You But-ter.. BELIEVE IT
Mum and kids go bonkers at Bognor resort
IT had been more than three decades since I last braved Butlin’s. beds, each with its own TV and DVD player.
Before we’d had the chance to unpack I was dragged out to explore the resort. It has oodles of activities, both indoor and outdoor.
Though Bognor is supposed to one of the UK’s sunniest spots, if you’re not lucky with the weather it’s no problem. Billy Butlin dreamed up these breaks with rubbish British summers in mind.
Our mornings were spent at Splash Zone – the massive tropical water playground. It’s the one part of the resort that could do with a facelift, although this is probably just an adult view as the kids adored every minute – from the slides and rapids to the wave machine.
There’s also football, climbing, mini fencing and archery, plus a range of art and craft sessions throughout the day for all ages. And all three children loved zooming around the go-kart track – one of the few activities you pay extra for. Most are included in the price.
A highlight was the fairground, which has lots of traditional rides. The kids were thrilled they could go on all of them as many times as they liked for free, including the helter skelter and bumper cars.
Magic
The resort’s hub is the Skyline Pavilion – a large tented arena with soft-play, food and drink outlets and a main stage. Heaps of shows take place there during the day – anything from Teletubbies and magic acts to an Olly Murs tribute, which I must confess I loved.
It also houses the amusement arcade, which can drive a parent slightly bonkers because kids want to spend hours there every time they spot it. Expect your wallet to be cleared of loose change,
Butlin’s is also getting brainy with its Science Zone, where some of the biggest names in science put on hilarious shows. The one we went to was about why we poo. There were also shows on edible insects.
Speaking of food, that was where I noticed the biggest change since my last visit. I was bracing myself for an avalanche of junk but the choice and quality was fantastic.
We opted for a dine-in package, which gave us a buffet dinner and breakfast for a very reasonable rate at The Deck. There was a different theme every night – roasts, curries, Chinese – and kid-friendly sections for less adventurous little ones.
You can also exchange your hotel evening meals for Dine-Around vouchers to use in other restaurants th there. For something upmarket, try T Turner’s for a juicy steak.
The resort is just across the road f from a pebbled beach, if you’re fe feeling stir crazy. But any talk about g going there were cut off straight a away by the kids. “No way, we don’t w want to leave Butlin’s.”
Which i s a pretty ringing endorsement, I reckon. FACTFILE: Butlin’s has four- night midweek breaks at its Bognor Regis resort from £65pp, room only. Price b based on a family of four at The Wave, room only, from May 8. Visit butlins.com or call on 0330 100 6648.