Butlins!

[MinnieBoots]

Now I’m aware that there is a certain stigma attached to Butlins on MN...

Anyone ever stayed in a silver apartment in Skegness, or gone self-catering? What can I expect? Anything I should take with me?

Anyone?

we've been a few times saying in basic apartmenets self catering or premium dinner .The apartments have alway been clean and tidy.
The first time we went i was a little worried about the type of other familys who might be there but was pleasantly surprised the children aslo loved it as theres loads to do and lots at mo extra cost

We go a lot and we love it. It certainly attracts a certain genre of clientele. But it's fun, the kids love it and the restaurants and entertainment is good.

Also the silver apartments are self catering.
That's what we do.

Ahhh I think I can deal with a few rowdy guests! It looks like it’s got plenty of activities for the kids - and to be honest, I think if I go in not expecting wonderful things I can’t be disappointed! The only thing I’m concerned about from the reviews is the idea of the queues for the evening shows - but even then it seems like people who have been there at the same time have had different experiences when it comes to that so who knows what it’ll be like?!

Is there anything you’d recommend taking to make the self-catering part easier?

Take cleaning products, a chopping board (they only have glass ones) a proper bottle opener and a couple of good knives - they do a tiny veg one and a big rubbish bread knife.

B-line passes are well worth the money so you don't have to queue. Some people start queuing after breakfast to get into shows that start six hours later. If you don't want to queue and don't get a b-line pass then you won't get a seat/table for any of the evening entertainment.

We've been going for seen years now - ask me anything else!

To be honest I don’t mind the queuing for a short while but seriously?! After breakfast?! That’s crazy! Wow. I was looking at the b-passes but I feel like I can’t justify the cost...

I’ve picked up a few cleaning bits but thanks for the knife tip! Will we need our own rubbish bags?

If you can afford it, get the skybar passes for Centre Stage. You get a guaranteed seat up on the balcony level so you don't need to queue and you get table service for your drinks.

They apartments are quite well-equipped for self catering. You get tea and coffee provided but it's not the good stuff so if you're a bit picky about what you like to drink I'd definitely take your own coffee/tea bags. The fridge isn't very big either, it's a standard under the counter job with a little shelf for frozen things. There's a big Tesco down the road from the site, when we went self-catering I did a click and collect order the day before so it was ready for us to pick up on our way there. I planned out some really easy, quick meals so I didn't have to spend ages cooking like chicken fajitas, pasta bake, pizza, etc.

The click and collect idea is genius! Was also looking at the Skybar passes but again it’d be another £100 and we’re trying to keep costs as low as possible.

We just went to Minehead and had a great time. We were in a new seaside apartment. I got food delivered the evening before. In bags then I only had to load into the car (apart from fridge stuff) great apartment daily housekeeping , we didn't see any rowdyness, it was great. I want to go again!

Have fun

I've never seen anyone queue before breakfast for a show that starts 6 hours later. They don't allow it where we go!

We get in the queue about 40 minutes before it starts.

Oh and there's no rowdyness!

Just some very rough diamonds (I use the diamond description very very loosly)...

I went 2 years ago and I'm going back in 3 weeks. (10th September)

If you're self catering, there is a spar there that you can buy essential items like milk.

There is also plenty of restaurants on site too so no real chance of going hungry.

My kids loved it 2 years ago and they are excited for it again this year

We go all the time but always get food included so cannot comment on that other than lunch. We normally get a portion of chips from the (amazing) chippy and make chip butties.
We have never paid extra for early entry for anything and never had a problem.

Only problem with the apartments is they are a bit of a walk from the main areas. If you have little ones, take a pram and put snacks underneath so you don't have to keep going back.

We also take our own alcohol to keep costs down. The spar onsite is very expensive!

We were at Skegness last weekend, and have been probably twice a year since Ds was about 2 (he’s 6 now)

Honestly this year I struggled. The clientele seemed worse (ds is convinced he saw someone shot and killed when there was a big fight in the Center stage and security - who were brilliant - piled on top of the blokes) so we have decided we aren’t going back.

That said. We have had some BRILLIANT times there and it is kids heaven with all the activities.

If you can stretch to it the B line passes / skyline bar take all the stress out of wondering if you will get a table where you can see kids / have a good view.

We write out our itinerary before we go with the app so we don’t miss out on stuff!

Have fun :)

Oh I feel like it wouldn’t be a UK holiday park break without a few rough diamonds! But @flyingsaucersherbet it’s a shame your son had to see that fight! I’m all for people relaxing on holiday but people need to remember there are children around.

I’m looking forward to it though! It’ll be a change, hopefully the kids will love it!

Thanks for all of the tips everyone!

I totally agree with you. Plus we love to people watch when we are drinking our slushies and wine (not mixed).

We have just come back from Butlins and we really loved it. We always do.

Have fun!!

Thank you, I’m sure we will!