We recently went on a Monday-Friday holiday to Butlins in Minehead (minus Lela who had to work, boo) and had an amazing time.
We went on a tots break with Mr Maker. Now we probably were not the correct demographic for this given break however it was quiet, the children were able to get on the rides and waterslides they wanted to with little waiting as it was mainly little ones, and in all honesty having watched Mr Maker for years with the kids, me and Rich were really looking forward to this one.
We stayed in a silver, sorry comfort (they have recently changed the names/categories of it), three bedroom bungalow in Honicolt village. Our bungalow could house seven and was a little large for our needs but meant the children could have a bedroom each which stopped most of the bedtime dramas we usually have when away from home.
We were a mission away from the main tent however this meant we didn’t get the majority of the noise from people coming home after too many drinks.
It was clean, it wasn’t perfect, it was dated but it wasn’t dirty or in disrepair.
We had the premium dining plan which gave us a buffet breakfast and buffet dinner. Overall it was good it started off strong but deteriorated as the week went on. Some of this is down to us as the kids and I can struggle with food as our anxiety rises but even Rich who has zero problems with food started to have a few problems towards the end of the holiday.
The shows were OK, good for what they are but let’s remember they are Butlins not westend. If you go with that in mind generally you will have a good time.
The staff were phenomenal. Riley must know everything, how things work, how it happens, why they are doing what they are doing, it’s endless. Every member of staff were amazing, from red coats teaching him to use devil/flower sticks, to arcade staff talking him through refilling the machines and how the tickets/inner workings of the machines work, to a member of staff refilling a vending machine, taking out circuit boards to show him exactly step by step how it all worked. We even had a staff member offer to have us sit in the quiet staff area of the restaurant as Riley was struggling with the noise. People really recognised Riley’s struggles this holiday and worked with them rather than avoid him. It really helped to make the holiday a success.
We love Butlins, everything that you need for a week is right there. The swimming pool with slides, the fair for both little kids and big kids, the soft play and all the shows are included in the price.
The kids love the familiarity of it (we have been going since they were babies), we aren’t terribly far away from home if things turn disastrous, and generally good discounts can be found.
For our 4 night stay mid week for the four of us in a three bed apartment (which can sleep 7) with the premium dining plan was just under £400. Now I understand this is not insurmountable but for everything you get plus the enforced family time (which we can struggle to do when at home as there are always jobs to be done) we believe it is worth it.
Oh and Mr Maker was amazing!
