too big.Most are single story although there are a couple of blocks with a second story units.
Every had the feeling it is going to be one of those days? I stared to feel just like that when we got to our apartment and found we couldn't unlock the door.
A trip back to reception resulted in us being told the "knack" to opening the door (lift handle then insert key)..so we tried again.
A second trip back to reception resulted in instructions to wait by our door and someone would be along.......
You might think by this time we were getting fed up..normally I'd be climbing the walls (I'm very highly strung you know).
Not this time however, by the time we were back at the door a van pulled up and two helpful if not overly friendly men had us in our rooms in no time courtesy of a master key. They asked us if we could leave the main door open whilst they fetched us another key that actually fitted the lock, which they did in record time.
In and investigating our lodgings, one main room with a double bed, two basic chairs, a chest of draws, TV and kettle/cups. One bedroom with bunk beds and a single bed with wardrobe and enough room to swing a minute hamster. One bathroom with toilet, sink and combination shower/bath. All nice and clean and very warm, the windows were big and double glazed and storage heaters with individual easy to work thermostats made me immediately confident that we were not going to be cold.
The beds were all freshly made with quilts and adequate pillows, their only downfall was the yellow pinstriped covers and sheets that reminded me school dormitories from old films.
The curtains at the windows were full and clean although they were a touch on the light side, meaning that at first light the kids would likely be awake.
Quickly referring back to the hamster swinging room....the beds were adequate, but my 12 year old is a big lad at 5' 10" and he was about as big as any of the single/bunk beds would take.....if we go back in another two years he's going to be mighty uncomfortable and probably unhappy about sharing with his sister by then. Oh, and Autistic children seldom share rooms well and certainly don't like cramped spaces.
I quickly found two minor but very annoying "irks". Firstly that having provided you with five cups and a kettle, you needed to take your own spoon (which of course, I hadn't done). Secondly that the sink had a funny twist plug built in that became stuck firmly closed as soon as you used it (grrrrr).
I tried to overcome my irkness by consoling myself with the fact that they had provided two ample sized loo rolls in the bathroom (something other sites haven't got the hang of).
**Information packs**
Opening up the information pack, we found a list of facilities on the site along with a number coded map to let us know where they were and when they opened. Along with that came an itinerary leaflet to let us know what was going on, where, when and who for. It listed each day for the period we were there.
"Irk" hmm, a location of a diner and a time of opening, but nothing specific about our meals....guess it's a pop down and see how it works type arrangement.
"Irk" ahh, H2O center with opening times.....guess that means a swimming pool? I wonder if it is free or not?
** Activities**
I'm not a snob (or maybe I am), but when i think Pontins or Butlins, I think "holiday one the busses/hi de hi" or "gawd help me".. so you can imagine the sort of image I'd drummed up for the weekend.
The list of activities was full and varied and there was pretty much something on all the time around the site. We wanted to see Blackpool too so it was day two before we ventured to any arranged activities.
Hubby's tactful way of easing me into the 60's way of life was to send me to the evening bingo session for over 18's in the princess theatre at 7pm.
The bingo wasn't free, but it had stated that on the info so I took along my fiver and bought my books. Firstly it's not bingo for the dedicated player..not enough games or tickets, but the prize money was excellent for the few people that there was playing. Secondly, despite being strictly for over 18's...that only extended to the marking/playing of tickets...kids were very welcome in the hall whilst bingo was on... (Jane hurriedly phones hubby to bring the kiddies down).
The princess theatre sports a bar, so the environment is pubish with a family atmosphere.
Bingo lasted about 40 minutes, i grumbled about wanting one number for ages and not winning (oh, bob).
Following bingo there was a party/disco that the kids loved.. this gave way to hilarious family competitions and eventually to a comedy act. I withdrew gracefully with the two youngest as it was well past 11pm and we were shattered.
Hubby and eldest son stayed and enjoyed the act.
Other activities during our stay that we attended included a meet the characters session where the kids got to meet all of the cartoon characters that entertain around the site and help host functions....a crocodile, zebra, DJ, duck and very cheeky monkey. There was also a rounders game, kids magic show, kids competitions and kids bingo all free.
