I Visit The SMALLEST Pontins In The UK! 

Which Pontins is the BEST?

Is there anything worse than existing as a bird, in an aviary, at a pontins?

That phone box at the beginning is a model K8, the last of the red phone boxes, very rare now.

There’s such a feeling of abandonment and of “giving up” at Pontins.

Wow, I'm no spring chicken, but that canteen looked like an old peoples home.

You deserve a medal for this.

Just to add to Tim's comments on Sand Bay. I was organising the entertainment at the weekend Tim was filming. It was a Country music weekend with entertainment on 3 evening's and 2 lunchtimes from top UK Country music artistes in the large ballroom. It was a sell out event with 600 people who all had a great time judging by the positive comments and the book back's for the next Country music weekend at Sand Bay 20th to 23rd January 2023. Concerning the statue that's the housekeeping team having fun with lost property that has been left in the apartments. I enjoyed the short film well done Tim.

I used to work there when I was a student , the fun we had with the tractor and golf buggy ! . The maintance staff where very hot on the gardening , the staff room was a very interesting place 😮

Never thought I'd enjoy UK holiday resort reviews so much, cheers for your content mate you're great at this! :)

I was dreading going due to their reputation but was working locally and needed somewhere cheap to stay. I have been twice this year and paid £79 each time for a single room, 4 nights. The chalets were ok. The breakfast was cooked to perfection. Evening meals were tasty. All day entertainment but obviously not for our age group. I would recommend it to anyone and it is still great value in summer with a fab beach.

When I worked at holiday camps in the sixties, the general manager and head chef always got "proper" accommodation, usually a bungalow on site. The rest of us got something resembling a war zone.

£33 with 2 cooked meals a day is very good value in todays market, another excellent video Tim.

Pontins do own Sand Bay. It was originally a Pontins site built in 1947 and it was bought from Pontins by Martin Leisure who own Hollybush Hotels who ran it for quite a few years. I stayed there twice a year for several years. The company went into administration in 2013 and Pontins bought the company back off Hollybush in January 2014. Thats why it has the Sand bay Holiday Village logo's around. When Martins Leisure bought it they got rid of all the Pontins branding and when Pontins rescued the company in 2014, they again put up their Pontins branding and refurbished the site so its probably the most recent upgrade of the Pontins group of sites.

My grandpa gave Fred Pontin and his wife a job at the pleasure beach in Blackpool when he was down and out.

Ive worked at 2 pontins the first was south downs near Chichester the other was wick ferry in Christchurch both of which was very clean at the time back in 1989 , very good memories 😂

I did a season as a Bluecoat at Sand Bay back in 84 I think it was and it was over 18's back them as well, although we did have the children during the school summer holidays. It was table service back then and the Bluecoats were there to welcome you at every sitting and we would also dine with the guest at their tables. (we would also do Pajama breakfast every morning) I also had the best 2 weeks of my 10 year career as a Bluecoat at Sand Bay. Two weeks near the end of the season (I think it was near the end) we had the handicapped weeks for both mentally and physically affected people and by god did they know how to enjoy themselves and party! I remember that during most evening meals we would have mashed potato fights which was started by accident. I was sitting at a table where we had one teenager in a wheelchair, and he was annoyed at his mum for some reason and threw some mashed spuds at her, which missed and hit me instead. Now although this wee boy was a bit spoiled I didn't think it was a very nice thing to do, so, I filled my tablespoon with mash and flicked it right back at him. He didn't like that and unfortunately started crying, so I did it again and then his sister got in on the act and joined in, then both parents started doing the same and before we knew it just about every table in the restaurant had joined in (at the end of the week that wee boy in the wheelchair was my best buddy) The ballroom area has changed a lot at the back from when I was there, as we had a fairly decent long bar that started about a meter or two from the edge of the dance floor and went all the way to nearly the back windows. It was open plan in those days and there were windows and French doors at the back of the room on each side of the wee stage that you saw. The house's that you saw were used as staff accommodation when I was there (along with the area that rightly thought was for staff) Another great video that has brought back a lot of wonderful memories for me Tim, so thank you for that. Oh yeah, I've also subscribed to the channel and I'm currently binging the back catalogue of videos 👍

That is by far the best Pontins you’ve been in. It actually looks like someone cares about it (a bit!) Shame about some of the food and the closed pool but for £99 for 3 nights is fantastic value - even if you were the youngest there by 30 years!

