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Reviews of Martello Beach Holiday Park (PHolsUK)
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Martello Beach Holiday Park (PHolsUK)
Belsize Avenue
Jaywick
Clacton On Sea
Essex (Browse area)
CO15 2LF
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Pitches: 100
Open: 13/03/2024 to 02/11/2024
13/03/2025 to 02/11/2025
Rating: 
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Photos (18)
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 Fully Serviced Pitches |
 Show Full Facilities |
| Who's it for |
 Families Welcome |
 Not Members Only |
 No Rallies |
 Not Naturist Site |
 Dogs Welcome |
 No Dogs Allowed |
 Groups Welcome |
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| Facilities |
 Toilet Facilities |
 Hot Showers |
 Washing Up |
 No Bathroom |
 No Baby Changing |
 Laundry On Site |
 Drinking Water |
 Disabled Friendly |
 Chemical Disposal |
 No Battery Charging |
 Gas Exchange |
 Recycling Facilities |
 No Kitchen Facilities |
 No Freezer / Fridge |
 Motorhome Point |
 Wifi Access |
 Shop On Site |
 Bar On Site |
 Restaurant or Cafe or Takeaway On Site |
| Activities |
 Kids Playground |
 TV Room |
 Games Room |
 Evening Entertainment |
 Fishing <1 mile |
 Wild Swimming On Site |
 Indoor Pool On Site |
 Outdoor Pool On Site |
 Horse Riding <1 mile |
 No Cycle Hire |
 Golf <5 miles |
 Tennis <5 miles |
 Beach On Site |
 Watersports <1 mile |
 No Boat Launch |
| Other Features |
 Sea Views |
 Not Working Farm |
 No Campfires Allowed |
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 Coastside Pitches |
 Public Transport |
 No Dog Walk |
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Reviews:
65 in total, now showing 1 to 10
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| Date of Visit: August 2020 |
Unit: Tent |
Rating: 
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Value for money:
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| Nights stayed: 3 |
Travelling as: Family with young children |
| Reviewer: JamesRytter |
1 review from this member |
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 Our first impression when driving to the site, on the road running up to the entrance, along the sea, front was 'What the hell have we booked'?! while laughing nervously and joking about what we were looking at. The road is full of small buildings, quite a few of which had no roof or are boarded up and in a state of disrepair. There were areas of waste land with security fencing round them dotted about. It's sort of like drive through a slum on the final approach to the site. A place that time and holiday makers have forgotten to the neighbouring areas that are a stones throw away. And quite rightly so! Read on for our experience!
We stayed for 3 nights camping on an electric pitch, when we turned up we thought everything looked nice for what we'd paid. We were told there are no set pitches, just head over to the field and find a spot you like and setup. Great! There also was no checks on whether we were fitting in the allotted 6x6m plot. The plots seem to be dotted about with no real guide to where they start and end, so we choose one that had free space either side and setup close to the hookup point. Some tents were well over the allotted size, so that's a bonus if you have a footprint larger than 6x6m. That's about all I have to say that is good about this site, barring the drive into the site. Once setup we went to use the toilet block for the first time to find blocked loos and no paper in any of the 4-5 cubicles, maybe they don't supply it? The cleaner happened to turned up as I was heading back to get my 5 YO a roll and was surprised there was none left. That was the first let down, to be honest though, this didn't happen again barring a blockage a couple of times. I guess these things happen though, so not a massive issue.
The main build's toilet's were not much better. One loo was also out of order for the duration of the stay and was often found over flowing. Nice, poo water on the floor.
We headed over to restaurant and amusements for dinner and some fun, let was let down 2 and 3. :( The food was really poor, I had a burger with bacon and it had to be the cheapest nasty 'offal' tasting thing I've ever eaten! I love a dirty burger from a van etc. But this was something else! The other options on the menu were better but I'd advise you take your money off site and get something nice, this isn't. The best thing was the Goodfella's pizza (it was openly advertised as this) that they serve. The same one you can buy in any supermarket for £2-3, yep exactly the same. This was being heated up for you and plated for over £12! It it were a nice premium pizza sure, but not a oven ready one from the supermarket! The vegetable curry was bland and tasteless with no heat what so ever. The food was over priced for the rubbish that was served to sum it up.
