We expected the site to be busy and feel busy but were pleasantly surprised that it never felt crowded or uncomfortable. We could always speak to reception with no more than a few minutes wait, could find a table for a drink or meal in the Mash and Barrel and never had to wait to swim in the pool.
When we arrived the signs clearly took us to the check in desk where our only negative experience of the week took place. The lady who greeted us didn't exactly seem to understand what "greeting visitors" meant. She didn't look at us, rolled her eyes a few times and just passed us our keys. Luckily the greeter standing next to her realised that we had no idea where we were going and that we had been dumped and she guided us through the site and was extremely friendly and helpful.
Our caravan was more like a 5* villa than a static caravan. We suspect that the site might have realised we were going to review them and hence allocated us into this very swish caravan but we don't know this for sure. What we do know is that the van was privately owned, as were those around it, and they were all immaculately clean and well presented.
Our caravan had a double bed in a room with more cupboards than our own bedroom at home and a flat screen tv. It had a walk in wardrobe in which the suitcase could fit easily to ensure we weren't tripping over it; and a compact and bijoux ensuite with shower
The second bedroom was a twin which was exactly as you'd expect and perfect for kids with the benefit of a wardrobe which we hadn't expected. The kitchen was fully stocked with microwave, oven, hob, fridge, freezer, toaster, kettle, pots, pans, cutlery, crockery, glasses and a wine rack. We even discovered an ironing board and iron which we had no intention of using but might be useful for some visitors. The lounge had two sofas and an arm chair, a flat screen tv, dvd player, sound system and a fabulous balcony with sea views. All in all we felt like kings and queens in a caravan with the only down side being that we were extremely nervous that we might drop something or spill something and cause damage.
The site had an inside swimming pool which was open and an outside one which wasn't open as yet. The pool was a good size and the perfect temperature and although often busy always felt safe. However I wouldn't have trusted my 8 year old alone in the pool since there were a lot of bigger teenagers and adults who weren't necessarily watching out for the bigger kids. I raised a slight concern with one of the lifeguards and to their credit they upped their vigilance and did stop some of the more rowdy games. My only point of improvement is that there should be a drinking water dispenser around the pool since the room is very hot; I felt quite unwell one day when I got out of the pool and could have done with some cool water to drink to help me feel better.
There were a large range of pay for activities including archery, segway riding, pitch and put, football and water games/activities. We did the archery which was really good and we'd recommend; and the pitch and put which we felt was expensive but was in excellent condition (as you'd expect at the start of the season - I hope it is maintained well through to the season's end).
The food in the Mash and Barrel was good traditional pub grub at south of England prices. Although we have heard some complaints about the cost and quality of the food we were pleasantly surprised. We eat out a lot and were expecting much lower quality food and higher prices since all customers were choosing to eat there as an easier option than leaving site. We were impressed. We were also pleased that we were never rushed away from our table.
The arcade was even well set out with lots of room to mill around and lots of 2p machines for the kids to play with; that was very popular with Rachel and resulted in a lot of bouncy balls being won.
The only part of the facilities which we wouldn't recommend was the evening entertainment. The room is very dark and the speakers set very loud which doesn't make for a great place to sit and chat. However the Mash and Barrel is the place for that. We just have to accept that entertainment of that sort isn't our thing.
All in all we had a fantastic week away and would highly recommend the Littlesea Holiday Park.
Fair review information.
We have never stayed at a holiday park in the UK before but have been commissioned to visit a selection of parks over the next few years to review here on our blog (Major Love of Film) and on trip advisor. We are not being paid for our reviews but are being given the accommodation for free. We have been asked to be as honest as possible to help other families select their holidays and to independently assess the holiday parks for their own improvement systems.
6 comments:
Great review.
It is such a change to read a real persons experience.
We have never been to a holiday park before and we were thinking about it, I feel like I know what it is like now and I am going to book.
Thank you.
I feel exactly the same about the entertainment in the evenings but like you have had lots of fun holidays at holiday parks. We will definitely consider this location next time.
Are you reviewing any more parks?
Do you mind me asking what other holiday parks you are reviewing and when they'll be on your blog? I would like to know about a few other parks before we book for a break next spring time.
Jayne and Paul - we are visiting one Park, run by a different organisation, this half term and then two more in the autumn. I prefer not to say which parks because it might mean we receive preferential treatment which would affect the review.
Your caravan does not look like a real one. They must have known you were coming and put you in their best one. I bet no one ever stays in that one normally.
Anon - it is true that they might have known we were coming and there is no doubt that we were staying in one of the top of the range caravans but I investigated whether it is normally available and can confirm that it is. I believe my review of the park is still useful since we shown experienced everything as anyone else would.
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