Butlins Skegness, Lincolnshire, England
Hotel Information
Hotel Description:
Butlins Skegness have teamed up with some of the biggest high street names to make you feel totally at home. Whether it's a quick bite at Burger King or a movie at the cinema. The kids can even meet Bob the Builder or a Marvel character. loading...
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Rating: 8 / 10
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Distance: 4.3 km / 2.7 mi
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Butlins Skegness Reviews
" You will never forget that "Butlin's smell" "
Submitted By: Rubix
Having just returned from a 4 night stay at Butlins (silver room, breakfast and dinner), I thought I should write this review in order to forewarn other visitors about this 'resort'.
Firstly the room was a wreak. Basic as I had anticipated, that was fine, but it was so grotty it's unreal. Clumps of hair and stains on the carpet, a crisp packet under the bed, thick dust everywhere, mould in the shower and sink, a complimentary 'bogey' on the wall, filthy brown dirt in sink, smelly bathroom – like all toilets on resort, holes in the ceiling, bins not emptied for the 2 days we stayed there. By day 2 I asked for us to be moved, I was shown a similar room, which on the plus side was cleaner but still quite grotty (you wouldn't want to stay there for more than a couple of nights). There was a strong stench of dirty sewers around the resort,which became increasingly stronger near the Skyline Pavillion - just next to the place where we were eating Coral Beach!
The swimming pool, what a let down. The sheer amount of rust, grime, mould and lime scale in and out of the pool is unbelievable and again the changing room stank even at 10am. Water is pouring off the water slides onto large patches of rust and grime and then dripping into the swimming pool! By the end of our 4 day stay ( I would have left after 1 day if I had been on my own and not had a little one who wanted to see the characters and shows) my 2 year old developed diarrhoea and sickness and I was not feeling to great myself. This was noted by guest services and I am now awaiting test results from the hospital to determine whether it is something that has been contracted as a result of our Butlins stay or not. My guess is that there is something seriously at fault here as so many people complain about having the same symptoms this coupled with the poor hygiene standards on site is worrying.
The food was very very bland and basic. If you are used to the cheapest of the cheap food or you are a heavy smoker than you will like it, otherwise you will dread visiting the 'cattle shed' as we named it with the droves of other people. The entertainment for the little ones was ok, although there's not much to do of an evening unless you want to sit with crowds of people in a baking hot stuffy atmosphere drinking overpriced drinks and jostling for a good view or a seat only to realise that what you are watching is a load of rubbish. Don't fancy doing that, well you always have the chance to play snooker - with pool cues, or darts with blunt and broken drats for free. Bowling was good, get a strike when a golden pin is in the centre and you win either a bottle of bubbly (sparkling perry aka lemonade) or 2 spa passes (no treatments) or 2 games of Quasar, for both you may have to pay for childcare in the nursery (that's the catch) unless you are fortunate enough to have someone else to look after the kids.
It appears Butlins' aim is to drive people out of their minds with boredom, leaving them with no other option but to venture into one of the MANY arcades and spend their cash. Clever plan Butlins, very clever. Most of the time we saw people walking aimlessly around with nothing to do. We took a ride on the Butlins 'train' well it's a tractor with 2 rickety seating carts, which takes you for a lovely ride around the car parks, highlight of our fun and a great way to pass 15 minutes when there is nothing else to do. Unless you braved the swimming pool, it seems it is very easy to get bored at Butlins. As for their brochure stating that hundreds of millions of pounds have been spent on improving Butlins it is safe to say that hardly any of that has been spent on improving the customers stay at Skegness. It's sad writing such a negative review about this once loved British institution, it has the potential to be good again if only it stopped penny pinching and began to spend serious money on improving what it has and attracting a wider type of family. I have given the rating of 2/10 as the children's shows were at times great especially the Skyline gang and Barney, as is Bob the builders yard, and the staff although probably not up to the job in some cases were friendly. Safe to say we shall not be returning.
Firstly the room was a wreak. Basic as I had anticipated, that was fine, but it was so grotty it's unreal. Clumps of hair and stains on the carpet, a crisp packet under the bed, thick dust everywhere, mould in the shower and sink, a complimentary 'bogey' on the wall, filthy brown dirt in sink, smelly bathroom – like all toilets on resort, holes in the ceiling, bins not emptied for the 2 days we stayed there. By day 2 I asked for us to be moved, I was shown a similar room, which on the plus side was cleaner but still quite grotty (you wouldn't want to stay there for more than a couple of nights). There was a strong stench of dirty sewers around the resort,which became increasingly stronger near the Skyline Pavillion - just next to the place where we were eating Coral Beach!
