Butlins Bognor Regis, West Sussex, England
Hotel Information
Hotel Description:
Butlins Bognor Regis basking by the sea, this Resort is an ideal base from which to take off and explore the historic Sussex coast that was once home to pirates, shipwrecks and smugglers. loading...
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Butlins Bognor Regis Reviews
" We went on a adult only weekend. One... "
Submitted By: Miss N Tranter
We went on a adult only weekend. One big party.
It was the best holiday I’ve had without my children, we checked in fine no queues, found our room, yeah, it was small. But who’s staying in there room except to sleep and get ready to go out!
The food was excellent help yourself to as much or as little as you wanted and if you didn’t like it you could just go get another meal from a different theme. Drinks were fine. In the mornings you had a choice of juice tea or coffee or water and in the evening you had an extra choice of fizzy pop and alcohol (extra charge).
The entertainment during the day was non existent, but hey from the night before who needs it. You usually still asleep sleeping the hangover off.
The entertainment in the evening. Well what can I say? It was excellent and the bar prices were the same as if you go out to clubs in your own town so overall I give this holiday 9/10
I don’t understand why people complain its a cheap holiday with value for money with the price you've paid for it.
So people go Butlins and enjoy it like we did!
It was the best holiday I’ve had without my children, we checked in fine no queues, found our room, yeah, it was small. But who’s staying in there room except to sleep and get ready to go out!
The food was excellent help yourself to as much or as little as you wanted and if you didn’t like it you could just go get another meal from a different theme. Drinks were fine. In the mornings you had a choice of juice tea or coffee or water and in the evening you had an extra choice of fizzy pop and alcohol (extra charge).
The entertainment during the day was non existent, but hey from the night before who needs it. You usually still asleep sleeping the hangover off.
The entertainment in the evening. Well what can I say? It was excellent and the bar prices were the same as if you go out to clubs in your own town so overall I give this holiday 9/10
I don’t understand why people complain its a cheap holiday with value for money with the price you've paid for it.
So people go Butlins and enjoy it like we did!
- Date of Holiday:Feb 2006
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" What a great weekend had by all!
What a great weekend had by all!
I went to Butlins for my birthday this year with 12 of my mates. All men and we had a blast. I didn’t know Butlins did adult only breaks but when I found out on the web I booked up. It was only about 70 quid per person for 3 nights.
The weekend was a ministry of sound theme with great music, there are also 70s 80s 90s and school disco themes. I’m booked up again for next year.
There is a bar open all night so 24 hour drinking is allowed, check out the karaoke bar before you head off to the bars and clubs. The atmosphere the whole weekend was great. Most people go in fancy dress and are out for a good time.
So if you have a birthday, stag/hen weekend or any other sort of weekend to arrange check out Butlins! It’s just how you remembered it but this time you’re not with your mum and dad.
- Date of Holiday:Feb 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Having read reviews of Butlins Bognor... "
Submitted By: Mrs CJ Smith
Having read reviews of Butlins Bognor on the internet I was not sure I had made the right decision in taking my 3 year old daughter there. I have to say it was a lot better than I expected it to be.
The main thing is that you have to leave all snobbery and judgements at the door and just allow yourself to become part of the Butlins experience instead of seeing it as tacky.
The staff were all nothing but fantastic. The Redcoats entertained the children with energy I have never seen before and even the staff in shops were wonderful. During the break of the Rentaghost show (which is absolutely brilliant by the way) a redcoat played tag with all the kids and ran around the room for 15 minutes allowing their parents to have a well earned break.
We used the Nursery 3 times (first session free, £3.50 after that for 2 hours). My daughter loved it and the staff are all really lovely. They do a film night on Wednesday from 8pm till 10 so the grownups can go out and see a show or go for a meal and the kids sit and watch a movie and stay up late together.
The apartment was really clean and had a double room with dressing table, mirror, 2 bedside tables and fitted wardrobe. The curtains were quite thin so light came in from the street so if you are a light sleeper I recommend bringing a sleeping mask.
The kitchen was well equipped although I would recommend bringing a sieve or colander and a bottle opener as these are not supplied. A welcome pack of tea, coffee, sugar, whitener, small washing up liquid, bin bag and tea towel are supplied. You can hire towels from the place where the bikes are hired per bale. Probably worth it as one of our suitcases was nothing but towels.
