I cannot believe that a year ago today my family and I were heading off to Butlins, Bognor Regis, for the Tots 100 Xmas Party. I was sooooo excited to be going, not just for the chance to have a cheap weekend break with my boys – our first little family beak together – but because it was almost Christmas so Butlins would be holding its Winter Wonderland event. Also, I would be meeting up with some bloggers, some of which I had met previously and others I was looking forward to meeting for the first time. Myself and the other bloggers who were attending, had been sending out excited tweets to one another during the couple of weeks leading up to this break away, and we were beyond excited!!
We arrived at Butlins very late Friday night and although it was dark (and cold!) it was all lit up with Christmas decorations and you could see fake snow laying on the ground and among the bushes and even (fake) snowmen! We checked into our room in the Ocean Hotel which was contemporary in its decor and design, and suddenly the boys woke up and wanted to bounce on Mummy and Daddy’s bed!
Look how small they both look !!
I was amazed at how different the Bognor resort was from my last visit there almost 20 years previously!!
The next morning, after breakfast we set off to explore and see what Butlins had to offer us in way of keeping the boys entertained and amused. When I applied to go away for this weekend, I knew full well that it would be geared up for little ones and thats what I was excited about for Burton and Jenson – lots of child friendly activities!
To be fair at 9 months, Jenson was a little young to make the most of the rides and entertainment that was on offer although. However, there was a small soft play area that was suitable for babies and young toddlers, and he enjoyed the little ball pool it had.
However, for an energetic and enthusiastic two and a half year old the Skyline Pavillion offered some wonderful experiences for Burton – he really enjoyed himself!
I love how a year ago Burton’s camera pose was a closed mouth smile!!
There is also an indoor bungee jump – perfect for the more adventurous types!!
Daddy took him swimming too in the brilliant Splashworld pool which was a lot of fun and he loved the water slides and wave machine. There really is sooooo much to see and do – well when you are a kid (and maybe a big kid!) anyway!
However, what really made this weekend special for me, was the festive atmosphere which Butlins created with their Winter Wonderland extravaganza. It really did feel and look Christmassy.
Although we didn’t take advantage of this, the chance to meet Father Christmas, his reindeer and if you don’t mind queueing up, the chance for your and your family to be photographed in a snow globe were also available!
It was also the opportunity to reaffirm friendships and create new ones
And the best way of finding out if your children enjoyed their winter wonderland weekend away?
This, of course!
🙂
It was a great weekend and I cannot wait for our next Butlins break next May at Minehead!!
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Thank you xx
Thank you xx
That looks like such a fun weekend and a great way to get in the Christmas spirit, so many great photos! Sounds tiring enough for adults, I’m not surprised you had two sleepy boys at the end of it! xx
Sounds like a great weekend, I remember being amazed at Burton doing that jumpy thing. He was SO brave!
Now I wish I’d have booked a Christmas break. It looks amazing. Burton looks so cute, I love his smile xx
Ahhhh, it was a great weekend away. So festive and special. Part of me wishes we’d booked to go again this year as it was so lovely for the little guys first Christmas.
And I can’t believe how young your boys look. So cute. X
Looks like you had so much fun and so do the boys. I used to love going to places like Butlins when I was younger. So many nice places in the UK to go to for a wee break x
Had such fun that weekend, was gutted that we had to leave early.