Give me your hints and tips for Butlins Minehead

[Thinkingaboutsummer2020]

For a midweek June holiday with a baby and a 9 year old!

1st time for us - thanks

I didnt like it,sorry

@nomore what didn’t you like about it?

We went last February half term and loved it! We had 2 9 year olds and a 6 year old.

The pool is incredible but was very busy first thing. What accommodation are you in?
The queues for the shows started very early so either get there very early or resign yourself to sitting at the back.

Be warned there are all sorts of things to take your money off you! There's a small convenience store on site but it's expensive. There's an arcade too. And I think a cinema if I remember rightly.

The site is right on the beach and Minehead itself is maybe a 10-15 minute walk I think. There's not a great deal in there - certainly nothing outstanding that warrants a special trip I don't think.

We go every year, and have done since dc1 was 2yo.
The children still love it, even though dc1 is now 19yo.
The 9yo will like the funfair and the swimming pool. There is a younger area, used to be Noddy land (you can see by the cars even now!), then became Bob the Builder Land and I think is Little Stars. Depending on the baby's age they might enjoy it, and if the 9yo isn't very tall (I think it's 150cm) they might go on a few things.
Ditto the soft play, there's a baby area and an older one. It's not huge, but mine enjoyed it at the right age.

There's also paying attractions. Bowling, cars, crazy golf, cinema.
Mine only ever do the crazy golf. That's mostly because they've discovered if they get the gold ball down the top hole on the last "hole" then they get a free second round. So they are happy to pay for the first one, and hope to get at least one more free round between them each.

You can go down to the beach in Minehead. It isn't amazing, but quite nice. There's also the steam train from Minehead.

Our dc love it and I think I’ll be sad when they don’t want to go any more.

We usually get a dining plan included, so much cheaper and convenient. Always the premium though, the basic is grim.

If you’re looking for things to do off site, Tarr steps is nice for a walk. Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff railway is also lovely.

There’s also a Tesco and Morrison’s just outside Butlin’s which is a much cheaper way to stock up on essentials than the site shops.

If you haven’t already booked, consider renting a privately owned caravan on site. There’s loads on UKcaravans4hire. They’re a bit further away from the action but you get better accommodation for your money. Everything is still included but you’ll get your own parking space right outside, more room, better beds, a proper size fridge/freezer and it’ll be quieter than the apartments with other families above or below you.

We've been a few times but its a while back now. The first time we went we didn't think much of the accommodation compared to Skeggie but there is a very nice caravan site in the grounds where you can hire a static, will be self catering of course but you have more inside and outside space.
The last one we had had a lovely big deck and was right on the lake which was great as we dropped on with the weather too.

I’m looking at the chalets at the moment - the steam train is what I’m using to persuade DP! :)

Had several holidays there I think 2007 - 2013, so things may have changed.

We used to have a gold apartment (self catering) and buy our food from Tesco - we used to get family size ready meals (it was a meal deal I don't think they do any more) so quick and easy, then for other meals we would walk into Minehead as better value than the restaurants on site.

Any activities including sports, plus bowling need booking up as soon as you can.

Make the most of the free activities and don't get sucked into the arcade games.

Good Premier Inn Close by, like 5 mins walk if you book early they can be very cheap and pay Togo into butlins for the day. Dunster Castle is wonderful, national trust, and a place for scones, can't remember the name... Gorgeous thatched village

Very very very steep road going out of Minehead be careful

I thought it was lovely. So nice to have a beach right outside the entrance. The chalets look lovely. I am so jealous that you can afford them.

@Chocolatemice there’s a really good sale on so managed to get it for a great price.

I got the premium dining plan too so fingers crossed that will be nice.

Fingers crossed for good weather in June now!

Yes. I’m sure you will have a lovely time. Just remember there are lots of inside things if it does chuck it down.

The steam train is right next to the camp, as I remember.

@Chocolatemice thank you!

Hi

Any hints or tips for a Just for Tots week in Butlins Skegness this May coming?

It's our first family holiday and our tot will be 4.

We have am apartment booked and will ge self catering.

Thanks