The swimming pool, what a let down. The sheer amount of rust, grime, mould and lime scale in and out of the pool is unbelievable and again the changing room stank even at 10am. Water is pouring off the water slides onto large patches of rust and grime and then dripping into the swimming pool! By the end of our 4 day stay ( I would have left after 1 day if I had been on my own and not had a little one who wanted to see the characters and shows) my 2 year old developed diarrhoea and sickness and I was not feeling to great myself. This was noted by guest services and I am now awaiting test results from the hospital to determine whether it is something that has been contracted as a result of our Butlins stay or not. My guess is that there is something seriously at fault here as so many people complain about having the same symptoms this coupled with the poor hygiene standards on site is worrying.
The food was very very bland and basic. If you are used to the cheapest of the cheap food or you are a heavy smoker than you will like it, otherwise you will dread visiting the 'cattle shed' as we named it with the droves of other people. The entertainment for the little ones was ok, although there's not much to do of an evening unless you want to sit with crowds of people in a baking hot stuffy atmosphere drinking overpriced drinks and jostling for a good view or a seat only to realise that what you are watching is a load of rubbish. Don't fancy doing that, well you always have the chance to play snooker - with pool cues, or darts with blunt and broken drats for free. Bowling was good, get a strike when a golden pin is in the centre and you win either a bottle of bubbly (sparkling perry aka lemonade) or 2 spa passes (no treatments) or 2 games of Quasar, for both you may have to pay for childcare in the nursery (that's the catch) unless you are fortunate enough to have someone else to look after the kids.
It appears Butlins' aim is to drive people out of their minds with boredom, leaving them with no other option but to venture into one of the MANY arcades and spend their cash. Clever plan Butlins, very clever. Most of the time we saw people walking aimlessly around with nothing to do. We took a ride on the Butlins 'train' well it's a tractor with 2 rickety seating carts, which takes you for a lovely ride around the car parks, highlight of our fun and a great way to pass 15 minutes when there is nothing else to do. Unless you braved the swimming pool, it seems it is very easy to get bored at Butlins. As for their brochure stating that hundreds of millions of pounds have been spent on improving Butlins it is safe to say that hardly any of that has been spent on improving the customers stay at Skegness. It's sad writing such a negative review about this once loved British institution, it has the potential to be good again if only it stopped penny pinching and began to spend serious money on improving what it has and attracting a wider type of family. I have given the rating of 2/10 as the children's shows were at times great especially the Skyline gang and Barney, as is Bob the builders yard, and the staff although probably not up to the job in some cases were friendly. Safe to say we shall not be returning.
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- Date of Holiday:Sep 2009
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Butlins Skegness..horrible place!! "
Submitted By: lilmissneat
I have just returned from a 4 night break at Butlins,Skegness in half board silver acommodation with my 5 year old daughter. NEVER AGAIN!!!! Check in was a nightmare,long queue with horrible,loud families swearing and shouting at each other and when i finally got to the check in desk they didn't have my details and i was sent off to guest services to see if they had them. They did,luckily. But so far i was unimpressed. Got to our accommodation. The floor was filthy and the beds were so narrow and uncomfortable. I had a very loud family staying in the room above.
We went to the Skyline Pavillion..well,that is just sheer hell. Constant noise,lots of big families arguing with each other and shouting at their children,NOT my kind of people atall and it had slot machines everywhere. Everything seemed dirty. My little girl attempted to make friends at an evening show in this Pavillion and was pinched and pushed to the ground by the most vile children whose parent were nowhere to be seen. One little boy with a shaved head and mohican&one ear ring,he must have been about 6 years old,spat in her face.Most nights we had to sit on concrete steps to watch anything and children kick and push as they walk by or try to get past,no regard for anyone else and waving around plastic swords and flashing lights that we kept getting hit with. We saw that there were people queueing up to see shows 3 to 4 hours before they began...on our last day Diversity were due to do their act and the queue started at 11am,the show started at 7pm. I took my little girl to watch a circus show on our 2nd evening,i must have got in someones way and so,instead of them politely asking me to move for them they pelted us both with anything they had to hand and yelled at us that they couldn't see. I went back to the room with my little girl in tears,i am not used to this kind of behaviour,and seriously considered leaving there and then.The food is over priced...i got 2 small cartons of juice and 2 cereal bars which came to £4.60!!
We went swimming once during our stay. The changing rooms were hell,so many people trying to get into the limited amount of cubicles and i was shouted at when i got into one to get changed after our swim by a family who wanted it too but had arrived after me. It smelled really vile throughout the changing room. My daughter went on a slide but other children just wouldn't wait a couple of seconds for her to get off at the bottom and just slid down and bashed into her at the bottom. She went down a couple of times then she said 'never again mummy'.We didn't go back again!! On the days i walked past the pool there was a massive queue for it.
The food was ok,we ate in the coral beach,and the staff...in general...were friendly throughout the resort. The couple of shows i managed to see in Reds were good but we couldn't sit down. My daughter went to an Angelina Ballerina pink party which she enjoyed.
