Let me first say that this wasn't our first visit to Butlins. In fact, this was our 10th visit in 3 years! Yes, I did say 10th, 10 Butlins holidays in just 3 years. You may get the idea that, well, we kind of like it there.
We first went to Butlins back in 2015, for the Easter break. We enjoyed a lovely 3 day weekend. Our little man had just finished his days of observation before for his diagnosis and so we booked quick, late, to just get away and have some fun.
Needless to say (well I do need to), We loved it. In fact, we loved it so much that we ended up going for another 2 long weekends that year, all at the Minehead site.
Then in 2016 we actually did 5 long weekends as we got some great deals. The facilities that are there are always a hit with the kids.
To change it up a little though, in 2016 we split that time between sites, first going to Minehead and then Bognor site, then Minehead, Bognor, Minehead, rinse, repeat,
This year we decided to slow it down. We went to Bognor at Easter for a 4-day break, and then last week to Minehead for a 4-day break.
So, after that long explanation. I just wanted to share with you our recent break and why we have gone back so many times in the last 3 years.
Well, in simple terms... it just has fantastic facilities for what we need. So, when we go we usually book something like a Silver Apartment. Although this does have a kitchen, we also, usually, book the meal package which is breakfast and dinner.
It's great because you can choose from whats on offer, try bits of each and decide what you want. You can then have dessert, in the evening. This means you only have to do lunch, perfect.
The apartments themselves, at least the ones we have, have 2 rooms. 1 double bed and a twin with 2 singles. This, at the moment, is perfect as both our kids can sleep in the twin and we get the double. Tick.
Next, comes the entertainment. So, this is where it shines for us. You get so much. First, they have shows on through the day for the kids. Then at night, you can choose between 3 venues, 2 kid of main stages plus the stage in the main area generally has something on too. so, that's shows during the day plus at night going on to music into the late hours.
Next, you can do fun classes, I will call them classes as they are aimed at both enjoyment and also learning. My daughter has tried the fencing class. We often do some art or science thing. There are others, many free. some do have to be paid for, though we have done many and never once paid.
But, the thing the kids love the most. The free fairground rides. So, it's no amusement park. There are several bigger kids rides plus a smaller section with toddler rides.
Too, we have good sleeping facilities. Good food, Some great shows, classes and a fairground. That is the reason I say we love it.
I almost forgot. The swimming pool. Now, this is one of the biggest hits with our kids. You get free access and they have a number of water slides too. They differ slightly between sites, but all are fantastic.
One last thing. They are fantastic with it comes to special needs too. We never feel like our son is going to be left out. In fact, we have met many parents of children with ASD while there as well as people with Autism and Downs Syndrome. It's really inclusive and never seen any judgment from any of the staff.
In one way yes. The shows tend to repeat themselves through the year. So, go too many times and you have seen them all. That certainly happened last year. That's not to say that you can't get any enjoyment out of them, but they do repeat. The fair is always fun, never get enough of going on that. The food is always great, so we don't mind any repeat of that.
Overall though, the repetitive shows did not put any muddy water on our time. We love it each and every time. We're just glad that we tried it.
In fact, most likely this year. Will it be Halloween or Christmas? Who knows, maybe both? But we plan to do at least one I believe. We enjoy our stay each and every time.
So, have you been to Butlins? If so, what did you think? Have you any good stories to share? Any comments on your experience? If so, please do share below.
I love a bit of Butlins. We used to have a family caravan on the Skegness site. We’d go 3 times a year for a long time. It’s been a few years now since we last went, but I’d happily go tomorrow.
So do we. We do like trying other things too - but Butlins there is so much there for kids which gives us lots to do as a family. Even little Mr - though he always pulls towards the fair 🙂