Pontinental Holidays
Fred Pontin was an early pioneer of overseas package holidays and formed Pontinental in 1963 to build resorts across the Mediterranean.
The Leisure Historian
Pleasure & Leisure in the 20th Century
The Leisure Historian
Pleasure & Leisure in the 20th Century
Pontins Barton Hall Holiday Camp
Once the jewel in the Pontins crown, this upmarket holiday camp once had a wonderful reputation for its country club atmosphere and fine dining
Pontins Dolphin Holiday Camp, Brixham
The Dolphin holiday camp in Brixham opened in 1938 and later became part of the mighty Pontins empire. Sadly it was destroyed by fire in 1991
Pontins Hemsby Holiday Camp
Developed from one of the earliest holiday camps in the country, Pontins Hemsby enjoyed great success until closing in 2008
Pontins Little Canada Holiday Camp
Little Canada opened on the Isle of Wight in 1930. Later transformed into a popular Pontins holiday camp but survives today as a PGL activity centre.
Pontins Middleton Tower Holiday Camp
The fascinating history of Middleton Tower Holiday Camp from its inception in 1939, through the later Pontins era and the story of its closure
Pontins Plemont Bay Holiday Camp
Perched on Jersey’s dramatic northwest headland, Plemont Bay evolved from a 19th-century hotel into one of the island’s most popular holiday camps
Pontins South Devon Holiday Camp
Opened in 1927 and famed for its floodlit pool, South Devon Holiday Camp at Paignton thrived under Pontins before closing in 1988 to make way for housing.
Pontins Southport Holiday Camp
Opened in 1969 as one of Pontins’ new self-catering “chalet villages,” the huge Southport camp thrived for decades before falling into decline and finally closing in 2023.
Pontins St Mary’s Bay Holiday Camp, Brixham
From three small Brixham holiday camps to a major Pontins resort, St Mary’s Bay evolved through decades of expansion, redevelopment and changing ownership before becoming Riviera Bay.
Quinsippi Island: Quincy’s Forgotten Vacationland
In an attempt to create a thriving tourist industry, the city of Quincy transformed a neglected Mississippi River island into a recreation park
Ramsgate Amusement Park – Merrie England & Pleasurama
Ramsgate Harbour Station, opened in 1863, faced frequent accidents before closing in 1926. Its site later became the Merrie England and Pleasurama amusement parks