We didn't join in such things as some quizzes, darts matches and dance events as we were doing other things.
I was very dunbvious about launching myself into the fun and frolics, but soon found that the kids were all highly entertained and catered for on all the events leaving hubby and I to relax with a supervisory eye cast in the kids direction and the option to join in as much or as little as we wanted.
The staff were very adept at keeping the kids 100 percent enthralled and behaving well!! (I want to hire one as a nanny).
It would be very easy on a future visit to spend the majority of our time engaged in these activities and know that we would all really enjoy it.
**Facilities**
H2O zone...open from 9am until 7pm. We didn't get further than that, i assume it is a swimming pool and that it is most likely free .
Captain cod...fish and chip shop, open at dinner time and all evening until late (whatever late means). It was still open at 11.30pm.
Prices are a little steep, but the fish is lovely. The chips were disappointing as they were there frozen/processed type that you simply don't expect from a fish bar.
Londis...on-site shop open from 7.30 a until 6pm. A little highly priced as you expect from resort shops, but quite well stocked for those essentials.
Hire...supposedly open all day and hiring such things as pedlo bikes, I have no idea of the prices and it never opened whilst we were there. I suspect it doesn't open until at least the Easter week, then through the summer. No apparent price lists were displayed anywhere.
The princess theatre....A theatre type hall open at all times when scheduled activities of functions were listed. Equipped with a good sized bar and loads of tables/seating. The bar was reasonably priced for a resort bar, with a great range of drinks available. The larger was equivalent to local pub prices and the quality was high. Drinks for kids varied from 50p for a half pint glass of squash, to £1.10p for fruit shoots right up to £1.65 for a character printed kids tumbler or squash (but with refills at 50p).
Also in the theater was a mini food shop serving hot food (at a price) and a gimmicky gift shop full of "tack" which opened for an hour or two morning, afternoon and evening.
The queen vic...Pub open during liscencing hours. Many of the activities were run here and it was large with good seating, fair prices and a good atmosphere.
Arcade... The all essential holiday camp hive of fruit machines was open from 9am until 10pm, with a redemption center for tokens won on kids gift machines, unfortunately the redemption center didn't seem to have fixed opening times although it opened often enough for the kids to access it. There was also a pool table in here and a small set of bowling isles.
Play areas...several adventure type play areas were small but well designed with seating for the supervisory adults, making a good place to let the little ones run off steam or for the bigger kids to go off to and have a play.
Mini go-carting...a small go-cart site was located in the central grounds, but unfortunately this was not open during our stay, again a feature I think is restricted to peak times and no apparent price is available (maybe another freebie).
All the amminites were designed with wheelchair access.
** Restaurant**
Opening only for breakfast and evening meal (for half baord visitors), this spacious dinning area was clean and offered and whole array of self service meal options with on-tap drinks for two hour periods at meals times.
Basically you go when you want during those times and help yourself to however much of what ever you fancy.
The meals were great with plenty of variety and choice. Well cooked and presented.
Seating was fine until the last night when the whole place had gotten noticeably inside with an influx of guests ready for the holiday week, at this point we struggled to find tables where we could all sit as a family and invariably ended up sitting at two tables away from each other.
I think i would definitely avoid buisier times of year unless I was taking the self catering option.
The tables were kept clean and clear of pots by an army of table cleaners that hovered around the diner at all times. Whilst the diner was quieter this was fine, but as it got buisier they had a tendency to be over zealous in their work in order to keep the tables and dishes flowing better....end result was that they were constantly collecting your used dishes whilst you were still eating and on two occasions actually removed my dinner whilst i was fetching a drink!! (mental note...major IRK).
I am easy going when it comes to meal times, if you like a quiet un interrupted meal then this would drive you positively mad!
One great thing about half board is that the meal times were flexible and we weren't tied to the site all day and in fact we found at lunch time we really didn't want much to eat, we were so full from breakfast.
