A holiday park should appeal to its target with flair: playgrounds and entertainment for family-friendly resorts, peace and quiet for adults-only ones and comfortable accommodation across the board.

But not all parks are created equal.

While some have a reputation for being genuinely fantastic, convenient and well-priced getaway destinations, others leave much to be desired.

This year's survey by consumer champion Which? has revealed which holiday parks are the worst for holidaymakers in 2026 – as well as the best ones.

This year, Pontins has been ranked as the UK's worst holiday park, with a 61 per cent customer score. The destination scored just two stars in all categories surveyed, including 'customer service' and 'cleanliness'.

Pontins was saved from collapse 15 years ago by Britannia Hotels – frequently voted the UK's worst hotel chain by Which?. 

However, one visitor told people to take their own disinfectant and 'wipe everything down', according to the Which? study.

Others noted that you get 'what you pay for' – the average price per night here is just £38.

Also scoring poorly, Butlin's was named the second worst holiday park in the country, with a customer score of only 63 per cent. 

The popular spot scored just two stars in most categories reviewed, managing three stars for only 'facilities, activities and entertainment'.

Third from the bottom was Parkdean Resorts: the resort received a customer score of 68 per cent.

Other poor performers were Haven Holiday Parks, with 68 per cent, and Center Parcs, with 69 per cent. 

On the other end of the scale, Potters Resorts, with sites in Norfolk and Suffolk, has been declared the nation's best, earning an 83 per cent score.

The park scored a full five stars in three categories: 'customer service', 'facilities, activities and entertainment' and 'food and drink'.

'Great entertainment, all staff helpful and polite, good food and plenty of it,' one happy guest noted. 

Hoburne Holidays, with seven locations across south and southwest England, took second place, with an 81 per cent customer score.

Also near the top were Darwin Escapes, Landal Green Parks and Waterside Holiday Group (all 80 per cent). 

A spokesman for Britannia Hotels Group commented: 'We are naturally disappointed by this ranking and take all guest feedback seriously, as it plays an important role in helping us improve the experience we offer.

'While the report refers to 'Pontins', no Pontins holiday parks are currently open to guests. Our only holiday park currently open to the public is Sand Bay Holiday Village which is an adults-only destination.

'We recognise that some areas of the park's accommodation reflects the site's heritage and we are already investing in a programme of improvements to upgrade the accommodation and enhance the overall guest offering. We remain committed to providing great value, warm hospitality and enjoyable breaks for our guests.'