£7 for the Go Carts ? AND YOU HAVE TO DRIVE THEM YOURSELF !!! I can drive my MPV and take 6 passengers with me for 50 miles through the Dorset countryside for that .... or for 4 rides on the go carts, I could take me and my 6 passengers to Lulworth Cove, park and then drive home, having had a wonderful day including providing a picnic for everyone .... or for one ride on the Go carts, I could buy several litres of salted caramel ice cream in Lidl and still have change. Ask 3 children, "The choice is yours. The 3 of you can have one litre of ice cream EACH all to yourself ..... or ONE of you can have a go on the go carts. Which will it be ?" Now , THERE is a question.
I hav jst cut short my family holiday butlins minehead by 3 nights as there is a massive rat infestation ther the final straw for us was finding 1 in the living room of our apartment had to move my family out during night to a dwngrade they gave us and we left next day with 2 very sad kids never again
Sorry but I would not let our dog board there. I always say if they cannot keep up maintenance and cleanliness where you sleep then there is no way I would eat from the kitchens or use their toilets etc.
I think its better no gabby. I always find it odd when a youtube channel gets established then the other half starts creeping in. Also I preferred the unobtrusive video style of Tim as he just walked around
yeah, they probably do during summer. But the £99 that Tim paid for 4 nights I consider dirt cheap already. IMO you cannot maintain and run such a place when you only charge £25/night for a room that is supposed to be one of the better ones already.
"Get upto 40% off" is nothing but a marketing ploy to make you part with your money. The 40% refers to 40% off the brochure price but no one ever pays the brochure price. As for guest services telling you they couldn't move you was utter nonsense. You were on a term time break. Imagine the following week, half term, when double the quantity of people are there then maybe they couldn't move you.
From working at Pontins for years, the sweaty smell is 100% the carpets. I do think some of the carpets in those Butlins venues must be around 25 years old!!!! We had ours replaced whilst I worked at Pontins and it only took a season to have them smelling again!!!
Hi Tim and family. The reason why everything is looking shabby is because the resort is open all year round. Back in the day, Butlins was only open 20 weeks in the year, so closed time was spent repainting and getting everything fresh for the new season. We used to go the first week of the season and the smell of paint was really strong. The chalets still had that damp smell though. All the tarmac in the fairground is because they demolished jumping jacks night club ( not really a night club. Just stayed open a bit later) last year, so they havent had much time for development yet.
I first watched you when your channel was small during lockdown. I just want to say your videos are outstanding, loving the addition of Gabby and Casper. Such a natural, down to earth couple, and quite relatable too.
I loved seeing Casper on the merry-go-round. I was 31 years old when I rode the first time. I had such a good time, the teenage attendant gave me a free ride. That's been many years, but I've never forgotten the fun and the kindness. Love your videos and your sweet family.
If I stayed at Butlins I would be so so excited to get to the last day and to get home. Holiday accommodation should be a betterment or a similar luxury as your own home. Your wee boy seemed to enjoy himself which is all that matters.
Tim , you and the fam were very brave to stay there. I wouldn't let my baby in that place for anything. You can see the dust and dirt hanging from the ceilings. That air is horrid for anyone. But dang , little Casper was riding the heck out of that car. All by himself. I can't wait for him to get big enough to enjoy all the places that you and Gabby go. You guys are such a nice little family, it does my heart good to see you having fun together.
When I booked Butlins Bognor I went with a hotel instead of the chalets, and the difference in quality is remarkable! It was a lovely stay, clean, sound proof, great view from the hotel balcony, room cleaning etc, so highly recommend for a (slightly less) cheap and cheerful holiday!
Whilst some of the more capital issues are understandable, deep cleaning carpets every season and keeping rooms in tip top shape at first glance is key for somewhere that prides itself being a place where families visit year on year. Thanks for this honest review Tim!
Wow, these places aren't anything like they used to be, good or bad! I remember in the early 80s going on a school trip to Butlins in North Wales (long closed now) and it was pure vintage! Original chalets, toilet blocks, massive buildings with the theatres in them, tannoy, dining hall eating, organised activities....Thanks for showing us what they're like now - they still have a whiff of the old about them!😊 Cheers, Tim, Gaby and Casper!
I worked at Skeggy back in the early 1980s in the summers. I used to work in Accounts doing the wages and working with cashiers (looking after the revenues). In those days, there were over 2,500 staff. Around 100 of them, were maintenance workers, who kept everything painted and clean. The rot set in in the mid-1970s when Rank bought Butlin’s from Billy Butlin’s widow. Over time they ran it into the ground, then there was a big investment. However, it looks like they’re running it into the ground again.
So glad to see you with a sponsor - you deserve it! Me and my partner love your videos. We had our baby boy about 12 hours before you and Gabby had Thumps so it’s always surreal to see him on camera as he is so like our little one! I took Teddy to Butlins for a day trip a couple of weeks ago in Minehead and it only cost £13 for a day ticket and then we stayed in a B&B - it was a lovely way to do it and very inexpensive! Definitely got £13 worth of fun!
Stayed here full board one with young daughter. Couldn’t stand the food and thought everything was dirty. It also cost an arm and a leg to do anything. Would never go again.
@WalkWithMeTim many a times I've had to break into my house growing up lol 😆 the kitchen window was the best, if the handles weren't shut properly, you can shake the window to loosen them & then pop the little lock, boom access 😂
14:35 That smell is just the wood bricked flooring behind you or at least the wax used to maintain it. it was used in pretty much every school PE Gym back in the day. We associate that smell with feet because a lot of the time we were bare foot and as an adolescent absorbing information, mistakenly cross linked the two to form a core memory by just by coincidence.
When my family stayed there we always used self-catering as it was cheaper. We used to only really have breakfast in our rooms but lunch and tea was in the restaurants. I went to skegness but i seem to remember one in Scotland one year. I guess as a child you don’t see the bad bits you just remember the fun bits.
