Butlins review thread. Non-testers: Tell us what makes the perfect family holiday in the UK and you could win a £200 John Lewis voucher NOW CLOSED

[AngelieMumsnet]

This thread is for the ten lucky MN families who are going on a Butlins holiday over the next few months.

Butlins say “We have been providing family breaks for nearly 80 years, and although we’ve changed with the times, many people still believe that we’re old fashioned and run down. We’re looking to change these negative perceptions and show Mumsnetters that we’re a 21st century holiday destination, which offers brilliant family breaks at great value for money”

Testers are visiting the Skegness, Bognor Regis and Minehead resorts – check back to this thread to find out how they are getting on.
We have asked testers to add feedback at least twice - before they go and when they get back home.

Non testers: Butlins would love to know what makes the perfect family holiday in the UK. Everyone who adds a comment will be entered into a prize draw where one Mumsnetter will win a £200 John Lewis voucher, so that they can get stocked up for the holiday season.

Please note: comments may well be used by Butlins on social media and elsewhere. Your MN name will not be used.

Testers – please share on this thread your overall opinion and experience plus your responses to the following questions.

Before you go

• Where are you going? How far it is from your home?
• Who is in your group?
• Have you ever been on a Butlins holiday before?
• What are you looking forward to most? What are the DC looking forward to?
• How was the booking process?
• What are your perceptions of Butlins?
• What made you apply to visit Butlins?

When you are back

• Overall opinions from you and others in the family
• Describe your accommodation
• Describe your dining experiences
• Did your break meet or exceed your expectations?
• What activities have the kids enjoyed?
• What activities/entertainment did you enjoy as a family?
• Was there anything that surprised you about your break/Butlins?

How would you rate/ describe...

• Food
• Accommodation
• Activities
• Entertainment
• The Butlins team
• Things to do for adults
• Things to do for children
• Things to do as a family
• Would you return/ try out another Butlins resort?
• What did you think about the value for money – especially compared to other family holidays?
• Any other comments?

Please also do add a review on Mumsnet to the Self Catering pages.

Thanks
MNHQ

PS We've 'highlighted' the testers posts on this thread so we can see them!

Lucky tester here, we went back in June, but I have only just seen the thread. I did post a very long review on the Butlins thread

Before you go

• Where are you going? How far it is from your home?

We went to Minehead, which is about 200 miles away

• Who is in your group?

My dm, dd(3) and I

• Have you ever been on a Butlins holiday before?

No, never

• What are you looking forward to most? What are the DC looking forward to?

Relaxing, swimming with dd and meeting Angelina Ballerina

• How was the booking process?

MN did it all for us

• What are your perceptions of Butlins?

Noisy, drunken stag and hen nights mostly

• What made you apply to visit Butlins?

I really wanted a break, and dh has always sworn he would never set foot in a Butlins after he went on an adults weekend in Skegness so I hoped this would be an opportunity to prove him wrong, but in the even the couldnt get time off work anyway

When you are back

• Overall opinions from you and others in the family

Everyone was amazed when I showed them the photos and told them how clean everything was

• Describe your accommodation

Fantastic, spacious and beautiful views. We were upgraded to Blue Skies apartments though, so can't speak for standard accommodation, however we had a huge balcony (20ft) overlooking the beach, two bedrooms, one with an ensuite that opened onto the balcony and a fully equipped kitchen with a washer/dryer, dishwasher, hospitality pack, even teatowels and wine glasses. handy

• Describe your dining experiences

We thought the food was really good (again upgraded to premium) plenty of choices, everything was hot and tasty, as good as most all inclusive hotels I have stayed in

• Did your break meet or exceed your expectations?

Exceeded them, 1000 times over

• What activities have the kids enjoyed?

DD loved the mini fair, the splash park, the arts and crafts, the beach and the characters.

• What activities/entertainment did you enjoy as a family?

DD was a little young for the evening entertainment, and tbh the vast upstairs hall where it took pplace was ver dark and a little bit smelly so we didn't see Mr Maker. We did see the Scooby Doo show though, which was very good.

• Was there anything that surprised you about your break/Butlins?

I was amazed at how well the grounds were looked after, no litter, everything was spotless. And I was very surprised at how much was included in the price (arts and crafts, shows and the funfair in particular) How would you rate/ describe...

• Food Very good
• Accommodation Excellent
• Activities Very good
• Entertainment Excellent
• The Butlins team Very good
• Things to do for adults Very good
• Things to do for children Excellent
• Things to do as a family Very Good

• Would you return/ try out another Butlins resort? Yes, definitely
• What did you think about the value for money – especially compared to other family holidays?