Onto the entertainment / arcade area. 60%+ of the machines were broken, either the money went in and fell straight out, or the money went in and it was lost. The best one was the Deal or No Deal '£5 max win' fruit machine. It had all the reels mis-aligned so you had no idea what had actually landed and worse the 'DEAL' button didn't work so you just had to keep going if you got to the main game and either loose the good offer or hope you have a good box lol. It was a bit of fun playing with your eyes closed with no deals allowed tbh in a weird way. :)
We had asked about the children's play ground and were told it would be open during our stay, it was padlocked shut for the duration. Again more disappointment. There of course was the standard (for this site) broken swings and other damage visible when we when to check it out.
We got to use the pool (during lock down restrictions) twice for a 45 minute period each visit. The first day we went the indoor pool was so cold my daughter was physically shivering, the heating was however on. The next day it was a surprise as the water was pleasant and worm. We didn't get to use the out door pool so can't comment on that. As we had to leave the pool for them to clean before the next session, we didn't use the showers there, instead we opted to use the shower block. I went to the block and found the freezing water slowly coming out of the shower head, I braced and got under assuming they was no heater(I'm sure a read somewhere there were hot showers) and got to washing, almost. Once covered in shampoo and needing to rinse, the water stopped, lots of swearing from other cubicles ensued. After a minute thinking maybe another tank would switch over and maybe I'll get hot water??? Maybe?? A staff member was heard explaining 'the water has run out in the tank, the showers use it faster than it can fill up. It'll take about 10 minutes till it's back'. There was only 3 of us in the shower using the 10 or so cubicles, I'd hate to be there on a busy day. 20 minutes later still nothing so I went back to the tent. Another 30 minutes later I go back hoping to finish to find there is still no water! I gave up at that point and had a crappy wash in the sink in the toilets and used plenty of deodorant! What a massive let down. Of my 3 attempts to shower, I had the water run out twice (about 30 seconds to a minute in) and not once was the water any warmer then bracing!
What were the other guests like?
There were lots of travellers, thankfully the group that setup a huge tent directly next to us were very thoughtful and generally we never heard a peep out of them after 10PM, well, unless the boys were rampaging about swearing and threatening to stab someone or other. :O They generally went off within a few minutes, so were not really any trouble to us.
There were also a lot of kids roaming about in groups around and in the main entertainment building as well as the outdoor seated areas. A lot had 'hover boards' and most groups had someone carrying around large Bluetooth speakers loudly blasting out non-family friendly music, only once did they get told to move on or turn it off. Of course they were rude to the security lady that asked them to leave, it sounded like she had to tell them on a regular bases. This sort of behaviour really does ruin your stay when it's so prolific.
However there were a lot of civilised people getting on and making the best of this, I'd have to call dive of a site.
The kids entertainment was not taken up buy many if anyone at all. We booked the build a bear activity easily online and could pay there. The next day we went to go to it and didn't have any instruction where it was to be held. We asked in reception, they had no clue and we were pointed to the entertainment staff (yellow shirts??). Found a couple and they also had no idea. Brilliant! Nobody has a clue where anything is. We took a guess and went to the main entertainment area to spot a build a bear cupboard at the back wall so waited about and eventually someone turned up to run it. No other guests though, so my daughter and 3 entertainment staff built a bear together which was a bit weird. After that experience we passed on the pottery that we were going to book for the following day.
At the end of the stay I was tempted to ask for a partial or full refund as it was so disappointing, but to be honest couldn't be bothered to have to waste time doing so.
I think you would know by now I'm not going to recommend this site to anyone, you'd be much better off going to a site with basic toilet and shower block only and leaving site for all your needs and entertainment instead of going here. The price is low and that's clearly because of the state of the place. If you want to be able to stay on site for the duration and not just stay in your caravan or tent the whole time, look elsewhere and do yourself a flavor.
The place needs to be shutdown! 
