Fun holidays for families (Butlins (Minehead))

Member Name: AmandaB123

Product:	Butlins (Minehead)
Date:	14/10/09 (76 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good fun, variety, something for eveyone

Disadvantages: Poor food, expensive

With three small children, my Husband and I thought that i might not be a great idea (or a cheap one) to go abroad on holiday this year. I visited Butlins as a child quite a few times, so we looked into that, and picked a week at the beginning of August.

Its not as cheap as Haven or Pontins, but having had a terrible experience of the later I would never return even if someone paid me! We invited my Mum and brother to come with us, so for 3 adults, 3 children and an infant we paid just over £1800, for which we got a silver apartment on a half board basis. Booking was very easy and I did it online. I like the fact that I could pay money towards the balance whenever I liked, and the deposit was very low (£165 for all of us)

When we arrived it was difficult to find a parking space, but I expected this. What I didnt expect was the smooth check-in. As a child I remember waiting for hours in a queue for the keys. This was smooth, and we managed to get our keys within about 5 minutes. We couldnt get into the apartment until 4pm, but we got the keys at about 2.30pm. The keys are electronic so I assume they jus get activated at 4pm.

The apartment was basic, but had everything we needed, especially as we didnt ea there lot. There was enough space, and three bedrooms. There is no bath but that wasnt a huge bother for us. I had hired a travel cot for £10 with my initial booking, and I was a little dissapointed that the mattress was dirty and the cot was broken, but I took it to guest servics and they swapped it straight away.

Being half-board, our breakfast and dinner was included, and to be totally honest the food wasnt great. It was very greasy and if you didnt get to the dinner hall as soon as it opened it wasnt very fresh. The desserts were 'help-yourself', but if you came late they were not refreshed and some nights they ran out. Breakfast was full english, cereal and toast but again it was very greasy and it got a bit boing by the end of the week

The entertainment was quite good. Though we didnt use alot of it, what we did see was very good. My eldest son was very excited to see the Cartoon Network show, and acts from Britains Got Talent. The venues had something for everyone, but they are extremely busy and you need to get there very early to get a good seat.

The other facilities were good. The funfair had some great rides, and they are all free for guests. The Splash Waterworld swimming pool was a favourite and although it was always very busy it has something for everyone, from the wave machine and the flumes for the older children to the baby splash pool for the younger ones. There is also an outdoor area, but when we went it was a little too chilly, and I dont think I saw anyone brave that!

There is alot for you to spend money on, toy shops, arcade games and lots of flashing toys that kiddies love, so you might have to cope with some real pester power. There is a small convenience store onsite, but it doesnt have a great range and its a bit small. There is a Tesco about a 2 minutes drive, so I would recommed going there for your essentials. Also, there are no free cash machines onsite, which was a let-down, so either bring it with you or get it from the ATM at Tesco.

Its close to a quite nice beach, and only a few minutes walk to Minehead town centre. There are lots of things to do in the local area, and its very close to Exmoor, so there s plenty to do if you get bored of being on site.

We are going back to Butlins at Easter, but this time we are going to Skegness but we are going Self Catering. This is the option I would recommend to anyone going to Butlins. I think its great for young families as that is who the entertainment is really aimed at.

Summary: Self catering is the best option for a fun holiday