Weststar Holidays- Very Special Places!

[Angel84]

Came back yesterday, tired but happy after a weeks caravaning in Weststar's Sandford Holiday Park in Dorset. As a Butlins loyalist I am always dubious about other holiday camps, but I have to say that this one completely won me round. Had an absolutely brilliant time!

On a size scale there is no comparison, with the Weststar camps being obviously much smaller than the Butlins group, yet this doesn't take anything away from the camp. The small size led to an amazing community atmosphere which I'm sure was a special part of Butlins in the early days. You literally got to know every single person that worked there, and they you.

The 'Weststar Troupers' were the camp's "redcoats", and although there were only about nine of them I'm sure they had the power to duplicate themselves! It became the standing joke of our holiday. You would literally see one disapear through a door only to see them appear on the upstairs balcony clearing glasses seconds later! They were to be found entertaining the children and organising games in the camp, calling the Bingo, comparing the shows, singing and dancing (amazingly!) in the shows themselves, working in the joke shop, serving fast food, clearing tables, one was even the camp magician (!); and all whilst laughing, joking and smiling with tons of energy. We were really impressed! The two that deserve the biggest mention were Gaz and Steve, undeniably the true stars of the show, and the Ant and Dec of the holiday camp. They wound each other up with their nicknames for each other Gaz 'Lanky' and Steve 'Fatty', but it was all in good humour and you never saw one without the other.

The shows were fantastic I think mainly because they appealed to all, and could be enjoyed by both adults and children alike; something (although I hate to admit it) has been something of a failing of Bourne leisure over the past few years. There needs to be that happy balance, and the camp delivered. There were magicians and illusionists, accrobats, impressionists and some of the best commediens I've seen for a long time along with the performances by the Weststar Troupers in shows such as, 'The Hot Rock Show', 'Summer Holiday', 'Hollywood Blockbusters' and loads more.

During the day we had the customary arcades, pool, bowling, crazy golf, swimming pools (the outdoor pool was amazingly warm! Didn't think that was possible!) And all in all a brilliant time by all.

I think they also have camps in Cornwall and Devon. If anyone else has been I would love to hear what you thought, and if not I really would recommend you give them a try :)

Lindz
xx

[Jojojo]

You have hit the nail on the head. I have now had a few holidays in Weststar Sandford holiday park. It seems like home, when you walk through those doors you are back with your holiday family. All of the staff work so hard and are there to give you a welcoming smile. You are so right they turn there hand to anything, day time they will be in one part and by night they are behind a bar or something.

The troupers are also amazing, they will run around all day, then play games and do party dances with the kids, then go on and do a show or two each night. And still find the time to have a chat to everyone. How do they do it all and still smile?

The surrounding area is excellent to. What an ideal placed to put a park? First time there thought maybe we'll get bored. Boy was I wrong.

If you haven't been, go. Give them the chance to prove what they lack in camp size and attractions they more than back up for in enthusiasm.

When can I go back.

[dondons]

I have to totally agree with everything that you have said about weststar holidays. I have just come home from a 2 week holiday at their Sandford holiday park, and enjoyed it that much am going back in 2 weeks time.

Having been to Butlins twice this year, i feel that the entertainment team at Sandford were a lot more approachable and friendly, and yes they do absolutley everything on the camp and even though they must be tired, they never ever show it, they are genuine troupers!!

Gaz and Steve really are a comedy pair, but all of the other weststar troupers there deserve the same kind of recognition too, they all work so hard to make it so enjotable for the holiday makers.

I've never had such a fun and enjoyable holiday as i have had over the last 2 weeks and will definately be returning there for future holidays. I feel that i have found the perfect holiday camp and as long as it is still enjoyable i will keep going back for many years. Although i don't think the magic of the place will ever fade, as they have the right mix of everything that anyone could ever want from a holiday!

[tempest john]

Alas Weststar are no more, having been took over by Parkdean holidays, I went to the park at Mullion in Cornwall the year before last and thoroughly enjoyed it.