See this is where it fell down - for the break we had, 2 adults and one 3 year old, it would have been over 800.00 pounds in a one bedroom apartment, and our was a 2 bed. For 4 days. I would rather go abroad all inclusive I think

• Any other comments?

Thank you for the opportunity to be a tester, we had an absolutely fantastic few days, and hope to return to Butlins soon. (Just not in Blue Skies sadly )

Non- tester
The perfect family holiday for me would have to include lots of day time and evening entertainment included in the price. If the entertainment is not included in the price and a pass has to be bought, this should be stated at booking along with the price so it is not an unpleasant surprise when arriving. The accommodation must be suitable for young children- no sharp corners to the furniture, no plug sockets next to children's beds etc and spacious. Good dining options should be included with a healthy and varied children's menu.

Non tester

For us with a one year old and a three year old it's anything for a little bit of a relax. Plenty to do, clean and warm accommodation and a restaurant or two with a child friendly atmosphere.

A swimming pool is a must for us, clean facilities is always preferable and friendly helpful staff is always welcome.

I have to say were going away just after Christmas and it's the planning before hand that makes it special for us. I hit somewhere like pound land or the works before we go and stock up on new books, colouring books etc for the girls.

I have never actually been to butlins not even as a child so I will be watching this thread with interest as it's definitely somewhere I'd consider.

Non tester

For me, it can't be too hot and should stay dry (yes, I am aware it's the UK!!) Also, plenty of activities for the children that don't break the bank.

Non-tester.

The things that would make a perfect UK holiday for us include - good weather, fun excursions/activities, nice accommodation that caters for adults and children, a beautiful location with interesting walking paths and if I was really pushing my luck....2 very well behaved children!

Non-tester

A few things:
Plenty of indoor and outdoor activities to keep little ones amused.
Simple activities like treasure hunts, wildlife rambles, swimming. Anything to tire them out so we as parents get a few hours post bedtime for a glass of wine.
I like self catering as it's easier to feed two children however for dads to remember that it's mums holiday too so a meal out or takeaway is greatly appreciated!

Non-tester

What makes a holiday for us is ensuring that the day is as packed with as much fun as possible. This means being able to book ahead for activities so we can plan our days aswell as having things we can do if plans can't happen for any reason. There is nothing worse than sitting around being bored on holiday.

Non - tester

For us, a perfect family holiday just involves time together. Our children are still quite young - 6, 3 & 20 months - and we've realised that we don't actually have to spend much (or any) money to make them happy, we just have to spend time with them, and focus on them. As adults, our perfect family holiday is one where the children are busy and happy all day, and then go to bed easily so we can sit, eat, chat and enjoy a glass of wine!

non tester= best Uk hols involve quality time with my family and not having to worry about all the mundane things of home (bills, work, money etc!)

• clean accommodation
• Polite staff
• Not feeling like we are being bled dry entertaining the DC! Plenty of free , fun things for them to do.
• Fab weather!
• relaxation

The perfect family holiday to me is to spend quality time with the family so i love places which allow us to do activities as a family and all have fun together. Obviously this means including a variety of things to keep the children entertained! Some outdoor and some indoor, some relaxing, some energetic. I like to mix it up a bit!
Family dinners are also important to me on holidays and i like to make them as fun as possible as as much of a treat as i can so i opt for fun places with a 'cool' kids menu!
The accommodation has to be clean and well kept with plenty of space in the room to move about as a family, room for all the luggage etc.

As long as we have fun and spend quality time as a family, everything else doesn't really matter too much!

Lucky tester here:

• Where are you going? How far it is from your home?

We're off the Bognor Regis on Monday. It's between 1.5-2 hours away from us.

• Who is in your group?

Me, dp, DD (2.6) and DS (8 months)

• Have you ever been on a Butlins holiday before?

No never, but we've taken DD on a pontins holiday before, and I've been to pontins as a child

• What are you looking forward to most? What are the DC looking forward to?

I'm looking forward to just having the opportunity to spend quality time with the DC, without all the day to day distractions. We're planning on taking the, swimming every morning as it's not something we get the chance to do very often.

DD is looking forward to meeting Billy Bear and going in the soft play! We've just been looking at the what's on guide on the website and she's excited to see Mister Maker.

• How was the booking process?

We haven't really been involved too much in the booking process, but we received our holiday confirmation a long time ago, very promptly. I phoned up to add a bed guard for DD to our booking and the staff were very helpful (turns out I just ask when I get there)

• What are your perceptions of Butlins?

