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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To go on holiday to butlins?

85 replies

inpixiehollow · 28/06/2021 19:35

Met with a friend for lunch the other day we were chatting about this and that and I mentioned I had booked to take my two under 2's on a just for tots break next summer. My friends reaction was quite clearly one of horror.. I know its not fancy but she pulled a face like I had said we were going to have a week at HMP.
AIBU to want to holiday fairly locally with two very small children, with activities to keep them occupied?

OP posts:

Macncheeseballs · 28/06/2021 20:09

'Always poo in the pool and all over the rooms', do you think you might be exaggerating somewhat , butlins is a great break with young kids

HOkieCOkie · 28/06/2021 20:10

It defends how much chav you can take in one sitting. It’s my worst nightmare chav city etc but if that doesn’t bother you go for it.

ladygindiva · 28/06/2021 20:13

Taking our two 4 year old this summer. Had booked for March 2020 but obviously postponed. In fact postponed 3 times. Can't wait and don't give a toss who looks down their nose! Justin fletcher!! My kids will be beside themselves 😂

Thisisthelifewevebeengiven · 28/06/2021 20:14

We love butlins! Like previous posters have said, if the kids are happy then so are the parents!

Mine are aged 11 and 8 now and we have been to Skegness every year since the eldest was a toddler and I plan to book a break there every year until they tell me they don’t want to go anymore and I can’t see that happening any time soon.

We managed to swim everyday (fantastic pool) had the beach right on the doorstep, played tennis, crazy golf, pool, bowling, go karts, funfair, family bike, high ropes, climbing wall, cinema, splash park, circus, panto, magic shows, comedy shows, music shows and so much more...

I honestly don’t get the snobbery about it at all, I’ve seen so many people say oh my kids wouldn’t like it, just makes me curious as to what they like to do?

You should definitely go op, I couldn’t recommend it enough.

DeflatedGinDrinker · 28/06/2021 20:15

We went there once I thought it was rough. Stayed in the hotel and it was dirty. Had bogeys and chocolate smeared curtains. Would not go back.

PiccalilliChilli · 28/06/2021 20:17

We went when dd was small, and had a great time! Only three nights, but it was fab. Bognor. Outside the resort the town is somewhat depressing, but it's not far to Arundel, which is where we spent a day. Food is ok, entertainment is great, fab pools, loved the new(ish) apartments, didn't try the spa but heard good things...all in all, a good break.

Deathsquito · 28/06/2021 20:19

It defends how much chav you can take in one sitting. It’s my worst nightmare chav city etc but if that doesn’t bother you go for it.

You do realise @HOkieCOkie, that people that scoff about ‘chavs’ hardly portray the sophisticated portrait they imagine of themselves?

As a previous poster has put, one of the joys of Butlins is that there are people from all walks of life there. Most of them I’d wager a damn sight more pleasant than any ‘ew chavs’ idiot.

55378OO8 · 28/06/2021 20:20

I think it's great for small kids (and relaxing for the parents because the kids are having fun). I wouldn't choose it if I didn't have children.

BrilliantBetty · 28/06/2021 20:22

I don't know. We drove down there, saw it, drove home again the same day.

I think perhaps it was particularly raucous with it being half term.. but nothing would convince me to go back.

But as we all know, different people have different needs and preferences. Not everyone has to enjoy the same things.

Winkywonkydonkey · 28/06/2021 20:25

I've been and it was the worst experience I've ever had. I felt locked in (had to even get through a guard on the gate to leave), it was rainy and so nothing outside was open and we had to spend most of the time in this huge tent thing that has music blaring while people sat around getting pissed ALL DAY. I couldn't let my kids in the evening entertainment as I was genuinely worried about their hearing it was so loud.

Comedycook · 28/06/2021 20:26

I found there to be people from all walks of life there...from middle class to not so middle class

HappyWipings · 28/06/2021 20:27

Small children love Butlins. It's really very easy to keep them entertained there.

The only thing I will say is to not go with the half board food deal. The canteen is a bit grubby and I remember it being totally packed and being afraid to put my baby in the high chairs as they were so dirty. The paid restaurants are perfectly fine though.

TheGoogleMum · 28/06/2021 20:28

I hear its pretty good for kids! DH won't entertain the idea though sadly he can't see past chavvy reputation (we aren't exactly posh though)

HOkieCOkie · 28/06/2021 20:31

@Deathsquito lol I’m not scoffing I’m just saying it’s full of really rough people.

HOkieCOkie · 28/06/2021 20:32

@Deathsquito also I don’t care what you think lol

ChuckNoWorriesMyWay · 28/06/2021 20:32

Well, I wouldn't choose to go to Butlins if I didn't have children but we went a few times when the kids were small and they loved it.

Wonderwalk · 28/06/2021 20:32

I didn’t like it, we’ve been during COVID. Accommodation was dirty and shows etc were limited because of Covid. The really small kids can’t use all the rides in the funfair, even the soft play has a height limit. The shows were good but they are limited because of Covid. Pool was really good but you could only prebook 1 session and had to que up and hope for anymore sessions, apart from that you’re left with the arcades. So if you like wasting your money on 2p machines you’ll enjoy it.

notapizzaeater · 28/06/2021 20:34

We go every year - yes it can be chavvy but the pool is better than center parcs (we also go there every year !) we always do premium dining, it's less noisy and not as packed.

AmyandPhilipfan · 28/06/2021 20:37

I have just today booked a Just for Tots break in September for me and my daughter. £111 for 4 nights. I thought that was an excellent deal with shows and fairgrounds etc included. If my child is happy and entertained and not whingeing then I find that I also really enjoy the holiday, wherever it may be!

WorriedMillie · 28/06/2021 20:37

I’ve only been for a day and it wouldn’t be my first choice of holiday, but kids love it, there’s so much to do.
Ignore your friend’s snobbery, it sounds like it ticks all of your boxes

IggyAce · 28/06/2021 20:37

When my kids were younger we went on several Butlins holidays and loved them, we have very happy memories of our holidays.

blubberball · 28/06/2021 20:38

I didn't like it, but the kids loved it and that's what matters when they're little to be honest.

Amammai · 28/06/2021 20:38

We’ve just booked to go for the first time and I am super excited! Looking at what’s on offer I know my nearly 4 year old is going to have an absolute blast and if he’s happy, we’re happy! It’s not like a holiday anywhere with young children is going to be quiet and relaxing- may as well get stuck in to all the activities , wear them out then enjoy a glass of wine! We’ve booked a seaside lodge and I think it looks lovely. Of course there will be all kinds of people there…I imagine a holiday anywhere is the same!

PeteWicksSexyPirate · 28/06/2021 20:40

Butlins is brilliant, you’ll have a great time OP!

Roselilly36 · 28/06/2021 20:41

We had a couple of lovely breaks at Butlins when our boys were little. The hotels were nice. Our DS’ loved it.

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