Check in was very easy, although the queue looks big and daunting there are so many friendly staff and they just rattle through you and you're in your apartment in no time. If you arrive by car, try to make sure that all your luggage is in suitcases on wheels because there are a shortage of trolleys and it can be quite a distance from the car park to the apartment (we were on 3rd floor also). You get some small paper passes in your check-in pack. Don't ignore these, they are very important, if you don't have your pass on you they might not let you back in if you go out! Also they need to be shown on the way into all the shows and the pool. There is also a guide to what is on which is invaluable so you know what is happening at any given time.
The Skyline Pavilion is lovely and big and would be great for rainy days. The only problem is that you have to walk through it to get anywhere so we came to an agreement that every time we walked through it our little one could go on only one ride or the trampolines. That way everyone was happy. There should be more adult seating for the skyline shows as it is not fun standing through a show while your daughter is seated on a bench at the front and won't come out!
My favourite thing (and my daughter's) was the Splash Water world. Fountains and wave machines and loads of Jacuzzi bubbles along with slides for all ages make this pool so much fun for everyone. There is a toddler and serious swimmer session from 9-10 before they switch on the fun stuff.
My only disappointment was the food. We went self catering and stocked up at the 24 hour Tesco at Littlehampton which is huge and also has clothes etc. On site the choice was Burger King, Fish and Chips or pizza. The pub did a little more choice but I had the Veggie Lasagne and it was served in a pudding bowl. Next time I had the chilli and it was also served in a pudding bowl. I would recommend stocking up on healthy food and bringing it with you. Don't count on the local Butlins supermarket - they don't even have bananas! The size of the average Butlins visitor was quite large so I am wondering if they are merely catering to what people want.
The whole facility was very well set up for children and disabled people. There were a significant amount of adults there who were either in a wheelchair or needed special care of some kind. Everyone seemed to love it and I believe that if you can prove you are disabled you get a ground floor apartment and are able to bring your car round to unpack. There was nowhere that was not accessible by wheelchairs.
My other gripe is with the amount of arcade machines and gambling spots. To visit the Centre Stage where all the entertainment happens, you have to walk through a large slot machine area. There are several areas like this making a lot of money from teenagers. It would be hard to refuse children these and they are not cheap. A 1 minute game of whack a mole cost £1 per person (£2), ok you get an inflatable flower but still a rip off.
The free rides for the toddlers are lovely and go very slowly and they seem to enjoy them. I went on the umbrella ride, not very scary and a lot of fun. The adventure playground is aimed at bigger children but there are still slides and some Astroturf for the little ones to run around on while you have a drink outside of the pub and keep an eye on them.
Drinks prices were not too bad by London standards. A bottle of Alco pops was £3.30 and a bottle of beer was £3.00. I bought a box of wine at the supermarket and had a glass or 2 before I went out.
The entertainment was standard Saturday Night ITV kind of stuff. Rik Waller did a session on the Friday night. I met him after and he is a really nice guy. I also met the wrestlers who do the shows in Reds, also really nice guys. A lot of the staff go out after work in Butlins so they must enjoy it too. They were all really friendly and great company.
The beach at Bognor is lovely. It is a proper sandy beach once you get down the stones and has crabs and seaweed and traditional ice cream stalls and cafes. I was standing on Bognor beach looking over at Butlins (very pretty) with my daughter playing in the sea wondering why anyone goes abroad with all this in our own country.
If you want to escape Butlins there is a pretty castle at Arundel which is also quite cool if it is a hot day. The local riverside pub the Black Rabbit in Offham is so pretty and has outside tables, great food and lovely walks. It is near the Wetlands centre. Littlehampton is great for a harbour walk and there are hundreds of swans. The local Brewer's Fayre has a children's play area. Brighton is only an hour away by car with a different kind of busier resort plus some fantastic shopping in the lanes.
I would definitely go back and would recommend larger groups so you always have someone to watch the kids.
The main thing is that you have to leave all snobbery and judgements at the door and just allow yourself to become part of the Butlins experience instead of seeing it as tacky.
The staff were all nothing but fantastic. The Redcoats entertained the children with energy I have never seen before and even the staff in shops were wonderful. During the break of the Rentaghost show (which is absolutely brilliant by the way) a redcoat played tag with all the kids and ran around the room for 15 minutes allowing their parents to have a well earned break.
We used the Nursery 3 times (first session free, £3.50 after that for 2 hours). My daughter loved it and the staff are all really lovely. They do a film night on Wednesday from 8pm till 10 so the grownups can go out and see a show or go for a meal and the kids sit and watch a movie and stay up late together.
The apartment was really clean and had a double room with dressing table, mirror, 2 bedside tables and fitted wardrobe. The curtains were quite thin so light came in from the street so if you are a light sleeper I recommend bringing a sleeping mask.
