With another half-term approaching next month, Jackie Davies recommends packing up the family and taking them off to Butlins.
WHAT better way to take advantage of a half-term break than to spend a few days at one of Britain's three Butlins Resorts. We chose the one at Minehead mainly because of the convenience factor. An easy drive south on the M5 taking less than two hours, and we were well within the boredom thresholds of all members of the family, in particular two very active 10 and 14- year-old sons!
The brochure promised entertainment - come rain or come shine - and we certainly weren't disappointed. The biggest problem was not what to do, but how to fit everything in.
Many activities such as sports coaching on the outdoor, all-weather pitches, funfair rides, kids clubs for the under fives and up to age 16 and a huge indoor water world park, complete with slides, wave machine and jacuzzi were completely free, but a healthy supply of cash was also needed for the many other activities such as ten pin bowling, go karts, pool, table tennis, cycle hire and amusement arcades which proved to be of equal attraction.
Each resort boasts a 'Skyline Pavilion' as a feature. This totally enclosed, weatherproof area houses three main entertainment venues along with bars, restaurants, fast food takeaways and supermarkets. It was very refreshing to be able to give the boys their freedom in this environment, safe in the knowledge that the area was totally secure.
Every evening during our stay there was a huge choice of shows, live music performances, comedy shows (even a pantomime!) for both children and adults alike and the ubiquitous Redcoats proved themselves to be talented, professional entertainers, clearly loved by the more regular visitors.
Our accommodation was warm, comfortable and above all spotlessly clean, and our half board option proved easy and convenient, with two large self-service restaurants providing a choice of meal options that covered even the most fickle of tastes.Throughout the resort we were greeted by a friendly, helpful and above all, patient staff.
Minehead itself nestles below the hills of the Exmoor National Park, an area of outstanding natural beauty and the town now boasts a recently fortified sandy beach from which there are scenic views of the small bay and harbour.
The nearby twin towns of Lynton and Lynmouth also offered plenty of scope for sightseeing as well as perusing the quaint, local arts and craft shops, as did the historic port of Watchet with its marina, harbour, museum and shops.
The medieval town of Dunster, overlooked by a magnificent castle and surrounded by a stunning landscape, gave the impression that time had stood still.
It would certainly do this area a great disservice not to explore some of it.
With so much to offer both at the resort and in the surrounding area, this was a perfect out-of-season break, which, offered more than enough to keep all members of the family happy.
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