I know some people think of it as being stuck in a bit of a time warp or being run down, but the adverts of recent years I think challenge that. Also, my parents could never afford to take us to butlins as children so it to me it seemed like a wonderful place I couldn't go to!!

• What made you apply to visit Butlins?

The chance to get away with the kids, and not just to somewhere sunny (fingers crossed) but to go somewhere really geared for them. I don't think DS will get the full benefit, being 8 months, but I'm so looking forward to seeing what dd makes of it all!

Non-tester
Wi-fi, a dishwasher, a swimming pool, within walking distance to a store for bread/milk/wine - the essentials!

Non-tester.

I think what makes a good family holiday in the UK is simply being there together! Think of it as an adventure and go off to explore more of your own country. I think thinking of a holiday in the UK like this can and will make all the difference!

Obviously there are certain things you also come to expect, such as;
Clean accommodation, friendly holiday 'neighbours', health and safety measures for children, places to park, activities available for all the family, welcoming and helpful staff, good food, good local amenities (local shop, beach, play park)

Non-Tester: I am always looking for things we can all do together, rather than the kids going off and us stuck on the sidelines watching! I'd love to be able to do activities together, with facilities for various ages - whether pony riding, or bushcraft or cycling. I always get jealous when I see the kids doing bungee trampolining or whatever and I don't get to have a go!

Non-tester.

For me it is not having to travel too far. We always go to a caravan site an hours drive away. Any more than that and I am so stressed it's not worth it.

non tester

the things that make a perfect UK holiday are;

going with the right people (not grumpy miserable inlaws)
easy stress free journey
not having to take the kitchen sink ( basics supplied!)
clean well equipped secure accommodation
a guide and timetable of whats available and costs
free activities for those on a tight budget
something for everyone to do, all ages catered for ie kids clubs/teens clubs, bingo
clean public areas
variety of eating places (budget and nicer)

good weather is a bonus!

Non tester here.

For me the perfect family holiday includes a beach nearby with plenty of parking. On site there must be an indoor pool and an adventure playground. Wifi across the park would be great for those of us who are on our own and who have young DC and don't stay out all night. A dishwasher would be good. A clock would be handy too as so many caravans don't have one.

A perfect family holiday is having good weather and the opportunity to spend time together. Since having the dc we have stayed at Center Parcs, Butlins, Park, Pontins absolutely NEVER again, and Haven. We've found this type of holiday suits us as the children are entertained. If they are doing something new we change share their excitment and we love a day just pottering about on the beach.

We usually stay self catering but we did try dining at Butlins. The food was average but it meant that the dc could try lots of different things which was good. My criticism would be that breakfast wasn't until 8am, which is late when your dc get up just after 5!

My perfect family holiday is spending time together, chilling and trying new things.

Non-Tester

Our favourite holiday is on a canal boat. Plenty of walking and fresh air for the children, plenty of pubs along the towpath with playareas for the kids. The peace and tranquility as you slowly watch the world go by and a glimpse into the industrial past of Britain. The children enjoy it as well, helping to steer the boat and operate the locks. Seeing new areas and visiting different towns. We did the Llangollen canal earlier this year including the mighty Pontcyscyllte Aquaduct and we've already booked our holiday next year on the Cheshire Ring

Non tester here. For me, the perfect UK holiday is one that makes anything for us with DS (2) a bit easier! So, lots of indoor activities so the British weather doesn't scupper our plans, with a good level of hygiene (not germ-pit soft play) and decent, good value food available.

Non tester. But, just back from Just For Tots at Bognor, and a few thoughts.

Swimming pool amazing, but very cold for little ones. (And for me). Tadpoles swimming lessons were brilliant. I was so impressed with the instructors.

Wave hotel was great, and immaculately clean. Would have been nice to have glasses provided as well as cups.

Loads to do for tiny ones. It would have been nice if Billy's buddies (soft play for tinies) had been open on the Friday morning.

The left luggage facility on Friday at Reds did not seem to open at all, so we took cases to the beach for a last visit.

I would definitely go back and will be recommending it to people. One reservation over so very many arcade machines. I am sure they get used, but still.

non-tester
The most important thing about a UK holiday is who you spend it with - we love to get all our family together - cousins, grandparents etc and have a week away - we couldn't afford to do this abroad, so make the most of the beautiful coutryside in the UK.

Non-tester.

I don't like holidays that are too regulated. I like to drive with a rough plan but one that can be chopped and changed. There is so much to see in the UK, we just like going exploring.

I would say that the perfect holiday has the following:

• Clean accommodation
• Activities for everybody and all ages
• Good on site facilities

:-)