‘Urban explorer’ takes a look inside shut-down Pontins
IT’S been about three months since Pontins in Southport closed its doors for the final time.
What used to be a holiday haven for families across Merseyside and beyond, now lies lies empty.
The holiday flats are still very much in situ, and most still contain all the furniture and amenities.
Urban explorer Matt walked around the empty holiday park. Posting under the handle ‘Exploring with Matt’, the thrill seeker looks into buildings and land that have otherwise been forgotten.
He says navigating the hallways of old neglected hospitals are more his thing, but he never passes the opportunity to have a look in places no one else goes.
On the Southport Pontins site, Matt said: “I’d saw 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.”
Matt, who lives in Rochdale, has previously said: “There are big misconceptions about what I do. I am not trying to encourage people to put themselves in danger or take any risks.
“I am doing that on behalf of people, to give people an insight into the amazing history of some of these buildings that they see every day and don’t think about.
“I find places to go by looking at online websites dedicated to abandoned buildings and there is a huge online urban explorers community.
“For me, I am just so interested in buildings with a lot of history, such as old theatres, hospitals or abandoned colleges or high schools.
“They are like time capsules. It is so fascinating to me.”
Britannia Hotels, which owns Pontins, announced the park’s closure on January 3, much to the dismay of holidaymakers and locals alike.
Since then, very changed on the site.
Matt said he found the holiday flats intact, including kitchen appliances and furniture in the rooms themselves.
Outside the rooms, a small play area can also be seen in the images, with wooden swing sets and a picnic bench in the common grassy part.
Commenting on the pictures, people shared their memories of the holiday park with one writing: “As a child we went here for our family holiday.
“It was the best, I have so many memories of Pontins, the bluecoats, donkey derby, the boating lake, Miss Pontins competition, Miss lovely legs competition, the Goodnight Children song, Captain little has
Croc, the party dances. Such a shame it closed.”
Another wrote: “The Morris dancing world will heavily miss it. A lot of us spent our championships here every year so it holds some great memories, it will forever be missed.”
A third commented: “It’s a shame it’s closed and looks really tidy and clean! This place has probably made so many memories over the years with children making friends and people meeting their life long partners!”
“I was a contractor for a number of years and enjoyed working for Britannia and Pontins and seeing so many holiday makers enjoy their break away! Sadly last year it was quiet and this is mainly down to the cost of living crisis!”
“Such a shame it’s come to this, Southport was the flagship for family holidays in the Pontins group.”