Inside UK's 'best holiday park' with all-inclusive drinks, shows and activities

01 August 2023 , 15:09

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Potters has been judged to be the best of the best (Image: Potters Resorts)

The UK's best holiday park has been revealed thanks to its all-inclusive packages, 'West End' style shows, activities and boating lake. While the likes of Butlins, Center Parcs and Pontins are renowned for their popular parks, one rival park has pipped them to the post in new rankings.

Potters in Norfolk and Essex has been operating for more than 100 years and claims it was the first-ever holiday park, opened by Herbert Potter after he won £500 in a competition. It’s also the best, according to members of the British public, who gave it an overall score 88% in a Which? rundown of the best and worst parks around. Cleanliness, quality of accommodation, customer service, facilities, food and drink, entertainment and value for money were all worth five-stars, the Which? survey found.

The park offers all-inclusive stays (Potters Resorts)

"It only has two locations, in Norfolk and Essex, and both are all-inclusive with everything (including alcoholic drinks) thrown in. Guests thought it was a good deal, awarding Potters five stars for value for money," Which? writes. "In fact, it clinched full marks in every category – including entertainment (with West End-inspired shows) and facilities including a rifle shooting range and boating lake. As one happy camper put it: ‘They offer a great service and I loved the whole experience.’ "Potters is an upscale affair – with absolutely everything included."

Potters prides itself on its shows (Potters Resorts)

One of the biggest draws of the holiday park is its entertainment offering which is led by the Potters Live Band, features shows the park claims are "West End quality" in the Atlas Theatre and live music out on the South Terrace when the sun is shining. In terms of activities there is buckets to get stuck into for kids and teenagers, including archery, welly wanging, climbing, a giant swing, an inflatable obstacle course and laser tag. For adults, clay pigeon shooting, bowls and boules may tempt.

Food wise, the all inclusive offering includes a delicious breakfast to start your day, with guests able to chose from a traditional and hearty full English, to a choice of cereal, yoghurts and pastries. For lunch there is a three course spread of hot dishes, salads and desserts, before another three course outing in the evening leaves little room for the daily late night snack selection. As you might expect, a stay at the holiday park is not cheap. Four nights at the park in August costs £729 per adult, £519 for 9 to 17 year-olds, £489 for 2 to 8-year-olds, and £20 for under-2s.

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Potters Resorts have been ranked the best holiday parks in the UK (Potters Resorts)

As steep as this may be compared to other holiday parks - with Parkdean costing £32 per customer, per night according to Which? the majority of the visitors to Potters have left it glowing reviews on Tripadvisor, where it has an 'excellent' 4.5/5 score. "Another amazing weekend at Hopton. From the minute we drove in to the time we waved goodbye to security it was perfect," one person said of a trip to the Norfolk resort. Rooms clean, extremely comfortable and well equipped. We were served by Zach who was training, what a lovely young man. Nothing was too much trouble, and we could see his confidence growing every meal time."

Another person wrote: "Been coming for nearly fifty years now off and on seen some changes over the years, but I can honestly say never had a bad stay. We’ve always experienced great food and great entertainment and, with drinks now all inclusive, what’s not to like?"

You can find out more on pottersholidays.co.uk.

Milo Boyd