Do we still really love to be beside the British seaside, in a year when foreign travel has been…tricky…to achieve?
Do we honestly love to be by the sea, during a rainy October half-term?
Do we really like to stroll along the prom-prom-prom – oh, you get the idea.
Turns out, the answer could very much be yes.
We, a family of four: two adults, a four-year-old boy and a baby who turned one while we were there, packed our swimming costumes and heading to Bognor Regis for our first ever Butlin’s break.
What is there for to do at Butlin's?
First and foremost, kids will completely love it. Absolutely everything on our break was geared towards them. There was a playground right next to our hotel and two more within the complex, a mostly free fairground, a humungous softplay areas, and multiple free shows a day.
There are also lots of activities that carry an additional charge including a football academy, mini golf, a climbing wall and zip line.
There is, however, nothing for the adults to do exclusively. And no creche, kids' club or babysitting service. If you’re hoping for a little grown up conversation, you’re in the wrong place, pal. We heard a rumour about a spa in one of the hotels we weren’t staying in (there are three hotels on site) but not until too late. Still, family holidays are all about spending time together, right?
Read more
We're giving away over 60 prizes from our big Christmas gift guide extravaganza
What is there for kids to do at Butlin's Bognor Regis?
While bigger kids will be in paradise, there's not so much for the tinies to do, other than the - excellent - pool (more on that later). The softplay area was too hectic for our baby but maybe it’s a bit less rough and tumble when it’s not half-term.
Speaking of softplay, take the warnings about loud bangs during the Brainiac show seriously. They are very loud and right next to the softplay area, so maybe plan softplay at a different time to the show.
Swimming at Butlin's Bognor Regis
The pool is 100 per cent the stand-out attraction at Butlin's Bognor Regis. It's free to visit and you don't need to book in advance. A sign outside warns that there may be queues at busy times but - weirdly - the only time we had to wait was at a supposedly quiet time. Maybe we were held outside while an ominously named 'code yellow' was being dealt with...
Our little boy was delighted that he was tall enough to go on all of the rides except one. His favourite was the rapids, which was pretty chilly to queue for as the slides are outside and the queue forms next to the re-entry point, but remarkably warm to ride, even at the end of October. I think his record was five goes in a row. Mine too.
There was also plenty for the baby to do, with two pools heated to 30 degrees. One had a selection of four gentle slides, the second had boats for climbing on and a really teeny slide for the tinies. There's even four hot tubs but don't expect any chill time in them, there's always people - like me - getting in with their kids.
If I was being picky, it would have been nice if there was an area just for lane swimming so that the adults could take it in turns to get a bit of exercise in. But this pool is definitely built for family fun. Very much on the upside, this meant that all of the changing rooms were r-o-o-m-y, and there was even a baby feeding area in the 'changing village'. I fed poolside in the cheery beach style huts, but I am a breastfeeding bad-ass.
What shows are there at Butlin's?
There’s a great selection of shows at Butlin’s but the one that really stood out for us was Animal FX. It’s an absolute hoot, with plenty of laughs for the adults and jaw-dropping moments for the kids.
Hot tip: get to the venues early. At least 30 minutes before the start time, would be my advice. “The queue wasn’t this long for Kasabian,” said a man behind us as we stood in line for Animals FX. While you book tickets in advance, it’s first come, first served, when it comes to finding seats so a bit of a scramble.
The Shoreline Hotel - Columbus Quarters at Butlin's Bognor Regis
We stayed in this family-centric hotel, in a room with a double bed and a curtained off area with bunkbeds for the children. There were thoughtful touches like an inbuilt kids’ toilet seat and coat hooks at child height, plus fun things like an octopus sofa and matching eight-legged stool. The bed was comfy, the shower was great, and the fair-sized fridge was a pleasant surprise.
Watch: Danielle Lloyd on the moment she realised husband Michael was The One | My First Times
Dining packages at Butlin's
Check out: 12 children's advent calendars you need in time for Christmas
The Best Children's Advent Calendars of 2021 - slider
1 of 12Smiggle Advent Calendar 2021
If your kid is a creative, they'll love this crafty calendar. With a mix of stationery, stickers and slinkies it'll keep their creativity flowing at home and at school. Key info: Not suitable for children under six due to small parts.
2 of 12KreativeKraft Dinosaurs Advent Calendar 2021
Ah, dinosaurs. We all know a kid who's obsessed with dinosaurs. This would make a perfect advent calendar for children who've got an interest in all things positively prehistoric. Key info: It comes with 16 dinosaurs, eight accessories, and a dino play mat. Reviews say, "This dinosaur calendar is amazing, our daughter loves it." We love to hear it.