I’ve not long come back from Bognor and I could see a huge change. Accommodation was being refurbished and looked really clean. The park in general looked really clean. I have already booked up to go twice more this year
We used to stay at the crows nest many happy times there, might be gone now.uswd to drive past thinking if only we had more money to stay on the expensive bigger sites, but looking back now ,a tent or a touring caravan was fun.x
I remember going to Butlins Pwllheli as a kid in the 90's, and I remember there was so much to do and going on. Now these resorts all look very lackluster which is a shame. The beach looks lovely, and it looks like all the entertainers are pretty good though. Thanks for checking it out for us!
Used to love the monorail as a kid.Was great fun, spent many a good day riding the monorail, Also had the chair lifts which went over the top of Butlins which gave you good views. Was so much fun, there use to be a narrow gauge railway at one end of the camp near the chair lift station, and everything was free, which was great.
So wonderful to see you, Gaby and Casper out and about at Butlins! Casper's loving it! That little fella has a smile that melts everyone's heart.. ❤ Great vid, as always. Thanks, Tim 👍👏
I loved the monorail no seat belts had to go up lots of steps to get on it , we used to sing top of our voices to the songs that were playd over the speakers
I wouldn’t have been happy with those connecting rooms, not only because of the noise but they were only locked with star keys! I got a star key on my regular keys for work, and I assume others would too, not very secure, butlins really need to put regular key locks on those doors for security of their guests.
Not been there for 20 years but used to love it. Looking really tired in places now. First time we went in the 90's the monorail was definitely working and we went on it to get from our chalet to the centre😊
Caspar steals the show he’s absolutely adorable 😊. My number one requirement for any restaurant or place for recreation is cleanliness and this place failed miserably. That kind of filth is what you expect to find in seedy motels. Even if a place is outdated if it’s clean that’s all that matters for me. I would never stay there in its current condition.
Back in my younger years we went to Minehead for a holiday, they had a monorail which you could jump on as many times as you liked if I remember correctly it used to stop over the swimming pool, there was no seat belts or doors on it , I thoroughly enjoyed going on it
What a great video, and what a fantastic little family you are. Casper is having a great childhood with what you do with him. It’s a shame some parts look run down and not kept very well. Maybe butlins should stop being all year round and close through the winter so they can do it up, re paint and clean it up ready for the new year, which is probably how it was ran before. Great video! Btw my mum went on holiday there when she was a kid. Will show her this video soon to see how much it’s changed since then.
I used to work for the butlins site a year ago cleaning the rooms you stayed in and yes. The rooms usually get sprayed as they leave. The kettles get limescale cleaned every 3 months now also keep in mind the room could be better but one chalet like that times it by 5, 6 some days. Its not an easy job even for minimum wage kinda crappy honestly
I’m glad you’ve done this video , we’re booked to go here in July for a week , we paid £270 which I didn’t think was too bad for peek summer times , but after seeing your video from last year we were kinda dreading it , we can look past the flakey paint I suppose and as long as the kids enjoy themselves we don’t mind
How was your trip? We've been a few times now so trying every site, and love it, but Skegness was probably the worst of the 3 sites. I would say don't get the cheapest accomodation. Do get the half board, and again don't get the cheapest, go up one level. The best things are the shows in centre stage and studio 36. Yes there are parts of the park that are tired or even near derelict, but you dont need to go there. It was a shame not to review the half board food or the shows.
You pay for what you get! I totally rate your opinions however we stay in the gold 3x a year and have a great time!! It’s spotless so definitely more time put into those who pay more which I think everyone should be treated fairly! X
Love your channel Tim and gabby and rest of your family .so friendly and down ti earth .feel like you have a friend showing you around . It allso gives people who cant afford to go anyway a good view of what places are like .😊
I spent a few days as a kid to Butlin's in Skagness around 1991 and it remains one of my best childhood memories. I didn't appreciate having aphids all over my ice-cream as we explored the beach. It's certainly changed since 1991, except for the bungalows.
My dad recommended your channel to me and I have to say I really enjoy it. As a new mum to a 6 week year old girl you have me excited to give her memories like I had with the old school British caravan holidays that I had when I was little ☺️💕 I have her dad convinced too and it’s what we’re thinking of for our first family break when she’s a little older. Your content has a really good mix and I loved your Canary Islands series and the Dubai one as well as the water park ones. Amazing work on the camera angles, drone shots and overall editing too. Keep up the good work and safe travels in the future ☺️👏🏻
Tim you are a great videographer and creator. I love your content. You help everyone with your channel You always look good and you are a good looking young man, with a wonderful wife, beautiful (daughter) wonderful son. Last but not least you are a great father too. Keep holding your head high young man I appreciate your videos
Seat belts on the monorail 😂😂😂. Adults would ride it too! It does look bleak now - all of the beautiful, well tended gardens have gone. This is not the Butlins I remember from 60s, 70s & 80s.
Was on the train refreshing your UA-cam page so much! So excited to watch this with my mam! She used to go to butlins as a child so she loves watching these 🧡
I remember a holiday when I was a kid, we stayed at Ingoldmells and had a day pass into Butlins, and yes, we did the monorail and it was fab! Thanks for your fair reviews. We are planning a holiday at the moment, and watching your videos have been very helpful. One thing I have decided on, we are taking our own kettle!
Stayed at Butlins Skegness when I was 6 or 7 in the early seventies. The family all rode the monorail and survived. Perfectly safe. Everybody ate in the communal dining room and the food was basic but good. There were things that weren't included in the price but v few. A good experience for a 6 year old including the entertainment
Always loved going to Skeggy, as kids we loved the monorail, they also had cable cars and I think over the years me and my family have stayed in all the different types of chalets , its never really changed, there was always grotty bits, we always loved the outdoor pools and the canoe lake, I see thats gone too now, had some really happy family holidays at Skeggy.
Staying in the same area of Butlins, looks like the room we are in has been refurbished. The outside walkways have been painted and the ceilings are brand new, with new lighting! Since we were last here last year they’ve done a lot and you can tell they are investing, which is always good to see. Skypark is great, although two areas of it are already broken (sectioned off) and a small part of the Red tower section fell off this evening, appeared to be a telescope of some sort, nobody was injured as it fell on to the netting, hopefully, it will last as it looks fantastic.
