The entertainment at Potters was brilliant and far better than I was expecting (Image: Potters Resorts)

I stayed in UK's only all-inclusive report — just three hours from Birmingham and everything was amazing

The Potters at Hopton on Sea is a little British gem tucked away on Norfolk's coast, which is steeped in history but has been bold enough to move with the times - and it was voted the best holiday park in the UK

by · Birmingham Live

I enjoyed a weekend at the UK's only all-inclusive resort - an ideal family retreat.

Picture the quintessential British 'holiday camp' vibe - seaside family fun, evening entertainment and everything you need on-site - but modernised, with cosy rooms and top-notch facilities. Now, imagine it took some inspiration from luxury cruise ships.

That's Potters for you.

Nestled on Norfolk's coast, Potters at Hopton on Sea is a charming British treasure, rich in history yet unafraid to evolve. It's also been crowned the best holiday park in the UK.

I'd return in a flash. It's situated almost exactly halfway between Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft, reports the Mirror.

If you're not driving, a train to either town followed by a 20-minute coastal bus ride will get you to the resort's doorstep. And when the tide recedes, a short stroll leads you to a delightful little sandy beach.

The resort has been catering to guests since 1920, initially accommodating families in charming wooden huts - one of which still stands in the hotel lobby today.

A century later, it's a full-blown resort, boasting a pool, numerous sports facilities and activities to try - and near-constant entertainment from dawn till well past my bedtime. Many guests opt to stay in the rows of snug bungalows, offering basic, solid amenities at a reasonable price.

My family and I opted for a three-night stay at the Resort's hotel. Although the hotel rooms are slightly pricier, they offer more space and feature private balcony or terrace areas.

And when I say spacious, I genuinely mean it. The standard hotel room is roughly double the size of your typical British hotel room.

In addition to 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 of accommodating a third person - and given the size of the room, there's ample space for three.

While the bungalows are nearer to the playing fields and beach, the hotel is conveniently located closer to dining and entertainment venues as well as the pool. Potters truly stands out when it comes to food and drink. Everything is included - and everything I sampled was scrumptious.

Everything I ate at Potters was scrumptious (Image: Potters Resorts)

For many, the term 'all-inclusive resort' might evoke images of tepid buffets, heaped 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 presents three or four restaurant-quality starter and main options.

During my visit, I enjoyed a buttery, flaky Sea Bass fillet, some delightfully crispy deep fried Halloumi and a perfectly cooked chicken breast with mushroom and thyme sauce.

None of the dishes would challenge a Michelin star - but they'd certainly give any of my local foodie pubs a good run for their money. And that's before we even get to the carvery, which is served up every evening featuring a different roast meat.

In addition to this, there's a second buffet option - typically a curry or Chinese dish - that you can help yourself to if you're in a rush or simply not in the mood for the a la carte options. I sampled the butter chicken, which was as good as any I've tasted, and the crispy fried king prawns with sweet n sour, which were enormous and incredibly moreish.

There is a beach within a short walk of the resort (Image: Potters Resorts)

Every night, a couple of hot desserts are on offer, or you can select from a lengthy list of cold puds. Or more than one.

Eat as many as you like, it's all inclusive. Your group is allocated your own table in the grand Garden restaurant, where you'll dine for every meal - and be looked after by the same member of the exceptionally friendly and helpful staff.

Nothing was ever too much for our server, and service was impressively swift - ideal for families with fidgety children. The restaurant - along with the nearby Garden bar - have clearly had some investment recently.

They're bright, spacious and a delightful place to unwind.

The children's menu is quite impressive, offering 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 dig in. 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 compliment.

Lunch offers a generous array of lighter options, salads and freshly cooked omelettes. And the surprise fourth meal of the day?

A late-night snack served after the main evening entertainment.

This changes every 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 decent range of premium drinks for everyone and it's all part of the package.

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

There's no need to book any of it - just show up at the right place during the correct time slot and you'll usually be able to participate after a short wait.

I gave archery a go and was lucky to have a marvellous instructor who guided me through the basics. While I didn't become the next Robin Hood, the experience was fantastic.

For most of the year, Potters operates as an adults-only retreat, but come summer, it welcomes families, offering a plethora of activities for the youngsters.

Swimming at Potters (Image: Potters Resorts)
I tried my hand at archery (Image: Mikey Smith/ Reach PLC)

The resort even has a giant panda mascot wandering about for those much-loved cuddly embraces. On-site entertainment includes an arcade, a bowling alley that comes with a nominal fee, and a delightful soft play area.

Children can also enjoy the outdoor fun zone, engage in lively games at the kids club, twirl away at discos, and might even encounter a troupe of impressively lifelike dinosaurs.

Having seen plenty of musical theatre, I'm usually quite the cynic when it comes to claims of "West End Quality" shows at holiday venues. However, the nightly performances here really did take me by surprise with their exceptional singer-dancer ensemble and some truly spellbinding stagecraft.

The show programme is diverse; one evening celebrated American pop classics, another showcased tunes from a mix of timeless and current musicals, ranging from 'West Side Story' and 'Oliver!

' to 'Hamilton' and 'Wicked'. Everything from the sets and costumes to the remarkable singing, with a daring rendition of 'One Day More' from Les Miserables, was executed brilliantly.

All the entertainment was exceptionally well-delivered (Image: Potters Resorts)

Finding fault with Potters is a tough task, so I won't strain myself attempting to do so. The most telling review of the place is that I encountered dozens of regulars who have been visiting annually, some for decades.

Generations of families have spent their summers there, now bringing along their own children and grandchildren - all of whom adore it. There's a high probability my family might join their ranks.

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