logo
Huge blow to Butlin's and Pontins as UK's best holiday park named

Huge blow to Butlin's and Pontins as UK's best holiday park named

Daily Mirror3 days ago
Brits looking for their next staycation have been urged to 'look past heavyweights' like Butlin's and Pontins after both were snubbed in the league tables for the UK's best holiday park
The UK's best holiday park has been revealed - and it's bad news for the Red Coats. With the cost of living crisis still grappling cash-strapped Brits, many of us are ditching their fortnight abroad for a much more affordable staycation.

In fact, data from last year showed a whopping 52 per cent of Brits were opting to holiday in the UK instead of jetting off to the likes of Spain and Greece, with 34 per cent planning for at least two staycations during 2024. Now that the school summer holidays are just around the corner, swathes of households will be searching for a last-minute break to escape the city and relax.


As a result, consumer brand Which? has ranked all of the UK's holiday parks - arguing you might want to 'look past heavyweights' like Center Parcs, Butlin's and Pontins.
Despite attracting around 1.5 million visitors a year, Butlin's was dealt a huge blow in the league tables - ranking fifth to last. The resort, which has three sites across the UK, scored an overall customer score of 67 per cent.
Travellers gave Butlin's a meagre two stars for its value for money, food and drink offerings, and overall customer service, and three stars for its dog friendliness and variety of free facilities. When it came to the 'quality and variety of children's activities', Butlin's received a much more respectable four stars.

However, it was Pontins that came scraping in at the bottom - with a 56 per cent overall customer score. "The furnishings were extremely tired, the chairs and beds were incredibly uncomfortable, and the grounds within the complex were mostly overgrown," one visitor scathed.
Another agreed, fuming: "It is cheap to book and entertain children. However, the facilities available and prices were below par when actually at the resort."

Taking home gold, with an impressive 87 per cent customer score, is Potters Resorts. The adult-only, all-inclusive park has just two locations (one in Norfolk and one in Essex) and prides itself on its 'award-winning hospitality' and 'West End-quality evening entertainment'.
Operating for more than 100 years, visitors spent around £110 per person per night - and was hailed for its good value for money (remember this price covers your food and drinks too). "The facilities are excellent," praised one recent traveller. "Activities varied and well organised. Entertainment was outstanding. The all inclusive deal was very good value. Food superb and plentiful."

UK's best holiday parks and resorts rated
Potters Resorts
Forest Holidays
Bluestone Wales
John Fowler Holiday Parks
Hoburne Holidays
Hoseasons
Waterside Holiday Group
Warner Leisure Villages
Centerparcs
Haven Holiday Parks
Parkdean Resorts
Butlin's
Park Holidays UK
Away Resorts
Largo Leisure Parks
Pontins
*Which?'s league tables are based on 2,255 responses from 1,717 Which? members and the general public. The survey was carried out in February and March 2024.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Huge boost for 'declining' UK seaside town as abandoned pier to get £13m refurb
Huge boost for 'declining' UK seaside town as abandoned pier to get £13m refurb

