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Original poster

Off to Butlins...now dreading it!

121 replies

SpringHasSprungGrassIsRiz · 15/07/2022 12:02

We went a few years ago to review it for Mumsnet and it was great for the kids, but it was a Just for Tots break, and we never got around to going back.

Decided to book a week in Minehead to kick off the summer holidays as the DC are older and thought they would really enjoy it.

Just made the mistake of checking the reviews on TripAdvisor, all of the most recent ones are horrendous!

Dirty, understaffed, overcrowded!

Now I'm stressed out!

I'm going to have to pack my marigolds aren't I?

OP posts:
ImFuminHun · 15/07/2022 14:29

We like it.

Tiani4 · 15/07/2022 17:03

We love Butlins - it's great for kids
Stay in a chalet , go with multi generations ...
always give it quick clean over when we arrive as frankly but OCD like that but
If it's ever not fully clean as in dirty would ring customer care and they send cleaner to you again

bowchicawowwow · 15/07/2022 17:17

We used to love Butlins. It's a bit tired in places but I never thought it was dirty. It's a child focused holiday at the end of the day and mine loved it for what it was. We always did shorter breaks and made the most of what was on site.

With Haven and other caravan type holidays you tend you use the site as a base and for a bit of evening entertainment but Butlins is more focused on you spending your day on the resort.

user1474315215 · 15/07/2022 17:27

We used to go when the DC were primary age (30 years ago) and they absolutely loved it. Decided to return to Bognor last year with the DC and the DGC and had the best time. It's not top notch luxury but there's so much for young children to do and if they're happily occupied then the adults can relax. I'd definitely go back again - we had a blast.

Westcoastlover · 15/07/2022 17:30

Minehead is on the edge of beautiful Exmoor. If you want to take a break from Butlins take the steam train or walk the coastal path to nearby Dunster beach, so peaceful. Visit picturesque Dunster, Selworthy, Porlock Weir ( you can now get a boat tour there from Minehead on selected days) take the open topped bus to Lynmouth. Drive up to the end of North Hill, gorgeous walks
and watch the sunset. Hope you have a lovely time.

RishiRich · 15/07/2022 17:33

We took the DC to Butlins Skegness for a football tournament a few months ago. I wasn't looking forward to it much but it was fine and the DC (12 and 9) loved it. Everything was clean and tidy in our accommodation and the communal areas. No dirty nappies in the changing rooms! I'm sure you'll have a lovely time.

JellyBellyNelly · 15/07/2022 17:38

It’s great to see that people are still having a lovely time on a Butlins holiday. I’m now in my 60’s and still think about the fabulous holidays we had at Butlins in Ayr during the 60’s and early 70’s. It was some of the best days of my life.

alphapie · 15/07/2022 17:38

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Sugarmoose · 15/07/2022 17:42

We're of to Skegness Butlins in October,my boys love a caravan holiday.We usually do have Craig Tara or Seaton sands as we live middle Scotland so actually looking forward to skeg.Ive found things are cleaner due to some COVID restrictions but as you say it's more the grotty folk than place x

JellyBellyNelly · 15/07/2022 17:42

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Well thank god you’re way too good for it because you’re absolutely vile and should come with a public health warning.

Youtoldmeonce · 15/07/2022 17:56

Went a few years ago to Minehead, always said I wouldn’t go if you paid me but as a support worker I had no choice as the person I support family had booked it & I was dreading it.
So surprised how clean it all was ( in S/C chalet) also breakfast & evening meal-so much choice and really lovely food.

Nodancingshoes · 15/07/2022 18:14

It is what it is. We went recently and the accommodation was very basic but it was clean so I didn't mind. Especially considering how much I paid. Kids had a great time. The behaviour of some other guests was the problem but that wasn't Butlins fault....

OnlyFoolsnMothers · 15/07/2022 18:33

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Said the person who foolishly gave 3k to centre parcs!!!