The kitchen was well equipped although I would recommend bringing a sieve or colander and a bottle opener as these are not supplied. A welcome pack of tea, coffee, sugar, whitener, small washing up liquid, bin bag and tea towel are supplied. You can hire towels from the place where the bikes are hired per bale. Probably worth it as one of our suitcases was nothing but towels.
Check in was very easy, although the queue looks big and daunting there are so many friendly staff and they just rattle through you and you're in your apartment in no time. If you arrive by car, try to make sure that all your luggage is in suitcases on wheels because there are a shortage of trolleys and it can be quite a distance from the car park to the apartment (we were on 3rd floor also). You get some small paper passes in your check-in pack. Don't ignore these, they are very important, if you don't have your pass on you they might not let you back in if you go out! Also they need to be shown on the way into all the shows and the pool. There is also a guide to what is on which is invaluable so you know what is happening at any given time.
The Skyline Pavilion is lovely and big and would be great for rainy days. The only problem is that you have to walk through it to get anywhere so we came to an agreement that every time we walked through it our little one could go on only one ride or the trampolines. That way everyone was happy. There should be more adult seating for the skyline shows as it is not fun standing through a show while your daughter is seated on a bench at the front and won't come out!
My favourite thing (and my daughter's) was the Splash Water world. Fountains and wave machines and loads of Jacuzzi bubbles along with slides for all ages make this pool so much fun for everyone. There is a toddler and serious swimmer session from 9-10 before they switch on the fun stuff.
My only disappointment was the food. We went self catering and stocked up at the 24 hour Tesco at Littlehampton which is huge and also has clothes etc. On site the choice was Burger King, Fish and Chips or pizza. The pub did a little more choice but I had the Veggie Lasagne and it was served in a pudding bowl. Next time I had the chilli and it was also served in a pudding bowl. I would recommend stocking up on healthy food and bringing it with you. Don't count on the local Butlins supermarket - they don't even have bananas! The size of the average Butlins visitor was quite large so I am wondering if they are merely catering to what people want.
The whole facility was very well set up for children and disabled people. There were a significant amount of adults there who were either in a wheelchair or needed special care of some kind. Everyone seemed to love it and I believe that if you can prove you are disabled you get a ground floor apartment and are able to bring your car round to unpack. There was nowhere that was not accessible by wheelchairs.
My other gripe is with the amount of arcade machines and gambling spots. To visit the Centre Stage where all the entertainment happens, you have to walk through a large slot machine area. There are several areas like this making a lot of money from teenagers. It would be hard to refuse children these and they are not cheap. A 1 minute game of whack a mole cost £1 per person (£2), ok you get an inflatable flower but still a rip off.
The free rides for the toddlers are lovely and go very slowly and they seem to enjoy them. I went on the umbrella ride, not very scary and a lot of fun. The adventure playground is aimed at bigger children but there are still slides and some Astroturf for the little ones to run around on while you have a drink outside of the pub and keep an eye on them.
Drinks prices were not too bad by London standards. A bottle of Alco pops was £3.30 and a bottle of beer was £3.00. I bought a box of wine at the supermarket and had a glass or 2 before I went out.
The entertainment was standard Saturday Night ITV kind of stuff. Rik Waller did a session on the Friday night. I met him after and he is a really nice guy. I also met the wrestlers who do the shows in Reds, also really nice guys. A lot of the staff go out after work in Butlins so they must enjoy it too. They were all really friendly and great company.
The beach at Bognor is lovely. It is a proper sandy beach once you get down the stones and has crabs and seaweed and traditional ice cream stalls and cafes. I was standing on Bognor beach looking over at Butlins (very pretty) with my daughter playing in the sea wondering why anyone goes abroad with all this in our own country.
If you want to escape Butlins there is a pretty castle at Arundel which is also quite cool if it is a hot day. The local riverside pub the Black Rabbit in Offham is so pretty and has outside tables, great food and lovely walks. It is near the Wetlands centre. Littlehampton is great for a harbour walk and there are hundreds of swans. The local Brewer's Fayre has a children's play area. Brighton is only an hour away by car with a different kind of busier resort plus some fantastic shopping in the lanes.
I would definitely go back and would recommend larger groups so you always have someone to watch the kids.
- Date of Holiday:Jul 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" My wife and I visited Bognor Regis... "
Submitted By: Mr C Baker
My wife and I visited Bognor Regis Butlins toward the end of June for a 4 night break.
