That's a good way of putting it aha They could very well just give everything a facelift and it would be pretty good, but instead everything is just falling apart Similar thing with Britannia hotels, yet they are both still open
@@BassBanj0 It’s almost like it’s kind of their business plan to spend absolutely nothing on anything to keep costs down. Some people will still go to Pontins type places as they are a cheap holiday for people who can’t afford to for example go abroad. They don’t seem bothered by trying to attract anything new and can clearly just about keep going by spending nothing.
A lot of people are fine about basic if it's value for money, as long as it's clean. If they're going to pay for cleaners, why not have a system where parks are cleaned properly?
I like it. The rooms are clean and that makes a big difference. Putting in new mattresses would really elevate it. Also if this was around the time after the shut down it was difficult to get repairs and replenishing done. Vendors had a difficult time as well.🎉
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 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.
At least this Pontins hotel just looked like a budget accommodation, not like the other ones which frankly looked more like tenements than a holiday resort.
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.
Yes Rob, and you will remember as me and Julie do that although Martyn Leisure had removed the Pontins branding, all the carpets, furniture and colour schemes of the buildings were still what Pontins left behind haha
@@MrRazzy34 Bourne Leisure are, or certainly were, a cut above (bought out by American money recently). They really looked after staff - not huge payers but a friend started with them aged 16 and they developed him right through to a high level, training in all departments, etc., to the point where he was managing huge budgets - bigger budgets than many friends in "careers" managed...
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 😮
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.
We were signage contractors who travelled from the south coast to Prestatyn and Hemsby in 1971. They gave us really nice chalets, as the camps weren't in season when we were there. We worked 18 hour days and then crashed out. I don't think we changed our clothes from one day to the next.
@@bigtone1348 I'm so sorry to hear you had to work an 18 hour day! The European Union got us a so-called maximum working hours week, of 48 hours. Fat lot of good that was, when people still had to work even TWELVE HOURS, which is far too long. At least you didn't have to travel in to work! I was a security guard, on night shift, and got stopped by the police, on my way home. For "weaving in and out, a bit", as they described my driving, because I was tired. They thought I was drunk. When I explained, they were sympathetic. This new government say they are going to sort out a few things like this. WE'LL SEE.
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 😁❤
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.
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 😊
Hi Bex. Sorry to hear your sad news when you were little. Hope you made up for it when you were growing up. Happy holidays and have fun wherever you go.
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
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 👍
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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
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 .
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.
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 👍🏻
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!
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.
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
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!👍🏻
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.
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.
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.
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
Please tell me, as a local familiar with the area, is Sand Bay a beach where people can swim, or is is it like Weston where there is miles of dangerous sinking mud? Thankyou.
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
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.
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 ❤
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.
every time ive been its inproved and getting better as the improvements are taking time to do, including the pool. We should be going easter fingers crossed and hope for more inprovements. The other rooms are club and you get a bottle of wine orange juice and water along with a better bed. Never not enjoyed Sand Bay.
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!?
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!
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.
They do some nice music themed events,like rock and roll weekenders at a price us oldies can afford. I guess it gives us something to look forward on a tie budge during retirement budget. The one at camber sands in kent has sadly now closed.
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
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!
That's a crazy place, it's like they're trying to keep a older place going. Did you notice some of the leather couches look like corner couches that aren't joined together.
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 🤗💛
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.
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
@@magicjack4076 but I suppose when you look at Pontins you are paying for quality and maintenance and upkeep at Centre Parcs. I know what I’d rather do: a holiday that’s a bit more expensive but enjoyable then feeling as if you are back at an army training camp.
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.
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.
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
I think your tours of hotels and holiday parks are really amazing. 10/10. I do watch your live walks but later on and with the sound turned of to avoid the continuous flood of people saying "hello" and asking stupid questions.
I've been there a couple of times for a skittles weekend, they still do them via the serious about events Web site, it's boules rather than bowls,not a bad site for a weekend.
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!!!
I’d love to get my hands on one of these places and get stuck into turning it around. It’s screaming for some attention to detail and someone having an interest in hospitality. Such a shame and waste.