SonSonSon · 15/07/2022 18:57

God some people on here are so classy 🤣

Butlins is fab, we’ve been to skeggy 4 times now (my eldest is 6). Booked again for next year. The premium food is worth it, so so many shows you can’t make them all, swimming, soft play, fair ground rides. It’s absolutely fantastic & the kids are in their element. They had a circus last year which was great value too.

It’s not even that dirty? I’ve heard bad things about pontins (never been) but Butlins has always had good reviews from those who I know who have been.

Even if you don’t enjoy, your kids will!

CuriousCatfish · 15/07/2022 19:03

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Stop being such a bloody snob. CP is just Butlins for the MC wannabes anyway.

Walesscales · 15/07/2022 19:09

We went to the one in Bognor a few years ago and I did the same as you read some really bad reviews so I was dreading it but it turned out to be brilliant. Staff were amazing, everything was clean had nothing to complain about! We've been abroad to 5* all inclusive hotels but kids always ask about going back to Butlins.

Walesscales · 15/07/2022 19:10

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The only cheap person I see here is you with your vile attitude. Class can't be bought as you so perfectly show.

Hedgesfullofbirds · 15/07/2022 19:26

Can't comment on Butlins itself, but I echo what @Westcoastlover said - as a base to explore some of Britain's most beautiful and undiscovered gems it will be fine. Lynmouth, Lynton with its water ballasted cliff railway, and the Valley of Rocks, Porlock Hill, the Doone Valley, Exmoor, the Quantock Hills, Blue Anchor Bay, Watchet, the A39 coast road from Lynmouth to Kilve with stunning views across the Bristol Channel to Wales and, if venturing further afield, Clovelly. Hope you all have a really good time and there is plenty to see and do in this stunning area.

But, before you go, have a look at the extraordinary true story of the 'overland Launch' and follow its route! Mindblowing human endeavour!

SherbetDips · 15/07/2022 19:27

those places are usually dumps tbh. But that’s my opinion hopefully you’ll have a nice time.

Brightermornings · 15/07/2022 19:30

I love the people who have never been commenting how bad it is. I've done minehead and Skegness. Both fab. Very clean.
Lots of maintenance staff about maintaining the grounds. Lots of free stuff to do fairground, pool, play areas etc.
I took my daughter who now in her 20s still wants to go.
You will have a fab time

Cyclebabble · 15/07/2022 19:36

Went to Skeggy Burlingham a couple of.rimes. I ajve to say I liked it IME though accomodatiom.was variable . First time.we stopped it.was okay.bur very dated and basic. We upgraded on the second one and found the room to be good. Kids loved the place.

topshotta · 15/07/2022 19:46

I was there the other week it was lovely with lovely people

DontTripPoppy · 15/07/2022 19:47

we used to go loads when the kids were little. Summer, shoulder season and Christmas in various years, staying in everything from premium to super cheap accommodation over the years.

if you want genteel, immaculate 5* accommodation, it probably isn’t for you.

but it is good value and good fun. The prices are pretty damn decent when you actually factor in what you get … free funfair all day, swimming, sports and activities (v cheap or free) and really high quality shows in 3 or 4 different venues on site from midday through till midnight every day. Free crèche and softplay.

tot up all the cost of that and it works out very favourably

In our experience the customer service is top notch.they go all out to look after you at all levels. we once had a dodgy shower mended in one is the cheapo rooms within an hour one Boxing Day. The premium rooms are very decent. The silver accommodation is a bit tired, but ours was clean and tidy. I used to work in housekeeping, and know all the places where overworked cleaners like to cut corners.

berksandbeyond · 15/07/2022 19:52

I would rather not go on holiday, than go to somewhere like Butlins. But we all like different things, would be a boring world if we were all the same!

OnthePiste · 15/07/2022 20:14

I first went years ago when DC were young. I was apprehensivebut really pleasantly surprised. We had a gold apartment and it was really rather nice, very clean and well equipped. As others have said, the entertainment is amazing and your kids will never be board. There are a variety of different restaurants and bars for all tastes and budgets. We've been back several times since for a long weekend.

Can't bear the snobbery from people on this thread who have never been and have no clue what it's really like! People for all walks of life there, everyone is friendly and just there to have fun.