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Our Family Holiday at Butlins in Skegness

Butlins Holiday Park Skegness


Why not go on a holiday to Butlins, Skegness? Our family went in July 2010 and we loved it. We will definitely be returning for another holiday very soon. Our last trip to Butlins had been over 10 years ago when it was OK, we had a good time, but it wasn't somewhere we would want to keep returning to. But after hearing about all the upgrades, refurbishments and improvements they have been doing, we thought we would give it another go and we were not disappointed. Everything has been upgraded or overhauled, the gardens were lovely because of all the professional landscaping, the facilities were fantastic and best of all, practically everything was free once you were there. We just missed a festival that included a fire and firework show which I would have loved to have seen.

CHECK IN

When we arrived, check in was quick and easy (the long queues for hours seem to have gone). We stayed in a Silver Apartment which was lovely, spacious and well equipped. The beds were not the best quality but that would be my one and only gripe with the accommodation. We had views of other apartments but you didn't really notice since they had done some clever landscaping with hills and trees. There was no noise from any neighbors. We had a lounge with 2 leather sofas plus a TV, kitchen with sink, cooker, fridge and microwave - all good quality I might add, not just cheap stuff. Two bedrooms with wardrobes and drawers plus a bathroom with a shower. We had radiators in all the rooms and a fan heater in the bathroom so it would be no problem to go in colder months

The upgraded acommodation at Butlins Skegness   Self catering apartments at Butlins holiday resort Skegness

We decided to go and take a look at the Caravan Village after talking to some other guests who recommended we go and walk round that part because it was so lovely and peaceful. The caravans are all sited just a minute or two away from the main entertainments complex, The Skyline Pavilion, so they are in a really handy location. You access the caravans by going through a small tunnel which brings you out at a sports court and some bars making it feel nice and private.

FOOD

There are a huge variety of cafes, restaurants and fast food places to choose from at Butlins Skegness - these include The Yacht Club and The Coast - here you can eat all you want for £12.95 each adults and £7.95 each for children, Papa Johns, Finigans Fish & Chips, a Creperie, Burger King etc plus they even have a Costa Coffee bar.

ENTERTAINMENT

The entertainment is non stop at Butlins. There are lots of things for kids of all ages to do, clubs to join, games to play and activities. They have an 'infunmation' guide that lists all the entertainments for that week. The activities are listed as suitable for Tots and Toddlers, 5-8's, 9+ or suitable for the whole family. There are a variety of activities from a photoshoot with Barney to Character Olympics to join in with. The entertainment starts in the morning about 10am and goes on all day until 10pm.

The Redcoats have their own place aptly called 'Reds'. Here they hosted nightly a tots disco, a family show, live music then a disco. All the acts and entertainment changed nightly. For example one night was a Hannah Montana tribute show and another night was a Take That show as the live music part.

Reds - The Redcoats show bar at Butlins in Skegness   Center Stage showbar

Centre Stage was another entertainment place located inside Skyline Pavilion. I must admit it was a bit grubby in here and I think it needed some updating. They had nightly shows in here that ranged from comedy acts to family gameshows and they looked good fun.

We watched the African Acrobats one afternoon in the Skyline Pavilion and I've got to say they were brilliant. We go to our holiday villa in Florida every year and they were just as good as the ones at the Animal Kingdom.

The Crazy Horse was the place to go if you like Bingo. It was played every night at 7pm and I went one of the nights we were there. I can't remember what the cash prizes were - I didn't win anyway!!! The Crazy Horse is located through the tunnel near the Caravan Village.

ATTRACTIONS

At Butlins they have their own beauty place called 'The Spa'. I had a look round and it looked very professional. They offered treatments from just £22 which I thought was very reasonably priced so I plumped for a 45 min massage at just £35. It was a heavenly time with a very nice local girl giving me the massage. They give you a glass of fruit juice at the end and you are welcome to have a swim and use the facilities. If you want some time away from your family or a few girly hours, I would highly recommend visiting The Spa. I've said girly but there were quite a few men in whilst I was there who all seemed to be having massages and a bit of peace and quite from their wives!!! They also have a hairdressers in the Spa - example price: £10 for a wash and cut.

Funfair rides ate Butlins   Playpark for the younger ones

There are a couple of Spar mini supermarkets at Butlins for all your groceries, wine, beer etc plus all the usual gift, sweet and toy shops.

Splash Waterworld is free and is a really good swimming pool. It includes a wave machine, flumes, a Space Bowl, Master Blaster, Bubble Pools, Water Cannons, Rapids plus an outdoor pool if you are brave enough!!! There were plenty of changing rooms and lockers plus there were communal showers.

Outdoor swimming pool   Go karts and the big playground

Go to the beach: at Skegness, Butlins has its own gated access to the beach, its miles long and is manned at the gate. You just need your card to get in and out of the Butlins complex. There were loads of kids making sandcastles, playing in the sea or playing games when we were there.

They have a Nursery at Butlins Skegness which is open to ages 0-5. It costs £5 for a 2 hour session. Its OFSTED registered and they have qualified Nursery Nurses on site.

They had a very nice wooden children's play area, the type where you climb up and come down tubes and go across rope bridges. Our daughter went on this quite a few times and had a great time.

There is a funfair which is not very big nor does it have any 'thrilling' rides but for children from 5 to 10 I think it is great to amuse them for free for a couple of hours. They have the usual things like Dodgems and rides that spin you round.

The Private Caravan Village

Private caravan hire   Luxury accommodation in a private caravan rental at Butlins Skegness

The Butlins Caravan Village includes various sections including Sandhills, The Paddock, Parkside, Bankside, Poplars and The Retreat. The village has it's own check-in and reception plus guest services and a supermarket. Its located next to the tunnel that leads directly to the Skyline Pavilion which is the central entertainment point of Butlins. The luxury holiday homes and private caravan rentals we saw looked very inviting and will be our 'home' for the week next time we visit.

Free things include: The beach, Splashworld, Funfair, Adventure Play area, American Pool, Tennis, Various sports like football, all the clubs, amusement arcade, tots town, snooker.....

Paid for things include Bingo, Crazy Golf, Aerial Adventures, Cinema, Go Karting, Quasar Laser, Tenpin Bowling, Trampolines and The Spa.

You could easily stay for a week at Butlins because there is so much to do. We only went for 5 days and never stopped from morning til night. I think there is something for everyone here whether you want an action pack time or simply come to relax. It would be great for group holidays large or small, family gatherings, single parents etc. I think a Butlins family holiday is great fun for everyone.

Article added by Gillian Thompson


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