The Butlins Verdict
We went to Butlins in February. Although it was not peak season, it was the school half-term. So did we find our pre-conceptions justified?
Not at all. Whilst we were there we did not find Butlins chavvy in the slightest. There was rumour of a family row taking place somewhere in Plantation Quay, but apparently nothing on the level you generally see in Ikea car parks.
It took all of Friday evening to adjust to Butlins time. When first arriving the whole place feels exhausting and we recommend not having any thing important going on in the few days after you return. Butlins is bright, colourful and loud. It is an assault on your senses but when your tired brain has had time to process it, it is fun. We did feel at times the sound was a bit too loud for younger children on the Skylight and puppet shows.
There was rumour of a family row taking place somewhere in Plantation Quay, but apparently nothing on the level you generally see in Ikea car parks
Butlins most surely pride itself on its outstanding customer service. Despite looking very hard for the week link in the chain we were impressed on every possible level, by every possible member of staff and felt truly looked after by the supporting team.
The facilities are excellent, the bar prices are just south of London pub prices which really isn’t too bad. We never waited in queues for rides or bar service. Minehead has a capacity for 6,000 people. The weekend we were there was 5,000 in but you would never guess as the place is big enough to never feel crowded.
The Redcoats were a bunch of hugely multi-talented people
There are activities for children of all ages and if you find yourself in the unlikely position of trying out all the free activities there are many additional activities you can try for a small charge.
The quality of the entertainment and performances was outstanding. The Redcoats were a bunch of hugely multi-talented people. Not only able to sing and dance to a standard much higher than some west-end shows, but being able to work to a high standard of customer service whilst being battered and bruised by overbearing children.
Can’t wait to go back
When we broke down the price of the trip, it worked out at nothing short of brilliant value for money. A good test of a holiday is waking up on the last day with the nagging feeling that you will soon be leaving. Not only did we get this but we found ourselves hanging around the holiday shop checking out what bargains we could get this time next year if we booked now. We never did because it was too busy filled with other people who were booking their next Butlins break, and that says it all.
The final verdicts:
Mat and Emily
“The entertainment that the redcoats put on was superb and entertaining for all the family. I would recommend it for three years onwards.”
Jenny and Sid
“I had one of the best weekends ever. We both had a fantastic time. There was so much to do for all ages. I would recommend this holiday for all types of families. I could hardly get my two-year-old out of Bob the Builder Land. Can’t wait to go back!”
Debbie and Megan
“It was great because everything’s under one roof. Make sure you book a few days off when you get back to recover. If you are into all day activities, seaside towns and holiday camps then you will enjoy Butlins.”
For more information or to make a booking visit: www.butlins.com
