We felt as though we'd travelled back in time to the early 1950's and landed in the middle of an estate that had seen better days. The paint work is peeling, the chalets are smelly, the carpets are stained, the furniture is dirty, the equipment is sparse, the decor is bland, the beds are uncomfy, the quilts are stained (yuck!!), the stairs leading up to the chalet smells of urine, and the grafitti is shocking! Although, I have to say, the bathroom was quite nice - in a minimalist kind of way! The entertainment was no better - we endured shreaking and very poor warbling from the 'Bluecoats', who struggled their way through several hundred renditions of songs from 'High School Musical', incorporating this in to every act - A tribute to 'High School Musical', 'songs from the century' and even 'Cinderella'?? Unlike other parks that we have visited before, Pontins did not have a timetable included in the welcome packs that we could follow, so we gadn't a clue what entertainment was on and when (not a bad thing given the quality of the entertainment). All in all a very disappointing stay that will NEVER be repeated!

We upgraded to a Classic apartment after I had read reviews, I would hate to think what the Budget apartment was like!
Reception area very uninviting and dirty, wanted to go home the moment I arrived but the kids were looking forward to it and I couldn't face yet and another 5 hours on the road with 3 kids squashed in the back. The main entertainment hall was revolting. The carpet was so dirty you had trouble seeing what the original colour and pattern was. The entertainment was extremely poor. There were no acts booked and all the entertainment was done by the Bluecoats, which although they were friendly had no idea how to entertain a monkey, let alone hundreds of people. As we were there half-term week they knew it would be full of family's so should have had more for the kids to do. My 10 and 13 year old didn't know what to do with themselves other than go to the arcade which of course costs a small fortune. There was a Zip Wire which they liked but they had to queue for ages just to get a go and then had to pay

we(and I mean 38 of us)and arrived at different times although this wasn't a problem at the gatehouse. It was raining hard and we really could of done with Sir Walter Raleigh but he was nowhere to be found.We asked to be sited together as much as possible & this was adhered to.Nobody really welcomed us though & it was a russian roulette game to find where your chalet was.

Stayed in club aprarment near the Queen Vic bar.

Apartment was very clean even smelt nice. Beds were nice. My son was not very well and was sick all over the bed. I went to reception but it was closed, I asked in the shop how to get some clean bedding they told me to see security. I saw a security man in the shop buying his tea and he said no prob he will sort it.10 mins later he knocked on door with a full set of bedding and a bin bag of old stuff. He said if it happens again just phone and he would bring more if needed. Excellent service above the call of duty for security. Didnt get a chance to thank him as he was off the rest of my hols.

All in all a great place for the kids (even though 1 was sick) great beach and Southport town nice lots to do.

having be here 13 years ago we thought we would come again o no it was just as it was 13 years ago , no not as it was but just as bad the carpet must have been there from 1960 it may only be budget chalet but we had to keep our shoes on round the furniture the carpet was a different colour, the windows did not shut so are the weekend was windy so was the chalet did not cook as the grill had cobwebs on so did not dare use any cooking items only cups, our smoke alarm was on top of the wardrobe perhaps it is to tell you when the wardrobe catches fire!!!!!!!! we also had the football tournament as well never again up to a hundred kids running round at night and nobody supervising them

We have stayed at Pontins before, at Prestatyn and has a wonderful time, but Southport is completely different.
The chalet (budget) was of the same low standard which I expected, but wasnt cold as it was august ( i have stayed in Pontins chalets in low season and we froze)
The bins hadnt been emptied and the fire alarm was not on the ceiling but bunged into the wardrobe. Again thats par for the course at modern day Pontins.
The food was reasonable but lots of people seemed to be leaving almost full plates so i didnt try it. the shop was ok, but not well stocked and long long queues.
Most of the sporting activities are no longer free - which was always a reason for going there - now its