Hi Tim, loving the retro Pontins videos, it’s like going back in time, I do enjoy the videos especially when the sun is out ☀️

This place genuinely doesn’t seem half bad. I suppose the fact that it’s smaller makes it easier to clean and maintain.

No accomodation does that in Canada-meters your electricity. But some do meter your internet, or TV. Nickel and diming is a nuisance. This looks better than most Pontins.Blandini buffet, decor carries over into the Bleach Bar. I'm only 55, which is to say too young for country. I do love faster more upbeat bluegrass.

My partner and I stayed couple of years ago. And enjoyed it. Adults only weekend the food was good entertainment there great to see so many people enjoying themselves in the evening. And in the restaurant all eating together. If these places are not saved the ethos of people holidaying all together in a complex will be lost forever in the UK. We talked to some Brummies in the Bar great laugh. The way things are going a lot of family's will need these places because of the cost of living. Thanks Ruth south Wales 😁❤

The area you were staying in I believe is all standard rooms for guests. Most of the entertainers for the site stay in the houses close to the front of the park. The Club room me and my partner stayed in was over by the crazy golf course. For what you pay for, the park is pretty well kept, food is substantial, if not imaginative, and the staff will do their best for you if they are able.

Those rooms look like a budget 1960s roadside motel you once saw in Australia. The sort of thing you see in B movies.

As far as Pontins go this looks like one I would actually stay at , your room looks ok , I’d pay for this room 👍🏻 I’d have got a bigger brekkie than that 😂 I never knew this place existed ! Thank you for showing us TIm . I’m kind of interested in this place 👍🏻

This looks okay for the price (apart from the conjealed cream on those containers) and it could be used as a base to visit the wider area. As for the older clientele, I'm mid 40's and TBH if you wanted a quiet few days away it wouldn't bother me at all.

I never had family holidays as a kid, my Dad died when I was 5 years old & then my Mum had Cancer & various health problems. So I never got to see Holiday Parks, I haven't seen enough of your videos to comment on my favourite yet Tim. Nice to be introduced to these places on your channel 😊

The clean parts gave me hope, and there were areas that exuded a feeling of being loved by certain members of staff, but the canteen was grim. I imagine most of the people who go there have been doing so for many years and meet up with some good friends. I imagine also the entertainment makes up for the lack of other facilities. How lovely to be so close to the beach though, and for the money worth it just to use as a base if touring around the rest of the area, even if you didn't eat there. I haven't been to a Pontins since 1970 (Prestatyn) when I was 7. It was a really good experience on the whole, again close to the beach, lovely entertainments staff looked after us while the parents enjoyed their holiday separately. Thanks Tim for showing us what these places are really like nowadays.

Been a regular visitor to sand bay since 2015, can't go wrong for the price I've had weekend stays for £49 in the past, never had negative experience food wise, the pool has been sparsely open and closed over the years as has the jacuzzi, entertainment is generally good and the bar prices are pretty reasonable, I never stay on site during the day I tend to get the bus out to Weston super mare - great video though and fairly honest and accurate, lots of people tend to slate the place but want to pay bargain prices and expect 5 Star service rather than having realistic expectations

The restaurant is like a works canteen!

Definitely looks nicer than most! Shame about the pool though,Maybe it could open again in the future cause that’s usually the thing most people look forward to!

In our chalet, at Sandbay, the large bathroom window had plain glass. We were next to a walk way and each time we used the bathroom / loo we had to shut the blinds and turn on the light

Giving me flashbacks to Sand Bay school trips, always raining sideways if I remember correctly!