Daily Mirror

time3 hours ago

  • Daily Mirror

Huge boost for 'declining' UK seaside town as abandoned pier to get £13m refurb

Following years of outrage from locals and tourists a like, it seems one seaside town is finally ready to bring its abandoned pier back to life, thanks to a £13 million pot of funding A 164-year-old pier defining one of the UK's most popular seaside towns could be brought back to life by next year thanks to a hefty investment. Stretching out a staggering 3,600 ft (around 0.68 miles), Southport Pier is the second longest in the UK - and first opened back in 1860. ‌ For decades, it attracted swathes of tourists who walk around 10 minutes to reach the end of the pier and soak up the stunning sea-views, as well as to make use of the indoor cafe and small arcade. Visitors could also take the miniature railway, which whizzed Brits over to the end of the pier for just a couple of quid. ‌ ‌ But in 2022, the Victorian structure was closed due to safety fears, with necessary repairs estimated to cost a whopping £13 million. The three-year closure has sparked outrage amongst locals and tourists alike - with many arguing the abandoned site is the perfect omen for the 'declining' seaside town. In fact, one 'embarrassed' Brit dubbed Southport 'a very sad neglected town for tourists and residents' on TripAdvisor back in 2023. Another agreed, scathing: "It's time the council got this beautiful historical pier sorted and opened again! This is one of Southports main attractions and they cant afford to have the renovation. A real shame," while a third penned: "I still can't believe that Southport has been allowed to decline even further, the council do not seem to be bothered." ‌ Still, Visit Southport, the area's official tourist board, hailed the destination as being a 'fun-loving' seaside resort with 'attractions for all the family'. "[There's] an abundance of independent restaurants and bars making it a foodies' haven, and full of culture," it wrote. "When it comes to beaches, you're spoiled for choice. We have 22 miles of coastline from Formby Beach, Ainsdale Beach, Crosby Beach (where you can visit the famous Antony Gormley 'Another Place'), and Southport Beach itself. You can enjoy some of the most stunning views along our coast." ‌ However, last month Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed the pier would be eligible for cash from a new fund dedicated to speeding up 'forgotten' local projects. Speaking on BBC Radio Merseyside, Sefton Council leader Marion Atkinson said the authority would be ready to start work on the pier 'within six to eight weeks' of receiving the government funding. "We're absolutely wanting to get on with it," she said. The councillor stated that repairs would take between 12 to 14 months, adding: "We'll be looking at ways in which, if we can, to get it done as quickly as we possibly can. But, it does take a lot of time because there's a lot of work." ‌ When approached for comment, Sefton Council directed the Mirror to the Southport Pier's FAQ page. Here, the council explains that the pier endured a UK-wide extreme cold weather snap at the end of 2022 which caused 'further damage' to its structural condition. "Following an inspection by a team of independent Structural Engineers, Sefton Council was told to close the pier to protect the safety of anyone working on it or visiting the iconic tourist attraction," the council said. "A full and extensive independent structural survey was commissioned, the interim feedback from which has confirmed the need to keep the Pier closed until further extensive repair and replacement works are carried out. The final surveys state the same explicitly, and the Pier would no longer be insurable so had to be shut." Sefton Council says it has since engaged in several conversations with regards to external funding having already completed phase one of the decking replacement. The council also agreed to allocate £3 million to the Pier project. "Sefton Council has also made several appointments in order to specify the works that will be required to refurbish the Pier and we are preparing for appointing a contractor for the works, again reaffirming Sefton's commitment to the project," the authority added.

Holiday hotspot branded 'ghost town' as Brits in Spain say it's 'dead' this July
Holiday hotspot branded 'ghost town' as Brits in Spain say it's 'dead' this July

