Are you planning a holiday camp trip away with your brood? Here are my top tips as a mum of two who experienced a four-day break at Butlin's iconic Skegness resort with my bowling-mad five-year-old and rather active three-year-old.
Some of the tips are Butlin's specific, while others can be applied at any of the UK's other great holiday parks, such as Center Parcs, Haven, Parkdean and Hoseasons.
Plan Your Day
First tip is plan your day if you want to experience anything bookable on site - you can use the app, but often activities like bowling allocations are made on the day. To avoid getting a really late bowling slot, I would book after or before breakfast - Hotshots is next to premier dining, The Yacht Club, so just nip over after enjoying your buffet!
Dining Strategy
Speaking of food, the restaurants can get pretty busy before or after shows, so if you are not taking in a show, I would aim to eat during the show times. And I would always opt for The Yacht Club over the Deck for premier dining if you have kids - there is more space.
Parks and Playgrounds
Skegness' Butlin's boasts an amazing playground that kids love, even when it's busy. And there is a cafe nearby for coffee and teas - and Fruitshoots - to keep you hydrated.
Arcades
To get anywhere on the resort, you do end up walking through a form of arcade, with many machines now taking contactless. To avoid draining your budget, set a limit on rides with your kids before you walk through. To be honest, my youngest just wanted to sit on the motorbikes, but my eldest was obsessed with the tokens!
Arriving Early
Even though check-in is often between 3pm and 4pm you can actually arrive at 1pm, grab your wrist bands and wander around the park using all the activities - especially if you have vouchers! I would advise families to head for the swimming pool; the queues are often really long, but I am reliably told they are non-existent in that two-hour window.
Book Shows
The shows are really worth the cash - kids and adults are transfixed by the high production values, interaction and celebrities! If you can book early entry as it can get really busy.
Good luck fellow parents! You will have a blast.