Personally I think this one is the best. It's not perfect, certainly not but it does show potential, unlike the others, which are well past saving in my opinion. If this one is now free from the Pontins brand, they may be able to turn it into a great budget holiday park. Love the vid as always Tim ❤

Went here at least twice 50 per years ago. Sure ball room chairs and carpets exactly the same especially that pattern red one. Last time prob 30 years ago with my kids but just for the day. You can't get a day pass to Pontins but you can blag security you want to come in to book then stay several hours. Sure when we went then there was a toll stop on the road into the village. Was always about the beach there though. Tide goes out over a mile.

Did a show there last year. Was like going back 50 years.

I went there. I liked it as adults only. If any food was empty and you asked them for more, they were good about replenishing it. It was really good value for money for what you get. I used to take my plate of food and eat it in the beach bar.

Worked there in 1988 the best Sunday dinner I’ve ever had. It was an adult only camp so we unfortunately had someone die at least once a season. Great little camp that has many happy memories.

It was a very good blog today of your visit to the smallest pontins in the UK today tim

Hi Tim, yet again I really enjoyed watching this vlog. It seems to be a well maintained traditional holiday park. Let’s hope it performs well and is a success for Pontins. Hopefully they will get back on track and refurbish the rest of the parks in a similar manner. Sir Fred Pontin always had use of the detached bungalow purposely built at each holiday centre so Sand Bay appears to be no exception.

It could be a pontin's branch catering to adults only ,while the main branch caters for families ,some adults don't want to be around kids 24 /7 but want time for themselves if they are single or have already raised their own families .

This is so wholesome

The phone box gives me memories of the Wall Park pontins and using the call box to ring my school for my gsce results back in 1997 🤣

Wow...positively posh for a Pontins... I don't think you can complain at £99 for 3 days half board. Not that it's my cup of tea either and you looked the youngest person there but that looks ok . Fab video as always!!!

All of our family stayed for a week, in this camp back in the 70s. This video brings back childhood memories, it was our favourite camp.❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤❤

Looks like one of the best pontins you've shown. It wasn't in much of a sad state at any point

Been visiting sand bay for nearly 50 years and I have never set foot in this park. Thanks for showing us around.

Great walkabout...definitely the better looking pontins I've seen👍had the feeling of a retirement resort lol, thank you for sharing and I wish you a wonderful week in everything you do, much love 🤗💛

By putting the two single beds sideways they prevent them from going this way and that. Clever!

Looked pretty good Tim. I think it is for older people. Thanks Tim👏🏻

American here... I have no clue about Pontins, what it was, is, where they are, or should be like. Tim, adding a bit of an informative intro to your delightful vids would be appreciated. There are many like me, who love to travel and appreciate your reviews.

Good condition. Nice grounds. Food school canteen style & quality. Did look like a 65-80 (not 18-30) resort where instead of jumping into each other’s beds they jump into each other’s walking frames. I am sure for the price it’s a good week away for pensioners on a budget. You could use it as cheap accommodation to tour and not actually eat here and still be ahead.

That site made me think of Phoenix Night's. "What if Brian Potter opened a holiday park"

as someone who works in an extremely busy cafe , that is short staffed to address the plates etc on the tables this can happen espically if over run and under staffed our place is deisgned for 8 people somestimes we have 3 , so its not that some places want to leave it messy its just that so many jobs to do can sometimes not help to ensure it being tidy constantly

I drive past this one all the time when I go to walk the dogs. Always wondered what it’s like inside and now I know. Thanks :)

Thank you so much for your review, its a great help as we are going next year for a weekend and wasnt sure what to expect. X

that was interesting - definitely good value - has a few wet weather things to do - will give it a try.

Love this and so happy you included the breakfast experience! Top video this

WoW 😮glad I watched this as was considering Pontins for 2024 for the family but definitely go back to Haven instead 👍

Finally doing Breakfast/ Dinner reviews! This is the most interesting part :) Well done!

