Butlins is a hugely popular and financially increasing company which owns three family orientated holiday parks in the UK. The company, founded by William 'Billy' Butlin has seen thousands of young and old teeter through the gates over the last few decades and long holds the crown as the most popular and successful British holiday centre business in the UK.
Now, this is my second review on Butlins, my first being my large review on the Skegness resort (in Ingoldmells) but I felt it was right to write a second review on the Minehead resort as they are fairly different in terms of experience. Minehead is a small but popular seaside town on the north coast of Sommerset. This town is less busy than Ingoldmells but that is one of the main reasons the two resorts themselves are so different. The reason being is that as Minehead is situated basically in the middle of no where with 'minimal' attractions around the area you are likely to spend the majority of your holiday
in the actual Butlins resort.
Now, I must start my review with a bit of a grumble. Minehead, whilst being a nice little town is frustratingly hard to find. The surrounding area is mostly greenery, and the council seems to have gotten in a tangle when placing down the road signs. It took us a good quarter of an hour just finding Minehead itself when we were in fact 4 miles away. I suggest you use the AA route planner if you are intending on coming down to Minehead, especially seeing how most families won't have a clue about the area itself. It can certainly be confusing 'thinking' you ought to be following miles of coastline only to come face to face with what looks like the rainforest. I wish you good luck on finding Minehead. When you do, the Butlins resort is pretty much one of the first things you will notice, or rather the Skyline Pavilion which towers over the resort. In a bizarre twist of structures, it seems that Butlins acts almost like a beacon for Minehead itself. The Pavilion can be seen from pretty much every where in the whole town. This is a good thing, especially considering the Butlins resort in Ingoldmells is hidden by an amusement park and roads galore. The fact the Butlins resort in Minehead is pretty much in-your-face with how it advertises itself is something which will make your journey there much less stressful. Situated on the left of the promenade, the resort also welcomes you with a simple parking and key collection process. Follow around the funfair and the entrance is basically right in front of your nose. If you are worrying about not being able to navigate, then fear not as there are always Redcoats and parking assistants walking around the outsides welcoming in people.
The key collection point, like all Butlins resorts is in the Skyline Pavilion building. Once you have collected your key you can walk free will around the resort with an easy-to-use park map which has been marked with where your chalet is. We stayed in Gold accomodation which is basically larger than the standard chalet's with little additional extras. The chalet was magical if you compare it to the hovels at Pontins and Haven (again read my other reviews) the rooms were spacious the beds were comfy and the kitchenne was clean. The television was only small but it didn't really matter seeing as how we wouldn't be hanging around the chalet too long.
Here are some of the things to do at Butlins Minehead
Skyline Pavilion: The centre of the resort which houses most of the activities. Featuring the Centre Stage, Billy Bears Play Area, Amusements, Kids Clubs, Puppet Theatre, Autograph Point, all the restaurants and shops on site.
Splash Waterworld: Three GIANT flumes- Blue Comet, Black Hole and Space Bowl plus the second largest Master Blaster uphill water coaster in the world.
Funfair: Numerous rides for the young and old alike. Older thrill seekers can take a spin on the Sky Master whilst those with a weaker stomach can enjoy traditional fairground fun on the giant carousel.
Bobs Yard: A fun theme park area for children. meet Bob the Builder and friends.
Reds: The hottest show bar in town and home to the famous Butlins Redcoats. Cabaret, karaoke and fun galore, Reds is the place to be!
Centre Stage: The BIGGEST and BEST venue in Butlins without a doubt. In off peak times see some of the biggest music acts in the business. The fun never stops in the Centre Stage with comedy acts, gameshows, live cabaret, pantomimes, childrens entertainers, live wrestling and famous faces taking to the mic being a few of the things to look out for.
Recording Studio: record your own cover in this fantastic recording studio.
Fruit Shoot Playground : A well themed climb and slide constructed playground for children.
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Jul 11th, 2009
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