BUTLINS- WE WILL SEE YOU AGAIN (Butlins (Skegness))

Member Name: catsy

Product:	Butlins (Skegness)
Date:	11/12/07 (394 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: LOTS OF ENTERTAINMENT CHILD FRIENDLY AND CLEAN ROOMS.

Disadvantages: QUEUEING FOR EVERYTHING

As a mum of a 2 year old toddler I did not have a holiday last year and my husband andd I have only gone on a few foreign holidays in our 17 years together(money, money,money). However, our last holiday was in Crete and we loved it. This year, we were not able to go abroad and we were invited by relatives to go to Butlins in Skegness as they had gone there for the last 2 years. It took us a while but we finally decide that a break away was better than no break at all.
We booked online as it turned out to be cheaper than on the phone and we were away at the beginning of October for a week. Well you can imagine the misconception you have about a place, I pictured Butlins as the red coat country where Keith Chegwin would pop up every second of the day asking you why you were not having a good time.

On arrival, we were given our key(plastic slide card as we were away from the resort but in the newly built area) and we were pleasantly surprised. Everything was clean and tidy with everything you could want(except for bath and tea towels). There was only three of us but we had 2 single beds in one room and a double bed in our room(silver apartments).

We were also given a booklet which outlined all the activities for the next week as well as what was free and what you had to pay for. We found ourselves to be quite far from the centre of things but having to walk from place to place meant that we had a better knowledge of what was where. We also had a problem with eating arrangements as we were allocated a differrent restaurant from our relatives but this was sorted out by the customer service.

We went there as half board and the food quality was acceptable. There was enough choice for every meal and you could have as much as you wanted. The only drawback with being half board is that you are tied to the resort and you may not see what else there is to the surrounding area as you have to be back for a certain time for your meal.

The activities were plentiful but you have to follow the guide as they fill up very quickly especially when they are free(eg: archery). The swimming pool was free and excellent for people of all ages and abilities and we were fortunate enough that the weather was mild enough that we could enjoy the beach(although not swimming as the sea was way too cold).

Another up was the character shows that they have and the photo opportunities such as bob the builder and fireman sam. My son absolutely loved it and we have a few photos to show for it. Other shows in the evening were quite hard to see as there was very, very long queues for most of them (would have hated to be there at the height of the summer holidays) and everything felt cramped inside especially if you have a pushchair in tow.

Other daytime shows were also played out on a daily basis in the Skyline(covered area with shop, cinema, amusements, too many little rides-makes it hard to walk through with a toddler, internet cafe and bars) which were ok for children and adults alike but the chair and tables were still a grab and keep matter for the most popular shows(ie Jetix and acrobatics when we were there).

All in all it was a holiday that we really enjoyed way beyond our expectations but with the experience we now have I would do things differently.

TIPS:
Do not buy beachwear from the resort. They have sellers on the beach front who are cheaper.
Do not buy all your beer from the bars as they are very expensive and you could stock up and drink in your room or buy from the shop were it is slightly cheaper. It will save you a fortune.
Try to get a table early for what you want to see. Rotate with someone to eat and keep your chairs ready.


I will probably go to butlins again but when my son is older and can appreciate thing a bit more but with the amount of money we spent, it was not a cheap holiday by the seaside and I will probably go abroad next year.

Summary: ENJOYABLE BREAK BUT STILL PRICEY ONCE THERE