The usual standard prevailed as it has always done. Being a Gold Premier member (Yes! I do get my free bottle of Champagne) so it is obvious that I love Butlins. Everyone is helpful, polite and efficient. Any complaint (no matter how minor or major) is dealt with in a professional manner. The food has always been excellent and has actually improved.
Going back to some of these reviews it seems to me that some of their authors have never had a Butlins experience in their life (probably a competitor trying to give Butlins bad press). One said there was no healthy option for drinks. May I point out that fresh fruit juice (orange, grapefruit and apple) is available as an alternative to carbonated drinks. Plus! Water is always available (either hot or cold). As is milk! The restaurants are now licensed too. You can eat and drink as much as you want per sitting. If you have the constitution of an Ox.
Butlins is the original holiday camp and it is as good today as it was when it first opened. If not better. For anyone with young children there is a baby sitting service and crèche.
Chalets are vacated by 10am by departing guests (denoted by the returned chalet keys). Arrivals move into their chalets at approximately 2.30pm (premier) and 4pm (none premier). So! There is no chance of the last guest still being in the room. Butlins is ABTA Bonded (I checked myself today) and all chalets are cleaned and prepared for the new arrivals.
All details are contained within the plastic bag you get with keys and things in. Plus! Redcoats are always on hand to assist any guest.
It angers people like me to read reviews from people who claim they have been to Butlins but obviously have had no experience of a Butlins break whatsoever. There are only three camps left and it seems that some out there want them gone too.
All staff at all levels and departments at Butlins put a lot of hard work and effort in to make the break or holiday a memorable one.
I, for one, will continue to enjoy Butlins up until the day I cannot. It is a magical place for people of all ages. With lots to do with a host of choices.
A good piece of advice to anyone who has never been to Butlins but are thinking of visiting. Go for a 3 day break first and if it is not for you then you are free to go elsewhere next time.
The usual standard prevailed as it has always done. Being a Gold Premier member (Yes! I do get my free bottle of Champagne) so it is obvious that I love Butlins. Everyone is helpful, polite and efficient. Any complaint (no matter how minor or major) is dealt with in a professional manner. The food has always been excellent and has actually improved.
Going back to some of these reviews it seems to me that some of their authors have never had a Butlins experience in their life (probably a competitor trying to give Butlins bad press). One said there was no healthy option for drinks. May I point out that fresh fruit juice (orange, grapefruit and apple) is available as an alternative to carbonated drinks. Plus! Water is always available (either hot or cold). As is milk! The restaurants are now licensed too. You can eat and drink as much as you want per sitting. If you have the constitution of an Ox.
Butlins is the original holiday camp and it is as good today as it was when it first opened. If not better. For anyone with young children there is a baby sitting service and crèche.
Chalets are vacated by 10am by departing guests (denoted by the returned chalet keys). Arrivals move into their chalets at approximately 2.30pm (premier) and 4pm (none premier). So! There is no chance of the last guest still being in the room. Butlins is ABTA Bonded (I checked myself today) and all chalets are cleaned and prepared for the new arrivals.
All details are contained within the plastic bag you get with keys and things in. Plus! Redcoats are always on hand to assist any guest.
It angers people like me to read reviews from people who claim they have been to Butlins but obviously have had no experience of a Butlins break whatsoever. There are only three camps left and it seems that some out there want them gone too.
All staff at all levels and departments at Butlins put a lot of hard work and effort in to make the break or holiday a memorable one.
I, for one, will continue to enjoy Butlins up until the day I cannot. It is a magical place for people of all ages. With lots to do with a host of choices.
A good piece of advice to anyone who has never been to Butlins but are thinking of visiting. Go for a 3 day break first and if it is not for you then you are free to go elsewhere next time.
- Date of Holiday:Jun 2006
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" I recently had a hot summer party... "
Submitted By: Mr A I Naylor
I recently had a hot summer party weekend break at Butlins at Bognor Regis with some mates and overall I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The accommodation was basic but it was nice and clean upon arrival:- two bedrooms, toilet/shower, kitchen, living room with a TV!
The restaurants and take-aways were nice too, Burger King, Sun and Moon, Papa Johns pizza place all done nice meals and snacks.
The bars and clubs were highly priced for drinks but it was a good atmosphere in them at all times. Simon Webbe and Fran Cosgrave put on quality Dj sets which went on throughout the night as well as the other entertainment like Blue Moon and Apache Indians who also got the crowd on their feet.
The swimming pool was good fun, the sports area was always a laugh and the amusement arcades and hotshots bowling were nice to.
