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Parkdean Holidays Reviews

1.5 Rating 96 Reviews
10 %
of reviewers recommend Parkdean Holidays

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Parkdean Holidays 1 star review on 15th September 2024
Lorraine
Parkdean Holidays 1 star review on 15th September 2024
Lorraine
Parkdean Holidays 1 star review on 15th September 2024
Lorraine
Parkdean Holidays 1 star review on 15th September 2024
Lorraine
Parkdean Holidays 1 star review on 15th September 2024
Lorraine
Parkdean Holidays 1 star review on 15th September 2024
Lorraine
Parkdean Holidays 1 star review on 15th September 2024
Lorraine
33
Anonymous
Anonymous  // 01/01/2019
My Honest Review of an 8-Night Stay at Parkdean Resort Southerness, Scotland (DG2 8AZ) My wife, our 11-month-old son, and I booked 8 nights camping at Parkdean’s Southerness resort. What follows is my honest and detailed review of the experience. Arrival & First Impressions Check-in at reception was straightforward. We were greeted at the front desk, given a welcome pack and map, and directed to our pitch. The location of the pitch was close to reception, which was convenient, but actually reaching it was a challenge. The camping field is covered with deep holes that pose a genuine risk to vehicles and personal safety. It’s difficult to understand how such hazards are left unaddressed. The tenting area itself offers little to no natural shelter. On the day we arrived, the weather was extremely windy and we witnessed several tents being destroyed. With such exposure, it feels like the site is poorly planned for campers, especially those with young children. On-Site Facilities Shop The small shop on-site is well stocked but predictably overpriced. For essentials, it serves its purpose, but I strongly recommend making the half-hour trip to Dumfries for proper shopping. Launderette Functional but inconvenient. It’s cash-only, and there is no change machine available, meaning you need to come prepared with coins. For a modern holiday park, this feels outdated and unnecessarily awkward. Arcade & Soft Play The arcade is what you’d expect ticket-based machines designed to drain your wallet. What was far more frustrating was the lack of working card payment change machines. Despite being advertised, none were functional during our entire stay. Meanwhile, the £1.95-per-use cash machine worked perfectly. To add to this frustration, the bars and shop do not offer cashback either. Inside the arcade there is a small soft play area. The signage states that parents must supervise, but in reality many don’t. Older children run wild, making it unsafe for toddlers. My 11-month-old lasted less than five minutes before it became too dangerous, even with me there. Worse still, the soft play area was filthy and in desperate need of cleaning. The toilets in this part of the site were also in a very poor state dirty and neglected. Bars & Entertainment The resort has two bars: one primarily for food, the other (“the Showbar”) for evening entertainment. We tried breakfast once it was adequate. Food and drink prices were roughly what you’d expect at a holiday park. Staff worked hard, and the entertainment was decent, though nothing particularly special. A word of caution: the Showbar is very loud. If you have small children, I strongly recommend bringing ear defenders. Swimming Pool The pool facilities were one of the better aspects of the site. Clean, with attentive lifeguards who seemed to take their role seriously. However, on two occasions during our stay the pool was closed because of staff sickness. For a large resort, it’s disappointing there wasn’t a contingency plan in place to keep facilities open. Toilets & Showers (Camping Area) The bathroom facilities were a major letdown. Toilets: Generally clean, but the hand dryers didn’t work, which was inconvenient. Showers: Awful. They are push-button showers that only run for 10 seconds at a time, requiring constant pressing. This makes showering frustrating and unnecessarily time-consuming. Even worse, the design means there is no separation between the shower and the dry area so your clothes and belongings get soaked. For families, the lack of suitable facilities is a real problem. There are no family showers or child-friendly options, making it almost impossible to safely bathe a young child. Overall Condition of the Site The entire resort feels run-down and neglected. Facilities look outdated, and the general impression is that the site has been forgotten by Parkdean. It badly needs investment to bring it up to modern standards. Staff were generally fine some were friendly and helpful, while others seemed disinterested or unhappy in their roles. The one redeeming factor is the location itself. The surrounding scenery is absolutely stunning: mountains on one side, the beach on the other. For the views alone, the area is worth visiting—but sadly, I would not return to this particular site. Side Note: Local Mini Market Just down the road from the resort is a small shop called The Mini Market. Be aware: they charge £1.50 for cashback, even when you’re buying other items. When I pointed out this is illegal, I received nothing but excuses and attitude. In my opinion, this is an exploitative practice, and I have reported the shop to Trading Standards. My advice is simple: avoid it. Final Thoughts Parkdean Southerness has potential because of its stunning location, but the resort itself is poorly maintained, under-equipped, and in need of serious improvement. The lack of investment in facilities, particularly for campers, makes it difficult to recommend especially for families with young children. Until Parkdean address these issues, I would strongly suggest looking elsewhere.