I've been to Skeggie last two years and will be there in a few weeks. It's not the nicest, we've had our gripes with the accommodation, but you get what you pay for and the most important thing is my Daughter loves the place so the tiredness of the place is an afterthought. I wouldn't pay the holiday prices but it's value at term time is not to be sniffed at for a family of 4.
£550 for 3 nights to have people feeling it's appropriate to fleg on the floor? Faeces on bathroom floor and room stinking of urine. No food at the buffet that you pay extra for. If you get what you pay for id expect to pay £200
I watched this video about ten times when it first came out because I hadn’t been to skeggy for a while and I’m going again this year in three weeks and I have returned to watch it again. Your an absolute legend 👍🏻😊
Yes!! Remember taking many rides on the old monorail back in the 80's - 90's, no seat belt but never bothered me as a kid but no chance would I get in it now if it was still operational! Also remember the cable cars or (chairlift) as some may remember it! Top vid!! 🙏👌👍👍👍
I am just leaving butlins Skegness now, honestly if the weather holds out and you have children between sort it 4 and 12 they will absolutely love it here.
Thank tim enjoyed as allways any accommodation should be cleaned thumps feet put it too the test heres too a great family holiday for you all 2023 wherever you chose thank you for good videos
Brave enough get a grip ya snobby witch, do you know how many families around the UK would love to take there children but can't afford it , humble yaself
hi Tim yes adults did go on the monorail because in 1996 i went on them with my 2 young daughters seeing how i was a single parent, also the skyline pavilion wasn't there either, and the complex was split in to two, self catering chalets was on the other side of the main rd where the caravan site is today, with some entertainment but the bulk of everything was where it is now, oh and they even had a chairlift and an outside swimming pool
A shame that the room was not that clean, but you can see that they are trying. Casper was so sweet in his little car 😊 I think it would be a tough holiday if it rained all the time you were there, but the sun made it better. All in all for £99 I didn't think it was too bad, but any more than that then no.
Well watched the vudro from last yesr and then this one still could not see my self booking a holiday with them in fairness though the beach looks good
Watching Gabby looking at the old chalets brought back memorys of my childhood holidsy camp. Warners i think it was and the chalets were wooden with a small woidrn porch. Inside eere three single beds for us girls, mum and dad eere next door. There was no batheroom of course just a sink. Very exciting we as children thought. Can't remember where warners was now, but it was good. I remember the smell on the eating hall. The smell of the soup, there was always doup as first starter. It was pretty good as I remember.I was around three/four yet i remember it well. Thank fir the memory (pun intentional) x
We stay in the seaside apartment.. the ones you passed with patio furniture.. weve had a balcony & a patio one & there fantastic apartments.. so clean & colourful x
Last time I was here would have been 2006/7 and it was clean and in a better state of repair, I always stayed in silver accommodation as could never get their gold accommodation on account of it always being booked. Our accommodation always had a lounge with sofas, tv etc.., kitchen, dining area and two separate bedrooms so was much bigger than what you showed in this video. Looking at it now, it seems they still have all the original carpets, furniture etc..hence in need of a complete refurb. Sad to see but I wont be rushing back anytime soon!!!
I hafe been to the Bognor Regis park a few times on some adult weekends. They have three hotels on site now which replaced some of the chalets. The first 3 times it was chalets, the last 3 it was the ocean hotel which is the furthest from the sea. Bognor also has access to the neach but it is shingle like most of the south east. The hotels arw quite new and modern, amd one has its own swimming pool.
Loved Butlins in the 70's and 80's, as a kid. The lovely mouldy smell as you entered a chalet in the 70's and 80's, smelt, like an expensive perfume, because you knew you'd arrived in a magical place, full of fun and nothing else mattered. Health and safety is ridiculous now, people knew it was dangerous to climb out of a moving monorail, we didn't need signs to tell us that. I'd pay top dollar, to go back and experience the magical Butlins of yesteryear. If I was going to Skegness, I'd be wanting to stay in the cheapest accommodation, to just try to feel a bit of the 70's and 80's holiday vibe. A bit of rust and wear and tear isn't going to kill anyone.. An enjoyable video though.
TV rooms and the large scalectrix as well. Loved the mono rail. Like you id love to gp back to those days. Disco at the empress ballroom staying each year in bj1
The video did bring some memories back... flashback. I think the accommodation was not always brilliant, particularly for families. I don't think I could stay there. it looks like it's still fixed in the mid-1980s. It probably does well for younger families, but I don't think Butlins have caught up with curtain trends. I would have thought they could have catered more with food and chose of diet. Thanks for posting. Good work
Great tour! The play park looks great! As someone without kids it looks like the kind of place that should be open later on for the adults to play! 😂 Thumps was sp cute when you came through the window!
Was thinking when you said about Prefab houses I think it's spelt lol, yeah what sprung to mind maybe a bit is EPCOT (rather what that in Disney in Florida is nothing like what Walt Disney had planned, is much lighter what is in that park now. I put that all in caps due to it being an acronym stands for Experimental Project Community Of Tomorrow. Suppose the whole of Butlins parks are a bit like EPCOT in a sense though, they'd have all the staff in one bit, then the visitors/guests in another and yeah all the attractions or which/whatever etc.
Love your video's, have you ever thought of coming up North and doing a look around the Haven park Haggerston Castle? Would love to see your view on the place
We went 3 times to Butlins Skegness when my daughter was young and we have such great memories to look back on. It was 20 years ago though and I was shocked to see how much has changed and some not for the better to be honest. I couldn't believe how filthy and grimy it looked. I understand that there is a lot of work to be done and with the site being open all year round it could be difficult to do some renovations but that doesn't excuse the fact that even general cleanliness needs to be better. Let's hope they hurry up and sort the site out as quickly as possible.
