We have just returned from a week at Butlins. Myself, my husband and our 2 boys aged 9 & 13. It was the boys choice of holiday and as we hadn't been before we gave it a go. My husband was a little reluctant to say the least, he admits to being a bit of a holiday snob.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

ACCOMODATION

We chose Silver. I was put off of Standard when I read that people in Standard accomodation could hire toasters, microwaves, ironing boards from the hire shop @ £1.50 per day. Sorry but I consider self catering accomodation should a least have a toaster.

The chalets terraced, the rows are quite close together with a strip of lawn inbetween. The boys referred to it as 'our hut' as it reminded them of the prefab huts at school. There was not really any room to relax outside. Once inside the rooms were basic, but had been decorated recently. They are equipt for exactly the amount of occupants - 4 cups, 4 glasses, 4 plates, 4 forks etc etc. So you have to ensure you wash up after each use. There was a welcome pack, Chocolates? Fruit? no, it contained a tea towel, small yellow sponge and washing up liqued in a tiny Tipex sized bottle. The beds felt a bit hard, but we slept like logs all week. The bathroom was basic with a shower over the bath. It worked fine and we had unlimited hot water. my only gripe with the bathroom was the loo seat was broken, you know the sort it shifts 2 inches to the side when you sit on it.

Butlins is situated right opposite a beautiful sandy beach. Minehead is a ten minute stroll away. It has a pretty high street and harbour. Lots of restaurants, tea rooms. A lovely peaceful garden called Blenheim Gardens with a bandstand and putting green. An old fashioned station with working steam trains.

Minehead is a great base to explore the North Devon coast, Exmoor and Somerset. Which is very picturesque and peacefull. But anyway lets go back to Butlins....

This is the first place you are drawn to, it's the heart of the resort. A massive tent like structure, like a cross between the Millennium Dome and a circus big top. A very very very busy place. It contains a large stage area with entertainment throughout the day { more details on this later} fast food outlets, bars, karaoke, nightclub, cafes, shops, bowling alley ( more individual details later} arcades, fruit machines, vending machines, soft play areas, punch and Judy theatre, trampolines with bungee ropes, charactures wandering around, Hulk, Spiderman & Billy Bear - the Butlins mascot. Plus thousands of people.

Centre Stage - This is a massive place, we were stunned when we first walked in. It seats 2000 people on chairs around tables. Large dancefloor at the front, the floor is gradually tiered so that you can see the stage from all positions. it has brilliant lighting and sound system.

There are long bar areas on each side of the venue, each bar had a kids area where they could buy their own drinks - great idea. Loads of toilets on each side. Also 2 shops, one selling hot dogs, popcorn etc and the other selling novelties - silly hats, light sabers, badges with flashing lights etc.

Skyline Stage - located in the Skyline Paviliion is used for daytime and early evening shows.
Moscow State Circus, African Dancers, WWF style wrestling.

Fast Food Restaurants - Burger King, Pizza Hut, Harry Ramsdens Fish and Chips. (The fish and chips were cheaper and nicer in Minehead High Street) McDonalds is a 5 min walk outside resort.

Bar Rosso - Beer, cocktails, wine & snacks

Highwayman Pub - set in a quieter part of the resort on a lake. Full menu, kids menu, Sunday roast. ( Sunday roasts are plentiful and cheaper in Minehead.)

The Redcoats organise activities all day and for the older ones late into the evening. Our 13 year old went out mid morning and we didn't see him again until 10 pm most days.

Funfair - Traditional seaside sort of rides e.g waltzers, dodgems. Could do with a few more up to date rides and a lick of paint. The good thing is all rides are free of charge.

I think a resort the size of Butlins could have a better pool, similar to the one's at Oasis or Centre Parcs.

Hotshots - Ten Pin Bowling and Americal Pool. There is an additional charge for this £3.50 per game. Kids can bowl free before midday.

Bungee Trampolines - Good fun but expensive. £4.00 for 3 minutes.

Green Baize - Snooker and Darts, free use of snooker tables and dart boards. A very dimly lit large room in a run down building.

A bit lacking here. A small concrete and metal combined sports area with goals and baseball nets. A small area for bowls. We felt that Butlins could do with a few tennis courts and an indoor sports area for squash, badminton etc with gym facilities.