One of the best things about a break at Potters Resort in Hopton-on-Sea is the range of activities that are included. Unlike going to Centre Parcs, where everything but swimming costs extra, you don’t have to worry about saying no here as everything is included at Potters. The great news? Everything will be really close to your accommodation so you won’t have to walk too far.
When you check in for one of the family breaks, you’ll soon see what a jam-packed activities programme there is at Potters Resorts. You are given a schedule of everything that is on during your break, which includes activities and entertainment. There’s always something happening and although you won’t fit it all in, make some time to unwind as well as finding some fun and exciting activities to take part in.
Sports and leisure facilities
Sporting activities are a big part of a Potters break and there’s so much to choose from. Some equipment, such as for adventure golf, pitch and putt and frisbees can be picked up from Sports Kiosk. You can also book activities here like table tennis, snooker, shuffleboard, tennis and bowls. It’s advised that you don’t book too much in advance to make it fair for all of the guests wanting to have a go. We have never actually booked anything like this however, have just turned up and asked what was available at that time.
The activities list for your break also has things like archery, the bungee trampoline, climbing wall and the inflatable assault course. You are not able to book these activities and instead just have to turn up within the time the activity runs for. Some of these activities can get quite busy, and most of them have a minimum age to be able to do them. However, most of these are also repeated at multiple times during a break so you have more than one chance to give them a go.
We’ve never had to wait more than 15 minutes for any activity and when they are quiet, you can easily queue up and go again if you want. Although each go doesn’t last ages, it does meant that everyone who wants to will get a go and you’re not paying crazy prices to do the activity.
Live singers
We’ve only been to Potters during the summer months but during these you’ll find live singers throughout the day on the South Terrace and then in the Garden Bar later at night. It’s really nice to grab a drink from one of the bars and just sit and listen for a while.
Crafts
We love a craft session at Potters, and find them to be a really nice change compared to doing the busier, sporty activities. Over in the Zest building is where you will find a daily craft activity. During our latest stay there was keyring making, mandala art and making a Rubik’s cube. We’ve also done things like rock painting in the past. The activities generally run for a couple of hours at a time and are repeated in the afternoon following a morning session.
Staff are always on hand to help if you need it, or go through a tutorial again. They’ve also always been really encouraging when we’ve got frustrated or stuck with something.
Quizzes
One of my favourite things to do at Potters is to have a go at a quiz, which are generally held in the Garden Bar. Quiz sheets can usually be found right in front of the stage, along with pencils so you can write down your answers. Potters have quizzes for everyone too over the course of a break, from anything like True or False, a family movie quiz or one about music.
Dance classes
Potters offer a range of different dance classes throughout their breaks and these vary. In the past we have attempted both Bollywood and Line Dancing, but others available have been K-Pop and Salsa. A real variety of people take part in these dance classes so you won’t feel out of place if you don’t know what you’re doing… we certainly didn’t!
Wellbeing
New since our last break in 2022 are wellbeing activities. These are clearly marked in the activities timetable with a W. Again, all of these activities are included in your break and there’s something for every generation. Some of the wellbeing activities included chair yoga, wellness workshops, Rajio Taiso and Wind Down Wednesdays.
Swimming and gym
During your break you also get use of the heated indoor swimming pool and the gym. Although I have never used the gyn we have always used the pool on every break. The great thing about this pool is that you don’t need to book to use it. Over three visits, we have never been turned away and have just been able to walk in.
There are three separate swimming pools; one for babies and toddlers, a slightly deeper pool and then then main one which is 3’7 and 5’3 at its deepest. The main pool also has a small area which is outside which is sometimes uncovered. There is plenty of seating and sun loungers both inside and outside, depending on the weather.
For ages 12+ there is a hot tub to use and for 18+ there is a sauna. Erin was a bit sad she still wasn’t quite old enough for the hot tub but it won’t be too long until she can use it. However, I do also like this as it means grown ups tend to use it more on their own.
Evening entertainment
One of the best things about a Potters break is the evening entertainment. Earlier entertainment for the younger children is usually held in the Garden Bar while other evening entertainment is held in the Atlas Bar. Evenings usually start with Bingo, which lasts around 45 minutes and books can be bought in the gift shop.
There’s a real variety on offer during a Potters break and the evening entertainment has never disappointed. The theatre/ entertainment staff are absolutely amazing and is west end-quality.. A lot goes into the stage productions at Potters and it shows on the stage. There’s a bit of something for everyone too in the musical shows, sometimes with songs we know and some we might not.
It’s not just big shows though because the entertainment team also play games, do some comedy, might sing a song and also get the audience involved We have been crying with laughter at some of the comedy sketches in the past, namely the Star Wars one they did in 2022.
A newer activity is the Silent Disco. This was something both me and Erin enjoyed on our Norweigan Fjords Cruise and was so excited to see it on the entertainment plan at Potters. Of course, we had to give this a go on our most recent break and had the best time. It always feels a bit special for Erin staying up super late to do this as well. Maybe one for the kids would be a good idea (although they do a silent movie too).
Whether you have been to Potters before or looking to try something new, the activities included in a break are part of what makes it for us. You can do as much or as little as you want, making the break exactly what you need it to be.