End of the day you just cant beat going abroad, its in a different league every way possible, the landscapes and scenery, the buildings, the beaches and of course the weather. People can say what they want but thats fact, abroad is better! Went to skeggy butlins as a child 30years ago, must admit the accommodation hardly looks to of changed! Haha
i’ve just been for a week stayed in new sea side apartments for £120 the apartments were wonderful and clean i can’t fault butlins don’t always believe these videos most the shelley’s are lovely we go back multiple times a year it’s fantastic ❤
We stayed early this year in the standard chalets for 2 adults and a child half board loved it only paid £159 for a Monday to Friday. Great value love it normally go to haven but will return. Yes did notice a stale smell in venues. And reds does have a lift it’s the other end
Just came back and we stayed in the caravan site and it was the nicest thing ever stayed in paddocks 62 was the van btw and it was fairly cheap coming to just under £500 for moanday to friday stay for 4 people but it is appualing to see how everyhing else is
The wife & I have been staying there for the past three years. We use it as a base and spend the days in Skegness and Ingoldmels. We are not too bothered about the entertainment but will go if it looks OK. We also pay for premier dining which has been very good in the past. We stay in the Seaside Appartments with a balcony. Our last visit was May 2023 and we were so disappointed with the overall look of the place. The beers had changed (I am a very fussy drinker) and the food was terrible compared to previous years. Unfortunately we will not be visiting again.
Great review again Tim. First impressions count so walking to your accommodation and seeing filth on the outside set it up for a fail before getting through the door, just look at the door step completely void of paint! Even if it was free to stay I just couldn't do it, cleanliness is everything. The canopy that should be white is now slime green if you look at the outside it is just vile, and the inside is even worse it must be a health hazard. They needed to landscape that funfair area with large trees and some astro turf but obviously the budget ran out.
Excellent as ever Tim (Gabby & Casper) When I first went in the 70s the other side of the road through the tunnel was full of accommodation called Flatlets and they were all self catering, complete with shopping and entertainment and was known as RED camp. The staff accommodation that you saw used to be GREEN camp and me and a mate of mine stayed there in the 80s and the accommodation that you saw next to is was built late 80s on an area that had the old TV rooms (1 room each for BBC1, BBC2 and ITV) and had seats like an old cinema, Model and craft building and grass area. The Bungalows you saw were introduced mid 80s ish and were the higher end accommodation and were known as "County Suites" The cheapest standard accommodation was situated between Green camp and the old funfair that used to stand on the accommodation that you stayed in, that area of accommodation opened in 1997/8 so even that is hitting 25 years old now. Centre stage used to be "The Showboat" and inside was themed like a Memphis steamer and Reds was "Queens", They opened circa 1987 and replaced places like the Regency show bar and Embassy Ballroom.
Not been to Butlins for years. If my kids were younger I don't think I'd bother. When I was about 10 we stayed at Clacton on Sea Butlins and the chalets were like in Hi Di Hi but loved it. I don't know how long holiday parks will last, let's hope they do.
Just about any seaside hotel or holiday park will battle the humidity and moisture. Any kind of stucco and plastering will just absorb that moisture and begin to crumble. Untreated woodwork with do the same. The wood will expand and contract with the moisture and paint will crack and peel. It's a maintenance nightmare with metal rusting as well. Most places just put a coat of paint and think it's fixed.
I've been a couple of times, back in the seventies and early eighties. Bathrooms and toilets were in blocks no ensuite. Skegness used to have a sky ride from one end of the Camp to the other.
I remember going to Butlins with family when I was younger. Can't remember if it was the Skeggy one (I think it may have been) but my nan and grandad visited us there whilst we were staying. It was slightly grubby but not terrible.
The Two Sides Of Butlin's Minehead! 👉ua-cam.com/video/NZ7Oxa2BZz4/v-deo.html
The monarail I used to go on it as a kid back in the 80`s
£7 for the Go Carts ? AND YOU HAVE TO DRIVE THEM YOURSELF !!! I can drive my MPV and take 6 passengers with me for 50 miles through the Dorset countryside for that .... or for 4 rides on the go carts, I could take me and my 6 passengers to Lulworth Cove, park and then drive home, having had a wonderful day including providing a picnic for everyone .... or for one ride on the Go carts, I could buy several litres of salted caramel ice cream in Lidl and still have change. Ask 3 children, "The choice is yours. The 3 of you can have one litre of ice cream EACH all to yourself ..... or ONE of you can have a go on the go carts. Which will it be ?" Now , THERE is a question.
About 20 mates used to go every October in the 80s/90s, £40 quid each, used to have a right laff
I hav jst cut short my family holiday butlins minehead by 3 nights as there is a massive rat infestation ther the final straw for us was finding 1 in the living room of our apartment had to move my family out during night to a dwngrade they gave us and we left next day with 2 very sad kids never again
Sorry but I would not let our dog board there. I always say if they cannot keep up maintenance and cleanliness where you sleep then there is no way I would eat from the kitchens or use their toilets etc.
Love it when Gabby goes with you , it gives a different view on things .Sometimes our other halves see things we don't notice .
very true
Check out Gabys Butlins vlog ua-cam.com/video/GQaVAcLTML8/v-deo.html
@@davidholgate123 Be careful now ........
@@davidholgate123 my man!
I think its better no gabby. I always find it odd when a youtube channel gets established then the other half starts creeping in. Also I preferred the unobtrusive video style of Tim as he just walked around
I’ve never been to a Butlins . After watching this video I think I’ll keep it that way.
You could forgive the state of the place if it was dirt cheap, but guaranteed during the summer months you'll be paying an arm and a leg.
Totally agree 11:58
Definitely agree .. just check for yourself self .. yikes
yeah, they probably do during summer. But the £99 that Tim paid for 4 nights I consider dirt cheap already. IMO you cannot maintain and run such a place when you only charge £25/night for a room that is supposed to be one of the better ones already.
"Get upto 40% off" is nothing but a marketing ploy to make you part with your money. The 40% refers to 40% off the brochure price but no one ever pays the brochure price. As for guest services telling you they couldn't move you was utter nonsense. You were on a term time break. Imagine the following week, half term, when double the quantity of people are there then maybe they couldn't move you.
