Amazing Alternatives to Butlins
Looking for a Butlins style holiday in the UK and want to find something fun and family friendly? Here we rank some alternatives to Butlins holiday parks.
Holiday park holidays in the UK
Do you know the feeling of a family break that leaves you needing a holiday when you return home? Taking the whole family on holiday can be stressful, and part of that stress can be booking the holiday in the first place!
Before booking you might be asking yourself SO many questions;
Will the kids be entertained?
Will there be kid friendly food to eat?
Will I have to cook every night?
What will we do all day?
Will I get a moments peace?!
All very valid concerns, and many of these are satisfied by a family-orientated holiday parks - just like that very well known brand Butlins.
Is Butlins the be all and end all?
Yes, Butlins has been around for a while (it started in 1936 with their Skegness park) and it has a reasonable reputation among those who like the fun, entertainment holiday park vibe (if Center Parcs is your thing then we will cover those type of parks in a separate article).
UK Breaks to suit a variety of families
Whatever your reasons booking a break, one of the well known parks may not be an option. Locations may not suit or you may been be shopping around to get a cheaper alternative.
Below we have covered some of the main park brands who have multiple locations, but don't end your search there. If you have a destination in mind, look for holiday cottages or campsites in the area as there may well be one that will suit your family well. There are independent businesses who run single sites, so look for these gems as they can often be overlooked.
The ratings below are based on Trust Pilot reviews for each company as a whole and do not reflect individual site quality. Always have a look on Trip advisor to get a more accurate view on an individual site, as they do vary a fair bit.
1. Hoseasons
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Hoseasons offers a wide range of self-catering holiday accommodation options, including holiday parks, lodges, and boating holidays. Hoseasons holiday parks are in various locations throughout the UK and Europe, offering holiday homes, lodges, and static caravans for short term stays. These parks have loads of facilities and activities, including swimming pools, restaurants, bars, and children's play areas, as well as opportunities for exploring the local areas.
🗺️ 13 sites across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Wales
🍽️ All sites have restaurant/s including some big name brands like Burger King, Papa Johns and Costa.
🐕 Yes - all parks in specific accommodation
2. Park Holidays
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These started off as specialist parks in East Sussex and Kent and now include many more around the UK. The sites offer all self-catering accommodation in caravans (mostly) but they do have luxury lodges or camping pods in some places. They have specific 'Active and Fun' holiday parks (as well as quiet ones) - so worth looking through these ones if you are going with family. These include swimming pools, adventure playgrounds and sports courts.
🗺️ 43 sites across the UK coastline
🍽️ All sites have a restaurant at the centre
🐕 Yes - all parks in specific accommodation
3. Hoburne
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If the toddler friendly holidays attracted you to Butlins, then Hoburne is a perfect alternative. They have special toddler-friendly breaks with separate activities just for parents.
Hoburne Holiday Parks are various locations throughout the UK, offering self-catering accommodation in the form of holiday homes, lodges, and static caravans for short term stays. These parks are designed for families and provide a range of facilities and activities, including swimming pools, restaurants, bars, children's play areas, and sports facilities. Many of the parks are located near popular tourist destinations and offer easy access to local attractions and activities.
🗺️ 13 sites across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Wales
🍽️ On selected sites
🐕 Yes - all parks in specific accommodation
4. Parkdean resorts
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This is the largest operator in this field and it has 67 different sites. 65 of which are dog friendly. They include a range of settings including seaside's, countryside and lake holidays.
🗺️ 67 sites across the UK
🍽️ All sites have restaurant/s including some big name brands like Papa Johns, Street eats and Fish and Chippery.
🐕 Yes - 65 of 67 sites are dog friendly
5. Haven Holidays
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Haven holiday parks are scattered around the UK and have around 40 parks across the British coastline. 33 of these are dog friendly so useful if you don't like using kennels.
🗺️ 40 sites across the UK coastline
🍽️ All sites have restaurant/s including some big name brands like Burger King, Papa Johns and Costa.
🐕 Yes - 33 of 40 sites are dog friendly
6. John Fowler
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John Fowler Holiday Parks are a group of holiday parks located in various locations in the South West of England, offering self-catering accommodation in the form of holiday chalets, apartments, caravans, and lodges for short term stays. They provide facilities such as swimming pools, amusement arcades, playgrounds, and entertainment venues for guests to enjoy during their stay. They have the Foxy Club to entertain kids between ages 5 and 9 including a whole range of different activities such as messy play, science games, sports activities and circus skills.
🗺️ 13 sites across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Wales
🍽️ All sites have a 'Chef's Corner' restaurant
🐕 Yes - on all parks (no dogs allowed in bars and restaurants)
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