My daughter had twin boys on the 20th Dec 07! 10 wks early weighing 3lbs 2oz & 3lbs 12oz.!***Always ...
My daughter had twin boys on the 20th Dec 07! 10 wks early weighing 3lbs 2oz & 3lbs 12oz.!***Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them***
Member since:06.02.2003
Reviews:38
Members who trust:23
My family and I started going here in 1992 and went again 2 years later and then virtually every year after that, until 2003! So, we've had plenty of time to try most of the activities and facilities mentioned in this review. In 1992 my family consisted of myself and my husband, my eldest daughter aged 7 and my son aged 4. In 1994 I had another daughter. So, we've had experience of facilities for lots of age groups.
As well as the usual weeks, mid-weeks and weekend breaks there are Adult only breaks. These are themed breaks and party weekends. The themes can be 80's Madness Breaks, Disco Inferno, Skool Reunion and many others. There are also Arena Breaks with concerts featuring celebrities such as McFly, The Tweenies, Chartbusters Live (Girls Aloud, Rachel Stevens, Simon Webbe etc)
It's no good telling you a price as there are many variations and always many special offers, so it would take forever to explain.
This is where the Skyline Gang performs, plus Billy Bear, Bob the Builder, Super Slam wrestling, acrobats and much more. There are also shops, bars and restaurants, sideshows and many others. This is where the soft-play area is situated.
Comments: This is the most relaxed place for entertainment and more suitable for the younger customers. Although, it can be enjoyed by all ages in my experience. This was my eldest daughter's favourite area.
Centre Stage
This is where you go for the Panto's as well as many other shows including game shows. Up and coming bands and well known celebrities also perform here. There are bars at the side as well as casino's and joke shops. There's a dance floor and plenty of seating with room for pushchairs.
Comments: I personally thought this was the best venue for all ages. Always seemed to be packed, even though it is a large venue!
Reds
This is where the Redcoats mainly perform, plus cover bands, comedians etc. There's a DJ
Booth manned by a Redcoat, keeping the music going in between shows along with a small dance floor for some mini bopping! Bars and Casinos at the sides again.
Comments: I found it a bit hot and loud sometimes.
Clubs & Bars
Sun & Moon Pub - Traditional pub with traditional food and drink. Bar Rosso - Cocktail Bar. Hotshots - Family friendly bar with 10 pin bowling, snooker and pool tables. Jaks - Adults only bar with DJ's and Live music. Also where the Redcoats and entertainers often 'hang out' when off duty. Swinging Shillelagh - Irish themed bar with Karaoke nights. Green Baize Snooker Club - Free snooker and darts. Pay a deposit for chalk and darts, get it back when you finish. Comments : Very popular. Often busy with queues for tables. Last time we went, the tables were looking decidedly worse for wear and needed recovering! Hopefully this has been rectified. Pinewood Restaurant - Film themed restaurant. PC Arena - Networked gaming, child friendly internet access with a milkshake bar. Comments: This is brand new and wasn't there when we went last time, but sounds a good idea.
Redcoats
Always full of energy and ready to help. Talented young people to be found at most venues wearing the traditional Red uniform. Famous redcoats include Stephen Mulhern, Lisa Scott Lee & H from Steps, Sir Cliff Richard, Jimmy Tarbuck and many more.
Other Facilities
There are various sports and leisure zones, Splash Waterworld, Tee Off Golf, Funfair, Launderette, Guest Services (for accommodation needs or problems), Cashpoint, Nursery Services (qualified Nursery Nurses, £3.50 per 90 min session with first session free), Holiday Booking Shops ( book following years' holiday and get a discount), hair salon, newsagents, supermarket and photo shop ( where you can buy photo's of you & yours taken at the various venues by the on site photographer, plus films, photo frames etc.), baby changing facilities.
Exclusive to Minehead :- The Ex More Experience, activities include horse riding, Land Rover safari, sailing, cycling and rock climbing. High Ropes Course - indoor and outdoor courses more than 50 feet high! Lots of experienced instructors. Hair raising but safe! Junior Driving School - special mini town for younger drivers to drive around in an electric car. Children get a photo and special driving licence when finished.
There are Children's Clubs for different age groups :- Under 5's; 5-8 years; 9-12 years; 13-16 years. Here the children can choose from various activities such as Art & Crafts, Sports etc. You will be told on arrival when and where to book these.
Comments: As you can see there is plenty to do for everyone. My daughters' and I enjoyed The children's Arts & Crafts club and brought home our creations! My youngest daughter also enjoyed the soft play area and was always pestering us to take her there!
Day Visits
Entry from 10am to 8pm (last entry 4pm). Various types of tickets available including a Family Ticket (2 Adults, 2 children 2-14 yrs), under 2's go free. Phone Hotline - 01243 822445 for up to date information and prices.
Minehead
Although
Pictures of Butlins
Redcoats!
we didn't really need to leave the site I always like to explore the shops here. There's also a railway restaurant and a large market twice a week, both within a few minutes walk from the site. The beach is literally across the road! There are plenty of good shops with reasonable prices including the usual ones, such as Boots, Woolworths and the like. Always take your room/apartment key to show the security guard and enable you to get back onto the site!
ACCOMODATION
All accommodation comes in four categories: - Gold, Deluxe, Silver and Standard.