In general Butlins do try to give good entertainment but it's a nightmare trying to see any of it and in my opinion the people there,in general,during my stay were absolutely awful,they give the place a very bad name. I do think Butlins attracts a certain 'type'.I would never ever go back. Thoroughly recommend Center Parcs if you want a nice holiday. We love it there. If you want constant noise,being pushed and shoved and a dirty room,go to Butlins.
We went to the Skyline Pavillion..well,that is just sheer hell. Constant noise,lots of big families arguing with each other and shouting at their children,NOT my kind of people atall and it had slot machines everywhere. Everything seemed dirty. My little girl attempted to make friends at an evening show in this Pavillion and was pinched and pushed to the ground by the most vile children whose parent were nowhere to be seen. One little boy with a shaved head and mohican&one ear ring,he must have been about 6 years old,spat in her face.Most nights we had to sit on concrete steps to watch anything and children kick and push as they walk by or try to get past,no regard for anyone else and waving around plastic swords and flashing lights that we kept getting hit with. We saw that there were people queueing up to see shows 3 to 4 hours before they began...on our last day Diversity were due to do their act and the queue started at 11am,the show started at 7pm. I took my little girl to watch a circus show on our 2nd evening,i must have got in someones way and so,instead of them politely asking me to move for them they pelted us both with anything they had to hand and yelled at us that they couldn't see. I went back to the room with my little girl in tears,i am not used to this kind of behaviour,and seriously considered leaving there and then.The food is over priced...i got 2 small cartons of juice and 2 cereal bars which came to £4.60!!
We went swimming once during our stay. The changing rooms were hell,so many people trying to get into the limited amount of cubicles and i was shouted at when i got into one to get changed after our swim by a family who wanted it too but had arrived after me. It smelled really vile throughout the changing room. My daughter went on a slide but other children just wouldn't wait a couple of seconds for her to get off at the bottom and just slid down and bashed into her at the bottom. She went down a couple of times then she said 'never again mummy'.We didn't go back again!! On the days i walked past the pool there was a massive queue for it.
The food was ok,we ate in the coral beach,and the staff...in general...were friendly throughout the resort. The couple of shows i managed to see in Reds were good but we couldn't sit down. My daughter went to an Angelina Ballerina pink party which she enjoyed.
In general Butlins do try to give good entertainment but it's a nightmare trying to see any of it and in my opinion the people there,in general,during my stay were absolutely awful,they give the place a very bad name. I do think Butlins attracts a certain 'type'.I would never ever go back. Thoroughly recommend Center Parcs if you want a nice holiday. We love it there. If you want constant noise,being pushed and shoved and a dirty room,go to Butlins.
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2009
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" butlins skegness "
Submitted By: KThorntonrecently myself and my husband took our 3 boys ages 12, 10 and 8 years to butlins in skegness for a 7 night break, before we left we did what most families do and look at reviews sent in by other people on the internet and their are a lot of reviews some good some bad, but to be honest we went with an open mind and were very impressed, a holiday is what you make it, not what you think it should be like from what others say, but i hope my review will help.
we went silver self catering but did upgrade to half board on the second day mainly because we found this much easyer for us with 3 children, the food court was called Coral Beach, and i can honestly say i was very very impressed, they had great food for everyones tastes, their was a drinks in the middle of the food court that sold alcholic drinks and a variety of other drinks like fizzy , soft drinks like juice, fruit juice, tea, coffee ect were free and could be found around the food court, the door staff were very friendly and even at 8am in the morning for breakfast they were allways very friendly and welcoming.
the entertainment during the day and night was fantatsic and the red coats and the entertainment staff work very hard to bring a top quailty variety of performances to entertain both young and old, their are many diffrent areas to go to during the evening , from Reds , center stage, the skyline, and many more, the only thing i will say is Reds is very popular and many people do start to stand in line anything from 4,45pm onwards to hope to get a good seat near the stage or dance floor, and this is even when reds opens at 6pm every night,so some do have a long wait just for a good seat but to be honest you can get a great view from anywhere in Reds due to the large tv screens all round the inside of reds.
the skyline is open 24 hours and has shows thoughout the day with a great opening ceremony at 10am every morning giving you and the children a chance to meet some of the red coats and the friends they have their from billy bear, to daisy the cow plus so many more.
The In-fun-mation point is open though out the day with a red coat on duty to help you with any issue , request or just general question you may have we found this very helpful, and a great way to improve even the fullest of days.
the apartments are cleaned efore your arrival and we found ours to be very clean and well looked after the bedrooms were very comftible and the beds clean and comfy, the bathroom area was clean and well maintained.
