**UK’s Best and Worst Holiday Parks Revealed, with Potters Resorts Topping the Poll and Pontins Trailing Behind**
A recent nationwide survey conducted by consumer group Which? has offered a fresh perspective on the state of holiday parks across the UK, revealing both the hidden gems and the underperformers in this popular sector. With input from over 1,700 respondents reflecting on their experiences, this annual ranking scrutinised everything from cleanliness to quality of accommodation, variety of activities, and overall value for money.
In a notable result, Potters Resorts, an operator best known for its all-inclusive offerings at sites in Essex and Norfolk, outstripped larger and longer-established rivals. Guests praised Potters for its superior facilities and spotless accommodation, awarding it a standout customer satisfaction score of 87%. In particular, the wealth of activities provided at no extra charge—from pickleball courts to archery—scored highly among guests. While Potters carries a higher price tag, the inclusion of all meals, drinks, and extensive entertainment, which even earned ‘West End’ comparisons, convinced many that the cost was justified.
Second in the rankings was Forest Holidays, a brand celebrated for its unique rural retreats, including log cabins and treehouses in the heart of nature. Operating parks across England, Scotland, and Wales, Forest Holidays achieved an overall satisfaction score of 80%. Visitors were especially impressed by the pristine cleanliness and the imaginative accommodation options, though some felt the resort could do better with its value-for-money proposition—garnering only three out of five stars in that department.
Wales also fared well in the list, with Bluestone Pembrokeshire coming in a strong third. This resort, set in the picturesque Welsh countryside, ranked highly for luxury lodges and cottages. Families, in particular, were keen on the breadth of children’s activities and evening entertainment, though the relative cost saw its overall rating settle at 77%. It’s clear that Bluestone has carved a reputation among families looking for a premium getaway in Wales’ beautiful landscape.
On the other end of the spectrum, Pontins found itself at the foot of the table for the second year running, hampered by ongoing negative reviews and dwindling location options. With only its Sand Bay outpost in Weston-Super-Mare currently open to guests—the other sites in Burnham on Sea and Pakefield temporarily shuttered—Pontins was marked down across categories, with a customer satisfaction score languishing at 56%. While some guests took to Tripadvisor to bemoan dirty and outdated facilities, others did note a few redeeming experiences, particularly applauding the entertainment programme and value for tight budgets.
In a statement seeking to address their poor showing, Largo Leisure Parks, which rated near the bottom with 64%, cited the limited sample size of surveyed visitors, contrasting the Which? results with more positive feedback across independent platforms like TripAdvisor and Google Reviews. A spokesperson underlined ongoing efforts to enhance the guest experience and urged prospective visitors to judge each park individually through up-to-date online testimonials.
Elsewhere, Away Resorts, with 25 locations—including hotspots in Cornwall and the Isle of Wight—was given mixed marks by survey respondents. While the company offers a wide range of accommodation styles, it struggled to impress on value for money and customer service, achieving three stars for cleanliness but little higher in other categories. The company’s extensive choice may not always translate into consistently high standards, according to Which? members.
Industry titans Center Parcs and Haven, both household names, each scored 69%, a result that highlights both their popularity and their perceived shortcomings. Center Parcs drew applause for its high-quality facilities, but guests expressed frustration at the number of additional charges heaped onto base rates, leading many to label the experience as ‘expensive for what it is’. Haven, with high-profile parks scattered across the UK, fared similarly, with decent marks for value for money but criticism over food quality and lack of free activities.
The latest results demonstrate a shifting landscape in the British holiday park sector, in which smaller and more innovative operators are challenging the dominance of larger chains through tailored experiences and improved customer satisfaction. For budget-conscious families, however, lower-cost options like Pontins and Away Resorts may still appeal, despite mixed reviews.
As travel habits continue to evolve, the search for the ideal UK getaway appears to rest not only on price or convenience, but on the consistent delivery of both quality and memorable experiences. With holiday parks remaining a favourite for domestic breaks, the annual Which? ranking provides valuable guidance for families charting their next staycation.