Hello,
So, on the 26th of July 2013, my family and I went to Butlins Skegness for the last time (I've been 13/14 times). Once we got there and got the keys, we went to our accommodation (Kingfisher Court).
After we unpacked, my friend Beth and I took three of my little cousins to the 'dome' as we call it, but it's actually called the skyline pavilion and watched the Crazy Dunkers and then to the giant beach where they really enjoyed playing with the sand and props. Then, in the evening, we went to the cinema to see this is the end.
The next day, alot of us went swimming in the new splash Waterworld. It was set out almost the same as it was before, but it does look much cleaner as it's new- not that it was dirty before! The new kid's play area (inside) was much better and the kids enjoyed it as there were 3 mini slides and water guns. However, the the surface of the kids area is quite rough for grip so be cautious of that. Also, the slides seemed much better-not that I went on any! Then on the night we went to centre stage to see the Shaolin Monks show, which was really interesting, but I couldn't really see for people blocking the isles- which was really annoying as we had cued for over an hour to get in and were near the front of the line.
On Sunday, we went swimming again. And since it was a nice day (and forecast for rain the rest of the week) Beth and I went to the beach for a few hours. We just relaxed in the sun, but some people had kites or were playing cricket/badmington/rounders and there were dirt bikes.
On the Monday, we went to the town centre (in a red cab), and did a lot of shopping. Then thundering and lightening started and it rained really heavily. On the evening, we went to see Stavros Flatley at Reds. The were really good and interacted with the crowd. The kids were allowed to sit on the dance floor so they could see, but people were standing on chairs and blocking the view for others. I'd also suggest going as soon as Reds opens to get a table and waiting for the act you'd like to see as the tables are taken as soon as the doors open. It's also really really hot in there too!
The next day, we went to the market/fantasy island (on the red bus). The market is really good for getting gifts like candy rocks (etc) and I got some shorts for my dad, that we couldn't find anywhere else. It may seem tacky, but there are some good things if you look for them. At 7pm, we went to the circus. It was really entertaining, but also really warm.
On the Wednesday we took the kids to Hardy's animal farm which is around 5-10 minutes from the camp. We really love it and so do the younger kids. You can go around the farm and feed the animals, there are old tractors, a tractor/horse and cart ride which takes you into the fields to see bulls etc, there's a outdoor park and also an indoor softplay with a cafe. It may be expensive but it is worth what you pay! On the evening, we went to a pub opposite Butlins (Cheers). It's family friendly with an arcade and a childrens disco upstairs, a talking parrot called Charlie and food is served late. We went for a meal and then played on the arcade for a bit.
On our final full day, 10 of us went to Quasar Elite. It is basically a game we you shoot people with lasers (like paintball but not as aggressive). It seems boring, but its actually really fun and competitive. It's £4pp for half an hour. You are taught how to play and given a health and safety talk before you enter the arena. There are also lockers that you can use as storage in the room where you put your pack and gun on. We have been countless times and its really entertaining and always a laugh- whether you just with friends/family or with strangers. Beth and I went to toy box, treasures and mega treats for some last-minute gifts. Then on the night time, 10 of us went to the on-site Italian Restaurant, Ludo's. It was expensive but the food was good and the staff we very helpful. They pushed tables together and kept the table next to it so we could all sit together. The toilets we're clean and some of the booths had TV's in them. After that, ,my cousin, her friend and Beth and I went to Red's to buy some 'elastic plastic' as we have bought it religiously each year.
There are also loads of things that I didn't do this time, like: Chuckle Bike, mini golf, amusements bob the builder world, sun and moon pub and play area, outdoor fountains, see the skyline gang, donkey rides, the fairground, the fort play area, zorbs or the train/tractor thing that travels around the entire camp (not sure if it's still on?). You can even book things like football and archery.
Some old (not very good) photos of the above.
My family and I love Butlins Skegness, which is why we've been coming for countless years. The facilities and staff are great and there really is something for everyone- whatever the weather! It really feels like a home from home. We are really sad that this was our last year for a while. My cousin and I were even crying on the coach home! I cannot recommend it enough! Especially if you go in a big group of family/friends, it's lovely to spend time with everyone together. I have never had a bad experience and we are making this out last year as everyone has things they want/need to do like re-decorating or saving for cars/weddings etc.
I would say get to any shows extra early to ensure you get good seats and just be cautious in the swimming pools- but that's obvious.
Thanks for reading!
Bye!!
:)
Useful links:
http://www.butlins.com/where-to-stay-dine-and-play/our-resorts/skegness/index.aspx
https://www.facebook.com/butlins?fref=ts