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Date of Visit: August 2020  |
Unit: Touring Caravan |
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| Nights stayed: 4 |
Travelling as: Family with young children |
| Reviewer: Bimbob |
1 review from this member |
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Arrived on Monday, Pitches not laid out, no hot water in shower, toilet or to do washing up, toilet door broken, no soap In any of the toilets, No toilet roll even after they were cleaned. It was not topped up, was reported but nothing done And was told we can’t help it if people steal the stuff, was told toilet was deep cleaned but only floor and sink was clean.
Toilet down in club house kept overflowing and you would be walking in dirty water. Some staff did try but they were outweighed by facilities not working.
I was also told when I booked that the children's park was going to be open, in the current climate I feel there should be more cleaning and feel strong enough to to say the place needs shutting down!
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| Date of Visit: August 2019 |
Unit: Tent |
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| Nights stayed: 3 |
Travelling as: Family with young children |
| Reviewer: Loopylou123 |
2 reviews from this member |
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On entry to the campsite it looks nice, the entrance and entertainment block are neat and tidy. But once past the electric pitches it is not so, the hedges are strewn with litter, the toilets had no soap, one toilet had a broken lock, the hairdryer in the showers did not work.
The grass pitches are not marked out and are self allocated so some people take up a very large amount of space and others want to be almost on top of you.
No lighting around the grass pitches, this ends at the electric hook ups. This makes it difficult In the dark because of numerous holes and bumps in the grass.
Our daughter took her 3yr old to Toddler time, but the entertainer was not very entertaining, he did not seem to want to be there. Everything is very overpriced from the shop, drinks (particularly) and the food.
The place advertises a take away but there isn't one, only bar food. You are told to keep entertainment passes with you but not once were they checked even though there was a door person on the door in the evening. It is a base for visiting Clacton but nothing more.
We spoke to reception about the litter twice and they promised to get it cleared but it was still the same when we left.
I also spoke to the cleaners about the broken lock, hairdryer and soap but that also was not addressed. They were very polite and pleasant, but nothing was done. The site needs much attention and tightening up on several aspects.
via mobile
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| Date of Visit: September 2017 |
Unit: Touring Caravan |
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| Reviewer: Oldcodgers |
21 reviews from this member |
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Apart from saying there was plenty of space not much else good I could say about this site.
On arrival given minimum information and told to find a site anywhere in the touring field. This was a large area about space for 100 caravans, very uneven and unkept. One toilet block which was
Dirty, insufficient facilities if the site was full. Only one water tap with press button, unable to connect a hose. The elsan disposal had no hose to wash the toilet out. We thought the site had direct access to the beach, you have to leave via the main gate to reach the beach which was very stoney.
Altogether not a good experience. They appear to have spent a lot of money on the entertainment area which looks really nice, pity they haven't smartend up the rest of the area which is looking very tired.
Jaywick is very rundown, short distance by car to Clacton which was really nice, gardens and plenty of space to use a mobility scooter. The town centre has been modernised and looked really good with plenty of seating.
The Toby carvery was excellent, polite helpful staff, food was good at a reasonable price. Would visit Clacton again but not this site.
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| Date of Visit: October 2016 |
Unit: Touring Caravan |
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| Reviewer: Mitch1973 |
1 review from this member |
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Lovely place, near a wonderful beach with a nice free and quiet space to do whatever you want as long as don't bother the others.
The staff is extremely kind and helpful in every problem you can have. So, for as, was perfect. Thanks a lot for everything :)
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| Date of Visit: July 2015 |
Unit: Touring Caravan |
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| Reviewer: Manphill |
4 reviews from this member |
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I love this site. Always take a booking at short notice, as its massive. Facilities are clean and tidy, and the staff are always happy, helpful and accommodating. The children's entertainment is great. All makes for a happy mummy with her little'uns.
Great for taking the kids bikes, and there are loads of paths and easy road to ride, as well as all around the campsite.
Playgrounds are clean and tidy.
Shop has a useful supply of bits and pieces, and not massively overpriced.
Could do with a little table or chair in the shower block, as clothes can so easily fall of pegs. (we have a little folding table we take over with us).
