An adventure to beat any computer game
DAISY FOX and family decide it’s high time for some excitement at Butlin’s Skegness
'SKEGNESS is so bracing,” boasts the statue in the centre of the small seaside town on England’s east coast. Looking out to sea in Ingoldmells, about two miles north of Skegness along a wide stretch of sandy beach, we had to agree.
The sun was shining, the air was fresh and the beach was deserted. Bliss… if you like peace and quiet.
Turn around, head through the small beach gate and past the giant beach ball, however, and you’re in the heart of one of the UK’s most established and popular holiday camps.
Chosen by Billy Butlin as the location of the first resort in his Red-coated empire, Butlin’s Skegness was built in 1936 and invited holidaymakers to enjoy “A week’s holiday for a week’s wages”.
If Skegness is proud of its brisk, North Sea climate, then Butlin’s is equally proud of its past.
There is an original chalet on site – now Grade II listed – and in the resort’s hub, the enormous modern Skyline Pavilion, you can read all about the history of Butlin’s.
I’m a sucker for nostalgia and, even though my son was desperately trying to drag me out to the climbing wall at the time, I managed to learn a few facts about Redcoats.
The famous red blazers worn by the resort hosts were originally inspired by the uniforms of Canadian mounties.
Entertainers Des O’Connor and Jimmy Tarbuck started out as Redcoats in the 1950s followed over the years by Status Quo’s Francis Rossi, astrologer Russell Grant, kids’ TV favourites Rod Hull (of Emu fame) and Johnny Ball, Darren Day, H from Steps and Stephen Mulhearn.
He may not have been a Redcoat, but Ringo Starr was performing at Skegness when he got a call from John Lennon, asking if he’d like to join the Beatles. This was shortly after Ringo was nearly sacked by Billy for refusing to cut his hair.
Fashion designer Zandra Rhodes gave the Redcoat uniform a new look in the late 80s and it was updated again by Jeff Banks in 2000.
Butlin’s has been a family favourite for generations. There is so much to do that kids are kept busy morning, noon and night, whatever their interests.
My son is mad for The Legend of Zelda. He plays the hero in this open-world video game, exploring vast landscapes, fighting off monsters and hunting for treasure.
When he’s not playing it, he’s talking about it.
In the game he climbs, balances on high bridges, shoots a bow and arrow and searches for treasure in wide open spaces.
Distress at spending his school
holidays without his gaming console soon turned to delight when he realised he could do all these things at Butlin’s for REAL.
Thanks to a tip-off from the woman at the handy drive-through check-in, the first thing we did was head straight for the Leisure Hub to book the week’s activities.
Archery? Yep. Climbing? Yes please. High ropes obstacles course? Definitely. 42-foot free fall? Ok, if we must.
Within an hour of being at the camp, we had an itinerary that would deplete the stamina wheel of even the hardiest Zelda adventurer.
First stop was Splashworld, the on-site swimming complex packed with flumes, fountains and an all-weather outdoor rapids slide. We experienced just how bracing Skegness can be as we slid down it in a hail storm. Freezing, but brilliant fun.
From the famous Redcoats to the waiters and gardeners, staff at Butlin’s go the extra mile to help you, whether you need to find your way around the huge site, book an activity, require assistance with your keys (even though you are trying to get into completely the wrong chalet) or an extra duvet.
The Aerial Adventures instructors were no exception – full of fun, encouragement and patience, giving everyone taking part an unforgettable experience. It was nearly dark by the time my son had climbed his last wall. He abseiled down, glowing with pride.
Next stop was The Deck, one of the resort’s Premium Dining restaurants.
You do the maths: Huge range of different tasty foods every day for breakfast and tea + all-you-can-eat basis = diet out of the window.
We had spent the day climbing and balancing however, so we fired into the enchiladas, vegetable curry, freshly made pasta, rhubarb crumble and chocolate cake without a second thought.
Entertainment that night was brought to us by the fantastic and very bawdy Cirque du Hilarious, starring CBBC’s Danny and Mick, masters of slapstick. We had a great view from our own table in the Sky Bar in Centre Stage.
Afterwards we wandered the short distance back to our comfy and colourful Seaside Apartment, spotting constellations in the night sky.
Relaxing with a cup of tea, I noticed my son’s tablet lying, forgotten about, on the kitchen table.
Thanks to Butlin’s he was on his very own, real-life adventure. He could climb, swim, balance and beach-comb to his heart’s content – no screens required.