I’m a middle class snob
WHEN Billy Butlin opened his first holiday camp on the Lincolnshire coast in 1936, he wanted to provide fun and affordable breaks for the working class.
Nearly a century on, that aim has not changed — although the park itself certainly has.
I wonder what Billy would think if he visited the “Skeggy” branch now, with its West End-calibre shows, huge indoor waterpark and £2.5million outdoor playpark.
During the Easter holidays, a school mum friend and I took our three kids for a three-night break at Butlin’s Skegness.
With the resort celebrating its 90th birthday this month, I drew up an hour-by-hour spreadsheet to make sure we made the most of every opportunity.
In just three days, we saw six shows, swam in the pool, played mini golf and laser quest, explored the soft play, spent far too many pound coins in the arcade, enjoyed arts and crafts and went to the fun fair.
We didn’t have time for the bowling, go-karting, pottery, climbing and aerial adventure courses.
What’s particularly incredible is that so many of these activities are included in the price of your stay.
On our long weekend, self-catering “comfort apartments” were available from £387 for a family of four, working out at £32pp a night.
For a decent seat at a West End production of a similar standard to the Butlin’s Masked Singer Live show, you’d already have blown the entire budget for the whole weekend break. The performances are top quality, too.
The year-round pantomime is so hilarious it had me slapping my thigh, and the Animals and Mythical Beasts production brought tears to my son’s eyes.
The star of the shows for us, however, was the Maximum Pro Wrestling, which included a star turn from one of the celebrity hosts, Jeff Brazier.
Butlin’s has been investing heavily in its accommodation at Skegness.
We stayed at one of the Maple Walk lodges that first opened in 2024. The high-end, three-bedroom properties feature sleek kitchens, outdoor decking and a wood- panelled master bedroom.
Maple Walk has its own entrance and even housekeeping, signalling a big departure from Butlin’s main, affordable offering.
One guest even drove past me in a Porsche!
But there are still options for everyone.
When it came to food and drink, we opted for the all-inclusive dining and drinks packages.
The Premium Dining package costs £33.95 an adult and £19.50 a child (six to 14) per day and covers a buffet breakfast and a buffet dinner.
The drinks package starts from an extra £25.95 an adult per day and £10.50 a child, which includes unlimited booze, soft drinks and Costa coffee.
If you think you’ll get through more than four pints of Madri beer at £6.10 each, or five glasses of house wine at £5.60 each, over the course of the afternoon and evening then it’s well worth shelling out for.
If you don’t want to gorge at the buffet like we did every night, the DineAround package includes a buffet breakfast and then you can pick from the other on-site dining options for a two-course lunch or dinner.
This could be pub grub at The Beachcomber Inn or classic American diner-style food. Or you can simply pay as you go.
These days, Butlin’s really does offer something for everyone.
GO: BUTLINS
STAYING THERE: A three-night May half-term break featuring The Masked Singer Live and Maximum Pro Wrestling is from £229 staying in a two-bedroom Comfort Room in Skegness, arriving on May 29.
Price based on a family of four sharing and includes all live shows and activities with free flow access to the pool, fairground rides and playgrounds including the Skypark.
See butlins.com.