For our first time as a family to butlins in skegness this was a holiday i believe to better than most holidays we have taken abroad, everyone is catered for and not a stone has gone unturned to give you the best in entertainment fun and enjoyment.
with in 1 day of returning home we have booked again for another 7 night break and cant wait till we return.
if their was anything i would change it would be to update and up grade the funfair a bit to make this more enjoyable for many more people,
Advice: the area is wonderful great country sides fantatsic area for all ages
Activities:
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2009
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Altogther more rubbish "
Submitted By: andiii
Got back yesterday from a week at Butlins Skegness. Thirteen year old daughter enjoyed it. 11 month old son enjoyed it but, he wouldn't know any different. Stayed in Silver apartment with bed and breakfast. Chalet floor was absolutely filthy - in the end managed to get it wet vacced, after son had come out in a rash all over him. Housekeeping supposedly came in each day but seemed to choose one item that they'd do each day ie. one day they might empty the bin, another day put a glass away. Despite repeatedly requesting they hoover, they never did. Even asked them to lend me a hoover but they wouldn't do that.
Didn't see one show in Reds or Centre Stage, couldn't say what they look like inside, queues began about 2 hours before they opened. Butlins staff didn't stop people from taking chairs from the Pavillion so they could comfortably sit waiting to reserve about 20 seats per person in queue. Maybe if they had to stand for 2 hours they might not be so eager to queue so early. Butlins should introduce a ticket system so each guest has a chance of seeing at least one show per holiday, as it was large family groups just took it in turns for one to sit outside for 2 hours to then get loads of seats.
A faulty car alarm was going off outside our apartment for 2 full nights and nearly 3 days. Butlins staff said it wasn't their problem - they don't take car reg. details as it would be too much work. A member of the security team said they couldn't make an announcement about it because 'it was against data protection', I guess every supermarket in the country is breaking the law then, as they regularly announce car registrations. He then questioned whether I work in a supermarket in a sneering tone - very strange man. I asked the people in guest services to print a note on their computer and photocopy it and give it the housekeeping staff to put in each chalet in Starfish Quay - they were supposed to be going in each one to clean anyway! This would also be an incredible amount of work according to them! The best they could do was put a note on the offending car - such genius, unless the owner was completely deaf, they obviously were not using the car on their holiday. In the end I went to the toy shop bought felt tips, paper and cellotape and put up signs in the main locations - including Guest Services where you can usually find more queus of people waiting to complain! Within 10 minutes the owner saw the sign and sorted it. In the meantime the head of security was on the case after 3 long days and tracked the chalet number using the town on the tax disc. No sleep for 2 nights and finally peace!
To sum up unhelpful staff, dirty carpets, not housekeeping as I know it, rude people, filthy changing rooms at the pool and I won't be back! Almost forgot food was not appalling, just bland and rather non descriptive.
Didn't see one show in Reds or Centre Stage, couldn't say what they look like inside, queues began about 2 hours before they opened. Butlins staff didn't stop people from taking chairs from the Pavillion so they could comfortably sit waiting to reserve about 20 seats per person in queue. Maybe if they had to stand for 2 hours they might not be so eager to queue so early. Butlins should introduce a ticket system so each guest has a chance of seeing at least one show per holiday, as it was large family groups just took it in turns for one to sit outside for 2 hours to then get loads of seats.
A faulty car alarm was going off outside our apartment for 2 full nights and nearly 3 days. Butlins staff said it wasn't their problem - they don't take car reg. details as it would be too much work. A member of the security team said they couldn't make an announcement about it because 'it was against data protection', I guess every supermarket in the country is breaking the law then, as they regularly announce car registrations. He then questioned whether I work in a supermarket in a sneering tone - very strange man. I asked the people in guest services to print a note on their computer and photocopy it and give it the housekeeping staff to put in each chalet in Starfish Quay - they were supposed to be going in each one to clean anyway! This would also be an incredible amount of work according to them! The best they could do was put a note on the offending car - such genius, unless the owner was completely deaf, they obviously were not using the car on their holiday. In the end I went to the toy shop bought felt tips, paper and cellotape and put up signs in the main locations - including Guest Services where you can usually find more queus of people waiting to complain! Within 10 minutes the owner saw the sign and sorted it. In the meantime the head of security was on the case after 3 long days and tracked the chalet number using the town on the tax disc. No sleep for 2 nights and finally peace!
To sum up unhelpful staff, dirty carpets, not housekeeping as I know it, rude people, filthy changing rooms at the pool and I won't be back! Almost forgot food was not appalling, just bland and rather non descriptive.
Advice: Avoid Butlins at all costs. Once away from Butlins there is some lovely countryside.
Activities: Meridian Meats at 108 Eastgate, Louth - best beef I've tasted. Pork pies delicious.
