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AIBU?

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Original poster

To be worried about Butlins?!

316 replies

Burlee · 14/01/2024 07:46

I’ve booked a few nights at Butlins in May - I used to go as a kid.

Last night I saw on their website that part of the pool in closed which was the main thing we were going for so I checked the trip advisor reviews to see if anyone mentioned it - OMG the reviews!! They were so bad they were actually funny! One person saying that the people who go there are tough as toast and it’s not unusual for parents to be calling their kids “little cunt” etc - kids running around absolutely feral, people queuing for 6pm entertainment from 2pm - everywhere smells of urine - half the rides don’t work - the accommodation is like a run down council flat - WTF have I done!

Anyone been recently and can tell me it’s not this bad?

OP posts:
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6
Comedycook · 14/01/2024 11:31

Ridiculous to comment if you have never been.

The one in bognor is great. The funfair is good, pool and waterslides are a lot of fun. Loads of different places to eat...ok, not fine dining but perfectly fine for a family holiday. Grounds were kept nice. Entertainment is often excellent...we saw some really good shows. Kids won't get bored at all. My dd did zip lining, climbing, pottery painting, archery

PurpleFlower1983 · 14/01/2024 11:31

We went to Skegness with our two young children on one of their toddler weeks. Some of what you have read is definitely true but I think it was toned down when we went because it was all under 5s. We had their most expensive Seaside apartment and it was passable, not the cleanest generally but the beds were clean. I’m glad we didn’t go for cheaper to be honest! We had a good week though and got the dining plan which worked out really good value. Not sure I would go back with older kids.

PurpleFlower1983 · 14/01/2024 11:32

Just to add, the entertainment, swimming and rides were great!

x2boys · 14/01/2024 11:33

Beezknees · 14/01/2024 11:29

Butlins is fine OP. You take it for what it is. I used to go a lot with DS and I've never heard anyone calling their kids "little cunts" there.

People on this thread who has never been really have no authority to say what it's like or isn't like.

Well.exactly I have been twice it,was fine and far from cheap
I appreciate not everybody would enjoy that kind of holiday but for people who have never Been to slate it ,is a bit ridiculous.

JenJenJenJenJenJen · 14/01/2024 11:33

x2boys · 14/01/2024 11:30

So.you don't live in the UK and have never been to Butllns 🙄

Show quote history

I’m not sharing my experiences of the place, I’m simply saying it’s amazing to me that the OP has never heard the negative views of Butlins. She sounds shocked that it’s considered rough when it has a reputation for such.

ThreeBeanChilli · 14/01/2024 11:33

I was curious as never been and Minehead, week in August, self catering was under 800 for 4 people so that's cheaper than cottages or even Haven type caravans I think??

WhycantIkeepthisbloodyplantalive · 14/01/2024 11:34

We went for 5 days in December with the pool shut. It was absolutely fine for 3 days but then it was a nightmare (for us as parents). We constantly had to find things to do, the kids were very happy but we were sort of relying on the pool to tire them out somewhat. If you are going for the weekend I think you will be absolutely fine but just book activities in advance on the app because you can't get into anything (shows,softplay,etc) without pre booking.

Cakeandslippers · 14/01/2024 11:34

We went last year, it was great. Some very snobby replies here, we had a great time. The pool is brilliant, it's really big so depends which part is closed, might still be fine.

For what it's worth I thought the clientele were great. A proper mix of people and everyone was having a great time.

ArnieLinson · 14/01/2024 11:36

They are not really activities though. I found centreparcs ok, but there is no entertainment. We cycled and swam at centreparcs. We cycle and swim at butlins. We do nothing but walk at home every weekend. But the entertainment at centreparcs is poor or non-existent. You're completely reliant on the company you've gone with for conversation and entertainment. And toddlers arent great company past 5pm.

one year we went to a holiday park near bakewell which was beautiful, we cycled, there was a small pool, hot tub with the cabin, ‘naice’, but again the entertainment was conversation with the people we had gone with. Well, i see them every day.

damn i didnt quoting the post i was replying to.

Vegetus · 14/01/2024 11:37

Annacondas · 14/01/2024 11:26

@x2boys it is cheap. Factually it’s cheap.

Cheap places often attract cheap people who are unfortunately more likely to be rough.

Cheap people 🤣 this place sometimes is outrageous.