Hi Tim ! Wow this was a surprise much better than the others. Obviously needs attention but could be very nice . The ballroom was massive for the size of the park. Great location right by the sea loving these vlogs. Thanks for sharing with us love to you as always Tracey 💕 xxxx

Worked there as a waiter 20 years ago bringing back some good memories watching this,It was just sand bay holiday village back then it wasn't a pontins! Great video!👍🏻

Wow that phone box would look amazing in a garden somewhere and best of the bunch this one

When I was very young my parents are used to holiday in Watchet and we had days out to WSM and BOS i have such happy memories of our holidays there. We used to stay on a camp site called " Blue Anchor Bay" ... I love my time there

Hi Tim. It is the best one so far you have been to. You are right about the canteen it does get noisy and I find them echoy to.

Tim another excellent video, you should be offered a highly paid top management position with one of the UK holiday parks owners or hotel chains, you have built up a fantastic knowledge and video archive of UK accommodation which would be invaluable in improving what can all too often be a below par customer experience.

My other half would love all the pianos! It's his dream for us to own somewhere big enough that we can have one.

Have you ever thought about doing centre parcs holiday resorts Tim? They would make a great video

A few years ago I was so excited to take my children to pontins and there was nothing but arcade machines and night entertainment. So disappointed as it was magical when I went as a child.

Would it be slightly cynical to think that this Pontins is in better condition than most because they only repurchased the site back a couple of years ago after selling in 1999?

As a local it's good to finally see what it's like inside. Always surprised that people actually want to come to Sand Bay for their holidays. Love the vids thank you so much

Showed up for an adult only long weekend and it ended up being some kind of swinger get together. Not my thing and wish I had known. I had a sit outside and left my chair outside. Got random knocks at the door. I was told the chair was a way of saying “swingers interested”. Sat down with someone at breakfast and got the run down of the swingers thing at all the Pontins.

I adore Sand Bay. Been there quite a few times. I rarely go into the Ballroom during the evenings as I much prefer the atmosphere in the Queen Vic. Quiz around 7:30, Fun and Games/Video racing around 9:00 and loads come in from the Ballroom for a couple of games of Hoy! Bingo around 10:30. Brilliant atmosphere, brilliant resort.

been there few years ago and looks like it hasnt changed. be going there in March next year. nice park, need few updates - painting etc, also the only bad thing is queuing up for breakfast and dinner. lunch you have to provide yourself. and at least that they can give you free coffee's and teas when you need them.

Hey Tim, Have you ever heard of the Aberconwy Resort & Spa? I did some repair work on the park a fair few years ago now, it’s a small park but has a Michelin recommended restaurant on site. I find that kind of funny to think. Keep up the videos, I love your work!

Great video Tim love the uk holiday camps stuff keep up the great work

The smallest Pontins with a very large ballroom. Sandbay looks great for families. Cheers for such an informative vid, Tim. 👍

Another super video Tim! Glad to see your trying the food at these places too. It's an experience in it self, I don't know why I laughed when I saw the buffet of prunes!!! WTF!! Definitely catering for the target market. 🤣🤣

I'm 50/50 with this one Tim... You get a really good deal staying three nights half board for only £99... With the use of all the facilities including free entertainment... But!... And it's a big but... At the end of the holiday season... Some staff are out of contract once the Summer season closes... The late Summer early Autumn season is usually covered by a skeleton staff only... As there's less customers to cater for... Which will also filter down to the food quality and availability to the customers too... It's the same with the out of order drinks machines... If there's a cheaper alternative to making immediate repairs to them... Then it can slide until the start of next season... That'll obviously be Pontins more preferred option... It's the same with the empty vending machines... There's probably not enough customers staying there to justify restocking them... As it's coming up to the end of the season... But if you're prepared to overlook these minor niggling points... Then a cheap three night half board break for only £99 is a real bargain mate... Many thanks for this Pontins mini tour Tim... It's very much appreciated... All the best my friend... Cheers. 🍺

Love walking with you!