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.
No idea how a Pontins video was listed for me by RUclips. However, thoroughly enjoyed your tour. You have a very likeable voice, Tim - perhaps an opportunity for some ASMR videos?
As soon as I saw a pontins I was like I wonder if it is the one in Sandbay, cause whilst I have never stayed in it, I used to go on holiday to a caravan site right nearby, and sometimes my grandparents came and stayed at said pontins while we were on holiday.
A small entrance to Pontins there I'd say as the park looks quite big still from the video but I'd say definitely worth £99 for 3 nights for what you get even if it is a mid standards place at the most. 👍👌
We tried to buy a house that backs onto the golf course just before this pontins but it sadly got pulled off he market. We were gutted as it was a 2 minute walk to the beach. Was even looking up beach wheelchairs as the golf course has a public footpath to the beach. Had no idea how small thus site was.
@@WalkWithMeTim it's adults only and very much geared for retired people hence the ballroom, stayed there few years ago when I was early fifties and I felt like a teenager😂 the music was all 50-60s not my preference but I enjoyed watching all the retired people enjoying themselves, would definitely stay there again as it's exceptional value.
Which Pontins is the BEST?
Pakefield
None of them!!
they all need bulldozing to the ground and i mean all the buildings and rebuilding from scratch
Wall Park was a good one
The one that closed down
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.
That's a good way of putting it aha
They could very well just give everything a facelift and it would be pretty good, but instead everything is just falling apart
Similar thing with Britannia hotels, yet they are both still open
@@BassBanj0 It’s almost like it’s kind of their business plan to spend absolutely nothing on anything to keep costs down. Some people will still go to Pontins type places as they are a cheap holiday for people who can’t afford to for example go abroad. They don’t seem bothered by trying to attract anything new and can clearly just about keep going by spending nothing.
It's owned by Britannia Hotels, which should tell you all you need to know.
Probably because the contracts with the government to house asylum seekers where signed....so no point in spending money when the tax payer will
A lot of people are fine about basic if it's value for money, as long as it's clean. If they're going to pay for cleaners, why not have a system where parks are cleaned properly?
Is there anything worse than existing as a bird, in an aviary, at a pontins?
You deserve a medal for this.
I like it. The rooms are clean and that makes a big difference. Putting in new mattresses would really elevate it. Also if this was around the time after the shut down it was difficult to get repairs and replenishing done. Vendors had a difficult time as well.🎉
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.
Thanks for clearing that up Jon.. lol yes I meet a lot of people who loved the weekend
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.
For a couple or a group of pals that want a treat but have little money, this is fab!
Same here, it's good value for money when you're working away and you save money with eating 2 meals a day there
At least this Pontins hotel just looked like a budget accommodation, not like the other ones which frankly looked more like tenements than a holiday resort.
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.
Yes Rob, and you will remember as me and Julie do that although Martyn Leisure had removed the Pontins branding, all the carpets, furniture and colour schemes of the buildings were still what Pontins left behind haha
Brittania Hotels group now own Pontins some of the original pontins sites where sold off to Bourne leisure and rebranded haven holiday parks
Sand bay is owned by the national trust, I live near here
@@MrRazzy34 Bourne Leisure are, or certainly were, a cut above (bought out by American money recently). They really looked after staff - not huge payers but a friend started with them aged 16 and they developed him right through to a high level, training in all departments, etc., to the point where he was managing huge budgets - bigger budgets than many friends in "careers" managed...
@@lewisgrant9490 national trust probably look after the beach and sand dunes rest is managed by the WSM or North Somerset council
£33 with 2 cooked meals a day is very good value in todays market, another excellent video Tim.
Absolutely
It doesn't look like good value at all though.
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 😮
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.
Lol, imagine sharing a chalet with Ted Bovis.
Does "the rest of us" include the customers?
We were signage contractors who travelled from the south coast to Prestatyn and Hemsby in 1971.