Daily Record

time8 hours ago

  • Daily Record

Holiday hotspot branded 'ghost town' as Brits in Spain say it's 'dead' this July

The summer holidays may be in full swing but this one popular destination in Spain has been abandoned by its usual visitors despite being in peak season As summer reaches its peak, many people are heading off on well-earned holidays to soak up the sun and escape their daily routine. One destination that continues to attract large crowds is Benidorm - a long-time favourite among families and popular with stag and hen parties. ‌ The Spanish resort remains a top choice for Brits thanks to its affordable accommodation, reasonably priced food and drinks and wide range of activities - not forgetting its famous nightlife. The town usually sees its highest number of visitors between June and August. ‌ However, one Brit who relocated to Benidorm has been surprised by how unusually quiet it is this July, the Mirror reports. Harry Poulton, 24, who moved there after his first lads' holiday at 18, described the current atmosphere on the Costa del Sol as being "like a ghost town." ‌ On TikTok, Harry expressed his surprise: "Benidorm is a ghost July?! I've never seen it this quiet. Where is everyone?!". In his video, he appears standing along the main strip and comments: "It's the middle of July, look behind me, it's dead. I'm on the Benidorm strip, there's barely any people, this is crazy." "I cannot believe it, this is the quietest, I've ever seen Benidorm," he continued. One holidaymaker currently in Benidorm, took to the comments to reply: "Currently in Benners. Our first trip here and I was expecting carnage. It's full of families." Another agreed with this, saying: "In Benny now, it's packed with families instead of stags and hens". ‌ Another user, expressed: "We went in July one year [and it] was all Spanish families around the pool." While a fourth chimed in: "No one has any money. Also the price they charge to go in summer is scandalous." Another comment pointed out: "It's like this every July, August. Shocking but in reality, it's too warm and very expensive." With another adding: "The price has gone up, we came two years ago it was coming up as one of the cheapest places to visit, now it's definitely not. However, once you have been you know it's worth every penny." ‌ Yet another person made a statement, saying: "I was there between 8th and 15th and it was a lot quieter than it was two summers ago. The Prices of holidays are going through the roof." Thomas Cook, which evolved from an airline into an online travel agency, suggests that August is the ideal month for a holiday to Benidorm. The company stated: "If you love hot and sunny weather, the best time of year to visit Benidorm would be during August, which is the hottest month in the resort. "The average temperature throughout August is a lovely 25C and has been known to reach around the 30C mark. If you enjoy a refreshing dip in the sea, August is the best month for that too, with the average sea temperature also being a comfortable 25C."

Outrage as luxury £425 a night hotel paid for by YOU taken over to house asylum seekers in ‘insult to law-abiding Brits
Outrage as luxury £425 a night hotel paid for by YOU taken over to house asylum seekers in ‘insult to law-abiding Brits

Scottish Sun

time8 hours ago

  • Scottish Sun

Outrage as luxury £425 a night hotel paid for by YOU taken over to house asylum seekers in ‘insult to law-abiding Brits

Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BRITAIN'S borders fiasco worsened last night when the Home Office took over a four-star hotel that costs tourists up to £425 a night. Rooms at the Britannia International, which boasts 'superb views over London', are being readied for asylum seekers at taxpayers' expense in anticipation of a summer surge in Channel crossings. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 A luxury £425 a night London hotel funded by taxpayers has been handed over to house asylum seekers Credit: Ray Collins 7 The Britannia International — in flash financial district Canary Wharf The move was last night branded an 'insult'. Residents and business owners said they fear for their safety, and that it would attract protests. A demo was held there on Tuesday and yesterday police guarded the hotel, while a fence had been thrown up around its entrance. Workers hauled beds inside, as Tower Hamlets Council confirmed it would be used for migrants — and said they should get the 'full package of support'. Britannia Hotels has hailed its biggest and flagship residence — as a 'modern, glass-fronted building close to the internationally famous business district'. When open to the public, a ­standard room can cost as much as £425 a night. They are said to have 'superb views over London'. The hotel offers two restaurants and bars, making it the 'perfect base for a city break'. Amenities include a games room with a pool table and gym. It is unclear if migrants will be allowed to use them. Farage fury as cops admit ESCORTING pro-migrant protesters to Essex asylum hotel An indoor pool and sauna are thought to have been shut down. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp told The Sun: 'It is outrageous that the Government is splurging taxpayers' hard-earned money on luxury hotels for illegal immigrants when most people in this country would struggle to afford a hotel in central London. 'This is one of the most luxurious hotels people can only dream of staying in, right in the heart of London's financial centre. 'No wonder illegal immigrants are flooding across the channel in record numbers when this weak Labour government welcomes them with hotel ­accommodation funded by hard-working taxpayers. 'This is an insult to law-abiding citizens. 'The Government must urgently act to deport every single illegal arrival, then the crossings would rapidly stop but Keir Starmer is too weak to do this.' Susan Hall, Tory leader in London's City Hall, added: 'It's incredible that four-star hotels like this are being used to house migrants. 'This move will damage every small firm in Canary Wharf trying to survive. 'Women and children, I can tell you, don't feel safe around these hotels in London. 'It shows things are getting worse and worse for hard-working Brits, who are trying to keep their families going. 'This is the damage it is doing to society, and I think it is going to cause a really serious problem.' Some 23,534 migrants have already arrived on small boats this year — 48 per cent higher than this time in 2024. Sources indicated the International will remain empty until ­necessary, with the Home Office striking a deal to rent 400 rooms for £81 a night. Britannia Hotel The Britannia International Hotel is a modern, glass-fronted building close to the internationally famous business district. It sports superb views over the London skyline, two on-site restaurants, bars and en-suite bedrooms, making it the perfect base for a city break. It means the weekly bill for the hotel could be up to £226,800 if every room is used. Yesterday labourers were seen carrying mattresses into the hotel shortly after 8am. A team flanked by private security also brought in metal bed frames and a pallet of orange juice and food. We've lost our jobs at the hotel. We are taxpayers and have done nothing wrong Cleaner at the hotel It is thought agency staff have been drafted in to run it, with existing contractors let go. A cleaner and mum of two arrived for her last shift yesterday and said: 'I don't think it's right that I and all the staff have been given redundancy letters. 'We are taxpayers and have done nothing wrong. 'Now we will struggle to make ends meet. 'We are gutted.' On Tuesday 150 anti-migrant activists protested outside the International until 9pm. Just five took part in a counter protest. Some flocked there amid false rumours circulated by far-right thug Tommy Robinson that migrants had arrived there from the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex — also the scene of demos. Around 50 cops were drafted in to Canary Wharf, with no arrests. 7 Workers hauled beds inside, as Tower Hamlets Council confirmed it would be used for migrants Credit: SelwynPics 7 Inside the expensive hotel Credit: Reform's chief whip Lee Anderson was at the International demo and said he was 'absolutely furious' at the hotel's closure. The MP added: 'This hotel here — it must cost a couple of hundred quid a night to stay there. 'Most normal people in this country would not be able to afford to stay here for a weekend, but we have illegals coming here.' Yesterday local homeowners told of their fears that a migrant hotel would tank property values. Software engineer Matt, who declined to give his surname, said: 'The houses here go for £1million, though probably not any more. 'I'm really worried about house prices going down. 'Now seems a bad time to sell up.' Mary, 58, who lives five minutes away, fumed: 'This used to be the best place in the world but it's gone to the dogs. 'I struggle on my pension. 'I paid taxes all my life. And they are in a four-star hotel?' It is thought there are 210 asylum hotels in the UK. It is important that the Government ensures that there is a full package of support for those staying at the hotel The council Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper have pledged to cut their use entirely by 2029. The Britannia Hotel group was approached for comment. It has a portfolio of 64 UK hotels and is a major provider of asylum accommodation. A cost-cutting drive has seen the average price of a migrant hotel room fall to £118.87, down from £162.16 in March 2023. Last month we told how the annual asylum support bill of £4.7billion was equivalent to the annual taxes forked out by a city the size of Manchester. Tower Hamlets Council said: 'We are aware of the Government's decision to use the Britannia Hotel in Canary Wharf to provide temporary accommodation for asylum seekers. 'It is important the Government ensures there is a full package of support for those staying at the hotel. 'We are working with the Home Office and partners to make sure that all necessary safety and safeguarding arrangements are in place.' The Home Office said: 'We inherited a broken asylum system from the Tories with costs spiralling out of control. 'As part of the plan to restore order and close all asylum hotels by the end of the parliament, we are boosting border security, substantially increasing removals of those with no right to be here. 'We are also tackling the Tories' wasteful contracts by ending the use of more expensive accommodation and moving to cheaper options.' 7 Anti-migrant demonstrators at the hotel on Tuesday evening Credit: UKNIP 7 Police officers guard the hotel entrance Credit: Ray Collins

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store