We stayed at this site one year ago for a chess event being held on the site, and after that stay we were loathe to come back.

This year, we had very low expectations, knowing that the site would not be perfect - however it would be tolerable for the one weekend we would be there...

... we were mistaken.

The site is unkempt and in dire need of complete refurbishment, however the state of the 'apartment' was sub standard for animals - let alone a family. The whole floor looked like it hadn't been cleaned in months, food swept into any nook and cranny there could be rather than cleaned up (under the table, sofa/bed, fridge, everywhere). The windows certainly hadn't been touched in years and were completely caked in dirt, dust, dead insects, and seagull droppings.

The beds, duvets and sofa were equally as bad - and the TV was smashed too.

By a considerable margin though - the most appalling thing was the smell in the 'apartment'. As soon as we entered there was the most repugnant stench, and it became obvious that it was from something spilt either underneath the fridge or cooker and not cleaned up. There is NO WAY that the cleaning staff would not have known about this, they just made the choice to do nothing about it and let the 'apartment' out anyway.

In addition - thanks to the antiquated approach to customers that Pontins have, you either get charged to call them or you have to write and post them a letter, we haven't been able to register our complaint yet.

Awful. Absolutely vile.

The most depressing arrival to any break/holiday I've ever encountered. Coming round the end on the promenade and the Sat Nav saying your destination is on your right was a sinking feeling when we had noticed what looked like a 60's council estate following an air raid.

We had a look around the place and I got neck pains keeping an eye on my 2 year old making sure she never touched anything it was that filthy. At 4pm I was greeted by a one hour queue and a drunk man in an England shirt as I awaited check in for my room. When I eventually got my keys from the Fun Factory I made my way through The war zone and entered what was possibly the most disgusting accommodation imaginable. The previous residents had spilt all sorts on the walls and behind the furniture was a lifetime of left behinds, dirt and god knows what else. The floor was beyond from and straight from the shower you need to put socks on to reduce the chance of a gritty black film on your feet before you reach your bedroom. I understand it was all cheap but the fact that it was so dirty was the bit that got me really angry.

Considering they were re established in 2011 it doesn't look like anyone has cleaned it since 1988. That especially goes for the swimming pool. Locker keys held together by random hair bobbles and cable ties and the changing rooms require a tetanus jab before you should consider entering.

The whole site needs either blowing up or an enormous clean, and I mean enormous.

Positives being my kids enjoyed nearby attractions and you could drink your own booze in the bar as it was so dark during the 'entertainment'

Overall id never return unless they hired a cleaning team.

We booked on a whim, and read the reviews before we set off. Our expectations were low, yet at each turn we were pleasantly surprised.
On arrival the gate staff were friendly and polite, we checked in, found our room easily, which was well cleaned, windows open and smelt fresh.
We stayed half board, and the food was fine, we got a free daily paper and a bottle of wine on arrival, certainly worked out cheaper than eating out at every meal.
Our daughter had free swimming lessons, and also enjoyed the character breakfast.
The staff we dealt with were polite and helpful, despite having a busy week. Other guests did cause issues, but these were dealt with quietly and firmly, so as not to impact on other families.
All in all, we had a great week, and used it as a base for some fab days out!