Not as bad as I've read before on here. (Butlins (Minehead))

Member Name: tobymummy

Product:	Butlins (Minehead)
Date:	17/04/08 (499 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Variety of facilities, nice location, no cars allowed on site

Disadvantages: Basic accomodation, SEAGULLS

My family and I, plus 46 others from our church have just returned from a 6 day Christian holiday at Butlins Minehead.

I was a little apprehensive before going as I had read several negative reviews (on here) on the cleanliness, quality of apartments and general service.

I have never stayed in a holiday place like this before, and was surprised at the sheer size of the site, a close friend had organised the trip and had picked up all our credit card style keys, so all we had to do when we got there was to find them, (easier said than done.)

On finding our apartment, which was self-catering silver standard, I was pleasantly surprised, it was clean (not sparkling, but not at all grubby!) The shower and bathroom area looked brand new; we had all the basic equipment in the kitchen: cooker, hob, fridge, microwave, kettle, toaster etc. There were 2 bedrooms, one double and one twin, we had ordered a cot for Toby and this was a travel one, we did have problem though it wouldn't fit in the twin room with both beds, we were advised to tip a bed on its side, but because of the legs sticking out we just moved the beds around and fitted the cot in, I'm not sure what we would have done if we had three children, including one in a cot!

When we got settled, we took a little walk around to get our bearings; some of the other accommodation available did look a little tatty, and was glad we weren't staying in those.

Like I said earlier, we were there for a Christian holiday. This was not just our group, but the whole site. A group called 'Spring Harvest' organise these holidays every easter and run for 2 weeks at Minehead and Skegness.

A big top circus type tent had been erected in one of the car parks, and this was where we went to worship and seminars. The skyline (indoor area including restaurants) was filled with charities, bookshops and information points. Various other places around the site were used for smaller seminars, lectures, and children's groups.

Many of the facilities were open for us to use, including the swimming pool, fair, 'Bob the Builder' area and all restaurants and pubs too.

We didn't really have much to do with the main Butlins staff and there were lots of 'Spring Harvest' people around to help you. So no redcoats or whatever colour they are at Butlins.

There were no cars allowed to drive around the main part of the site (except for a couple Butlins cars or cars for disabled,) so we were happy to let Toby walk/run around without worrying for his safety. (Obviously keeping a watchful eye)

As we were self-catering we didn't try out the half-board restaurants, but we did have Burger King and Pizza Hut, which were both on site. We also used the swimming pool, all though we went to these places when fairly busy, they were all found to be clean.

One thing which annoyed me a little, and is not the fault of Butlins, and that's the seagulls, there were loads flying around, making noises late into the evening and very early in the morning.

I'm not sure whether I would go to Butlins for a family holiday as there would be a limit as to what you could do every day, but as there were 'Spring Harvest' seminars and worship sessions to go to we had plenty to do.

We have considered going to Butlins for a day visit which is possible at all three venues, and as we don't live that far from Bognor Regis, then we may consider this fairly soon.

As for going to Minehead again, yes I would be happy to, we are already signing ourselves up for next years 'Spring Harvest'.

Nicola 17/04/08

06/05/09 Update

We recently ventured back to Minehead again during the Easter Hols, We stayed in sililar accomodation and had a thoroughly great week. As Toby was a year older, he was able to do more for himself. He tried out every ride in the Bobs Yard, as they were fre to go on, he had unlimited rides every day. We also ventured into the swimming pool twice, this was very clean nd very enjoyable. Toby was too small for the water flumes, but we enjoyed the river and wave machine.

We got home and the following day whilst trying to sort ourselves out, My husband declared, I wish we were back there for another week!! This is probably due to such a good week being had, and the fact that we got back on a sunday and not having much time to get sorted before going back to work.

Summary: A great location for a 'Spring Harvest' time away