UNCOVERED: Pontins | History Defined

Holiday park company ‘on its last legs’ named worst in the UK

The Somerset site scored just two stars in all categories of a recent Which? survey

The Independent UK · Sep 11

Popular free-entry theme park in the UK at risk of closure

Brean Theme Park has been a popular spot for holidaymakers since the 1940s

The Independent UK · Feb 5

Experience: I’ve been on television more than 2,500 times (but you won’t know my face)

My work as a TV and film extra was a dream come true. My look – skinny and not too good-looking – was in high demand

The Guardian - UK · Oct 24, 2025

Pontins says sorry to Gypsy and Traveller communities over discrimination

EHRC investigation found 11 unlawful acts aimed at barring Irish Travellers from Pontins’ holiday parks

The Guardian - UK · Sep 2, 2024

‘Filthy and run down’ – Why Pontins has been rated the worst holiday park in the UK

Holiday park brand Pontins has been rated the worst in the UK, with smaller and independent brands outperforming well-known names like Butlin’s and Center Parcs, according to new research.

The Independent UK · Jul 8, 2024

Pontins booted to bottom of UK holiday park table again

Top places go to smaller and independent parks, with Potters Resorts taking the no. 1 spot

The Guardian - UK · Jul 8, 2024

Punch and Judy, penny slots and Pontins: why the great British seaside continues to hold our imagination

Rachel Cooke traces the long history of the UK’s resorts through nostalgia, deprivation and revival

The Guardian - UK · Jun 23, 2024

Kardashian, Beckham, Sussex: every name tells a story but it’s up to you to draw the conclusion

Pontins allegedly used names to compile a list of ‘undesirable guests’, while other appellations are lucrative brands. My advice is to withhold judgment

The Guardian - UK · Feb 18, 2024

Pontins discriminated against Travellers with list of 'undesirable' Irish surnames, watchdog finds

The holiday park company used a blacklist of mainly Irish surnames as part of a policy of refusing bookings by Gypsies and Travellers

Evening Standard · Feb 15, 2024

Pontins served ‘unlawful act notice’ over discrimination against Irish Travellers

Equality watchdog forces holiday park operator into agreement after ‘undesirable guest’ list discovered

The Guardian - UK · Feb 15, 2024