Always come away from this site. Willing to go back
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| Date of Visit: June 2015 |
Unit: Tent |
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| Reviewer: Vincent perry |
3 reviews from this member |
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Needed a bit of me time so booked the martello campsite. When I arrived went to reception and was greated by a very nice young lady. She explained in great detail all facilities of the site we were given directions on where to go
Went over the clubroom in the evening was quite good but a bit of a task trying to find a seat. Its a bit small for size of camp
Eat in the cafe which I must say was really nice and helpful staff
Toilet block and showers were very clean and tidy and for those that want one is a hairdryer
The only thing I could comment on is that the field had loads of cut grass so was a bit messy apart from that enjoyed it
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| Date of Visit: May 2014 |
Unit: Touring Caravan |
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| Reviewer: Manphill |
4 reviews from this member |
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I LOVE this site.
Reception staff are polite and knowledgeable.
Toilets and showers are clean and tidy, well maintained and in the centre of the touring field for easy access to all. Could do with a chair or two, or some hooks as space for placing 'dry' wear is limited.
The pool is quaint, clean and tidy (book at busy times, but no issues)
The clubhouse could do with some new table and chairs, but the entertainment is always fantastic, the children love Sparky's Krew Club, and the staff are great with the children and adults.
Pitch few are reasonable, but with so much to do on site, you can keep the cost down, by using everything here. Playground is well maintained, and secure for the children to play in.
Lovely cycle path to Clacton Pier.
Beach clean, tidy and great for the kids and kite flying.
Don't be put of by the approach to the site, once you turn that corner into the Martello Park, its what is inside that counts.
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| Date of Visit: May 2013 |
Unit: Touring Caravan |
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| Reviewer: 777Tony |
4 reviews from this member |
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We were greeted by a very professional girl on the reception. She pointed us in the direction of the field and said we can park anywhere.
The site was fairly clean and there were always some site wardens around. Our dog managed to wander off on her own (she is a Poodle)and the first thing we knew about it was the warden bringing her back to us, saying what a lovely dog we have. What a lovely warden.
On the journey to the campsite, you have to drive through an area like you are in a third world country and you think 'will you ever get out of here'
On the campsite, it's a totally different story. It is all ok.
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| Date of Visit: March 2014 |
Unit: Tent |
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| Reviewer: Tynxuk |
16 reviews from this member |
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Having been here a few times due to being located close to a family members static which doesn't take tents (and no other camp sites even close) I decided to brave another one nighter here.
I was surprised they are using the barriers again (that were left up for our last visit) and check ins are advised to park in the 4 spots to the left of the barrier, all very well for us without a trailer but not sure this would work with a caravan or trailer on the back. Reception staff were polite and friendly as always, advised me to pitch were we liked and warned of muddy pitches, they even gave a weather report and advised there was no rush for us to pack up on our departure day :).
On driving to the camping field I noticed a new addition, an enclosed blue wooden kitchen area with two fridges (or freezers - didn't check) and four sinks mounted slightly higher than normal (I guess this if to encourage the men to wash up!). Also all the EHU pitches had been marked out but it wasn't very clear due to the grass being quite long and cuttings being left.
Whilst there is a shop, bar, amusements, pool, laundrette we only used the toilet block as we were visiting family so could use their facilities and used the site as a base for sleeping having breakfast then left. There was a bit of shouting around 10pm but it soon calmed down and listening to the site wake up on mothers day was much like any other family site we've been on.
We didn't go on the beach but it looked much cleaner (maybe time of year) and the walk along the wall was definitely much cleaner.
Overall I would say this site is trying to improve which is what I was advised last year but was pessimistic about that. I hear that the area has been offered council funding for improvements (grants available for the run down shacks I assume) and hopefully everyone will make an effort to at least get it to an acceptable standard. The 60's & 70's this was a fantastic area so my father in law tells me but sadly it seems very little has been done since.
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Common Questions
Is Martello Beach Holiday Park (PHolsUK) child friendly? YES, it accepts children & has a playground View all facilities
Does Martello Beach Holiday Park (PHolsUK) have a swimming pool? YES, there is a pool on site View all facilities
Where is the nearest shop to Martello Beach Holiday Park (PHolsUK)? There is a shop on site View all facilities
Is Martello Beach Holiday Park (PHolsUK) dog friendly? YES View all facilities
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