ELTIPS AV R T

The year was 1980. The place was Barry Island in South Wales. I remember lots of tired- looking chalets, chips with everything and some Red Coats bouncing about.

On my first trip back – this time to Bognor Regis, this time as a grown- up – I wasn’t sure my enjoyment levels would be quite so high. But the three children I had in tow were beyond excited.

Butlin’s has been serving up traditional holiday fun in West Sussex since 1960. And while the rows of prefab chalets are still very much present ( granted, looking loads smarter) there are also three surprisingly swanky hotels here – The Wave, Ocean and Shoreline.

The Wave, where we were staying, is aimed at families with older kids – aged eight and above. From the outside it has the look of a luxury ocean liner, all shiny and white with shimmering balconies.

The interior is equally smart, with funky colours, Big Brother style chairs and a games area with all the latest kid- magnets. My daughter Lily, ten, niece Gracie, nine, and nephew Stan, seven, couldn’t believe their luck.

Rooms are big, colourful and art deco style in style. The kids had their own underwater-themed cabins just off the main bedroom with bunk THE shows are popular so there can be quite a queue – and a scramble for the best seats once inside. But if you buy a B-Line Pass, you’ll be able to get into venues 15 minutes before the mob. YOU have to book ahead for certain activities. Find out which ones you fancy and book as soon as you arrive because they fill up quickly. TRY to get to the resort early – parking near your hotel can be pretty tricky.