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Posted 1 month ago
Had a caravan at Looe Bay. The smell of wet dog was awful. The smell in the main bedroom made me think they had been lending out to a group of homeless people. Actually thought of sleeping in the car. The other bedrooms had a damp smell. The settees were so dirty looking and stained didnt want to sit in them. Asked if we could be moved but was offered sheets to throw over the seating. Tv didn't work but was fixed promptly the next day. The guttering around the caravan is so blocked with grass etc. there was loud dripping noises when it rained. Paid full price for this. Have been twice before to Looe Bay and had two good caravans but this experience has really put me off going again. Very disappointing.
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Posted 1 year ago
Caravan a good but over priced fish chip shop beer 5iver a pint poor entertainment no acts just park Dean staff crappy bingo and quiz s nisa shop dear and whole camp prices miles to high caravan not ready told em be there 4pm twice had to q up over all poor night time entertainment
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Posted 1 year ago
Unfortunately our stay last week fell short in both comfort and cleanliness Beds and sofas were tired and uncomfortable after paying over 700 pounds for the caravan for Windsor 65 at Manor park There were cobwebs inside windows and dust and fluff under beds The veranda was green and had clock roaches I have stayed at Manor park many times and have never had such dirty caravan and such uncomfortable sofas or beds they all need replacing The grounds were lovely but swimming pool is very small for amount of caravans on park a is play area
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Posted 2 years ago
We stayed at parkdean Whitley Bay resort from 13th to 17th September. The Caravan was Dusty, clear it had not been cleaned. Had to clean it and asked for a hoover. Microwave plate was the wrong one so not able to use, TV blew up and electric went. Asked for a comfortextra upgrade after booking through Sun holidays, if that was an upgrade then I'm the Queen of Sheba!!! Was told that all photos can be deceived on website! If that's the case then don't show photos if you can not provide as this disappointed us for our holiday plus if paying for an upgrade then it should be honoured!! The WiFi is appalling even though we paid for 2 devices, better off not supplying it! Despite this, would like to send our gratitude to Gloria, security officer who was very helpful when the TV blew up as she was quick in her response, helpful and friendly
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Posted 4 years ago
Well i went to southview in skegness last may and had the parkstone caravan which was nothing like the pics. Everything was in brown dark wood flooring dark furniture and kitchen there was no light because it was so dark and radiators rusty. We complained about this all weekend and nobody was interested i even contacted head office. I was eventually told that some of the caravans ad had their day and was going to be taken off site however to my disapointment this caravan is still on the website. Also my nana and grandad came the sametime and paid more for a verander and outdoor furniture but unfortunately we was told there was not enough onsite we only went for 4 nites and spent first 2 days trying to get furniture that should have already been there. Absolute disgrace and customer service is appallingn stay away and go to the travelodge
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Posted 5 years ago
Was sold an upgrade that did not exist was told it would be a Malpas caravan but apparently they do not do anymore no compensation was offered and this information was only brought to our attention when we tried to book next year's holiday what a pity they did not informed us but still charged us.?
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Posted 8 years ago
Parkdean Holidays is rated 1.5 based on 96 reviews