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2009
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" tiring but fun "
Submitted By: siphonic
me and my wife took our 3 kids i wasnt expecting anythying special after reading the reviews on here however we all enjoyed ourselves from day one till the day we came home the only thing that i found dificult was the walk from the apartment everyday, the redcoats were helpful if stopped in fact all the staff were very friendly, our apartment was clean and tidy ( although a pain in the **** being on the top floor) the fairground could do with being upgraded as the rides seemed old and outdated but still we made the best out of the free activities and had loads of fun with it
will be going back next year
will be going back next year
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2009
- Board Basis:Full Board
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Butlins is hell on earth!!!!!!! "
Submitted By: yummy mummy
We booked this as a late deal after seeing the adverts and thinking things may have changed for the better at this age old 'Family' Resort. We had open minds and were prepared for a cheap and cheerful holiday....Well we were met by friendly gate staff, a good start, but then it all went down hill from there. We went into the 'Syline pavillion', a grubby Blackpool looking hole in need of decoration and refurb and full of slot machine and mess on every table. The check in was interesting, in a Bar filled with screaming kids and people sat drinking pints. Accommodation- ok we got an upgrade, god knows what the downgrade was like, it was tired, sticky floors and an interesting holder to put your cigarette whilst shaving or washing. The queues were exceptionally long, with over 2 hours per show - if you did get the chance of a table, a member of the Jeremy Kyle audience would just stand in front of you with their unwashed kids, to enhance their viewing position with no regared for anyone else. The parts of the shows that we did manage to see/hear, were very good and I would have paid to see them. the daytime activities (beach/pools) close late in the afternoon, and people follow like leemings to the sky pavillion for the evenings entertainment - loads of beer and a "turn" . if it rains slightly the outdoor pool is shut??? and there is a very long queue for the indoor pool, which has limited changing facilities and no sitting areas within the swimming areas. if you have not got motordisability scooter, grandma to push otherpeople's kids out of the way, or too much jewellery, then you will stand out like a sore thumb. We came home a day early, as we could not stand the incessant noise and unattended children waving around light sabres with no concern for other holiday makers.If you like to queue and josstle for a good viewing position and don't mind being next to the great unwashed, then this is the holiday for you..............
DON'T DO IT. Center parcs is far better!!!!!!!
DON'T DO IT. Center parcs is far better!!!!!!!
Advice: go anywhere else.
Activities: best activity - going home a day early due to not being able to stand it anymore.........
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2009
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Reasonable Holiday "
Submitted By: Trevor H
This was my first time visiting Butlins, so I wasn't exactly sure what to expect. We stayed in the Silver Rooms with 3 Bedrooms located in Starfish Quay. As I know the number of visitors is quite high, I was expecting the room to be probably a bit shabby but hopefully clean. It turned out to be clean, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that the room we stayed in was not in the least bit shabby. I even found the bed, while well used was actually more comforable than my own and had clean linen. Each room had a small portable TV, which I think were only switched on once or twice. Although the bathroom was clean, the shower curtain would really need a clean each week or two, but overall I really had no complaints about the room.
Butlins is supposed to be about family holidays and this is where my biggest critism lies. Not all families consist of 3 to 12 year olds, which is the age group that 90% of the activities are aimed towards. My children are 13, 14 and 15 and I have to admit there was very little entertainment or facilities laid on for that age group or their parents. We found the shows at the weekend were very good, but during the week, we stopped going because they were that poor for our families age levels, apart from the two nights of the Michael Jackson and then Blondie tribute acts which only lasted 45 minutes each. These acts could easily fill an entire evenings entertainment, and paying them more money for a longer stint would have been much preferable to having to endure listening to the awful group Off Limits, in which the female vocalist rarely hit a note in tune.
We found it rather unfair that ALL the entertainment venues on one occasion were all for young children and in general most of the shows are for younger children. I think it would have been a bit more reasonable to provide entertainment for children in one venue, while providing shows for an older audience in the other. The other major problem with the shows is there just isn't enough seats & tables unless you hit lucky and catch someone just leaving or queue for an hour before the venue opens. As someone mentioned in a previous review, there are some very selfish people that hog two tables for 2 or 4 people. There are also some very selfish people who are only concerned that THEY get a good view without thinking about people behind them watching the show and quite rudely stand in front of you, stand their children on chairs or even more maddening, buy a large helium balloon and then tie it to a chair or pram completely blocking your view.
We went Half Board and dined at Coral Beach restaurant and I can't really complain that much about the food. It's more like a school dinner hall or very large works canteen than a restaurant. There was plenty of choice and if you simply want a good breakfast and evening meal to fill your stomach as I did you can't go wrong, if however you are expecting first class cuisine, you will be disappointed. I found all the staff in the canteen courteous and was able to ask for exactly what I wanted in the quantities I wanted with no complaints or grumbles. One more tip I learnt is the earlier you go for your meal, the less you will need to queue. We certainly never experienced any food poisoning and I usually enjoyed my meals albeit in the large canteen type setting.
