Hi Sue,
I used to work there and have been on two holidays there since. Last summer i got the chance to stop by the Shoreline for breakfast and was pleasantly suprised, a good buffet on offer and not too overpriced. The beach down in Bognor is shingle but my kids didn't seem to care and had a good time paddling all the same. Your 3 year old is going to love the soft play area, the Bob The Builder shows and characters, the puppet show, the free mini-fairground rides inside, Aquasplash centre is fun for all but can get full to the point of closing so if its something u want to do go early or later.
The evening shows always draw a big crowd and you will see a giant snake of a line through the pavillion up to an hour and a half before show time!!! However the reason for the line is that people are all fighting to get tables close to the stage and dancefloor. Once the doors open about an hour to 45 minutes before the show there will be no line and you should still be able to get some seats on the next teir up, so if you are aiming for near the dance floor or stage, then line up, got it?
Now Bultins like to advertise that they are sort of all inclusive for activities, i am telling you now that is not the case. Lets start with food. Its not expensive but it soon adds up. Imagine buying youraself a nice pub lunch every day of the week, now x 2 plus breakfast if you haven't included, it added up fast. Then throw in trampolines (they charge for these), the little ride machines, the pottery studio, snacks and drinks and any souvenirs, mini-golf, and it adds up fast. i came back and felt annoyed and that i could be in spain for the same money
not really but close enough! The staff are friendly, child geared totally and I think Butlins is something you either love or hate I'm glad I took them but I will wait until they are all bigger and can do more stuff next time as the height differences made it impossible fort hem to enjoy it all together. having said that i was doing it as a single parent.
I resented spending that much money once on site when i expected more to be included than actually was, and my children didn't get into the evening entertainment as they were tired from the day nor did they want to leave my side for kids clubs. So i spent my evenings in the room and all day with children glued to me.
I think this is gonna be so much more fun for me in a few years to do as a single.Sorry I couldn't be all positive but wanted to give you the most honest opinion possible. i really hope you have a great time and think your 3 year old will be in toddler heaven