They gave us really nice chalets, as the camps weren't in season when we were there. We worked 18 hour days and then crashed out. I don't think we changed our clothes from one day to the next.
@XrpCookies
Well I think sharing a chalet with Ted Bovis would be hilarious! Or Gladys Pugh, so I could have a good flirt with her!
@@bigtone1348
I'm so sorry to hear you had to work an 18 hour day!
The European Union got us a so-called maximum working hours week, of 48 hours.
Fat lot of good that was, when people still had to work even TWELVE HOURS, which is far too long. At least you didn't have to travel in to work! I was a security guard, on night shift, and got stopped by the police, on my way home. For "weaving in and out, a bit", as they described my driving, because I was tired. They thought I was drunk. When I explained, they were sympathetic.
This new government say they are going to sort out a few things like this. WE'LL SEE.
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 😁❤
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.
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 😊
Hi Bex. Sorry to hear your sad news when you were little. Hope you made up for it when you were growing up. Happy holidays and have fun wherever you go.
@@bevbrown5925 thanks Bev I get out & about when I can afford tho I don't go far due to health issues of my own.
Happy Holidays to you too!
That's nice comment.
I love these videos.
I hope you travel somewhere soon. I hope your mother is well if she is still around. God bless ❤!
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
Those rooms look like a budget 1960s roadside motel you once saw in Australia. The sort of thing you see in B movies.
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 👍
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.
😮😮
😂
This place genuinely doesn’t seem half bad. I suppose the fact that it’s smaller makes it easier to clean and maintain.
Giving me flashbacks to Sand Bay school trips, always raining sideways if I remember correctly!
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.
I did wonder when you were going to visit Sand Bay.
5 minutes drive from us in Weston-super-Mare.
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.
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.❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤❤
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.
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!
agree
My grandpa gave Fred Pontin and his wife a job at the pleasure beach in Blackpool when he was down and out.
Did a show there last year. Was like going back 50 years.
Been visiting sand bay for nearly 50 years and I have never set foot in this park. Thanks for showing us around.
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
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 .
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 was a very good blog today of your visit to the smallest pontins in the UK today tim
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 👍🏻
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!
By putting the two single beds sideways they prevent them from going this way and that. Clever!
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.
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
It's understandable. Don't explain yourself. Nobody forces people to go in.
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!👍🏻
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 🤣
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.
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.
agree
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.
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
Please tell me, as a local familiar with the area, is Sand Bay a beach where people can swim, or is is it like Weston where there is miles of dangerous sinking mud? Thankyou.
you are welcome
@@sarahstrong7174 sand bay beach has lots of sticky mud. It is also a very shallow incline so the tide is not in for long at a depth for swimming.
@@julia2jules Thankyou. It does not sound safe for swimmers.🐚
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 :)
It's a shame the swimming pool wasn't open , we stayed in the row of chalets that were near there .
Wow that phone box would look amazing in a garden somewhere and best of the bunch this one
i stay twice a year at sand bay for the rock n roll weekenders and I find it very good
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
Blue Anchor near to Watchet is glorious with the lovely railway station and the steam trains, and that smashing beach.
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.
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 ❤
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.
lol ill bear that in mind
It's not exactly rocket science though, is it?
4:03 "modern radiator". We had radiators identical to that in 1973. Did you shine a UV lamp around the room, especially the bed.
every time ive been its inproved and getting better as the improvements are taking time to do, including the pool. We should be going easter fingers crossed and hope for more inprovements. The other rooms are club and you get a bottle of wine orange juice and water along with a better bed. Never not enjoyed Sand Bay.
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!?
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.
that was interesting - definitely good value - has a few wet weather things to do - will give it a try.
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!
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
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.
They were safe until they were forced to let Irish and Roma gypos in.
Finally doing Breakfast/ Dinner reviews! This is the most interesting part :) Well done!
They do some nice music themed events,like rock and roll weekenders at a price us oldies can afford. I guess it gives us something to look forward on a tie budge during retirement budget. The one at camber sands in kent has sadly now closed.
