Waterside Holiday Park beats Center Parcs in Which? survey

Waterside Holiday Group has been recommended by consumer champion Which? as one of the top holiday park providers, securing its position as the best in the Well-rated Holiday Parks in Cornwall, Dorset, and Devon category.

The group has holiday parks at Bowleaze Cove and Chesil Beach, Weymouth as well as Osmington. 

The group, which celebrated its 60th anniversary last year, scored 74 per cent in the survey of more than 1,700 stays. People were asked by to rate their stays out of five in eleven categories including quality of accommodation, cleanliness, facilities and activities, and value for money.

An overall customer score was then calculated based on overall satisfaction and likeliness to recommend.

The article on the Which? website said that while many people praised the upscale of accommodation and various facilities, there were complaints about the food with one guest explaining they weren't happy with the "high cost and poor quality."

Most were satisfied overall with holiday park scoring four out of five stars in six categories: value for money, overall customer service, cleanliness, quality of accommodation, facilities and activities and communication. 

One holidaymaker described it as "'the cleanest and best maintained holiday park" they had visited.

Which? also ranked the best and worst holiday parks and resorts in the UK based on the customer score.

Waterside Holiday Park and Spa at Bowleaze Cove, Weymouth

Waterside Holiday Group came sixth out of a list of sixteen, beating big name holiday park brands such as Center Parcs, Haven Holiday Parks, Parkdean, and Butlins who came nineth, tenth, eleventh and twelfth respectively. 

Hoseasons holiday group was also voted the best value for money in the survey, which has parks in Charmouth, Weymouth and Bridport. 

Potters Resorts based in Norfolk came out at the top of the list by Which? with a customer score of 87 per cent. 

Pontins came last in the list with a score of 56 per cent. 

Dave Bennett, CEO of Waterside, said: “It’s fantastic to triumph in a renowned nationwide survey for three consecutive years, surpassing some of the biggest UK brands and reflecting the exceptional standards delivered by our dedicated team.

He added: “As a family-owned business with knowledge that’s been passed down through generations for over 60 years, we’re proud to offer a holiday experience that goes the extra mile for our guests."

The group has holiday parks in Weymouth (Bowleaze Cove and Chesil Beach), at Osmington and in Cornwall and recently celebrated its 60th anniversary last year. 

The business was started in 1963 by Ralph and Esther Jacobs, whose granddaughters Miranda and Olivia Jacobs are directors today.