**Welsh Holiday Parks Outshine Competition, Surpassing Bluestone and Haven in Recent Survey**
Welsh holiday parks have emerged as some of the top destinations in the UK, outclassing larger brands such as Bluestone and Haven, according to a comprehensive survey conducted by Which?. The study – which invited feedback from over 1,700 of the consumer organisation’s members – sought to assess the satisfaction of visitors to holiday parks across Britain, exploring key aspects such as cleanliness, accommodation quality, activities offered, and value for money.
Leading the Welsh contenders, Forest Holidays, with sites in both Beddgelert (set within the scenic surroundings of Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri) and Garwnant in Bannau Brycheiniog, finished in second place overall with an impressive 80% satisfaction score. With a selection of rustic lodges and novel accommodation experiences, including popular treehouses, Forest Holidays received glowing comments, particularly with regards to the standard of cleanliness and the comfort of its lodgings. However, despite the positive reception, the brand was only awarded a three-star rating for value for money—a point of consideration for those seeking budget-friendly options.
Bluestone Wales, located in Pembrokeshire’s picturesque landscape, also earned praise in the survey. Famed for its deluxe lodges and well-equipped cottages, Bluestone received particularly high scores in the category of children’s activities and entertainment. The resort matched Forest Holidays with a three-star value for money rating, finishing with a commendable 77% overall score. This positions Bluestone above several national holiday park names, reaffirming its reputation as a strong contender for family holidays.
Topping the national rankings, however, was Potters Resorts, which operates in Essex and Norfolk. The all-inclusive proposition at Potters—where meals, drinks, a wide array of activities, and evening entertainment are part of the package—helped the resort claim an 87% score from survey participants. While Potters is typically an adults-only destination, children are welcomed during the summer months at its Norfolk location. The brand’s high marks for facilities, accommodation, and an unrivalled range of complimentary activities secured its place at the top, although it is worth noting that the premium price point reflects its luxury offering.
On the other end of the spectrum, Pontins again found itself languishing at the bottom of the table, with a customer satisfaction score of only 56%. At present, only Pontins’ Sand Bay Holiday Village in Weston-super-Mare remains operational, with other sites temporarily closed for redevelopment. Despite some guests lamenting outdated and poorly maintained accommodation, others highlighted positive elements, such as enjoyable entertainment programmes and competitive pricing, suggesting a mixed bag of experiences at the brand’s parks.
Away Resorts, another notable operator, manages more than 20 locations across the UK, including sites in North Wales at Golden Sands and Barmouth Bay. The brand received similar results to Pontins, with only two stars in value for money, but did fare better regarding the quality of its accommodation and cleanliness. Nevertheless, customer service appeared to be an area requiring improvement for Away Resorts.
Among the larger chains, Center Parcs garnered a 69% satisfaction rating, equal to that of Haven. Survey respondents recognised Center Parcs for its high-quality accommodation and facilities but cited the cost and the limitations on free activities as drawbacks—particularly in light of Center Parcs being the third most expensive option among those surveyed. Feedback reflected the challenge that even superb amenities can be overshadowed by significant additional costs.
Haven, with its 38 parks nationwide, resulted in a comparable performance. While rewarded for satisfactory value for money, the food and beverage selection and free activities available failed to impress, earning only two-star reviews from the Which? readership.
As the British holiday park market grows ever more competitive, the new rankings highlight a shift in consumer priorities towards quality, cleanliness, and activity availability, rather than solely brand recognition or price. Notably, Wales’ success in these latest findings points to the region’s growing reputation as a premier destination for domestic tourism, particularly amongst families and those seeking a scenic escape within the UK.
Representatives from Pontins, Largo Leisure, Away Resorts, Park Holidays, Butlins, Center Parcs, and Haven have been approached for comment. The survey results underline the considerable variation in standards across the sector, while also shining a light on the Welsh parks that are setting a new benchmark for holidaymakers across the country.