Skeg butlins alternative

[Worldworn]

We came back from butlins (skegness) last week after a week long stay, great for the kids, loads of activities but I'm desperate not to go again next year three years running. ( as OH wants to!)

The accommodation was tired and not very clean, the basic meal plan was queing for school dinners, the breakfast greasy and cold.
The queues all around where stupid, hours stood in the cold for every activity and even the restaurants. (We gave up one night as it was taking so long.)

The less said about some of the 'guests' the better

I've been looking to book for next year, somewhere within a couple of hours drive from us (spalding), and somewhere with lots for the kids to do.

Lots of recommendations for pontins, haven etc. But having not been we are not sure if they are any good. Thier websites arn't very clear.

Can anyone recommend a place?

How old are your DC? What is it they love about Butlins?

Don’t ever go to pontins! It’s 10x worse than Butlins. Centre Parcs is nice if you don’t mind paying a fortune, as nothing is included. I’ve had some friends visit parkdean resorts and had good things to say.

I have been there and the kids loved it but it was during a Christian Conference so a different vibe. The same kids at the same age loved haven (we went to Weymouth which could t really be further but I assume they’re all similar).

My DD (14yo) went to Pontins for the weekend with a school friend, she saw two stand-up fights and somebody died!

If you didn’t feel Butlins was up to scratch then don’t venture within 100 miles of a Pontins

Searles in Hunstanton. Try to get a lodge with a hot tub.
Not as much to do on site at Butlins but there’s a fair 5 minutes walk away.

We go to Richmond Holiday Park in Skegness. The food in the on-site bar isn’t great but it’s walking distance to town and the evening entertainment is ok, even enjoyable at times! There’s a chippy and swimming pool, my kids are older but I think there are some activities too

To answer an earlier question DC are 5 and 10, butlins to their credit have a great pool and they love the arcades.
The shows where good and being able to see so many makes it hard to match

Butlins want 800 for a week half board, centre parks want 1100, but obviously nicer accommodation and less to do without more costs.

This year was busy, but next year is going to be worse. I'm not one for crowds much.

Have you considered Butlins Bognor? I agree about the comments regarding the accommodation being tired but the hotels in Bognor are really nice IMO, especially the wave hotel. We go every year on the standard dining plan and the food has been really nice and no queues (just got back yesterday). They also have the fab new swimming pool which has so many slides etc and Great for both your children’s ages.