Overall it was a great weekend and my mates and I will definitely be doing it again in the not so distant future.
The accommodation was basic but it was nice and clean upon arrival:- two bedrooms, toilet/shower, kitchen, living room with a TV!
The restaurants and take-aways were nice too, Burger King, Sun and Moon, Papa Johns pizza place all done nice meals and snacks.
The bars and clubs were highly priced for drinks but it was a good atmosphere in them at all times. Simon Webbe and Fran Cosgrave put on quality Dj sets which went on throughout the night as well as the other entertainment like Blue Moon and Apache Indians who also got the crowd on their feet.
The swimming pool was good fun, the sports area was always a laugh and the amusement arcades and hotshots bowling were nice to.
Overall it was a great weekend and my mates and I will definitely be doing it again in the not so distant future.
- Date of Holiday:Jun 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" Very disappointed from the beginning... "
Submitted By: Mrs J S Wilkinson
Very disappointed from the beginning - queued for 40 minutes to get key for apartment then the apartment was not as expected - we viewed it on the Butlins website but did not look like the video.
The bathroom was grotty, the duvet and sheets, although clean, were grotty and the oven did not work properly, the radiator was hanging off the wall and we had the maintenance man in while we were trying to get ready! We didn't see many redcoats - probably 3 the whole time which was surprising, we queued to get into the swimming pool. We ate in Bognor town as the supermarket on site was very expensive and the staff miserable. The restaurants were fast food and not very inviting!
The highlight was the wrestling night although my son was told off by the red coat as he wanted to ask if he was allowed to take pictures of the wrestlers on his phone but was told to 'join the queue' which he had already done to get an autograph. The cinema was good. We won’t be going back! Canvas holidays are much better.
The bathroom was grotty, the duvet and sheets, although clean, were grotty and the oven did not work properly, the radiator was hanging off the wall and we had the maintenance man in while we were trying to get ready! We didn't see many redcoats - probably 3 the whole time which was surprising, we queued to get into the swimming pool. We ate in Bognor town as the supermarket on site was very expensive and the staff miserable. The restaurants were fast food and not very inviting!
The highlight was the wrestling night although my son was told off by the red coat as he wanted to ask if he was allowed to take pictures of the wrestlers on his phone but was told to 'join the queue' which he had already done to get an autograph. The cinema was good. We won’t be going back! Canvas holidays are much better.
- Date of Holiday:May 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" My first impression off our gold... "
Submitted By: Mrs A Butler
My first impression off our gold apartments were they were very compact but we soon got used to that.
The apartment was very clean as was the rest of the camp. The children (aged 5 and 8 ) were impressed with the pool and facilities but we felt the fun fair could have been a little better.
There were lots of arcades type machines and other money spinners. We used the camp for a base to visit the coast and surrounding towns. Just as you would expect from a Butlins holiday!
The apartment was very clean as was the rest of the camp. The children (aged 5 and 8 ) were impressed with the pool and facilities but we felt the fun fair could have been a little better.
There were lots of arcades type machines and other money spinners. We used the camp for a base to visit the coast and surrounding towns. Just as you would expect from a Butlins holiday!
- Date of Holiday:Apr 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" I have been to Butlins many times... "
Submitted By: Mr W Taylor
I have been to Butlins many times over the years but I won't ever go again. The place has gone downhill in a big way, and if you were to take your family you would need to take plenty of money with you.
The place is just like a giant amusement arcade and you now have to pay for many of the things that were once free. As well as that, you can't move for arcade games, or people trying to get you to spend £2 to get a ball in a bucket that you would have difficulty getting a wet sponge to stay in.
What was once the excellent Manhattan club, is now "Reds" where the entertainment is provided by the redcoats, as opposed to some of the good acts I have seen in there over the years.
Another disappointment was that the main clubs were all closed (padlocked) during the day, whereas they always used to be open for people to look around.
The main club upstairs didn't open until 7pm, yet people were queuing at 5pm, by 7pm the queue was halfway round the centre, and if you weren't in it you could forget any hope of getting a seat.
The funfair rides (what there was of them) were very poor antique efforts, and you would think they could afford something a bit more modern with the amount of money the venue must take.
Overall I thought the place was a massive disappointment, and extremely expensive unless you are happy to just wander around all day.
The place is just like a giant amusement arcade and you now have to pay for many of the things that were once free. As well as that, you can't move for arcade games, or people trying to get you to spend £2 to get a ball in a bucket that you would have difficulty getting a wet sponge to stay in.