Stayed at butlins over Christmas in silver apartment couldn't complain. Everything was clean and tidy.
In the 1980s this place was like back to the future. As a child, I was blown away. What, the hell happened? 🤦🏼💯
From working at Pontins for years, the sweaty smell is 100% the carpets. I do think some of the carpets in those Butlins venues must be around 25 years old!!!! We had ours replaced whilst I worked at Pontins and it only took a season to have them smelling again!!!
My favorite moment is when Gabby successfully got in that window. I don't like these kind of places but I enjoyed this virtual visit.
Caspar's reaction as you climbed out of the window is priceless. (11:04)
Lol
Reckon caspers old enough to toss in through window and grab cards himself
That was funny when Casper screamed excitedly!
@@WalkWithMeTim lol
Casper is gorgeous, such a happy handsome little lad.
Hi Tim and family. The reason why everything is looking shabby is because the resort is open all year round. Back in the day, Butlins was only open 20 weeks in the year, so closed time was spent repainting and getting everything fresh for the new season. We used to go the first week of the season and the smell of paint was really strong. The chalets still had that damp smell though.
All the tarmac in the fairground is because they demolished jumping jacks night club ( not really a night club. Just stayed open a bit later) last year, so they havent had much time for development yet.
I first watched you when your channel was small during lockdown. I just want to say your videos are outstanding, loving the addition of Gabby and Casper. Such a natural, down to earth couple, and quite relatable too.
Thanks, kind of you to say
I loved seeing Casper on the merry-go-round. I was 31 years old when I rode the first time. I had such a good time, the teenage attendant gave me a free ride. That's been many years, but I've never forgotten the fun and the kindness. Love your videos and your sweet family.
Have to say Casper in the car on his own made me smile , cherish tho memories bud as a dad to an 18 and 12 year old boys , they grow up so fast
So fast can't believe he is nearly 2
Because I have no
If I stayed at Butlins I would be so so excited to get to the last day and to get home. Holiday accommodation should be a betterment or a similar luxury as your own home. Your wee boy seemed to enjoy himself which is all that matters.
What a lovely little family you are!
Tim , you and the fam were very brave to stay there. I wouldn't let my baby in that place for anything. You can see the dust and dirt hanging from the ceilings. That air is horrid for anyone. But dang , little Casper was riding the heck out of that car. All by himself. I can't wait for him to get big enough to enjoy all the places that you and Gabby go. You guys are such a nice little family, it does my heart good to see you having fun together.
When I booked Butlins Bognor I went with a hotel instead of the chalets, and the difference in quality is remarkable! It was a lovely stay, clean, sound proof, great view from the hotel balcony, room cleaning etc, so highly recommend for a (slightly less) cheap and cheerful holiday!
Whilst some of the more capital issues are understandable, deep cleaning carpets every season and keeping rooms in tip top shape at first glance is key for somewhere that prides itself being a place where families visit year on year. Thanks for this honest review Tim!
Wow, these places aren't anything like they used to be, good or bad! I remember in the early 80s going on a school trip to Butlins in North Wales (long closed now) and it was pure vintage! Original chalets, toilet blocks, massive buildings with the theatres in them, tannoy, dining hall eating, organised activities....Thanks for showing us what they're like now - they still have a whiff of the old about them!😊 Cheers, Tim, Gaby and Casper!
I stayed at Minehead in 1966 same thing. I was twelve years old and I knew it was shabby but I loved it.
Love it when Caby joins you! She is so full of fun!
That's the problem with half upgrades. The difference between the old and new parts is even more stark. Great video, as always! :D
I worked at Skeggy back in the early 1980s in the summers. I used to work in Accounts doing the wages and working with cashiers (looking after the revenues). In those days, there were over 2,500 staff. Around 100 of them, were maintenance workers, who kept everything painted and clean. The rot set in in the mid-1970s when Rank bought Butlin’s from Billy Butlin’s widow. Over time they ran it into the ground, then there was a big investment. However, it looks like they’re running it into the ground again.
So glad to see you with a sponsor - you deserve it! Me and my partner love your videos. We had our baby boy about 12 hours before you and Gabby had Thumps so it’s always surreal to see him on camera as he is so like our little one! I took Teddy to Butlins for a day trip a couple of weeks ago in Minehead and it only cost £13 for a day ticket and then we stayed in a B&B - it was a lovely way to do it and very inexpensive! Definitely got £13 worth of fun!
Aww thank you .. he is growing so fast
Love Casper and his little sandals his outfits are so cute!!!
Looks like gabby had a fun teen years 😂 shocked how easy that window was to fully open from the outside!
Yes don't leave on a latch
Stayed here full board one with young daughter. Couldn’t stand the food and thought everything was dirty. It also cost an arm and a leg to do anything. Would never go again.
That was funny and alarming at the same time.
@@pheart2381did you previously think it was safe to leave a window on the latch?? Very risky thing to do
@WalkWithMeTim many a times I've had to break into my house growing up lol 😆 the kitchen window was the best, if the handles weren't shut properly, you can shake the window to loosen them & then pop the little lock, boom access 😂
14:35 That smell is just the wood bricked flooring behind you or at least the wax used to maintain it. it was used in pretty much every school PE Gym back in the day. We associate that smell with feet because a lot of the time we were bare foot and as an adolescent absorbing information, mistakenly cross linked the two to form a core memory by just by coincidence.
When my family stayed there we always used self-catering as it was cheaper. We used to only really have breakfast in our rooms but lunch and tea was in the restaurants. I went to skegness but i seem to remember one in Scotland one year. I guess as a child you don’t see the bad bits you just remember the fun bits.
This threw me right back to the 90s.. some of those accommodations I still remember. Thank you for taking us back to Skegness!
I’ve not long come back from Bognor and I could see a huge change. Accommodation was being refurbished and looked really clean. The park in general looked really clean. I have already booked up to go twice more this year
@@jackwatsonepic626 was primrose Butlins Filey back in the day?