Although I have outlined the above points, I still have to say that I really enjoyed my holiday at Butlins, and while it could be an expensive time, it doesn't have to be. With some careful planning and good use of the facilities that are free you can keep your costs down, but I would recommend Half Board as well. The more you keep your kids and yourselves out of the amusement arcades the more you will save. My biggest gripe is the Go Karts in the funfair, I thought they were ridiculously expensive at £4 a go for a single Kart considering the very short amount of time you got. I can't see why it should cost any more than £1 a go and also provide a bit more time. Although they provide smaller trampolines for free, I also fail to see how they can justify charging £5 a go for the bungee trampolines.
Overall I found it an enjoyable but tiring holiday. People with walking difficulties may find it a problem as there can be quite a distance to walk if you are staying in a room or apartment further out, although I would not hesitate in recommending it for families with younger children. I would be slightly more hesitant in recommending it for families with teenagers, but will say that even they can have a really good time if you plan well. I will return again, but only with my two grandchildren in about 5 or 6 years when they reach that age. My own children have now seen it, done it and it would be very hard to keep them entertained again for another week.
Butlins is supposed to be about family holidays and this is where my biggest critism lies. Not all families consist of 3 to 12 year olds, which is the age group that 90% of the activities are aimed towards. My children are 13, 14 and 15 and I have to admit there was very little entertainment or facilities laid on for that age group or their parents. We found the shows at the weekend were very good, but during the week, we stopped going because they were that poor for our families age levels, apart from the two nights of the Michael Jackson and then Blondie tribute acts which only lasted 45 minutes each. These acts could easily fill an entire evenings entertainment, and paying them more money for a longer stint would have been much preferable to having to endure listening to the awful group Off Limits, in which the female vocalist rarely hit a note in tune.
We found it rather unfair that ALL the entertainment venues on one occasion were all for young children and in general most of the shows are for younger children. I think it would have been a bit more reasonable to provide entertainment for children in one venue, while providing shows for an older audience in the other. The other major problem with the shows is there just isn't enough seats & tables unless you hit lucky and catch someone just leaving or queue for an hour before the venue opens. As someone mentioned in a previous review, there are some very selfish people that hog two tables for 2 or 4 people. There are also some very selfish people who are only concerned that THEY get a good view without thinking about people behind them watching the show and quite rudely stand in front of you, stand their children on chairs or even more maddening, buy a large helium balloon and then tie it to a chair or pram completely blocking your view.
We went Half Board and dined at Coral Beach restaurant and I can't really complain that much about the food. It's more like a school dinner hall or very large works canteen than a restaurant. There was plenty of choice and if you simply want a good breakfast and evening meal to fill your stomach as I did you can't go wrong, if however you are expecting first class cuisine, you will be disappointed. I found all the staff in the canteen courteous and was able to ask for exactly what I wanted in the quantities I wanted with no complaints or grumbles. One more tip I learnt is the earlier you go for your meal, the less you will need to queue. We certainly never experienced any food poisoning and I usually enjoyed my meals albeit in the large canteen type setting.
Although I have outlined the above points, I still have to say that I really enjoyed my holiday at Butlins, and while it could be an expensive time, it doesn't have to be. With some careful planning and good use of the facilities that are free you can keep your costs down, but I would recommend Half Board as well. The more you keep your kids and yourselves out of the amusement arcades the more you will save. My biggest gripe is the Go Karts in the funfair, I thought they were ridiculously expensive at £4 a go for a single Kart considering the very short amount of time you got. I can't see why it should cost any more than £1 a go and also provide a bit more time. Although they provide smaller trampolines for free, I also fail to see how they can justify charging £5 a go for the bungee trampolines.
Overall I found it an enjoyable but tiring holiday. People with walking difficulties may find it a problem as there can be quite a distance to walk if you are staying in a room or apartment further out, although I would not hesitate in recommending it for families with younger children. I would be slightly more hesitant in recommending it for families with teenagers, but will say that even they can have a really good time if you plan well. I will return again, but only with my two grandchildren in about 5 or 6 years when they reach that age. My own children have now seen it, done it and it would be very hard to keep them entertained again for another week.