What was once the excellent Manhattan club, is now "Reds" where the entertainment is provided by the redcoats, as opposed to some of the good acts I have seen in there over the years.
Another disappointment was that the main clubs were all closed (padlocked) during the day, whereas they always used to be open for people to look around.
The main club upstairs didn't open until 7pm, yet people were queuing at 5pm, by 7pm the queue was halfway round the centre, and if you weren't in it you could forget any hope of getting a seat.
The funfair rides (what there was of them) were very poor antique efforts, and you would think they could afford something a bit more modern with the amount of money the venue must take.
Overall I thought the place was a massive disappointment, and extremely expensive unless you are happy to just wander around all day.
- Date of Holiday:Apr 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Overall my daughter and I had a great... "
Submitted By: Mrs J Ayliffe
Overall my daughter and I had a great time. We went Easter hols 2006, 4 nights half board.
Room wasn’t really very nice, very basic, and cramped. I wanted to hire a fridge but couldn’t as I didn’t know where they would be able to put it. The Half board option was better than expected, breakfast was fine, dinner was ok.
The facilities are good for children, my 4 year old loved all the free fair rides, swimming, red coats entertainment etc. We saw a variety of 'famous' people, Dick and Dom, Bucks Fizz and Harvey from So Solid Crew.
I'd do it again, but probably stay in self catering to get a bit more room. I ended up keeping my 4 year old up late as when she was in bed I had to be too as no room, I suppose I could have sat in the bathroom!!
Room wasn’t really very nice, very basic, and cramped. I wanted to hire a fridge but couldn’t as I didn’t know where they would be able to put it. The Half board option was better than expected, breakfast was fine, dinner was ok.
The facilities are good for children, my 4 year old loved all the free fair rides, swimming, red coats entertainment etc. We saw a variety of 'famous' people, Dick and Dom, Bucks Fizz and Harvey from So Solid Crew.
I'd do it again, but probably stay in self catering to get a bit more room. I ended up keeping my 4 year old up late as when she was in bed I had to be too as no room, I suppose I could have sat in the bathroom!!
- Date of Holiday:Apr 2006
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" I had booked a 3 day break over the... "
Submitted By: Mr Lister
I had booked a 3 day break over the school mid-term holiday.
Positives:
My 2 1/2 year old daughter had a great time, especially the Bob-The-Builder Tea Party (an extra £30), Puppet Shows, and evening-shows including the SkyLine Gang.
Red-coat staff work their socks off, and were very good with all the children.
Self-catering apartment had ample cooking facilities and utensils.
Negatives:
The accommodation, whilst clean, was very dog-eared. Cigarette burns, stains, broken cupboard doors, very old furniture, quilts, .. etc. The room requires a complete refurbishment from floor to ceiling.
There are few real family eating areas. Fast-food type outlets dominate. Tried one meal comprising of child’s macaroni-cheese and a couple of starters (at Pinewood Studio) which was very poor - stodgy and processed sauce. Service was good, and we were reimbursed promptly when complained about daughters meal. If you enjoy healthy food, I would recommend you take your own and use the cooking facilities provided (as we did).
Check-in is all a bit chaotic with the big-tent mobbed as hundreds queue at the same time to await for their keys and a shortage of trolleys in the car-park makes unloading a problem. This could be improved.
Overall, a worthwhile break for a couple of days. My daughter loved it, and that, after all is why we went. However, by the end of the second day we had seen enough (unfortunately it was also very wet which curtailed any outdoor activities).
Positives:
My 2 1/2 year old daughter had a great time, especially the Bob-The-Builder Tea Party (an extra £30), Puppet Shows, and evening-shows including the SkyLine Gang.
Red-coat staff work their socks off, and were very good with all the children.
Self-catering apartment had ample cooking facilities and utensils.
Negatives:
The accommodation, whilst clean, was very dog-eared. Cigarette burns, stains, broken cupboard doors, very old furniture, quilts, .. etc. The room requires a complete refurbishment from floor to ceiling.
There are few real family eating areas. Fast-food type outlets dominate. Tried one meal comprising of child’s macaroni-cheese and a couple of starters (at Pinewood Studio) which was very poor - stodgy and processed sauce. Service was good, and we were reimbursed promptly when complained about daughters meal. If you enjoy healthy food, I would recommend you take your own and use the cooking facilities provided (as we did).
Check-in is all a bit chaotic with the big-tent mobbed as hundreds queue at the same time to await for their keys and a shortage of trolleys in the car-park makes unloading a problem. This could be improved.
