A new survey has revealed Britain's top holiday parks for the best value for money.
Consumer champion Which? carried out a survey of more than 2,200 stays and revealed some surprising results. According to the survey, Potters Resorts came out ahead of its competitors with a positive customer score of 88 per cent.
Potters has two locations in Norfolk and Essex with everything included in the price such as food and alcoholic drinks. It promises customers "first-class" entertainment with West End-inspired shows and activities such as a boating lake and rifle shooting range.
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One guest said: “They believe in giving good customer service from when you book until you leave. Entertainment is fantastic with shows that could just as easily be in the West End. Food is good and if you have dietary issues the chef speaks to you and comes up with solutions.”
Following closely in second was Waterside Holiday Group with a score of 87 per cent while both resorts scored a complete five out of five stars in every category listed on the survey. Meanwhile, the popular Center Parcs came one per cent ahead of Butlins with a score of 72 per cent.
However, it only received two stars for value for money with guests reporting they spent £71 per night, not including extra activities. One guest went as far as to claim it was like a "second mortgage". In contrast, Center Parc scored five stars with customers stating they enjoyed the "luxuries" that came with it such as a sauna, hot tub and ensuite rooms while also awarding the group four stars for cleanliness, customer service, and facilities.
The survey also recalled that budget-friendly and Britannia-owned Pontins ranked as the UK's worst park nine years in a row. Scoring a mere 59 per cent - one guest described it as a "dull, dingy campsite" while others complained of a variety of problems such as cobwebs, musty smells, sticky furniture and stained mattresses.
Pontins also scored two stars for accommodation, standing out as the worst performer in the survey. It also received the same score for entertainment and kids' facilities, which is supposed to be its main selling point.
Despite this, there were reports from customers that they had an "amazing" time and said the trip took them down a nostalgia trip by propping up childhood memories. Some of the more average performers in the survey include Butlin's which scored three stars in every category and received a 71 per cent customer score.
While the company only has three sites in Bognor, Minehead, and Skegness, it has spent millions on improving its accommodation and pool complexes over the past few years, according to Which?. However, one guest pointed out that "it's good for families but could do with a lot of TLC".
John Fowler Holiday Parks managed to impress customers by providing a classic experience at an affordable price with themed weekends, kids' clubs and static caravans at 11 coastal locations. It revealed to be cheaper than Pontins and scored 78 per cent overall which included a four-star rating for value
Speaking about the results of the survey, Guy Hobbs, Editor of Which? Travel, said: "The UK has an incredible variety of holiday parks and resorts. Holidaymakers can choose from those bursting with slides, swimming pools and activities for kids, or opt for a luxury stay in a safari lodge with hot tub.
“Our survey saw smaller, family-run resorts triumph over the biggest names, so there is no need to go for the most expensive option to have a great experience.”
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