PsychometricResting · 14/01/2024 11:38

Tlittle · 14/01/2024 10:26

We have loved it every time. Only thing is we always got a stomach bug. The last time we had to go home early. Think it cos it is so busy are more likely to catch things. Next time taking hand gel and keeping distance.

Always get a bug?!! I never go back anywhere I get food poisoning or where there is poor hygiene. Why do you keep going??

WhatTheHeckyPeck · 14/01/2024 11:39

Screwballs · 14/01/2024 08:27

I got ring worm from Minehead. We went for Shiine.

Show quote history

We also went for Shiiine and, other than being bumped to different accommodation due to the flooding issues, we had no problems. Bloody love that weekend.

statetrooperstacey · 14/01/2024 11:39

We went in the summer, this was our accommodation!

To be worried about Butlins?!
To be worried about Butlins?!
To be worried about Butlins?!
To be worried about Butlins?!
To be worried about Butlins?!
statetrooperstacey · 14/01/2024 11:41

it was not cheap, £900 ish for 3 nights.

Isitautumnyet23 · 14/01/2024 11:41

ArnieLinson · 14/01/2024 11:36

They are not really activities though. I found centreparcs ok, but there is no entertainment. We cycled and swam at centreparcs. We cycle and swim at butlins. We do nothing but walk at home every weekend. But the entertainment at centreparcs is poor or non-existent. You're completely reliant on the company you've gone with for conversation and entertainment. And toddlers arent great company past 5pm.

one year we went to a holiday park near bakewell which was beautiful, we cycled, there was a small pool, hot tub with the cabin, ‘naice’, but again the entertainment was conversation with the people we had gone with. Well, i see them every day.

damn i didnt quoting the post i was replying to.

Edited

I agree theres no specific free evening entertainment (shows etc) in Center Parcs but we love that and swim into the dark under the stars now the kids are older. By the time we’ve got back, had dinner and wine and got cosy in pjs, im quite happy to stay in a lovely cosy lodge (except in the Winter when the Xmas lights are on which are amazing and free!).

Ohdojustfuckoff · 14/01/2024 11:43

statetrooperstacey · 14/01/2024 11:41

it was not cheap, £900 ish for 3 nights.

What possessed you to spend that type of money to go to Butlins?

HairyToity · 14/01/2024 11:44

Have you ever heard the quote - paradise isn't a place, it's a feeling. I have always found if I go with the right attitude I can enjoy (nearly) all holidays. Good luck!

LenaLamont · 14/01/2024 11:46

DS went with school. Came home with nits and a stomach bug.

SusieSussex · 14/01/2024 11:47

I've been to the Bognor one. I found it OK. Only thing was it could be noisy at night. The carpet could have been a bit newer/cleaner but not that bad. It's not middle class but i never came across anyone aggressive or unpleasant or swearing /shouting at their children or anyone. People were just getting on with enjoying their holiday.

x2boys · 14/01/2024 11:48

Ohdojustfuckoff · 14/01/2024 11:43

What possessed you to spend that type of money to go to Butlins?

Show quote history

Because that's what it costs
And generally kids love it
I totally understand not everybody would enjoy this kind if holiday
But when m kids were littlle there was a fun fair ,pool with flume and slides ,entertainment day and night all free once on site

Puffalicious · 14/01/2024 11:50

Hi,

Just jumping on to ask if you can buy tickets/ a pass for the shows at Butlins? My DS is obsessed with The Masked Singer, and we went to the live show when it was on tour (which he still talks about all the time) but this year the shows are at Butlins 🙈.

I really don't want to stay. It's quite a drive for us, so I'd prefer to either take the camper & toddle down, or go via train & stay somewhere nice nearby.

SusieSussex · 14/01/2024 11:51

Children like it because there are so many different things to do, such as circus, sports, fairground, shows, swimming. I don't think you pay extra for them like center parcs, but maybe you do for some. I can't remember

Royalbloo · 14/01/2024 11:54

Minehead is great

Moier · 14/01/2024 11:54

My daughter loves Caravan holidays with her son.. but Butlins was the worse experience and she never used them again.
She loves Haven. I've been with them to Haven and l couldn't believe how lovely it is.. all very clean.. loads to do.. excellent pools. Staff are brilliant.
( Wales).

Whydoiwearsomuchleopardprint · 14/01/2024 11:57

Went about 10 years ago to the Bognor one, was the worst experience of our lives! I couldn’t wait to leave for the reasons you have mentioned! Hopefully it’s improved over the last 10 years but I wouldn’t go back if you paid me!