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
thanks
Great place for a winter get away if you ever want to just go and cry for a long lonely weekend
Looked pretty good Tim. I think it is for older people. Thanks Tim👏🏻
The outdoor bowls would be for Boules or, as we say in the UK, Pentanque.
Hell Tim, I was at Sandbay last weekend hosting the Legends of Rock n Roll weekender
The restaurant is like a works canteen!
yes it does have that feel
Hello Tim,I've been to Weston -super-mare and must have missed this small Pontins, it doesn't seem that bad.
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!
Love this and so happy you included the breakfast experience! Top video this
thanks
That's a crazy place, it's like they're trying to keep a older place going. Did you notice some of the leather couches look like corner couches that aren't joined together.
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 🤗💛
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.
They said it was haddock when I visited
That site made me think of Phoenix Night's. "What if Brian Potter opened a holiday park"
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
I did a vlog recently 2 weeks ago at Sand Bay, it is still a pontins site...
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
yep have done a video coming soon :-)
@@WalkWithMeTim awesome :)
Enjoyed centre parca when I went it’s just so expensive
@@magicjack4076 but I suppose when you look at Pontins you are paying for quality and maintenance and upkeep at Centre Parcs. I know what I’d rather do: a holiday that’s a bit more expensive but enjoyable then feeling as if you are back at an army training camp.
The bowls on the gravel were 'French Boules'
“No cream left”
*audible sigh in frustration*
😂😂 a good piece of cake needs cream tbf
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.
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.
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
thanks Tracey
I am sur i stayed here 43 years ago with my nan and grandad ,i remember the Crocodile club
I think your tours of hotels and holiday parks are really amazing. 10/10. I do watch your live walks but later on and with the sound turned of to avoid the continuous flood of people saying "hello" and asking stupid questions.
I've been there a couple of times for a skittles weekend, they still do them via the serious about events Web site, it's boules rather than bowls,not a bad site for a weekend.
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!!!
Absolutely
I’d love to get my hands on one of these places and get stuck into turning it around. It’s screaming for some attention to detail and someone having an interest in hospitality. Such a shame and waste.
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.
No idea how a Pontins video was listed for me by RUclips. However, thoroughly enjoyed your tour. You have a very likeable voice, Tim - perhaps an opportunity for some ASMR videos?
lol noted
I went to Butlins camps as a child and they were the best holidays imaginable. I went to Filey, Ayr, and Barry Island.
I've been to that beach. It's stunning. For a cheap get away and as a base it would be okay.
As soon as I saw a pontins I was like I wonder if it is the one in Sandbay, cause whilst I have never stayed in it, I used to go on holiday to a caravan site right nearby, and sometimes my grandparents came and stayed at said pontins while we were on holiday.
A small entrance to Pontins there I'd say as the park looks quite big still from the video but I'd say definitely worth £99 for 3 nights for what you get even if it is a mid standards place at the most. 👍👌
We tried to buy a house that backs onto the golf course just before this pontins but it sadly got pulled off he market. We were gutted as it was a 2 minute walk to the beach. Was even looking up beach wheelchairs as the golf course has a public footpath to the beach. Had no idea how small thus site was.
Nice One Tim .Great Vlog . "STAY SAVE" There 🤣🤣
Thanks dave
I went on holiday here. managed to get an room for 4 for 4 days total £40 for £40 i cannot complain
Stayed there several times as Bourne leisure and brilliant. Changed to pontins and hated it
The smallest Pontins with a very large ballroom. Sandbay looks great for families. Cheers for such an informative vid, Tim. 👍
I know strange that
I think it'd adults only, cannot recall if Tim mentioned that, I've stayed there and it's very much aimed at the retired, and nothing wrong with that.
@@philbartlett395 he may have mentioned it but I've got the attention span of a goldfish. 😅
@@WalkWithMeTim it's adults only and very much geared for retired people hence the ballroom, stayed there few years ago when I was early fifties and I felt like a teenager😂 the music was all 50-60s not my preference but I enjoyed watching all the retired people enjoying themselves, would definitely stay there again as it's exceptional value.