Over May half term, we headed to Butlins in Skegness for a fun family break – and we had such an amazing time! This place holds a special place in my heart, as I spent many childhood holidays here. It’s incredibly special to now bring my own children and watch them create the same happy memories.
In case you’re new to Butlins: there are three seaside resorts across the UK, and the very first one opened right here in Skegness in 1936 by Billy Butlin. While a lot has changed over the years, the core focus on family fun and entertainment remains stronger than ever.
Fairground Apartment
We stayed in one of the recently refurbished fairground apartments, which were bright, fun, and full of retro charm. Think bold colours, quirky décor, and even a wobbly mirror that kept the kids entertained for ages!
The living space was both comfy and practical, with an L-shaped sofa, a dining area, and a fully equipped kitchen – everything from a microwave to a toaster.
The fairground theme continued into the bedrooms, with fun patterns and vibrant colours. The kids shared a twin room and we all agreed the beds were really comfortable.
Activities & Entertainment
There is so much to do at Butlins – honestly, five days wasn’t enough to fit it all in! The best part is that most of the activities are included in your stay, so you can do as much (or as little) as you want.
The Skyline Pavilion is the heart of the resort, packed with entertainment, shops, amusements, restaurants, and the Jellyfish Lounge. It’s a great place to escape the weather too.
Splash Waterworld was Max’s absolute favourite – nearly 3,000 square metres of aquatic fun! From toddler-friendly pools to epic slides, including the Riptide raft ride, there’s something for everyone.
We also spent a couple of mornings at the nearby blue flag beach, building sandcastles and paddling in the sea – pure childhood joy.
The fairground is split into two parts: the main rides and the Little Stars area for younger children. Most rides are free, though a few have a small extra charge.
Unmissable Shows
The shows are a real highlight of any Butlins holiday. We loved the daytime performances like the Mr Men Show – perfect for young audiences.
In the evenings, we watched “Billy and Bonnie in The Wizard” and “Whittington Rocks” at Reds and Centre Stage. Both were fantastic – fun for kids and adults alike.
B-Line Passes – Worth It?
B-Line passes give you priority access to show venues and Splash Waterworld – we were able to walk in 15 minutes early and grab excellent seats each time. For May half term, passes would’ve cost £106 for four people.
In the past (with toddlers aged 1 and 3), we didn’t find them necessary. But now that our kids are older (4 and 6), they made a huge difference and were totally worth it – I wouldn’t want to queue with young kids in the evenings again!
Premium Dining Plan
We had Premium Dining included with our break, which meant daily breakfast and dinner at either The Yacht Club or The Deck.
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The Yacht Club: Smaller, less busy, with a delicious carvery-style dinner – perfect for kids.
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The Deck: Larger, more variety, and those cooked breakfasts? So missed now that we’re home!
Here are the 2017 prices (per person, per day):
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Adults – £26.25
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Ages 6–14 – £13.25
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Ages 2–5 – £6.75
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Under 2s – Free
Honestly, I loved not having to cook – it made the holiday feel like a real break!
Final Thoughts
We had an amazing time at Butlins Skegness and can’t recommend it enough for families. If you’ve never been – or think it’s “not your thing” – give it a try! It might just surprise you. For a fun-filled, stress-free UK family break, it’s hard to beat.