Overall, a worthwhile break for a couple of days. My daughter loved it, and that, after all is why we went. However, by the end of the second day we had seen enough (unfortunately it was also very wet which curtailed any outdoor activities).
- Date of Holiday:Feb 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" An excellent holiday for any family... "
Submitted By: Miss J Wiles
An excellent holiday for any family with children. I always had the view that a holiday at Butlins would be tacky and not my cup of tea. However after a smooth check in we found our Silver accommodation which was clean, spacious and more that acceptable. We made our way to have our evening meal and found a wide variety of food on offer, something for parents and children and as the restaurant was self- services we all managed to get what we wanted and it was not too crowded. There was plenty of entertainment in the evening, however with two small children we made our way back to our room and put the children to bed and watch the television in our own room. There was enormous amount to do daytime, with the added surprise of having a crèche for younger children, which means you can either go off and do things with older children or have some quality adult time. I can safely say I would recommend this holiday, as it was value for money and ideal for families. I would say don't judge Butlins until you have been!!!!!!
- Date of Holiday:Apr 2005
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Booked Direct
" I have read several bad comments... "
Submitted By: Miss T Evans
I have read several bad comments about Butlins on here. Well I took my 5 year old twins to our Villa in Spain this year and after seeing the pool and beach they were like "yer bored". So off we went to Butlins Bognor.
In fact we have been there 3 times now. I admit the silver chalets are a bit dingy, and you kind of want to ensure you have your slipper on !! to walk about, but for a few pounds more the gold apartments are fab. We have also stayed twice in the shoreline hotel which i give 11 out of 10 for. Why moan about Butlins? it has 4 FREE kiddie ride indoors, and several FREE ride outside for older kids, a fab pool, and loads to do in the kids clubs. OK the food out lets there are a bit dearer than usual burger king for 4 of us came to £13, and I’ve done £300 for a 4 day stay (but that includes buying them a toy in the toy shop) and letting them go on all the slot machines.
But I can’t fault the place, its a great holiday camp, Butlins is far better than Pontins, so stop moaning. Its not the Ritz hotel you know, if you want the Ritz book the Ritz. Butlins is clean, safe and fun and that make a good family holiday in my eyes (and I’ve been called Dorian Green before as I can be a bit snobby LOL) so if it was bad, I wouldn’t have booked my 4th trip for April 2006!!!
In fact we have been there 3 times now. I admit the silver chalets are a bit dingy, and you kind of want to ensure you have your slipper on !! to walk about, but for a few pounds more the gold apartments are fab. We have also stayed twice in the shoreline hotel which i give 11 out of 10 for. Why moan about Butlins? it has 4 FREE kiddie ride indoors, and several FREE ride outside for older kids, a fab pool, and loads to do in the kids clubs. OK the food out lets there are a bit dearer than usual burger king for 4 of us came to £13, and I’ve done £300 for a 4 day stay (but that includes buying them a toy in the toy shop) and letting them go on all the slot machines.
But I can’t fault the place, its a great holiday camp, Butlins is far better than Pontins, so stop moaning. Its not the Ritz hotel you know, if you want the Ritz book the Ritz. Butlins is clean, safe and fun and that make a good family holiday in my eyes (and I’ve been called Dorian Green before as I can be a bit snobby LOL) so if it was bad, I wouldn’t have booked my 4th trip for April 2006!!!
- Date of Holiday:
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Although stating the obvious, these... "
Submitted By: Mr S Curtis
Although stating the obvious, these holidays are fantastic for kids.
Ours are 4 and 2 and they loved it. It's all the have been talking about since our return home.
The nightly entertainment is also good for adults. There also provide a baby sitting service.
We opted for Bed, Breakfast and Dinner and we thought the food was very good, much better than I had expected.
We stayed in a Silver accommodation which was not of a hotel standard, but was adequate.
Ours are 4 and 2 and they loved it. It's all the have been talking about since our return home.
The nightly entertainment is also good for adults. There also provide a baby sitting service.
We opted for Bed, Breakfast and Dinner and we thought the food was very good, much better than I had expected.
We stayed in a Silver accommodation which was not of a hotel standard, but was adequate.
- Date of Holiday:Oct 2005
- Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" I took my son to Butlins at Bognor... "
Submitted By: Miss V Sharpless
I took my son to Butlins at Bognor the first holiday that he has had he is twelve, we were both very excited as I went there when I was young and had fond memories of it, but it had completely changed when I was young.
