At the crack of dawn on the day of our family vacation, my five-year-old, filled with excitement, woke me up by shouting ‘BUTLIN’S!!!!!!’—a nostalgic moment that took me back to my own childhood, where I probably did the same to my parents.
Butlin’s played a significant role in my summer memories as a young girl, with one of my fondest recollections being winning a dance contest adorned in pink wellies and receiving a small trophy from a charismatic red coat.
Anticipation was high as I had built up our four-day visit to Butlin’s Skegness for the resort’s 90th anniversary to my three-year-old and his sibling, promising them thrilling experiences like roller coasters, ice cream treats, discos, and go-karting.
Embarking on a budget-friendly weekend getaway sounded appealing as we loaded up the car with the kids, who had momentarily ceased their ‘Butlin’s’ chants at a deafening volume in my husband’s ears, and headed to the flagship resort.
For the uninitiated, a trip to Butlin’s is a quintessential experience for many UK families, offering free fairground rides, impressive pools, spectacular shows, and lively discos—a whirlwind adventure for both kids and adults.
As we entered the resort gates, I pondered how different my sons’ Butlin’s experience would be compared to mine many years ago.
The reality turned out to be a mix of old and new—gone were the creaky chalets and donkeys, replaced by modern amenities like free WiFi, QR code drink ordering, and a self-serve beer machine.
Opting for the all-inclusive drinks package and staying in the new Maple Lodges with Early Access VIP to the shows proved to be practical choices, especially with young children in tow.
Upon arrival, the enchanting fairground and iconic Skyline Pavilion caught our attention, although we initially headed to the wrong entrance, but were redirected to our lodge across the road.
The Maple Lodge experience was a far cry from my memories of noisy chalets echoing with disco beats, offering a tranquil stay just a short walk from the main park with modern conveniences like a dishwasher, making family time more enjoyable.
While the lodge boasted a fully equipped kitchen, we indulged in the Premium Dining package, which I found essential for a traditional Butlin’s stay, featuring an expanded menu selection including pasta, roast meats, curries, and a delightful ice cream station that captivated the kids.
Impressive modern touches included live cooking stations for burgers and wraps, and a seasoned chef preparing delectable omelettes during breakfast, along with the convenience of having Prosecco with meals if opting for the all-inclusive drinks package.
The highlight of the evening shifted from bingo to captivating shows like the Masked Singer and Maximum Pro Wrestling, which mesmerized both kids and adults with their high production values and engaging formats.
Early access to these popular shows proved beneficial, ensuring a good seat, while the innovative automatic pint pouring machine at the bar impressed many, including my envious dad who reminisced about the simpler times.
The fun continued with the Night With The Reds disco, reminiscent of the past but with a contemporary twist featuring KPop Demon Hunters alongside classic tunes, delighting guests of all ages.
However, like any holiday, there were minor inconveniences to navigate, such as planning activities in advance to avoid queues and walking through an arcade to reach various attractions, which excited the kids but required vigilance with contactless machines.
Booking activities like bowling early and avoiding underwhelming options like soft play in favor of the engaging Skypark playground proved to be wise choices, although the long queues for the swimming pool left us promising a return visit.
Despite the changes over the years, the magic of Butlin’s remains intact, largely due to the friendly and entertaining Red Coats who enhance the holiday experience for guests of all ages.
When asked to sum up their stay, my kids described it as ‘fun’ and eagerly inquired about our next visit, echoing my own sentiments from years past.
For those interested, Butlin’s offers a three-night May Half Term package featuring The Masked Singer Live and Maximum Pro Wrestling in Skegness, starting from £229 for a two-bedroom Comfort Room. All-inclusive drinks packages are available from £25.95 per adult and £10.50 per child, with free options for children under 5. More details and bookings can be found on the Butlin’s website.