3 of 12LEGO Marvel The Avengers Advent Calendar Building Set 76196
This LEGO Marvel advent calendar is going to sell out fast. The franchise has a massive fanbase, and anything Marvel is always immensely popular. If your child is a Marvel fanatic, don't miss your chance to treat them this Christmas. This advent calendar offers a buildable experience for all those kids with a keen eye for construction. Key info: Not suitable for children under seven due to small parts. Includes seven minifigures and accessories.
4 of 12Polly Pocket Advent Calendar
Being very on theme, this cosy scene has us excited for Christmas. This Polly Pocket advent calendar is a fabulous way for the kids to get into the festive spirit. Key info: Suitable from four years old. Includes minifigures and festive themed accessories.
5 of 12Peppa Pig Advent 2021 Children's Book Collection
There's no denying that Peppa Pig has captured children's hearts across the nation. With this advent calendar, there's a storybook waiting for them inside each door. Why not make it part of your Christmas tradition by reading a story together before bed? Key info: Includes 24 hardback books.
6 of 12Barbie Dreamtopia Advent Calendar
For many of us, Christmas wouldn't be complete if it didn't include Barbie. We were thrilled to see this dreamy calendar which took us right back to our childhood. Your kids will love playing dress up with this fantasy themed Barbie advent calendar. Key info: Not suitable for children under three due to small parts. Includes six pieces of jewellery, four pets, two skirts, two pairs of shoes, tail, butterfly wings, hair brush, and tea set.
7 of 12LEGO Harry Potter 76390 Advent Calendar
It's not surprise that this is one of John Lewis' best sellers. With a huge fan following, you can now bring Hogwarts to your home with this calendar. If your kid is a whizz at knowing all the ins and outs of the wizard world, this advent calendar is absolutely made for them. Key info: Not suitable for small children due to small parts. Includes six minifigures, accessories and a spinner which unlocks a board game which is printed on the calendar.
8 of 12Playmobil 70776 City Action Police Diving Mission Advent Calendar with Colour-Changing Bath Fizzers
Bath time is bound to be fun with this Playmobil advent calendar. Their imagination will be flowing as they swim with dolphins and go deep-sea diving for sunken treasure. Key info: Not suitable for children under three. Includes a scooter with an underwater motor, bath fizzers and accessories.
9 of 12Playmobil 70777 Magic Magical Mermaids Advent Calendar with Colour-Changing Bubble Bath
Allow your kids to live their mermaid fantasy with this fabulous advent calendar. They'll be mesmerised by the figures that change colour under water, which is sure to make bath time that little bit more entertaining. Key info: Not suitable for children under three. Includes colour-changing mermaid and animal figures, as well as bath fizzers. Reviews say, "Absolutely stunning and magical!"
10 of 12Lindt Chocolate Advent Calendar 160g
Of course we had to add a chocolate advent calendar, it just wouldn't be Christmas without it. Featuring the iconic Lindt bunnies and a festive Father Christmas, this advent calendar will have your mouth watering long before the countdown to Christmas has even begun. Key info: Suitable for vegetarians, with the ingredients listed on website.
11 of 12Pre-Order Disney: Storybook Collection Advent Calendar
Available to pre-order. With a new storybook to open every day involving characters that we all know and love, your child will be enchanted with this Disney advent character. Nostalgia, am I right?Key info: Suitable reading age from 4 - 6-year-olds.
12 of 12Pre-Order Verry Merry Advent Calendar
Available to pre-order. We are obsessed with this amazing advent calendar that's absolutely packed full of goodies. This calendar has everything, from crafts and challenges to recipes and reading books. With such a variety of surprises hiding behind each door, both you and the kids will never be bored. Key info: It comes with a Merry Mischief Elf plushie and a Grown Up's guide describing all the fabulous contents.
We were on the hotel dining plan that covers breakfast and dinner and is priced from £22.75 per adult and £13.95 per child. Both meals are buffets (is there anything better than a breakfast buffet? No, no there is not) and you can go up as many times as you want, provided you sanitise your hands each time you go in. There's free Ella's Kitchen baby food pouches too, which is a nice touch.
Our little boy loved the buffet. Not only the kids' section, which had a pasta dish each night and a selection of protein (fish fingers, chicken nuggets - that kind of thing), potatoes and vegetables every time.
Word of caution: there was vegetarian food on the adults' buffet but not the kids'. And nothing was labelled as vegan so maybe check in advance if that's your veggie vibe.
Off peak breaks start from £95 and includes live shows and lots of activities including pool access and unlimited fairground rides. Price based on a four-night Showtime Midweek break for a family of four sharing a two-bedroom silver room in Bognor Regis, from 7 February 2022.
To book visit www.butlins.com