A Family Holiday – Butlins Bognor Regis Review #ButlinsAmbassadors

Back in April we headed to Butlins Bognor Regis for our first holiday as Butlins Ambassadors. The week we stayed was one of their Just For Tots weeks which are aimed at under 5’s. It was our last holiday as a family of 3 and we couldn’t wait. One last opportunity to spoil Lamb and spend quality time together before BB arrived. I can honestly say we couldn’t have asked for a better holiday. We absolutely loved it.

Our stay was booked from Monday to Friday with a premium dining plan. On the Monday we arrived around 12pm. Access to the resort is from 1pm and we could get our room keys at 3pm. We had no problem getting in at 12. We stayed in the Wave Hotel which has a small car park directly outside. I think as we arrived early, there were plenty of spaces, however I’m sure they would fill up quickly from 1pm.

Staff at reception were very friendly. We checked in and were given a welcome pack which included a map or the resort, timetable for the activities and shows and our wristbands to access The Deck restaurant. As we couldn’t get into our room we decided to leave everything in the car and check out the resort. We had no problem killing the time we had to wait to get our keys, there’s so much to do!

Activities/Entertainment

The Skyline Pavillion is full of fun. On the entertainment stage we saw a variety of shows including the Skyline Gang snd Fireman Sam. On the Centre Stage we watched a fab Treasure Island show and Aladdin Rocks. There’s the tots fairground with fun rides free of charge, as well as the novelty £1 rides you get in services and airports (which you know they will prefer because they’re not free!)There’s an indoor soft play area, plenty of slot machines and electronic games, as well as Splash Waterworld and ten pin bowling. Of course there are plenty of places to eat and drink, including a Burger King,  and various cafes and restaurants. Outside there’s even more to do including play areas, the fairground (which Lamb was tall enough to go on), go karting, various sporting activities, and more.

The Skyline Pavillion and outdoor activities really did cater to under 5’s and we found Lamb was entertained round the clock. His favourite part was the Little Tikes race track. He spent hours there!

On top of the entertainment and activities included in the trip you can also pay for additional shows and things to do.

We took Lamb for a session of Playdoh and then to the Playdoh Live show (which cost £5 per person) and he absolutely loved it. I definitely recommend taking your little ones to see it.

We also paid for daddy and Lamb to drive a go kart. Lamb was just tall enough to do it which I was surprised at. He did say he was thrown around a little and banged his head, so I would only let your child on if they are little dare devils!Dining

Each day we ate breakfast and dinner in The Deck restaurant as part of the premium dining plan. We were really happy with the food and service and didn’t feel the need to eat anywhere else. Each day the food varied but you would always have a roast dinner option, grill, pastas and usually a curry or stir fry. You’d also have something like fish and chips and other pub like meals. Personally I thought the fish and chips were amazing and would of eaten them everyday if it was available!

Breakfast was your standard cooked breakfast, plus a range of fruits, breads, yoghurts and cereals. Again, no complaints. For both courses there was unlimited hot and cold drinks including tea, coffee and juices. If you wanted something else like a beer or coke you could purchase one from the bar. We found the juices sufficient, although hubby had a beer with his dinner.

What I found really useful was the early dinner times. Dining was open from 4:30 until 7pm meaning those families with kids that eat early didn’t have to worry. It also means parents can put their children to bed at a decent time and not have to drag them out for dinner in the evening. My favourite part was the unlimited ice cream with strawberry sauce and sprinkles. Every pregnant womans dream… 😉

What I really loved was the baby food from. Butlins provides Ella’s Kitchen pouches and other baby food so you don’t have to worry about taking your own and having enough for a whole week. There’s everything you need including a microwave, bibs, wipes, plastic cutlery and a baby food warmer. Of course this was no use to us and wouldn’t have been even if Lamb was a baby due to his selective eating, but fingers crossed we don’t have any issues with BB eating and he would gobble up everything they had on offer!Accommodation

We were blown away by our hotel and room. We were on the top floor of the Wave Hotel with a huge living area and balcony. I would say it’s one of the biggest hotel rooms I’ve stayed in, if not the biggest. We had 2 bedrooms, one with a kingsize bed and one with twin beds. You can also get rooms with bunkbeds which Lamb was hoping for but he had to make do with you super comfy twin bed.

The beds are quite tall so we were worried about Lamb falling out, so we pushed the beds together and up against the wardrobe and daddy slept with him to make sure he didn’t fall out (which he did once, oops). I didn’t mind as I got the king size all to myself and my huge pregnant belly!

The kitchen was fully equipped. Microwave, cooker, dishwasher, kettle etc. The hotel room was provided with a sponge and cloth and washing up liquid and a couple of dishwasher tablets. You may need to buy more if you are eating in your hotel room. (There’s a Spar onsite so don’t worry if you don’t take any with you). Theres also tea and coffee provided. Ours wasn’t refilled, but a friend of mine who stayed in the same week had hers replaced when she had used them.

The living area was really cosy and perfect for early nights in front of the TV while Lamb was asleep. If you don’t plan on staying out late with the kids then take some DVDs as there’s a DVD player in the room.

For those of you who use prams you’ll be happy to know the hallway and entrance to the room was extremely spacious and there was so much room to park a buggy and store suitcases etc.

I asked my husband to give me a quote about his stay at Butlins and here’s what he said…

“Very different to when I went with the lads! It was brilliant. One the best hotels I’ve ever stayed in, not what I expected at Butlins. Perfect family holiday for young kids. I’d 100% go back.”

I asked Lamb what he thought of his holiday and he said “I want to go on my holiday again.”

Overall we had an amazing time. I’ve never been to Butlins before and I really didn’t expect it to be of such a high standard, but to be honest I’ve only ever spoken to people who have been on adult weekends!

We would definitely stay in the Wave Hotel again and definitely stay during a Just For Tots break.

5 stars from us 🙂

~A~

For more information on what’s available during a Just For Tots break head over to the Butlins website.

*We were sent on this break free of charge as part of our Butlins Ambassadorship. Words and opinions are my own.