I loved everything about Potters, the UK's only all-inclusive resort(Image: Potters Resorts)

'I took my family to the UK's only all-inclusive resort — it was incredible'

The UK's only all-inclusive resort is on the east coast. Everything is included — and everything is great

by · ChronicleLive

Imagine a classic British 'holiday camp' - seaside family fun, nightly entertainment and everything you need on-site - but with a modern twist, featuring cosy rooms and top-notch facilities. Now, picture it taking some cues from luxury cruise ships. That's Potters for you.

I recently spent a weekend at the UK's only all-inclusive resort - and it was an ideal family getaway. Tucked away on Norfolk's coast, Potters at Hopton on Sea is a delightful British gem that's steeped in history yet has boldly adapted to the present. It's also been named the best holiday park in the UK, reports the Mirror. I'd go back in a flash.

It's situated almost exactly halfway between Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft. If you're not driving, a train to either town followed by a 20-minute coastal bus ride will bring you right to the resort's doorstep. And when the tide goes out, a lovely little sandy beach is just a few minutes walk away. The resort has been serving guests since 1920, initially accommodating families in charming wooden huts - one of which still stands in the hotel lobby today.

When the tide goes out, a lovely little sandy beach is just a few minutes walk away(Image: Potters Resorts)

A century later, it's a full-fledged resort, featuring a pool, numerous sports facilities and activities to try - and nearly non-stop entertainment from dawn till well past my bedtime. Many guests choose to stay in the rows of cosy bungalows, offering basic, solid amenities at a fair price.

My family and I chose a three-night stay at the Resort's hotel. Despite the rooms being a tad more expensive, they offer ample space and feature private balcony or terrace areas.

And when I say spacious, I truly mean it. The standard hotel room is approximately double the size of an average British hotel room.

Besides a supremely comfortable bed and a luxurious bathroom with double sinks, there's also a seating area furnished with a sofa and chair. A pull-down 'Murphy bed' provides the option to accommodate a third person - and given the size of the room, it can comfortably fit three.

While the bungalows are closer to the playing fields and beach, the hotel is conveniently located nearer to dining and entertainment venues as well as the pool.

Potters excels when it comes to food and drink(Image: Potters Resorts)

Potters truly excels when it comes to food and drink. Everything is included - and everything I tasted was delicious. For many, the term 'all-inclusive resort' might conjure up images of lukewarm buffets, piled high with chips and pizza slices, perhaps the odd chicken nugget and long benches filled with peculiar-looking salad.

But that's not the case at Potters. Each lunchtime and evening menu offers three or four restaurant-quality starter and main options. During my visit, I savoured a buttery, flaky Sea Bass fillet, some delightfully crispy deep fried Halloumi and a perfectly cooked chicken breast served with a mushroom and thyme sauce.

While none of the dishes would challenge a Michelin star, they could certainly give local foodie pubs a run for their money. This is particularly 'true' when considering the carvery, which offers a different roast meat each evening.

Additionally, there's a second buffet option, typically featuring curry or Chinese cuisine, perfect for those in a rush or not in the mood for the a la carte options. The butter chicken and crispy fried king prawns with sweet n sour were sampled, both proving to be excellent choices.

Each night, a couple of hot desserts are available, alongside a lengthy list of cold options. Guests can indulge in as many as they wish, as it's all inclusive.

Diners are assigned a specific table in the grand Garden restaurant, where they will eat all their meals and be served by the same friendly and helpful staff member.

The server was always willing to go the extra mile, and service was notably quick - ideal for families with impatient children. Both the restaurant and the nearby Garden bar have clearly received recent investment, resulting in bright, airy spaces that are perfect for relaxation.

The children's menu at Potters is quite impressive, with a daily rotation of pastas, fish fingers, pizza and other favourites served buffet style - ensuring that hungry little ones don't have to wait to start eating. Breakfast is a straightforward, no-nonsense breakfast buffet - which included fried bread that instantly brought back memories of Little Chef Olympic breakfasts from my childhood. Those who remember will understand the high praise this implies.

Lunch offers a generous array of lighter options, salads and freshly made omelettes. And the enigmatic fourth meal of the day? A late-night snack served after the main evening entertainment. This varies each night, but during my visit, they served hot dogs, fajitas and lasagne on consecutive nights. And naturally, all-inclusive means drinks are also included. Whether you prefer soft or alcoholic, hot or cold, there's a robust selection of premium beverages for everyone, all included in the cost.

The swimming pool in Potters(Image: Potters Resorts)
I tried archery(Image: Mikey Smith/ Reach PLC)

Upon arrival, we were handed a sheet detailing all the activities available throughout the day - and it's an extensive list. Adventure seekers can try go-karts, off-road Segways, indoor climbing or a ride on a massive bungee swing.

Those looking to unwind can try yoga, or the daily craft workshops. There's a gym, a golf course, indoor pickle ball courts and outdoor tennis courts.

You can just drop in no need to book ahead. Just turn up at the designated time slot, and after a short queue, you're likely to get right into the activity.

I recently tried my hand at archery there, guided by an excellent instructor who taught me the basics. I might not have hit a bullseye, but it was a lot of fun giving it a try.

Predominantly an adult retreat through most of the year, Potters shifts gears for summer, opening its doors wide for family fun, making sure the kiddies are thoroughly entertained.

Wandering the halls, expect to encounter a giant panda mascot offering free hugs left and right. For a small cost, there's also an arcade and a bowling alley on offer, not to mention a charmingly small soft play area.

The great outdoors doesn't disappoint either, with a play space ready for adventure, an energetic kids club packed with competitive entertainment, child-friendly discos, and encounters with surprisingly realistic-looking dinosaurs.

Holding a fair share of musical theatre experiences under my belt, claims of "West End Quality" generally meet my ears with scepticism. But Potters' evening performances wowed me, showcasing a stellar group of performers delivering jaw-dropping song and dance numbers alongside impressive stage effects.

The range of entertainment offered is exceptional from one night featuring an homage to timeless American pop classics.

One performer delighted us with songs from famous musicals both old and new, ranging from 'West Side Story' and 'Oliver!

' to 'Hamilton' and 'Wicked'. They bravely nailed every performance, including the intricate sets, stunning costumes, and notably, powerful vocal performances - their ambitious rendition of 'One Day More' from Les Miserables was performed flawlessly.

Finding any negatives about Potters is a tough task, so I won't bother trying. The most revealing review of the place is that I met numerous people who visit every year, some for decades.

There are families who have spent every summer there growing up, now bringing their own children and grandchildren - all of whom love it. It's entirely possible my family might join them.

Potters Resort is currently offering a £100 discount on half-term family breaks. Visit their website for more information.