Good for: Beach
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- Date of Holiday:Jul 2009
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" Butlins skegness never again "
Submitted By: babybaillie
AFter a great time at minehead last year, we booked the same holiday at skegness this year. The accomodation was not a patch on last year. Holes in pillowcases, hole in bathroom floor, shower head leaking. horrible black portable tv's with terrible reception (compaired to silver lcd/dvd in minehead). housekeeping only came once on day 2. why? u havent even been in the room 24 hours and there in. we ran out of toilet roll so i had to go and buy some. no soap either. bath mat was soaking and stinking after a week of us all using it. bathroom smelt so had to keep door closed. key card system is rotten. u cant keep it beside all the things u carry on holiday. i didnt have shorts with a pocket so had no option but to carry the card in my bag, so everytime i walked back it needed reset so i then had to walk all the way back to guest services to have it reset. the staff werent very friendly. i was heavily pregnant, and found this very tiring, especially when one day they refused to reset and said someone would come to the room in 5 mins to look at it, so after a walk to the room, then to guest services, then to the room, no one arrived and i had to walk back. i was not amused! All last year my son of 16 took my daughter of 4 on the rides in funfair, and all this week he did the same. then on last day told he couldnt do this as not 18. yet it was the same ppl who had let him on all week!!! he took her on the umberellas that go high off the ground and fast then was refused on a silly ride tug boat. Was not amused. In the disabled toilet next to the cinema on the toilet roll holder there was excrement smeared all over it on the 1st day and was still there on the last 7 days later. so some cleaner was refilling with toilet roll and not cleaning it, how disgustin. the staff in the coral beach restauarnt were awful. if u asked for more food they grunted and moaned as tho it was coming out there wages. i dont think they realise i have already paid for this food. my son asked for 2 hotdogs one nite and was only given one!!! yet butlins say no one goes home hungry!!! There are not enough seats in all entertainment venues. i realised to get one u had to go 2 hours early, we did this for african acrobats and they were only on 15 mins!!! we went to see dora and couldnt get a seat and ended up sitting on the floor on the dance floor, while ppl sit with 2/3 tables for 2 ppl and lots of chairs. some ppl are so selfish.
would not recommend and wont be back
would not recommend and wont be back
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- Date of Holiday:Jul 2009
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" butlins "
Submitted By: lukester
butlins is ok if your younger than 12 but if your older all you can do is go on go-karts or going swimming if you like it but still if you are younger than 12 then youl like going because there are lots of shows for them and bob the builder but after 6 p.m. you verturally have to pay for every thing. i have been 6 times and everything is the same but im going again this year because the love it.
Advice: skegness has lots of side atractions.
Activities: the fair near the beach.
Good for: Beach
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- Date of Holiday:Jun 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" good good good "
Submitted By: jennathompson12
we have been going to butlins twice a year for the past 5 years and my two children love it i would certainlky recomend it to anyone the entertainment is brilliant, food is ok would be better if they had a change now and again but is certainly delicious bods yard is fantatstic for the younger children, fun rides are a bit dated but still fun. red coats and staff are very freindly. The red coats really take the time to entertain the kids. I will certainly be going back again.
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- Date of Holiday:Oct 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Brilliant butlins "
Submitted By: tinkerbellsgirl
Came to Butlins in Sep with my husband and little girl and we totally loved it.
Came in July with parents aswell and stayed self catering and found our chalet was at the furthest point away you could get, my dad being disabled found the good 15 min walk to the complex a struggle and with a 2 year old child it was even worse. Luckily the weather was lovely only rained once.
In july holiday it was the first time we have been to butlins and loved it. The Redcoats we must admit we hardly seen but then again its probaly good as they seemed to just liked to hang about with the teenagers that were there and were quite in your face when they did stop to speak to you. The food is really expensive nearly £3 for curry and chips and the potions are tiny. So going half board in Sept was a definate option. The food in the Ocene Drive was lovely had no complaints about it and it was always hot.
The spa is a must, my mam took the baby while me and husband had a spa experience.
Eveything is brilliant, both chalets where very clean and we have booked again for this year in May. Can't wait to go back. Entertainment is good although the characters scared the baby, they are a bit scary!!! Didn't spend much but i supose in May i will as little one now will be interested in the arcades and having to pass a huge one everytime you go to a show will cost me a fortune.
Bob the Builders yard is amazing to i couldn't get my little girl of the cars and the staff are friendly as she wanted to go on the cups and got scared they stopped the ride straight away and let me get her off, other places make kids stay on till it stops. The swimming pool is the best part of butlins, it is huge and lots to do. The baby loved the kids area with slides and water fountains for under 5's. The changing rooms are slightly dirty (used plasters, nappies etc..) but i found it to be the same every swimming pool you go parents can't be bothered to put a nappy in the bin!!!
The funfair is a bit dated but the rides are good, We paid the extra £4 each and did a go kart which was good fun.
Definatly recommend it. And recommend the vanilla and caramel ice cream delicious perfect to eat whilst watching your little one dance on the dancefloor.
Brilliant holiday, you get a few people complaining but its butlins what do they want a 5 star hotel room.
If like us you will only be in your room to sleep so it doesn't matter if the caropet is a bit dirty. 10/10 both times
Came in July with parents aswell and stayed self catering and found our chalet was at the furthest point away you could get, my dad being disabled found the good 15 min walk to the complex a struggle and with a 2 year old child it was even worse. Luckily the weather was lovely only rained once.