We used to stay at the crows nest many happy times there, might be gone now.uswd to drive past thinking if only we had more money to stay on the expensive bigger sites, but looking back now ,a tent or a touring caravan was fun.x
I remember going to Butlins Pwllheli as a kid in the 90's, and I remember there was so much to do and going on. Now these resorts all look very lackluster which is a shame. The beach looks lovely, and it looks like all the entertainers are pretty good though. Thanks for checking it out for us!
Used to love the monorail as a kid.Was great fun, spent many a good day riding the monorail, Also had the chair lifts which went over the top of Butlins which gave you good views. Was so much fun, there use to be a narrow gauge railway at one end of the camp near the chair lift station, and everything was free, which was great.
So wonderful to see you, Gaby and Casper out and about at Butlins! Casper's loving it! That little fella has a smile that melts everyone's heart.. ❤
Great vid, as always. Thanks, Tim 👍👏
I loved the monorail no seat belts had to go up lots of steps to get on it , we used to sing top of our voices to the songs that were playd over the speakers
I wouldn’t have been happy with those connecting rooms, not only because of the noise but they were only locked with star keys! I got a star key on my regular keys for work, and I assume others would too, not very secure, butlins really need to put regular key locks on those doors for security of their guests.
Not been there for 20 years but used to love it. Looking really tired in places now. First time we went in the 90's the monorail was definitely working and we went on it to get from our chalet to the centre😊
Caspar steals the show he’s absolutely adorable 😊. My number one requirement for any restaurant or place for recreation is cleanliness and this place failed miserably. That kind of filth is what you expect to find in seedy motels. Even if a place is outdated if it’s clean that’s all that matters for me. I would never stay there in its current condition.
Back in my younger years we went to Minehead for a holiday, they had a monorail which you could jump on as many times as you liked if I remember correctly it used to stop over the swimming pool, there was no seat belts or doors on it , I thoroughly enjoyed going on it
What a great video, and what a fantastic little family you are. Casper is having a great childhood with what you do with him.
It’s a shame some parts look run down and not kept very well. Maybe butlins should stop being all year round and close through the winter so they can do it up, re paint and clean it up ready for the new year, which is probably how it was ran before.
Great video!
Btw my mum went on holiday there when she was a kid. Will show her this video soon to see how much it’s changed since then.
Enjoyable video, it’s great that you are doing these visits as a family with Casper. Thank you Tim and Gabby.
Thanks Brian
Me to
We absolutely love Casper! He reminds me of my sister's son when he was his age. Hugs and kisses ❤❤❤💋💋💋
32:02 Made me chuckle.. 🥂
Thumps is such a happy little man.. 🤗 really loved the vid..
I used to work for the butlins site a year ago cleaning the rooms you stayed in and yes. The rooms usually get sprayed as they leave. The kettles get limescale cleaned every 3 months now also keep in mind the room could be better but one chalet like that times it by 5, 6 some days. Its not an easy job even for minimum wage kinda crappy honestly
I’m glad you’ve done this video , we’re booked to go here in July for a week , we paid £270 which I didn’t think was too bad for peek summer times , but after seeing your video from last year we were kinda dreading it , we can look past the flakey paint I suppose and as long as the kids enjoy themselves we don’t mind
Good point
How was your trip? We've been a few times now so trying every site, and love it, but Skegness was probably the worst of the 3 sites. I would say don't get the cheapest accomodation. Do get the half board, and again don't get the cheapest, go up one level. The best things are the shows in centre stage and studio 36. Yes there are parts of the park that are tired or even near derelict, but you dont need to go there. It was a shame not to review the half board food or the shows.
@rjmunro I just went to minehead, stayed in apartments and it was not the most clean. Oh and our neighbours got thrown out after breaking a window 😬😬
You pay for what you get! I totally rate your opinions however we stay in the gold 3x a year and have a great time!! It’s spotless so definitely more time put into those who pay more which I think everyone should be treated fairly! X
So pleased you go to these butlins...so i don`t have to. Bit like my school exams...an improvement, but must try harder.
You are obviously a snivelling little boy , who knows absolutely nothing about life, nor when life was good 🤣🤣
That Was A Good One Guys👍.Never Been ,Can,t See I Be There Kids Are All Grown Up Now 🤟🤟🤟.
Love your channel Tim and gabby and rest of your family .so friendly and down ti earth .feel like you have a friend showing you around .
It allso gives people who cant afford to go anyway a good view of what places are like .😊
Thanks caroline
Maybe it’s just me, but I wouldn’t be seen dead in that place. However, I admire your positivity.
I spent a few days as a kid to Butlin's in Skagness around 1991 and it remains one of my best childhood memories. I didn't appreciate having aphids all over my ice-cream as we explored the beach. It's certainly changed since 1991, except for the bungalows.
My dad recommended your channel to me and I have to say I really enjoy it. As a new mum to a 6 week year old girl you have me excited to give her memories like I had with the old school British caravan holidays that I had when I was little ☺️💕 I have her dad convinced too and it’s what we’re thinking of for our first family break when she’s a little older. Your content has a really good mix and I loved your Canary Islands series and the Dubai one as well as the water park ones. Amazing work on the camera angles, drone shots and overall editing too. Keep up the good work and safe travels in the future ☺️👏🏻
Thanks alex
Tim you are a great videographer and creator. I love your content. You help everyone with your channel
You always look good and you are a good looking young man, with a wonderful wife, beautiful (daughter) wonderful son.
Last but not least you are a great father too.
Keep holding your head high young man I appreciate your videos
That's very very nice thing to say . Thank you
Seat belts on the monorail 😂😂😂. Adults would ride it too! It does look bleak now - all of the beautiful, well tended gardens have gone. This is not the Butlins I remember from 60s, 70s & 80s.
There are caravans there too though on the other side. You should try them too
Was on the train refreshing your UA-cam page so much! So excited to watch this with my mam! She used to go to butlins as a child so she loves watching these 🧡
Wow thanks
I remember a holiday when I was a kid, we stayed at Ingoldmells and had a day pass into Butlins, and yes, we did the monorail and it was fab!
