Holiday review: Butlins, Bognor Regis

“We stayed at the impressive Shoreline Hotel and I knew from the warm welcome we received that we were going to have a good time. My only concern after reading the welcome pack was how we’d fit everything in.

Our room was modern and spacious. Cerys was impressed by the bunk beds and TV in her area, and we had a hard time persuading her there was more fun to be had outside.

Once we did, however, Cerys loved the fun fair and we visited the carousel and trampolines countless times. There are also plenty of rides
for older children.

Taking the plunge

For those rainy days the resort’s Splash Waterworld indoor pool complex was another favourite. We went to the parent and toddler sessions and hearing Cerys’s delighted squeals as she went down the slides made our day.

A big highlight was the character breakfast with Bob the Builder. We’d booked in advance and were glad we had as it was heaving. Cerys was so excited to see a life-size Bob and Spud wandering around as she tucked into her cereal.

Best of all, there are shows and activities on all day, so you’ll never hear those dreaded words ‘I’m bored!’. All ages are catered for, but the most popular shows with our 2 year old were anything starring Billy Bear, the Butlins cuddly mascot.

Fabulous food

Breakfast and dinner were included and each evening we were spoiled for choice as to where we’d eat. Our favourites were the South Coast Restaurant at our hotel, which had plenty of choice and a children’s buffet, and the family-friendly Papa John’s.

If parents want a break there’s the Ocean Spa, at the grand Ocean Hotel, while the kids can stay at the resort’s Ofsted-registered nursery.

We packed so much into our four-day stay, but there was still so much more we could have done. Our solution? We’ve already booked our next visit.”

Prices for the Shoreline Hotel, based on a family of four (2 adults and 2 children aged 2-14 years) sharing a Columbus Quarters room on a Mon-Fri break during June and July 2011, start from £65pp per break, on a room-only basis.

To book a Butlins break, call 0845 070 4730 or visit www.butlins.com/hotels. (The maximum call charge is 2p per minute from a BT landline. Calls from other networks may vary.)