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Original poster

Opinions on Butlins Family Breaks Please

13 replies

Bunnylady54 · 16/02/2020 17:55

DD wants to go but we’ve never been so don’t know how it compares to a holiday at caravan sites such as Haven etc. Would definitely avoid Minehead as there seem to be a lot of cases of norovirus there. Maybe could try Bognor?

OP posts:
Original poster
Bunnylady54 · 16/02/2020 17:56

DD is 11, completely unsporty although will sometimes give things a go. She loves amusement arcades etc

OP posts:
Original poster
Bunnylady54 · 16/02/2020 18:44

Anyone around?

OP posts:
Stompythedinosaur · 16/02/2020 20:22

We had a summer holiday there the year before last and we are going again this summer. We go to Skegness and have dds age 7 and 9 when we go.

We had a really good time, but I think you shouldn't have your expectations too high. The dc loved it. The pool was very much the highlight for us and we spent at least a couple of hours there each day. We got an action pass which gave us a go each on bowling, quasar laser, crazy golf and go karts, but you have to book your slots. We also did a number of the free activities, like archery, circus skills and arts and crafts. I think we paid extra for a dance class, but it wasn't expensive.

I really liked that nearly everything was paid for when we arrived (we paid for premier dining, which really isn't sophisticated, but was perfectly adequate). What the holiday lacked in class it made up for in ease and ability to relax.

SisterAgatha · 16/02/2020 20:25

We like them. But be warned, you will have to put your personal feelings aside for the sake of your kids on one of these holidays. It’s all for the kids. It’s amazing for them, they love it, the water park, the shows, the activities, the funfair, the meet and greets, it’s all for them.

Some people will say, that’s no holiday if I can’t enjoy it too. Butlins isn’t for those people.

kathhere · 16/02/2020 20:27

Just back from our 4th bognor weekend, kids are younger than yours but they love it, Bognor just spent £££ on an amazing swimming pool with loads of rides, it's absolutely fantastic
Entertainment might be a bit too young for your 11yo, but Fairground rides are fab and all included
Haven't been to others though - sounds like Skegness is bigger and has more on

Yogawoogie · 16/02/2020 20:27

It’s cheaper to go abroad.
We did it once when dc were small and it was a headache holiday. Forced fun.

Maydayredalert · 16/02/2020 20:28

We've been to Minehead loads and never had norovirus.

My kids loved it but their prices have really increased over the years. We never go below a silver accommodation and would never, ever have one if their dining plans. We eat out in the restaurants, or have pizza etc in the apartment.

Make sure you book any activities your DD wants to do as soon as you arrive. It always seemed to book up really quick.

And look at B-line passes too. I absolutely cannot cope with kids in large queues and they were an absolute godsend.

SisterAgatha · 16/02/2020 20:34

As for how it compares to a Haven, it’s totally different. Stay in the hotels if you can (there is a spa). Haven is usually on an adequate beach and in an area with sight seeing. Bognor doesn’t really have too much of that, you probably won’t leave the camp unless you want some cheaper priced self catering food. There’s a little bit of stuff on the seafront but not much. The beach is a bit meh.

You couldn’t stay on a Haven camp all day and night and feel satisfied. You could in Butlins. The activities are very varied these days, they have low key ones like silent disco etc.

SockQueen · 16/02/2020 20:34

Our DC are much younger and we would never normally have considered Butlins but we got a good deal on one of their "Just for tots" breaks at Bognor and had a great time! The pool was great, DS1 (3) loved the soft play, the outdoor car track and the shows. We had a dining pass so had the buffet for breakfast and dinner. Not haute cuisine but a decent range of choices and no waiting while ordering food etc. I don't know how it would work with older kids though.

FleabagTeabag · 16/02/2020 20:37

We've been to Skegness a couple of times. Kids are 4 and 6. It's their favourite holiday destination out of everywhere we've ever been! Cheap as chips - less than £300 for 5 nights for the 4 of us in their nicer accommodation.

This will sound horribly snobbish of me but the worst thing about it were (some) of the other clientele. But if you go with a realistic understanding of the sort of holiday it is then you'll be pleasantly surprised.

The staff are all fantastic and the facilities are great.

MondeoFan · 16/02/2020 20:38

We go every year Bognor always stay in the hotels and get food package included then it feels like a proper holiday. Entertainment is good as is the pool. There's so much to do there we always run out of time

ThisHereMamaBear · 16/02/2020 20:46

I took DS to Skegness a few years ago, we had a brilliant time. Convinced my husband to go last year to Bognor and he loved it too! We're going Bognor again in May. The new swimming pool is great. I just love the food!!

Qwerty543 · 16/02/2020 23:50

Love it there. Never had noro at Minehead. Yes some of the other guests leave a lot to be desired but I don't go to make friends. DCs love it.

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