Thanks for your fair reviews. We are planning a holiday at the moment, and watching your videos have been very helpful. One thing I have decided on, we are taking our own kettle!
Stayed at Butlins Skegness when I was 6 or 7 in the early seventies. The family all rode the monorail and survived. Perfectly safe. Everybody ate in the communal dining room and the food was basic but good. There were things that weren't included in the price but v few. A good experience for a 6 year old including the entertainment
Always loved going to Skeggy, as kids we loved the monorail, they also had cable cars and I think over the years me and my family have stayed in all the different types of chalets , its never really changed, there was always grotty bits, we always loved the outdoor pools and the canoe lake, I see thats gone too now, had some really happy family holidays at Skeggy.
Staying in the same area of Butlins, looks like the room we are in has been refurbished. The outside walkways have been painted and the ceilings are brand new, with new lighting!
Since we were last here last year they’ve done a lot and you can tell they are investing, which is always good to see.
Skypark is great, although two areas of it are already broken (sectioned off) and a small part of the Red tower section fell off this evening, appeared to be a telescope of some sort, nobody was injured as it fell on to the netting, hopefully, it will last as it looks fantastic.
Love Chanel tim really enjoyed it much it’s good when you got you 20:22 r family with you😊
I've been to Skeggie last two years and will be there in a few weeks. It's not the nicest, we've had our gripes with the accommodation, but you get what you pay for and the most important thing is my Daughter loves the place so the tiredness of the place is an afterthought. I wouldn't pay the holiday prices but it's value at term time is not to be sniffed at for a family of 4.
£550 for 3 nights to have people feeling it's appropriate to fleg on the floor? Faeces on bathroom floor and room stinking of urine.
No food at the buffet that you pay extra for.
If you get what you pay for id expect to pay £200
I watched this video about ten times when it first came out because I hadn’t been to skeggy for a while and I’m going again this year in three weeks and I have returned to watch it again.
Your an absolute legend 👍🏻😊
Yes!! Remember taking many rides on the old monorail back in the 80's - 90's, no seat belt but never bothered me as a kid but no chance would I get in it now if it was still operational!
Also remember the cable cars or (chairlift) as some may remember it!
Top vid!! 🙏👌👍👍👍
Thank you
Hi Tim was brilliant to see your Gabby and Casper with you and caspers face when he was in that car he was proper enjoying himself.
What a throwback to a previous era of holidaymaking.
I am just leaving butlins Skegness now, honestly if the weather holds out and you have children between sort it 4 and 12 they will absolutely love it here.
Thank tim enjoyed as allways any accommodation should be cleaned thumps feet put it too the test heres too a great family holiday for you all 2023 wherever you chose thank you for good videos
I am not impressed but thanks for being brave enough to stay.Thanks Tim , Gabby n Casper 🥰🤗
Brave enough get a grip ya snobby witch, do you know how many families around the UK would love to take there children but can't afford it , humble yaself
hi Tim yes adults did go on the monorail because in 1996 i went on them with my 2 young daughters seeing how i was a single parent, also the skyline pavilion wasn't there either, and the complex was split in to two, self catering chalets was on the other side of the main rd where the caravan site is today, with some entertainment but the bulk of everything was where it is now, oh and they even had a chairlift and an outside swimming pool
A shame that the room was not that clean, but you can see that they are trying. Casper was so sweet in his little car 😊 I think it would be a tough holiday if it rained all the time you were there, but the sun made it better. All in all for £99 I didn't think it was too bad, but any more than that then no.
Well watched the vudro from last yesr and then this one still could not see my self booking a holiday with them in fairness though the beach looks good
I think the most redeeming feature there is the Beach, looks superb!!
Watching Gabby looking at the old chalets brought back memorys of my childhood holidsy camp. Warners i think it was and the chalets were wooden with a small woidrn porch. Inside eere three single beds for us girls, mum and dad eere next door. There was no batheroom of course just a sink. Very exciting we as children thought. Can't remember where warners was now, but it was good. I remember the smell on the eating hall. The smell of the soup, there was always doup as first starter. It was pretty good as I remember.I was around three/four yet i remember it well. Thank fir the memory (pun intentional) x
If they are so fully booked as they state, then surely have the restaurant open every day!
I know on a holiday park too
We stay in the seaside apartment.. the ones you passed with patio furniture.. weve had a balcony & a patio one & there fantastic apartments.. so clean & colourful x
Last time I was here would have been 2006/7 and it was clean and in a better state of repair, I always stayed in silver accommodation as could never get their gold accommodation on account of it always being booked. Our accommodation always had a lounge with sofas, tv etc.., kitchen, dining area and two separate bedrooms so was much bigger than what you showed in this video. Looking at it now, it seems they still have all the original carpets, furniture etc..hence in need of a complete refurb. Sad to see but I wont be rushing back anytime soon!!!
I hafe been to the Bognor Regis park a few times on some adult weekends. They have three hotels on site now which replaced some of the chalets. The first 3 times it was chalets, the last 3 it was the ocean hotel which is the furthest from the sea. Bognor also has access to the neach but it is shingle like most of the south east. The hotels arw quite new and modern, amd one has its own swimming pool.
Loved Butlins in the 70's and 80's, as a kid. The lovely mouldy smell as you entered a chalet in the 70's and 80's, smelt, like an expensive perfume, because you knew you'd arrived in a magical place, full of fun and nothing else mattered. Health and safety is ridiculous now, people knew it was dangerous to climb out of a moving monorail, we didn't need signs to tell us that. I'd pay top dollar, to go back and experience the magical Butlins of yesteryear. If I was going to Skegness, I'd be wanting to stay in the cheapest accommodation, to just try to feel a bit of the 70's and 80's holiday vibe. A bit of rust and wear and tear isn't going to kill anyone.. An enjoyable video though.