The redcoats use to approach the parents and children to join the clubs they don’t do that anymore, where once before they had wrestling in a enclosed building which was a huge event now it its quite side lined in the sky line pavilion without enough seating space. I also found that wherever we went i.e. To the evening club house you have to walk through the arcade amusements, therefore putting pressure on parents to spend money.
The fun fair was free, but they only had a small amount of rides and they have bumper cars that you cant bump, and you get a stern warning before sitting in the car not to bump. On arrival with my son, I had to queue for a long time this was done in the skyline pavilion and there really isn’t enough space to do it there, once I got my key I went to our apartment and found that someone was still in there, a suitcase letter on the bed, and tea everywhere.
As Butlins knew that we were arriving that day the apartment should have been cleaned but it obviously hadn’t otherwise they would have known someone was still in our apartment, we were half board and I found the food very good however they have coffee tea and fizzy drinks, they have no healthy alternative or simply water, all in all I found Butlins very expensive, the evening entertainment wasn’t very good, and the red coats do not encourage children to participate.
I wont be taking my son there again, I was glad to get home and found the week very stressful
The redcoats use to approach the parents and children to join the clubs they don’t do that anymore, where once before they had wrestling in a enclosed building which was a huge event now it its quite side lined in the sky line pavilion without enough seating space. I also found that wherever we went i.e. To the evening club house you have to walk through the arcade amusements, therefore putting pressure on parents to spend money.
The fun fair was free, but they only had a small amount of rides and they have bumper cars that you cant bump, and you get a stern warning before sitting in the car not to bump. On arrival with my son, I had to queue for a long time this was done in the skyline pavilion and there really isn’t enough space to do it there, once I got my key I went to our apartment and found that someone was still in there, a suitcase letter on the bed, and tea everywhere.
As Butlins knew that we were arriving that day the apartment should have been cleaned but it obviously hadn’t otherwise they would have known someone was still in our apartment, we were half board and I found the food very good however they have coffee tea and fizzy drinks, they have no healthy alternative or simply water, all in all I found Butlins very expensive, the evening entertainment wasn’t very good, and the red coats do not encourage children to participate.
I wont be taking my son there again, I was glad to get home and found the week very stressful
- Date of Holiday:Aug 2005
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Not Specified
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Booked the holiday on the Butlins website and choose a silver suite with breakfast and evening meal for just over £200 for 3 people so I wasn't expecting much.
When we arrived at around 1pm we had to wait until 4pm to collect our keys so we left the luggage in the car and had a look around and my 6 year old daughter was impressed with the Skyline and wanted to go on everything at once so the time passed pretty quickly. As we hadn't been before I missed the trick of getting a trolley for the suitcases which are in short supply so had to carry my cases from the car park to our first floor apartment which was small but nicely decorated and very clean, first thing I noticed was no towels so I went to the information centre and they organised 4 towels, not sure if towels were included but they didn’t argue about it.
My daughter quickly got to know the Skyline Gang who along with the Redcoats work very hard to keep the kids happy and appear regularly throughout the day and early evening in the Skyline pavilion getting the kids to take part.
The inclusive food was a pleasant surprise and plentiful with reasonable choice, tables are cleared very quickly and kept very clean. We had a pizza in Papa Johns one night which was good value and a nice environment.
The next morning we enrolled our daughter into swimming lessons at £3.50 for a 30 min session which ended with an assessment after 3 days and a certificate with a sew on badge, oh and a chocolate medal! The Pool is great and includes wave machines, flumes and water fountains and lots of lifeguards on duty even though it was out of season, which also meant no queues for the flumes.
Most of the evenings we ended up in the skyline which is very relaxed and enabled my daughter to get involved with the entertainment in the Magic Circle, mainly the Skyline Gang and the Redcoats dancing, things only went on until around 9pm which suited us.
One evening we went to Centre stage to see Milkshake live which started at 7.30 and that’s when we arrived but no chairs left anywhere near the stage and a twenty minute queue at the bar sent us back to the Skyline.
There are lots of slot machines and grabbers to try and win cuddly toys and we fell into the trap of trying to win these which most the time just drop the toys. There are also bungee rides but these are £4 for a session and Trampolines that are also chargeable at £1 for a session, along with crazy Golf so don’t think everything is free once you are in.
Overall very happy with the holiday and as one other has said leave your snobbery behind and just go with the experience its great fun particularly for kids. My Daughter cried on the way home and she has only done that on one other holiday.
Highlights
The Skyline Gang
Dave Benson Phillips
Rentaghost Live
Splash Waterworld