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Original poster

Please tell me Butlins is better than Haven

90 replies

OlderMummy1 · 15/08/2014 10:50

We are staying with friends in Wales and went to a Haven park yesterday just for the day to use the swimming pool. As we walked into the swimming pool we were greeted by the sight of a bloke on his hands and knees, butt crack on display, shouting "I told you you'd fucking drop it" at his 3 year old child Confused

The place was awash with these types of people, shouting profanities at their kids, swigging lager at 11am.

We then had a 6 year wee on the side of the pool, mum just looked on and then left the puddle there, didn't even tell anyone!

Finally we watched a little kiddy show while having something to eat and the whole thing was toilet humour, not just the odd thing which I know the kids like, but really really crass.

Now I am very worried. We are booked to go to Butlins for the Just for Tots break in a few weeks. Will it be 5 days of this?? Sad

OP posts:
sillystring · 15/08/2014 11:14

...I'm forgetting.. I have been to a Haven, it was the one in Berwick called Haggerston Castle. I was only there for the day, visiting some friends who had a caravan rented. It was truly horrible but I think that's an exceptionally shite one, others are supposed to be much better. Still don't know much about Butlins though.

whatsbehindthegreendoor · 15/08/2014 11:14

Just to add, I've never seen the type of behaviour you've described at either Butlins on Haven - I have seen gobby parents swearing at their kids, but that's just one of those things you can't avoid anywhere sometimes.

mrsruffallo · 15/08/2014 11:10

I've never seen these kind of things at Haven. Sure, you get a rough element but we just ignored them.

whatsbehindthegreendoor · 15/08/2014 11:10

Butlins and Haven are both good, if you go to the right camps. However, Butlins has much more on offer, but can be a lot more expensive if you're taking several kids. Haven is great for a gentler, less commercial experience.
Butlins has a lot better choice of activities, for example, free fair rides, better entertainment, sports stuff, Redcoats on hand to entertain the kids etc
I prefer Butlins, have been going since 1993 and things have really improved over the past 3 or 4 years. I especially love the Bognor Regis camp.
I like Haven for when we're camping though - especially the camps in Burnham-on-Sea and Weymouth.

Basically, you'll have a good time at both, but it depends what you're looking for out of a holiday. With Butlins, even if the weather's crappy, there's plenty to keep the kids amused....

You'll have a fab time - I'm quite envious, we haven't got our next Butlin's break until November, although we are off camping next Friday to Brean :).

GinIceAndASlice · 15/08/2014 11:10

I hope so! I'm going to the one in Skegness in September, courtesy of Mumsnet.

That's exactly the kind of thing that I want to avoid, as I've been saying to Dh that his perception of Hi-di-hi and poor behaviour is off the mark, as he is a bit snobby about it.

Have a look at the thread here which has recent reviews from Mumsnetters
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/mumsnet_product_tests/2135491-Butlins-review-thread-Non-testers-Tell-us-what-makes-the-perfect-family-holiday-in-the-UK-and-you-could-win-a-200-John-Lewis-voucher?

When/where are you going? If its Skeggy we should wear MN scarves so we can recognise each other? Or a secret handshake?

squirrelweasel · 15/08/2014 11:08

I love butlins, its nothing like haven at all in my opinion. Varied shows and lots to do. We go every year to minehead.

WowserBowser · 15/08/2014 11:08

Mrs Grin

HeySoulSister · 15/08/2014 11:07

Which haven was it?

MrsWinnibago · 15/08/2014 11:07

Just throw yourselves into it. You might have a good time. Grin

differentnameforthis · 15/08/2014 11:07

Well I have used haven quite a bit in the past, as have many people I know...

I, nor any of my friends identify with your assessment of 'these types of people' I do not swear at my children, nor do I show off my arse in public.

dancestomyowntune · 15/08/2014 11:06

i've never come across behaviour like that at haven OR Butlins. Thats disgusting!

Altinkum · 15/08/2014 11:04

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

sillystring · 15/08/2014 11:02

Never been to either but am aware that all "types of people" go to all "types of places". The only comparison I have is Center Parcs which I hated with a passion, it was like being stuck in an episode of The Truman Show for 5 days whilst my bank account was drained for the privilige of eating Burger King at twice the regular prices and looking at someone holding a hawk from about 300 yards away. You might have a great time at Butlins but I wouldn't count on it.

WowserBowser · 15/08/2014 10:59

Haha! No, it's worse. You'll be horrified.

I love both.

KatoPotato · 15/08/2014 10:57

Missread as 'better than Heaven...' Din;t want to disappoint you!