Inside once-thriving Pontins seaside holiday park that’s like stepping back in time after permanently closing
A ONCE-THRIVING seaside holiday park where thousands of Brits made lifelong memories now sits empty all year round.
The Pontins holiday site closed earlier this year and new images have revealed its lonely looking remains.
Based in Southport, the doors were closed for good in a decision made by owner Britannia Hotels on January 3, 2024.
The plot now sits empty but it doesn’t take much imagination to picture dozens of growing families enjoying everything it once offered.
Houses remain standing with furniture inside that was once used by loyal customers – who were shocked when it was announced that the doors would remain closed for good, reports the Mirror.
The images were shared by Urban explorer and Rochdale native Matt who dropped the set on his Facebook page – where the daring Brit shows his followers all sorts of old dust-collecting buildings.
In the post, he said: “Who remembers Pontins? This is the one at Southport.
“It has sadly closed now, and I’m sure a lot of you shared some amazing memories at this place.
“Today I took a visit and it was like time had stood still. A classic British seaside holiday destination.”
Sad looking branded displays tower over some of the apartments that were once offered to guests, as well as outdoor play areas that have been left to the elements.
Speaking to the outlet, Matt said he usually only explores old neglected hospitals but the chance to explore a lonely old Pontins site was too hard to resist.
He said: “I’d seen that it closed online and I just happened to be in the area, so I checked it out along with my best mate No Limits Urbex, a great guy.”
When Matt shared the images online thousands of people shared their thoughts of the place, and still have fond family memories of it.
One user said: “We had some great memories in the Southport Pontins. I remember when we had my mum’s and dad’s anniversary party there, we all had a great time. They were such great memories.”
A second user said: “I’ve got so many happy memories of Pontins Southport from growing up. Going there with my grandparents who are no longer with us, lots of family holidays a good few times a year. Still gives me a warm feeling when I see pictures of the chalets.”
A third said: “I Can remember visiting here with my nan, grandad and auntie, brilliant memories made.”
And a fourth said: “We went every year for a week, I remember picking the little specks of paint off the walls while in bed, I loved the paddle boats.”
It’s not the only well-loved tourist attraction that has seen better days.
Spooky photos show the sad demise of a theme park that was once more popular than Buckingham Palace.
The derelict ruins of the Mr Blobby theme park – named Crinkley Bottom – are now all that remains of the adventure centre based on the BBC‘s hit show ‘Noel’s House Party’.
The Somerset play area was opened in the early 90s by Noel Edmonds himself- but over time it became nothing more than a blobby-themed ghost town.
The light entertainment show ran for eight years between November 1991 and March 1999, but it was his sidekick that stole the show.