**Situation**
As I've said, the Pontins we went to was situated at Blackpool. It was close to the main center and on the main coastal road through the town. The entrance opens on to this road and with careful crossing, leads directly to the seafront sand dunes. The dunes last for around 200 feet before forming the beech.
Taking the coastal road to the town means a good 30 minute walk, but it is perfectly walkable especially on pleasant days. Alternatively there is a good bus and tram service available for a reasonable price (around 60 pence).
**Blackpool**
The town sports plenty of
attractions and plenty to see and do. The Blackpool tower is the obvious choice, and this along with three good piers gives sightseers a selection of photographic places to visit. A zoo and a great shopping front mingled with the obligatory amusement arcades gives more to visit. For youngsters the night time provides a host of hotbeds with many clubs and pubs whilst for the possible ore mature person shows are invariably performed at the pier rooms.
Also famously the "pleasure beach" is a main attraction, with the amazing "Pepsi max" (once the worlds biggest roller coaster) and the thrilling "iron brew" revolution.
Top tip for the pleasure beach is not to buy tickets for the rides, even the smallest childs ride works out £2 and over for one person, instead buy a wristband for £10. The wristband is valid all day for almost all rides (always a few exceptions) and as long as you go on more than three rides is excellent value. My eldest son had one and spent three hours on the pleasure beach, managing to total over 20 rides in that time. Queues are a little long, but they move quickly and at off peak times of year are pretty good.
The beaches were noticeably very clean, the kids were very impressed to see lots of live starfish on them too. Access to the beaches does involve steps or sand dunes (a possible difficulty) and tides are very high. Even in March the kids had great fun building sand castles.
**Price**
Pontins basically run two main breaks...Monday to Friday or Friday to Monday, with a choice of self catering or half board.They will combine breaks or accommodate longer stays.
Prices are pretty much the same whether booked through a travel agent or directly with Pontins. I would suggest if booking through an agent, that you obtain a brochure for full details of the site.
As I said, we paid £180 for two adults and three children, which works out at £36 per head. When you consider that includes heaps of entertainment and three dinners and three breakfasts each, it is certainly excellent value. It was a half price offer, but they run those at least three periods of the year (off-peak) and many other offers in peak times offering good discounts. Had I to pay the £360 for a trip in the summer holidays I would still find it good value compared to alternative vacations available.
The cost of extras on the site such as drinks, food and activities is comparable to similar sites and possibly slightly cheaper.
**Customer service**
The staff were very well organized and helpful with the ability to deal with situations and problems swiftly and effectively.
On the occasion of my dear Hubby managing to forget the entire suite case full of clothes and towels (yeap, honestly) and us not realizing until 11pm the first night as we dunked all the kids in the bath, they swiftly arranged for a set of towels to be dispensed to us along with any other sheeting/bedding that could help at no charge.
Thankfully due to excellent radiadtors, a quick hand wash followed by the night on the ample radiators saw us to the next morning, clean and in fresh clothes.
Security was very good on the site with full time security men responsible for the outside car parks and patrolling the whole site.
**Overall**
One of the best hols I've had in a long time, excellent value and a great location.
We were blessed with good weather, but I feel confident that even bad weather wouldn't have inhibited our stay or enjoyment.
One last point on the grumbles is that almost all the activities and entertainment start and run a few minutes late. We didn't find this a problem though, more an indication of the laid back weekend we had.
It was most certainly superior to any vacations we have had at different Butlins sites (less hi-di-hi) with better food, rooms ,service and accommodation.
The site was clean and well maintained as were the amenities and grounds.
**Top tips**
1\ Take a teaspoon for that first cup of tea when you arrive as they don't supply one (one can be "borrowed" from the restaurant at meal times though).
2\ Don't forget you suitecase.
3\ Take a bottle of cordial for the kids, it's far cheaper to make them a drinkof squash in your rooms that buying all your non-meal time drinks from the bars or shops.
4\ Check about any special needs or arrangements before you go , directly with Pontins themselves. They will cater for special needs and even special diets but only if they know about them.
5\ Enjoy yourselves.
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Grab your kiss-me-quick hats, buckets and spades and have a cheap break at Pontins, I know we will be off agiain before the end of the year.
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