Early in the morning as we were preparing for our family vacation, my five-year-old woke me up with uncontrollable excitement, shouting ‘BUTLIN’S!!!!!!’. This brought back memories of my own childhood when I used to do the same thing to my parents, whom I now owe an apology to.
Butlin’s played a significant role in my childhood summers, with one of my fondest memories being winning a dance competition in pink wellington boots and receiving a trophy from a superstar red coat. I had built up the anticipation for our four-day trip to Skegness for the resort’s 90th anniversary to my three-year-old and his sibling, promising them rollercoasters, ice creams, discos, and go-karting, resulting in sky-high excitement levels.
A Butlin’s getaway is a staple for most UK families, offering free fairground rides, amazing pools, breathtaking shows, and discos—an exhilarating experience for both children and adults alike. Driving into the resort, I pondered how different my sons’ Butlin’s experience would be compared to mine from years ago.
The modern-day Butlin’s experience proved to be a mix of old and new. Gone were the old chalets and donkeys, replaced with modern amenities like free WiFi, QR codes for drinks, and a self-serve pint machine. Opting for the all-inclusive drinks package, staying in the new Maple Lodges, and Early Access VIP to the shows proved to be incredibly convenient, especially with young children.
The Maple Lodge accommodation was a far cry from the crowded chalets of my youth, offering a peaceful retreat just steps away from the main park. The lodge was clean, quiet, equipped with modern conveniences, and strategically located for easy access to the park, making bedtime a breeze for the kids.
Dining options at Butlin’s had expanded significantly since my previous visits, with a wide array of food choices appealing to both kids and adults. Live cooking stations and inclusive drink packages added a modern touch to the dining experience, impressing even the most seasoned Butlin’s visitors.
The highlight of the trip for my children were the Masked Singer and Maximum Pro Wrestling shows, featuring impressive production values that captivated both kids and adults. Early access to the shows proved essential due to the high demand for seats, and innovative features like the automatic pint pouring machine added a fun twist to the bar experience.
While Butlin’s had undergone many changes over the years, the enduring charm of the Red Coats remained constant. Friendly, entertaining, and helpful, the Red Coats added a special touch to the holiday experience, leaving a lasting impression on both children and adults.
In conclusion, my kids summed up their Butlin’s experience with words like ‘fun’ and a simple question of ‘When can we go again, mum?’—echoing my own excitement from years past. The magic of Butlin’s endures, making it a timeless destination for family vacations.
Butlin’s offers a three-night May Half Term break with live entertainment and accommodations starting from £229 in Skegness. All-inclusive drinks packages are available, starting from £25.95 per adult and £10.50 per child. For more information and bookings, visit butlins.com.