Families jump to defend resort after British expat’s Benidorm warning to parents

Few holiday resorts divide opinion quite like Benidorm. Now, one Brit expat’s warning has sparked a passionate response from families who want to set the record straight.

Harry Poulton’s warning creates headlines across the UK

Harry Poulton, a British expat who has made Benidorm his home, has found himself in the spotlight after warning families to think twice before visiting some of the resort’s busiest nightlife areas during the summer holidays after he witnessed a women going to the toilet in the middle of the street at 9am in the morning  Several UK news outlets reported his comments under headlines suggesting Benidorm “isn’t safe for children” or urging families to stay away.

Closer inspection, however, shows Poulton was not condemning the resort as a whole. His advice focused on avoiding three well-known nightlife hotspots, including the area known as “Mugger’s Alley” and parts of the English Square entertainment district after dark. Rather than discouraging visits altogether, he encouraged parents to research where they stay and use common sense when choosing where to spend their evenings. Harry’s video racked up thousands of views with his warning to those thinking about booking a holiday to the Costa Blanca resort.

@harrytokky Benidorm is not suitable for kids do you agree? Just saw a woman poo on the street… #fyp #harrytokky #Benidorm ♬ original sound – Harry Tokky

Families say Benidorm has always been about choosing the right area

Holidaymakers were quick to defend the Costa Blanca favourite after the story spread across social media. One regular visitor commented: “Been coming for 20 years with kids. You just use your brain where to stay and where to go and at what time. Plenty of families and great beaches, theme parks, water parks, zoos, dolphin parks and go-karting for kids. Harry is a great adviser on where not to go.”

Another added: “No different to anywhere else, never had a problem there.”

Some were encouraging visitors to look beyond the party district, writing: “Go Old Town, it’s fantastic.”

With one Facebook user questioning the tone of the coverage, saying: “It’s articles like this that make everyone miserable and negative.”

Content creator champions family-friendly Benidorm

Anyone familiar with Poulton’s social media channels will notice that much of his content is dedicated to helping visitors enjoy Benidorm rather than avoid it. Only recently he was encouraging families to visit Terra Mitica, describing it as one of the best days out available near the resort. Speaking about the attraction, Poulton praised the mix of rides for thrill-seekers and younger children, described the park as offering something for every age.

Common sense is the most sensible option

Millions of British tourists continue to choose Benidorm every year because it offers far more than its famous nightlife that only covers a small percentage of the area. Sandy beaches, family attractions, water parks, quiet neighbourhoods and the historic Old Town are all part of resort’s appeal. Party zones have always existed, and regular visitors would be the first to admit they are better suited to adults after dark. Yet that does not define the entire destination.

Harry Poulton’s recent comments appear to have been intended as practical advice rather than a blanket warning. Judging by the reaction from families and many of his own followers, the message was never that Benidorm should be avoided, just that, like any major holiday resort, knowing where to stay can make all the difference.