I was apprehensive after reading the reviews on here but i was pleasantly surprised. We booked a *club* chalet and it was spotless. Lovely clean white sheets and towells, a comfortable sofa bed in the living room, sky tele, and twin beds (which looked new) in the bedroom. There was a welcome pack with tea, coffee, sugar, milk and washing up liquid and dish cloth. There was also shower gel and soap provided. The club chalets have their own garden areas and there near all the amenities.I can only assume theres been vast improvements since some of the older reviews because we couldnt fault it. I found all the staff lovely and the bluecoats couldnt do enough for the children. I cant comment on the meals because we took our own food but the restaraunt and cafe seemed busy enough and i didnt hear any complaints. I thought the childrens entertainment was great, the pool was good and the play areas were fine. We didnt bother with the adult entertainment because we were there purely for the children so by 9pm we were shattered and quite happy to chill in the chalet with a few beers but it was no more noisy of an evening than any other holiday place and seemed quite quiet by 12ish. Cant comment on the *budget* chalets, i,d rather pay the bit extra because the club chalets include electricity and bedding etc but i would imagine if you go *budget* you get what you pay for. All in all we loved it and it is a childrens holiday camp so its not going to be spotless everywhere like a 5 star hotel. I even read a review were someone complained about the windows being dirty. I mean come on, we didnt have time to notice the windows, we were having such fun. If you want to see the kids have a great time and you book a *club* chalet you wont be dissapointed.Just keep in mind its a childrens holidy camp not a hotel.

We stayed at this place as part of a football team tournament and thank god it was for this reason - we were out for most of the time.

The rooms looked clean upon entry. However, upon closer inspection it was filthy. Dirty carpets, upholstery, beds has last peoples clothing (underwear etc) underneath, had to scrub all crockery and cutlery - was covered in previous guests last meal. No doors on the wardrobes but this did help at 6am when trying to find clothes to put on as sleep was impossible due to noise and/or useless curtains.

The logistics of the site are a nightmare every part looks the same which is not helpful after a few glasses of what they call chenin blanc at the pub - more like Country Manor! The bar service was very slow but then if I worked there I would be on a go slow.

My husband and sons visited the swimming pool from which they did not get ill from and returned with positive comments.

We took our youngest son aged 5 to the adventure playground and were hounded off by groups of wild teenagers who managed to smash the slide. Any movement in that area was restricted by the worry of being knocked off your feet by whirling dervish children. Much the same at night no parents present with children, you could not leave your child for 2 minutes.

The arcade area was fine in daylight hours, but at night felt like you had walked into the wrong part of town. Large groups of kids as young as 6 following you around and standing very close while you are playing the machines. My children and others on the team did not want to go in after first night due to feeling intimidated.

The most unbelievable part was on the last morning at 8.30am the cleaning staff came around knocking on doors and asking people to leave. We had to be out by 10am and that could not have come quick enough. Don't know why they wanted to get in they obviously didn't clean.

The highlight of the visit was the fact toilet roll was provided- i'm not sure if that was good or bad as we did not recieve a full roll!

Our friends in the next wendy house had an awfull time all members got bitten by either fleas or some other creature and returned with headlice. Sit, lay or sleep on the sofa at your peril.

Can't comment on the food served as we didn't dare taste it.

Looking forward to next year!

After reading the reviews on this page I was very apprehensive about visiting Pontins. However I am glad we did. Our room was very clean and the beds were spotless. (and very comfortable). The kids enjoyed everything about Pontins, go-karting, wall climbing, aeroball, soccer star school, and of course the slot machines (we spent a few quid).

The pub offered excellent food, (don't forget to use the vouchers). The entertainment was a bit for small kids and the adult entertainment did not start until 10.45pm by which time the kids were tired so me and hubby ended up watching Barney while the kids watched Baracelona V some other spanish team in the Lunar Bar.

Will be visting again

We were very apprehensive after reading some of the reports but needn't have been. We stayed in budget accommodation and have no complaints whatsoever. The room and beds were spotless.

The entertainmaint was ok but adults didn't start till late so our daughter was fairly tired.

Pool was lovely and clean and really big. All other activities were good on the camp too.

Lovely beach not far away for nice walks. Must be lovely in the summer months.

We would definitely go again.