TV rooms and the large scalectrix as well. Loved the mono rail. Like you id love to gp back to those days. Disco at the empress ballroom staying each year in bj1
I bet you voted brexit
The video did bring some memories back... flashback. I think the accommodation was not always brilliant, particularly for families. I don't think I could stay there. it looks like it's still fixed in the mid-1980s. It probably does well for younger families, but I don't think Butlins have caught up with curtain trends. I would have thought they could have catered more with food and chose of diet. Thanks for posting. Good work
Great tour! The play park looks great! As someone without kids it looks like the kind of place that should be open later on for the adults to play! 😂 Thumps was sp cute when you came through the window!
Was thinking when you said about Prefab houses I think it's spelt lol, yeah what sprung to mind maybe a bit is EPCOT (rather what that in Disney in Florida is nothing like what Walt Disney had planned, is much lighter what is in that park now. I put that all in caps due to it being an acronym stands for Experimental Project Community Of Tomorrow.
Suppose the whole of Butlins parks are a bit like EPCOT in a sense though, they'd have all the staff in one bit, then the visitors/guests in another and yeah all the attractions or which/whatever etc.
Love your video's, have you ever thought of coming up North and doing a look around the Haven park Haggerston Castle? Would love to see your view on the place
I'll check it out
We went 3 times to Butlins Skegness when my daughter was young and we have such great memories to look back on. It was 20 years ago though and I was shocked to see how much has changed and some not for the better to be honest. I couldn't believe how filthy and grimy it looked. I understand that there is a lot of work to be done and with the site being open all year round it could be difficult to do some renovations but that doesn't excuse the fact that even general cleanliness needs to be better. Let's hope they hurry up and sort the site out as quickly as possible.
End of the day you just cant beat going abroad, its in a different league every way possible, the landscapes and scenery, the buildings, the beaches and of course the weather. People can say what they want but thats fact, abroad is better!
Went to skeggy butlins as a child 30years ago, must admit the accommodation hardly looks to of changed! Haha
Your 💯 right the food is terrible in the uk as well,slop I wouldn’t feed a dog,where as abroad so much better
i’ve just been for a week stayed in new sea side apartments for £120 the apartments were wonderful and clean i can’t fault butlins don’t always believe these videos most the shelley’s are lovely we go back multiple times a year it’s fantastic ❤
We stayed early this year in the standard chalets for 2 adults and a child half board loved it only paid £159 for a Monday to Friday. Great value love it normally go to haven but will return.
Yes did notice a stale smell in venues. And reds does have a lift it’s the other end
I used to love the monorail when I was a kid. I grew up going Minehead 😊
We've been here a few times, theres usually a couple of things I have a moan about, but the kids absolutely love it which makes it all worthwhile.
Just came back and we stayed in the caravan site and it was the nicest thing ever stayed in paddocks 62 was the van btw and it was fairly cheap coming to just under £500 for moanday to friday stay for 4 people but it is appualing to see how everyhing else is
The wife & I have been staying there for the past three years. We use it as a base and spend the days in Skegness and Ingoldmels. We are not too bothered about the entertainment but will go if it looks OK. We also pay for premier dining which has been very good in the past. We stay in the Seaside Appartments with a balcony.
Our last visit was May 2023 and we were so disappointed with the overall look of the place. The beers had changed (I am a very fussy drinker) and the food was terrible compared to previous years. Unfortunately we will not be visiting again.
Such a dear little baby .he is so cute ❤️
You are so kind
Great review again Tim. First impressions count so walking to your accommodation and seeing filth on the outside set it up for a fail before getting through the door, just look at the door step completely void of paint! Even if it was free to stay I just couldn't do it, cleanliness is everything. The canopy that should be white is now slime green if you look at the outside it is just vile, and the inside is even worse it must be a health hazard. They needed to landscape that funfair area with large trees and some astro turf but obviously the budget ran out.
Excellent as ever Tim (Gabby & Casper)
When I first went in the 70s the other side of the road through the tunnel was full of accommodation called Flatlets and they were all self catering, complete with shopping and entertainment and was known as RED camp.
The staff accommodation that you saw used to be GREEN camp and me and a mate of mine stayed there in the 80s and the accommodation that you saw next to is was built late 80s on an area that had the old TV rooms (1 room each for BBC1, BBC2 and ITV) and had seats like an old cinema, Model and craft building and grass area.
The Bungalows you saw were introduced mid 80s ish and were the higher end accommodation and were known as "County Suites"
The cheapest standard accommodation was situated between Green camp and the old funfair that used to stand on the accommodation that you stayed in, that area of accommodation opened in 1997/8 so even that is hitting 25 years old now.
Centre stage used to be "The Showboat" and inside was themed like a Memphis steamer and Reds was "Queens", They opened circa 1987 and replaced places like the Regency show bar and Embassy Ballroom.
Not been to Butlins for years. If my kids were younger I don't think I'd bother. When I was about 10 we stayed at Clacton on Sea Butlins and the chalets were like in Hi Di Hi but loved it. I don't know how long holiday parks will last, let's hope they do.
I love Butlins go every year, you can’t beat the entertainment there is always something on or to do.
Just about any seaside hotel or holiday park will battle the humidity and moisture. Any kind of stucco and plastering will just absorb that moisture and begin to crumble. Untreated woodwork with do the same. The wood will expand and contract with the moisture and paint will crack and peel. It's a maintenance nightmare with metal rusting as well. Most places just put a coat of paint and think it's fixed.
I remember being there in the early-mid nineties. Stunk like feet then as well.
I worked at Butlins for 3 years 'Minehead' you want to see the state of the staff accommodation. What you stayed in was 5*
I can imagine
I've been a couple of times, back in the seventies and early eighties. Bathrooms and toilets were in blocks no ensuite. Skegness used to have a sky ride from one end of the Camp to the other.
Thanks Tim and Gabby and Casper great video looks fun for the children always look forward to the next Yvonne 😊
I remember going to Butlins with family when I was younger. Can't remember if it was the Skeggy one (I think it may have been) but my nan and grandad visited us there whilst we were staying. It was slightly grubby but not terrible.
Ahh😂 casper. Hope he enjoyed the ride, you go casper ❤xx
Me and my sisters love Butlins no matter how much damage we see!