Tim, it was great to see you put a food review in this vlog, I loved it. P.S. Looking at the fish, there is no way it was Cod or Haddock. I would put my money on it being Vietnamese River Cobbler.

$99, sounds like a really good deal. No wonder it’s so full of seniors. I noticed the car park looked full, so there must be a lot of people there.

I went on holiday here. managed to get an room for 4 for 4 days total £40 for £40 i cannot complain

I was thinking, erm that doesn’t look that great, but then you mentioned the price at the end. £33 a day for half board (with entertainment too) is insanely cheap!

Hi Tim, love your videos and I'm so excited to watch this now

I did wonder when you were going to visit Sand Bay. 5 minutes drive from us in Weston-super-Mare.

I stayed here for 3 nights with my wife, half board for £80ish with a voucher website deal about 4 years ago. It is what it is, we used it as a base camp to visit around the area. The site itself is dominated by people in their twilight years, I had just turned 40 and was the youngest there by a long shot. It was quite run down, but it was clean. The food reminded me of school dinners and the dining hall was very busy all the time. The staff knew their crowd and entertainment catered for the older people, ballroom dancing and bingo was well received there. Overall it wasn't great, but the price is astonishingly cheap. Where else could you sleep and eat for £27 per night for 2 people!?

This pontin's is much cleaner than other Pontins I have seen on this channel, although still out dated in places (a 90s-style crazy golf course),, but it is serviceable. great content Tim

6:42 You'll often find toilets stuck out from the wall where the previous toilet was a low level pan S' trap with exposed flush pipe in various colours. This has been replaced to a close coupled cistern design, rather than digging up the floor and moving the drain this is the next best thing.

Well Tim after seeing all the ones you've been to, I'd probably say our local one at Pontins Pakefield is the best 👍

went here twice in the late 80's. just before the season started they used to offer cheap holidays to elderly groups and organisations that ran disability groups. My Mother ran a pensioners group so bought then here 2 years running. The Chalets are exactly as I remember them in rows and the same cream colour but the doors were metal then and opened outwards, the rest has changed so much.

I remember i watched a video of yours about another pontins or butlins a few months ago. I then went down to weston super mare to visit family and go hiking going past this exact one. I was telling my family about watching your video about the other pontins lmao

Ahhh this is where Clive n I got together ❤ here. For me it was the best place ever.

Hell Tim, I was at Sandbay last weekend hosting the Legends of Rock n Roll weekender

Hi Tim Can remember going to Butlins and Pontins with my Parents. Have watched all your videos this is definitely the best of the bunch. So much cleaner and not rubbish laying everywhere. Few things to do in the dinning room, could be really good. Thanks for the video Tim.

2:17 Slightly worrying are all the rabbit holes there must be for there to be a sign warning about them.

Aw looks really nice...That's how it SHOULD be. Reminds me of Maplins...Hi De Hi....At least they've tried to keep it up. Makes all the difference with the grounds looking nice. You got it wrong though about being the smallest Pontins. Riviera was the smallest Pontins site. Another EXCELLENT film from you Tim...Thank you.

Hello Tim,I've been to Weston -super-mare and must have missed this small Pontins, it doesn't seem that bad.

No idea how a Pontins video was listed for me by RU-vid. However, thoroughly enjoyed your tour. You have a very likeable voice, Tim - perhaps an opportunity for some ASMR videos?

New sub here - loving the little binge Love how you showcased skeggy and in particular Ingoldmels as it brings back wonderful memories of caravan jollies with my daughter and grandkids We all love it and my 20 yo granddaughter has just returned home from a weekend with her new boyfriend to see if he could survive in Skegness, in a tent, in October 😅 He passed with honours im told😂 Thank you 🙏🏼 I love your channel 🎉

You have to get up early to beat a bunch of pensioners to the breakfast buffet m8. They're like a plague of locusts devouring everything they come across 😄