To ask if you'd recommend Butlins holidays if you've been?

[lorettalemon]

My friend and I have been thinking of having a few days away but are on a bit of a budget and would prefer not to go abroad this time.

I haven't been to a Butlins before but the self catering options, to save a bit of money, fun activities and the fact it's not terribly expensive looks really promising. I've heard some people make quite snobby remarks about it and suggesting it's awful.

I'd be very grateful if anyone who has been can tell me what it's really like - is it as clean and smart as it looks on the website? Is the food in the restaurants and cafes nice? What sort of people go - as in could it be a rowdy party place, or is it a nice environment?

Thank you in advance!

I have been to Butlins Skegness twice it's not cheap but I don't recognise these" it's filthy " comments at all we stayed in self catering silver apartments both times it they were fine ,and @Nursing83 Butlins is nothing like Pontins which admittedly is a shithole well Southport and the one near. Rhyl are at least .

No I’d rather plunge my own eyes out with a fork and then smother them in vinegar before eating them raw.

That’s coming from someone who went to Shitlins every year as a kid

There's no need to put yourself through going to Burlins when you're not taking kids. I'd just get an air bnb somewhere with a nice pub and few different attractions nearby.

I've just had a short break with friends at Crowhurst park near Battle Sussex. We had a hot tub cabin, there is a gym and swimming pool and a slightly disappointing bar/restaurant. Nearby Battle and Hastings are interesting towns. I would look at the Hoseasons website lots of caravan parks more geared to breaks for adults rather than kids although not exclusive.

When did ok s st go BJ,s ? Because Bultlins have had several revamps ,it's not for everyone ,it is what it is and my kids loved it

We went to Skegness several times when my dcs were smaller and always had a lovely time, the kids loved the entertainment and because they were happy we were happy.
They both enjoyed the fairground which is included and went swimming each day. The beach at Skegness is lovely.
Restaurants in the skyline pavilion are expensive the pub was reasonable.
We never went to Reds that seemed to attract rough crowd.
Recommend you book silver accommodation or higher.

You last go*

When I was 13 ... I’m 38 now but the memories remain 😱

No. Many reasons. It's just filth all round

We slept in our coats because the bedding was too grotty to touch!

Yeah it's changed massively in 25 years .

It's lovely it's expensive for what it is, but it's nice there

Honestly I'd rather stay at home.

I've been to Golden Coast holiday park in Woolacombe and Ruda in Croyde, both North Devon. We stayed in a lodge both times. Good facilities, lovely beaches. The entertainment wasn't our thing though so we wouldn't book a holiday park again. Now we do center parcs in the Netherlands (cheaper than UK) or a holiday cottage near the beach in Devon or Cornwall and eat out every day. Quieter in the evenings.

I love Butlins!! Everything is free once you are there! Great pool, shows and entertainment. Free fairground rides! Love it! Skegness is a great Butlins. If you get over Butlinsed and need a break visit Gibraltar Point nature reserve nearby empty estuary with wetland birds. Calms you down after the bingo machines.

Bingo machines ... Jesus I feel the depression coming back in waves

I think you could find a deal to go abroad for the same price as butlins.

@Drivemecrazy1974 I didn't think of myself as a snob. Till I went to butlins. I spent a lot of money to go. I really wish I had just paid much less for an air bnb on the Jurassic coast. I wish someone had been honest with me before I went. It was dreadful. Kids liked it. But we would have all been happier somewhere nicer, cheaper and quieter!!

@Drivemecrazy1974 I didn't think of myself as a snob. Till I went to butlins. I spent a lot of money to go. I really wish I had just paid much less for an air bnb on the Jurassic coast. I wish someone had been honest with me before I went. It was dreadful. Kids liked it. But we would have all been happier somewhere nicer, cheaper and quieter!!

Great for younger kids.

Mine are too old now BUT I go away with my friends every year to butlins big music weekends and love it. Standard accommodation and food court dining. A spa morning and great evening entertainment.

Seriously wondering if some people on here have actually been recently (like in the last 5 years at least.) It's amazing for the kids especially, but all the adults in our group enjoy it too. We've only been term time in the last few years (been during school holidays about 5 years ago but had no issues then either) but it's clean, well thought out entertainment for everyone, lots to do that is totally free for the kids. Our next holiday there's 6 of us going & in total is £175. We go self catering & with aldi/asda etc all nearby never spend more than £100 for the entire week. Pool & changing areas all clean. I've done caravans in the past & never going back to them whereas Butlins is definitely one of the cleanest places we've taken the kids in the UK.

We had a lovely time there a couple of years ago we went to the Bognor Regis one and I don't have a bad thing to say about them. Food was lovely lots of choice.

I take my grandson to butlins skegness every year he loves it if you are on a tight budget then use the caravan park on site you can book the butlins website there is plenty of food court options and lots of entertainment for all ages

My DS went on a school trip to Butlins Bognor Regis for a football tournament last spring/summer. All the children (Yr 7, 8) raved about it. The pool was the highlight (check it out on google) but they loved the food too. I can't imagine going without children but I do think some posters need to recognise that Butlins has changed since they went there 30yrs ago!

Took kids many years ago when they were about 9 or 10, they loved it but I thought expensive! Cheaper to go abroad. Have been going to adult weekends for over 10 years with friends, never had a problem. Always a good laugh. Don't usually pay more than £140 each for 3 nights in gold accommodation. We go for the live music, its only "nasty" if u make it that, keep with your pals, enjoy the music, everyone friendly. Do the fancy dress and have a great time!

Butlins is mint.

I also love pontins, but don’t go to Camber sands it is known for being a dump. The others are better.

Holiday park breaks are what they are.