I did it ! I booked Butlins !

[AllThatAndMore]

I’ve wanted to go for years but was told repeatedly that I would hate it . Well I finally decided to ignore everyone and book it haha. Kids are three and two. I think they are gonna have a blast. I’m really looking forward to it!

Ooh how long for? Been thinking of booking myself!

Hope you have a fab time

They will love it! I was thinking I would hate it, but we actually had a great time. My kids are 5, 4 and 1

I went a few years ago with DD. Had a great time - just a short break. It's very family friendly.
My DH would have hated it though.

I don't understand the bad rep it gets. It's really really good for kids. There is so much free entertainment, the funfair is all free, indoor and outdoor, the swimming pool is fantastic and very state of the art with the themes etc.

Mine both have special needs and it's very good for Sen kids.
As an adult it does get a bit boring at times. I find it's the following the kids about that becomes annoying not the actual place, I won't lie.
But gin helps in the evening shows! Other than that we enjoy it. I think we go twice a year now.
We always book gold accommodation with the patio so they have outdoor space when we return to the accommodation. We've tried the hotels they are lovely but it's a bit claustrophobic. You'll have a nice time and make good memories.

I’m going for 4 nights in November - Bognor Regis resort ! We went with the seaside apartments and the premium dining plane (which was the only one available it seemed but buffets work better with young kids anyway !!!)

My husband was a Butlins snob and kept saying he didn't want to go. We went last year (going again in Oct half term) and he loved it! It's Bognor as well. You will have the best time, it is so good for children, you'll definitely want to go again.

I just got back from Minehead! Loved it, it is what it is, bit noisy at times and not a luxurious relaxing break. It was however clean and well kept with good kids entertainment. We did the cheapest dining plan and I enjoyed the food and loved not having to do any of the work! My toddler had a blast, we swam every day, went on the big merry go round, played on the beach and we even saw Justin Fletcher... planning to book again next year!

We go to Minehead every year. My DS (3) absolutely loves it!

We went. It wasn't for me but I didn't book it for me. The look in my 2 yr olds' faces when they saw Justin Fletcher in real life was just magical and made it all worth it.

It'll be great! You'll love it!

Butlins is PERFECT for kids. I don't get the hate.

My kids are in Y7 now and borderline too old but they have asked to go back one more time so we are going for a few nights just before Christmas.

They have been to all sorts of places on holiday but it's Butlins they go on about it.

I would only stay in a hotel though.

It is the best holiday for children. We went several times when DD was small.
Stock up on glow sticks before you go for the evenings or other light up tat you might already have the children wont know that it isnt new and will save a fortune.
If its either of your childrens birthdays get them a birthday badge, they will get a ton of special treatment from the Red Coats which really made my DDs day.
Even though you arent staying in the hotel go and put 'Billy to bed' they dont check if you are hotel guests or not and its a really sweet experience that DD loved.
Book in for character meals and breakfasts they are much more interactive than Disney ones too.
Take wellies and splash suits so you can make use of the fairground and playground if it rains.

We've been twice in the last year (having never been before despite living very near to one) Had an amazing time, although both times were Butlins adult weekenders.
They are what they are, and they do it well. Keep your expectations realistic and go with the flow. You'll have an amazing time ! If you want to escape for a couple of hours, Hotham Park is a 10 min walk and there are some nice beaches nearby. Sunniest place in the UK apparently.

I went on a tots break last may for the 1st time at Bognor. The kids (3 &1) and DH loved it. I must admit I just felt overwhelmed by the whole thing - it was constant chaos 😅 I came away exhausted and I swore that I would never go back.
But....My 3 is still talking about it and how much fun it was so I've agreed (relented) to let DH book it again for next year - just this time I've told him to book a 3 bedroom apartment rather than a 2 bed as there was no room in the second bedroom to put up a travel cot alongside the other beds so 1 year old was in with us (which probably didn't help with my exhaustion).

Have fun

@Quail15 We booked a three bedroom apartment for that exact reason !!!

thanks everyone for the tips ! We will be there for my youngest boy’s birthday!

We also make sure we have a extra bedroom to put all of our stuff!

I was a snob and only went on a Big Weekend as there was a particular band I liked. Really enjoyed it and have been back several times. We don’t eat on the site as the food is low quality and expensive but there are plenty of options near the Bognor site.