Family vows never to return to caravan park after ‘holiday from hell’

A South Wales family says they will never return to Lyons Robin Hood Holiday Park in Rhyl, Wales, after what they describe as a “horrendous” stay marred by cleanliness issues, water shortages, and an unexpected eviction.

Nicola Jones, her partner David Shirley, their three children, and extended relatives had booked a week-long break costing £560, due to run from July 19 to July 26. But by Wednesday night, they were asked to leave the site and began a late-night drive home, arriving at 3:30am.

Jones told North Wales Live the family was shocked by the condition of their caravan upon arrival.

"There was toothpaste in the sink, pee in the toilet, and hair in the shower, she said.

"I requested a cleaner to come and sort out the van.”

She said an initial cleaner "only hoovered" and ignored notes outlining specific issues. Eventually, another staff member "did come and address" the problems.

The family’s frustration grew when two food kiosks on the park reportedly had no running water for two days. Jones, who runs a burger van for a living, said the lack of basic facilities “was unacceptable.”

As tensions escalated, Jones says she raised concerns with a manager, only to be told the group must leave.

"It’s been horrendous. We were thrown off the site without a reason why. I was told if we left, we would get a refund," she said.

The park initially offered a refund equivalent to two nights’ stay, which Jones rejected.

"It was the first time we have ever been to Rhyl. We try different caravan parks each year, but I would never book a site like that again. It was c*** from start to finish. We’d go past Rhyl with our eyes closed."

In response, Lyons Holiday Parks acknowledged there had been "an issue with a burst main water pipe" and stated bottled water was provided to guests.

"This guest did report issues on Sunday and was offered upgraded accommodation and many alternatives which were refused. Our housekeeping team resolved all issues that afternoon,” a spokesperson said.

They added that asking guests to leave is rare.

"Although we will not comment directly on the circumstances which prompted us to ask the guest to leave, a full refund will be issued. We do not take decisions to ask guests to leave lightly, however in this situation we feel it was warranted."

The company added that most visitors remained "understanding" during the disruption and that overall feedback remains "very positive."