In july holiday it was the first time we have been to butlins and loved it. The Redcoats we must admit we hardly seen but then again its probaly good as they seemed to just liked to hang about with the teenagers that were there and were quite in your face when they did stop to speak to you. The food is really expensive nearly £3 for curry and chips and the potions are tiny. So going half board in Sept was a definate option. The food in the Ocene Drive was lovely had no complaints about it and it was always hot.
The spa is a must, my mam took the baby while me and husband had a spa experience.
Eveything is brilliant, both chalets where very clean and we have booked again for this year in May. Can't wait to go back. Entertainment is good although the characters scared the baby, they are a bit scary!!! Didn't spend much but i supose in May i will as little one now will be interested in the arcades and having to pass a huge one everytime you go to a show will cost me a fortune.
Bob the Builders yard is amazing to i couldn't get my little girl of the cars and the staff are friendly as she wanted to go on the cups and got scared they stopped the ride straight away and let me get her off, other places make kids stay on till it stops. The swimming pool is the best part of butlins, it is huge and lots to do. The baby loved the kids area with slides and water fountains for under 5's. The changing rooms are slightly dirty (used plasters, nappies etc..) but i found it to be the same every swimming pool you go parents can't be bothered to put a nappy in the bin!!!
The funfair is a bit dated but the rides are good, We paid the extra £4 each and did a go kart which was good fun.
Definatly recommend it. And recommend the vanilla and caramel ice cream delicious perfect to eat whilst watching your little one dance on the dancefloor.
Brilliant holiday, you get a few people complaining but its butlins what do they want a 5 star hotel room.
If like us you will only be in your room to sleep so it doesn't matter if the caropet is a bit dirty. 10/10 both times
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- Date of Holiday:Oct 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Will never visit again!!! "
Submitted By: nblenkins
Took my 8 month old son to Butlins for a three night break and ended up leaving after two nights it was so bad.
Stayed in a two bed apartment which was awful to say the least. Accommodation was dirty and shabby. The bathroom smelt so badly of urine that we had to keep the door closed and the floor boards squeaked so badly we woke our son everytime we went to check on him.
The first night we had two drunk men trying to get into our apartment as they believed they were staying there as all accommodation looks the same. The second day we visted the pool, which was the best part of the whole complex, and had a walk along the beach. We visted the sandwich bar in the sky dome and 12 o' clock that night my husband started vomiting for 12 hours. Don't know whether it was something he had eaten or he had just icked something up in the filthy resport. As soon as he was feeling a little better we packed and went home even though we had paid for another night.
What a terrible terrible place that is so expensive.
Stayed in a two bed apartment which was awful to say the least. Accommodation was dirty and shabby. The bathroom smelt so badly of urine that we had to keep the door closed and the floor boards squeaked so badly we woke our son everytime we went to check on him.
The first night we had two drunk men trying to get into our apartment as they believed they were staying there as all accommodation looks the same. The second day we visted the pool, which was the best part of the whole complex, and had a walk along the beach. We visted the sandwich bar in the sky dome and 12 o' clock that night my husband started vomiting for 12 hours. Don't know whether it was something he had eaten or he had just icked something up in the filthy resport. As soon as he was feeling a little better we packed and went home even though we had paid for another night.
What a terrible terrible place that is so expensive.
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- Date of Holiday:Oct 2008
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Superb Time "
Submitted By: Wilmots08
We have just returned from our 7th short break in 18 months with Butlins at Skegness... We are delighted with the whole experiance they have offered on every visit, the staff go out of their way to ensure we have a marvellous time, we eat at The Yacht Club and the food, staff and facillities are wonderful.. the Redcoats are allowed off days a s are only human but we have NEVER experiance any of this... the entertainment is 1st class and the only sad thing is the nursery do not offer any form of babysitting.. My husband and I would like to have gone out one evening to see a show but wouldn't dream of leaving our son alone and it was too late for him.. Overall we love Butlins and have booked to return at Easter to Bognor, in June for our sons 4th birthday and again to spend Christmas there. Well done all concerned and for those contenplating going I can only say to go Silver or Gold as thats what we have and I did hearseveral complaints about the standard, Go and Enjoy!!
Good for: Beach
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- Date of Holiday:Dec 2008
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Excellent Holiday "
Submitted By: luke12345
We stopped in one of a few luxury caravans which were very clean and tidy I would highly recommend www.butlinscaravansatskegness.co.uk started what was an excellent holiday with great entertainment our kids loved it.
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2008
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
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Advice: what a lovely place to stay alot of unspolit land in places and lots of different things for everyon
Activities: go to the seal life centre and the luminations and the beach is lovely for them quiet walks
Good for: Beach City Breaks