Self Catering
All self-Catering has Bed linen, Pillows & Duvets, bath or Shower Room, kitchenette with cooker and fridge, cooking utensils & crockery and a separate Lounge/Dining area.
Gold - Maximum Occupancy 6, Minimum 3. Has 2 or 3 bedrooms. • 2nd TV in Master bedroom • Host to assist check-in etc. • Widescreen TV, DVD and VCR • Free DVD's and Videos • Personal Safe • Microwave • Toaster • Hairdryer • Towels • Tea & Coffee making facilities • Welcome pack of Tea & Coffee • Shower • Maid Service
Deluxe - Max Occ 6, Min 4. 3 bedrooms. Balcony or Terrace. • Personal parking space • 2nd TV in Master Bedroom • Widescreen TV, DVD • Microwave • Hairdryer • Toaster • Towels • Tea & Coffee making facilities • Complimentary Bottle of Wine & Chocolates
Silver - Apartments: Max Occ 6, Min 3. 2 or 3 bedrooms. • TV • Shower • Microwave • Tea & Coffee making facilities • No Towels!
Bungalows: Max Occ 7, Min 3. 2 or 3 bedrooms. (Exclusive to Minehead) As apartments but with; • Bath not Shower • Toaster.
Bungalow Plus: Max Occ 7, Min 3. 2 or 3 bedrooms. (Exclusive to Minehead) As apartments but with; • Bigger comfy Sofas • Toaster • Bath & Shower
Standard - Max Occ 6, Min 3. 1, 2, or 3 bedrooms. • TV • Shower or bath • Tea & Coffee making facilities
Dinner, Bed & Breakfast (or Half-Board) All include - Full English breakfast and a 3 course evening meal. Double or Twin rooms, bed linen, pillows & duvets, Bath or Shower room, Tea & Coffee making facilities with welcome pack of Tea & Coffee.
Gold - Max Occ 6, Min 3. 2 or 3 bedrooms. Same as with self-catering but with housekeeping.
Deluxe - Max Occ 4, Min 2. 1 or 2 bedrooms. Same as self-catering but with housekeeping, 28" TV, VCR & DVD player.
Silver - Max Occ 6, Min 3. 2 bedroom apartments. Same as self-catering but with Toaster, or - Max Occ 6, Min 1. 2 bedrooms. With colour TV, Shower, Tea & Coffee making facilities, Housekeeping, no lounge or kitchen.
Standard - Max 5, Min 1. 1 or 2 bedroom apartments or rooms. Same as self-catering but with Colour TV, Bath or Shower, Tea & Coffee making facilities, no housekeeping, no lounge or kitchen.
Comments: Although the standard accommodation is very basic, bear in mind you'll probably only be inside to wash and sleep. This is the accommodation my family used the most as it was the cheapest and we felt no need for anything more than this. You can make special requests when booking for ground floor accommodation if you wish, which we did as we usually had a pushchair. We tried the Gold apartments once when we had a bit of extra money and found them luxurious and spacious. But, to be honest I thought it was a bit of a waste seeing as we were hardly in it! We always went half-board as I refuse to cook on holiday! We always found the food pretty good and you can always go up for second helpings if you wish! You will be told in your welcome pack what time and where your meals are. The way they operate for half-board meals has changed over the years. Sometimes it has been 'help yourself' and sometimes 'waiter/waitress service'. I personally prefer the help yourself method. (There are people to serve you, but you go to them instead of the food coming to you!) When we did have waiter/waitress service we always found them very friendly and helpful though.
Please note: I have only commented on the things I have experienced. I cannot comment on everything, it's a long enough review as it is!!!
Other Info
Visit online at www.butlinsonline.co.uk for up to date holiday prices or any other information.
Great review :D. I had a fun time reading this, Very imformative to :),Craig :P
giantpanda21 26.03.2006 15:13
I first went here when i was 12 and thought it was great i went again a couple of times since (last time october last year) and i thought it's got boring it's great if you've got kids but if your an adult there isn't much to do but it's a great review though
solamarie 22.03.2006 10:17
We took the children here when they were little and had a great time, nicely written review of it, brought back some memories. Sue
NH Hotels, the hotel chain leader in Europe, with more than 300 hotels in 20 countries in Europe, Latin America and Africa. Enter into our web site and find the best available tariff at all times
Advantages: Great fun, not too expensive, not too far to stagger back to your room after a boozy night out! Disadvantages: Aimed at kids therefore a regression of age takes place; it could be months before I reintegrate into society!!!
minxette 24.09.2001 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Butlins
Advantages: A quick and convenient short break, lots of fun and plenty for your money. Disadvantages: Self catering is an expensive alternative if you eat on the camp.
MandyMinx 22.05.2003 (30.06.2003)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Butlins
Advantages: Great fun, lots to do, well themed, brilliant location, very atmospheric Disadvantages: Expensive on site, get fat from all the drinking and junk food.
Trixie_Firecracker 12.05.2005 (12.05.2005)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Butlins
Advantages: Lots to do, great fun family entertainment, good standard of accommodation Disadvantages: Limited choice of food outlets for self-catering guests
Sep 27th, 2005
exceptional by (3%):
very helpful by (98%):
