to ask for opinions of Centre Parcs v Butlins

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Hi all, plans for 1/2 term have changed (tradesmen in meaning we have to go!). Looking at Centre Parcs (Longleat, been before, know what you get) but it’s £1200 for a two bed lodge for me, partner, 3yr old and 1 yr old.

Butlins (never been) in Minehead is £400 for a Silver Apartment. Two bedrooms.

Seems like you get a lot more for your money at Butlins, but which is better for a 4 day break? Any advice gratefully received.

Completely different holidays. I'd personally go for the cheaper option and spend more on treats and eating/days out.

Have a look at hoseasons, they have some nice sites even cheaper than that!

Not been to Butlins but centre Parcs is brilliant. Worth the money to us. Probably a bit more expensive since you are booking so close to the date.

At your age kids definitely Butlin’s.

We go to Butlin's a lot and I'd really recommend it. Plus, Minehead has a lovely sandy beach too, so that's always an option if you don't want to spend too much money in the day time.
I'd recommend choosing a Seaside Apartment over a Silver one if you can because it's nearer to the venues.
There are always great shows on for the kids - especially in school holiday time.

Been to Butlins a few times, plenty for the kids to do. Centre Parks has never appealed to me and I've heard that the activities are very expensive on top of the already expensive accommodation prices.

Butlins is busier and smaller but I’d say better for your age children. It’s much cheaper and lots of activities included. Bognor Regis has just had a brand new swimming pool installed. I’d also upgrade to a nicer accommodation if you can afford it.

We love Center Parcs here. Well worth the extra imho.

Failing that, I know Pontins has some VERY cheap breaks on at the moment - it's not as good as either Butlin's or Center Parcs, but Brean Sands is near a brilliant beach, and the kids shows will amuse your little ones.
The basic accommodation is not the best, but if you upgrade, you'd still get a very cheap deal and you'd be able to spend the money saved on amusing your children :)

hoeseasons i booked my summer holiday with them

personally i would avoid pontins but each to their own

www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g666384-d664583-Reviews-Pontins_Brean_Sands_Holiday_Park-Burnham_On_Sea_Somerset_England.html

I’ve done both and they’re good for different reasons but I’d say, for those ages, Butlins. All of the rides and classes (football, balance bikes etc) are included so, if they through a wobbler and don’t want to do it, you haven’t wasted any money. The accommodation is more basic than Center Parcs but we didn’t spend much time in there and the beds were comfy and the shower was good so fine with us!x

Butlins in this instance. The accommodation will be better at CentreParcs, but not £800 quid better. We did Butlins (Bognor) a while back and the water park was fantastic.

Thanks all.

CP seems to be cheaper than normal as it’s closer to the travel date. But yes, you don’t get much for the money aside from a bed!

Butlins looks to be good on the face of it, but not sure as never been. Without being too classist...is it a bit on the chavvy side? Or is that my Centre Parcs snobbery coming out?! (No offence meant/intended etc, just want to know if it’s a good place.)

I would choose butlins as there is alot included and its great for young kids, but I would upgrade.

Basically, Centre Parcs = middle class and Butlins = working class.

For preschool children I would say definitely Butlins. The Bognor one has a fab new pool. There was so much for them to do, nearly all of it included in the price of the holiday. You get a whole range of people going.

We stayed in a gold apartment and it was very very basic though.

Center Parcs is fab. The water park is all that need at that age. It’s very middle class - because it’s so expensive - so some people may choose it for that reason. Others would give it a swerve for exactly the same reason though I guess.

In terms of holiday cost I’m a firm believer in getting what you pay for. I’d go for the more expensive every time because on holiday I want space and peace and relaxation.

Sorry I meant to add that CP it’s very cleverly constructed, in forests, so that you don’t feel cheek by Jowel. For a largely family orientated place it’s incredibly peaceful and relaxing.

Look at Centre Parcs in Europe, they don't hike the prices up at half term . We are off to one in Eindhoven next week , it was 700 Euros for 5 days in a premium cottage . They have a real indoor snow centre and tons of other stuff . We love it & can't wait

And that's for a 3 bed cottage

Butlins = screaming kids and chavvy discos.

I much prefer CP, it’s more chilled out and less about booze and kids clubs.

At least with Butlins it is easy to walk into town to the shops/meals out etc.
Personally I would spend the £800 saved on really nice days and meals out.
CP is over rated IMO but then again I have gone in for free with a member of staff.

I'm going to differ here and say with a three year old and a one year old then it's more about what you and your partner want. The one year old will be happy whatever and three year olds can make their fun anywhere. You don't need kiddy discos foot ball and multiple rides.

So if you can afford it, centre parcs. If you can't then butlins.

I get so cross when people call Butlin's chavvy - it's not. It's the people who go that might be that way inclined, but I'm sure some of them might make their way into CP occasionally!

For the age your children are, Butlin's will be colourful, noisy and fun. Center Parcs would be nice for the adults but very expensive if you can't do much because your children are too young...?