Day 1: A Rollercoaster Ride to Skegness
Let me share the wild journey to Skegness with you. The road trip from London stretched over a grueling 4 hours. Facing that marathon with two toddlers? Not my idea of fun. So, I decided to nix the car, packed my bags, and opted for the train.
The train change was supposed to be a breeze, but reality hit hard when I found myself amidst a chaotic scene. Only three coaches accommodated a swarm of people and their luggage, creating a nightmare scenario. It felt like every passenger was destined for Butlins, and the train was overflowing with crying kids.
To be frank, it was a harrowing experience. The train was ridiculously cramped and sweltering, leaving me in a less-than-ideal mood for the start of our adventure.
Arrival at the resort at 4 pm marked the end of our chaotic train ride. With tired and hungry kids in tow, we anticipated a smooth check-in, given the 4 pm room access policy. Little did we know what awaited us.
Approaching the check-in point, a sea of fatigued faces greeted us. As I handed over my details, expecting a swift key card handover as experienced at Butlins Bognor, reality hit. I was informed of a 20-minute wait, which extended to an agonizing hour. My restless little girl added to the frustration.
An air of annoyance lingered among the waiting crowd. The check-in desk, manned by only three individuals, was a scene of disarray. I was thoroughly irritated 😑.
Finally armed with our key card, we headed to our accommodation. Despite the prolonged wait, the lodging was delightful. After dropping off our belongings, we ventured into Butlins for exploration.
Time in the arcade, a satisfying dinner, and the kids frolicking in an outdoor water fountain filled our evening. Returning to our quarters around 8:30 pm, I discovered an unwelcome surprise – the place was infested with ants 😑. Enraged, I called Butlins, expressing my concern for my scared little one. Ant-killing spray arrived after 40 minutes, but unsatisfied, I requested a room change. Not the ideal start to our staycation, but I held onto hope for a better day ahead.
Day 2 unfolded with incredible moments. Rising at 8 am, we decided to kickstart the day with a refreshing swim. Having heard rave reviews about the water park, my expectations were high, and I wasn’t disappointed. The water park was expansive, and their dedicated area for under 5s was a hit with my little girl. Her confidence in the pool was evident as she gleefully swam and splashed about.
While capturing the experience was on my mind, the safety regulations at the pool, a common practice, restricted photography. Besides, the thought of getting my phone wet didn’t appeal to me! For those curious, I’ve found some images online to give you a glimpse of our water park adventure.
Following our aquatic adventure, we opted to treat the little ones to the delights of the tot’s fairground—an exclusive amusement area designed for children under 5. What makes it even better is that there are several rides that the little ones can enjoy independently, sparing us from the comical discomfort of squeezing onto a children’s ride 🤣. Additionally, the fairground boasts a charming park, a soft play area, and a dedicated arcade tailored for the amusement of our little ones. Scroll down to see a glimpse of the fun captured in the pictures below.
Today, the kids weren’t too keen on taking their naps, leading us to opt for a visit to the beach. Despite my aversion to sand (much preferring it to pebbles), it was a welcomed change from the pebbly shores at the Bognor site.
In the evening, we treated the girls to two different shows, strategically aiming to tire them out so they’d be tucked in bed before the start of Love Island 🤣. The Butlins app proved to be a handy companion, offering a comprehensive guide to all the events, including locations and directions – a definite 👏🏽.
Day 3
Today’s agenda led us to explore Skegness, your quintessential seaside town adorned with arcades, fish and chip shops, and gift boutiques.
As the day drew to a close, we indulged in the Teletubbies live show, a magical experience for both kids. Witnessing their joy as they saw their favorite TV characters come to life was truly heartwarming.
Day 4
Kicking off the day with a delightful photoshoot featuring Mr. Tickle, we then immersed ourselves in The Mr. Men & Little Miss show, a definite hit with the kiddos!
We dedicated a few hours to the fairground and arcade before calling it a night, eager for an early bedtime. Anticipating the lengthy journey back home on Day 5, we prioritised getting as much rest as possible.
As much as I cherish staycations and international holidays, the allure of returning to the comfort of our own home and bed was undeniable. Excitement filled the air as we prepared to leave. Opting for the coach for our return journey, which clocked in at 5 hours, turned out to be a much preferable choice compared to the train.
Now, let me share the secret to scoring four nights for two adults and two kids at the incredible price of £60. We utilised the Sun £9.50 holidays, a method I previously mentioned in my post about Butlins Bognor.
I booked a “pay only date,” meaning no additional charges for service or entertainment passes. These dates typically fall during school periods, making them ideal for families with babies and toddlers.
Would I go again?
Absolutely, without a doubt. Despite the hiccups, the place was fun. Admittedly, the journey was excessively long, but until teleportation becomes a reality (fingers crossed!), that’s unavoidable.
In terms of preference, I think I lean towards the Bognor site simply because of its proximity to home 😀.
Excitingly, my sights are set on visiting the Minehead site next year, and rest assured, there will be a blog post documenting that adventure as well! 😊
Hope you all enjoyed reading 😀
