Reviews show repeated concerns about accommodation cleanliness and maintenance, plus frequent complaints about communication and how issues are handled. A minority of guests report positive, prompt service and improved standards at some parks. If you are considering John Fowler Holidays, check latest park-specific feedback, ask about exact accommodation standards (including any ‘fixed plot’ guarantees) and confirm facility opening times before booking. Keep booking records and photos, and clarify refund or escalation processes in advance if you need additional consumer protection.
Examples from available reviews (Aug 2017 – Feb 2026).
Accommodation was dirty and badly maintained; complaint response disappointing.
“ranged from all round dirty, to broken stools, drawers.”
Violent group and poor staff response made the stay unsafe and distressing.
“my son who has autism was violently pushed off.”
Friendly staff and prompt maintenance created a lovely, trouble-free holiday.
“I could not fault the staff, everyone we dealt with were so friendly.”
Booking cancelled two days before holiday with no suitable alternative offered.
“cancel it 2 days before we were due to go.”
Many reviews report poor customer service responses, inconsistent on-site staff support and unresolved issues raised during stays, with only occasional reports of helpful staff.
Multiple reviewers describe paying for higher-grade accommodation or services and finding the standard poor, calling refunds or compensation insufficient or slow.
Guests frequently report disrupted or disappointing stays: closed facilities, limited entertainment, or booking mismatches affecting the overall holiday experience.
Numerous reports of worn, dirty or poorly maintained accommodation and some closed or limited facilities; a small number of reviews note acceptable or improved standards.
Reviews often mention late or automated replies, poor pre-arrival communication and delayed or missing refunds or information from the company.
Overall impressions are largely negative across reviews, with a minority describing positive stays where staff or maintenance issues were promptly resolved.
For each review, the core experience based on original source reviews.
Sources: Trustpilot (27) · Reviews (19) · Reviews (1) · Quotes shortened · As of: February 2026
Extremely unclean chalet caused immediate departure and poor subsequent communication.
“cups were all coffee stained cutlery not been washed up had dried food on them”
Chalet was dirty and smelt strongly of bleach; cleaning shortages noted.
“I physically felt sick, was crying and felt anxious the smell in the carpets and curtains”
Filthy chalet and unfulfilled refund promise amid staff shortages and poor hygiene.
“If you like the smell of bleach and dog poo and the smell of smoke that's in the curtains and floor”
I was excited about going on my first ever holiday abroad, so I decided to book with a UK company called John Fowler Holidays. I thought that because they were in the same country as me, they would be reliable and friendly. However, the customer service was very poor when it came to replying to my queries. The only reply I got was an automated message telling me to check my spam folder. I have never felt so bad after flying all the way to Gran Canaria. The flight there was terrible and no one had even helped me with my luggage or anything. I don’t recommend them!
Caller charged a £2.01 fee for a four minute booking line call.
“I was charged £2.01 for a 4 minute call!”
Deposit taken for a holiday that did not exist and refund delays followed.
“promptly took the deposit even though the holiday didn't exist.”
Facilities broken and unrepaired; entertainment poor and nothing for children.
“Broken curtain rails broken cooker and no one ever arrives for repairs, entertainment is pants”
This page combines submitted experiences with public reviews from platforms such as Google, Trustpilot, etc. Recurring points are summarised without changing the content of reviews.
John Fowler Holidays is a UK holiday operator offering short breaks and family stays in caravans, bungalows and lodges at coastal and countryside parks. It sells breaks directly and via travel partners, and customers commonly research accommodation condition, on-site facilities and booking policies when comparing providers.