BUTLIN’S has finally reopened its much-loved water attraction — eight months after it was forced to close.
The main swimming pool at the Butlin’s resort in Skegness in Lincolnshire closed back in November 2023.
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At the time, a spokesperson said: “We unfortunately encountered a burst pipe which has caused the temporary closure of Splash Waterworld in our Skegness resort.”
Butlin’s later revealed the ongoing closure as a result of a “few maintenance” problems following the leak.
After being forced to close last year, the swimming pool was allowed to reopen on Monday (July, 29, 2024) following repair works.
One mum described the reopening as “great news” in a post on social media.
Other holidaymakers expressed their delight by using emoticons in the comment section of a Facebook post.
The water flumes and kids’ pool remained open while the repair work took place.
Even though other water attractions stayed open, many guests were left gutted by the closure.
One mum said she had been forced to cancel her break, choosing to go to the Bognor Regis park instead.
And back in May, another mum was left gutted after booking a trip to Butlin’s Skegness only to realise it was still closed.
She said: “It’s a big deal for me and the main reason we booked to go there.”
The reopening of the main swimming pool at the Butlin’s resort in Skegness comes after a brand-new £2.5million attraction opened at Butlin’s Minehead last week.
Similar to the one already open at Skegness, the Skypark playground has six play zones as well as the UK’s longest swingline, measuring 137ft.
Each of the play zones have been themed around positive play emotions and provide a dedicated area where younger guests to play.
There are plenty of other features too like a wheelchair-friendly seesaw, trampolines and two intertwining slides that light-up.
The entire playground also lights up at night, for families who are after an amazing after-dark experience.
Guests on family breaks, and any holidaymakers on a day pass, can visit the Skypark playground for free.
Over the last year, Butlin’s has invested £23million into redeveloping its Minehead Resort after the site was heavily impacted by flooding last September.
NEW ADDITIONS AT BUTLIN’S
Meanwhile, there are lots of exciting upcoming additions at the holiday parks.
The new £12million Maple Walk lodges are opening at the Skegness holiday park, with 128 premium accommodation options a short walk from the main park.
And the new indoor activity centre PLAYXPERIENCE is to open at Bognor Regis after summer.
The £15million attraction will have two floors of games and activities, including escape rooms and VR experiences.
BIG WEEKENDER HEADLINERS 2025
Meanwhile, the Butlin’s Big Weekenders are already set to make a return next year.
Next year, Butlin’s will host 15 different Big Weekender themed breaks, featuring a choice of musical eras from the 80s, 90s and 00s.
Pop legends like Matt Goss and Busted‘s Charlie Simpson will be performing on set weekends in 2025.
Platinum-selling artist Matt Goss will be headlining an “Ultimate 80s” break, while Charlie Simpson will perform a DJ set straight from the 00s.
Other artists are also slated to perform throughout the year, including Peter Andre, Blue and Boyzlife.
How has Butlin’s changed over the years?
TRAVEL writer Catherine Lofthouse has been visiting the Butlin’s parks for 40 years – here’s her verdict:
“When I was little, my family would head to Butlin’s every July for a week by the sea, and I even worked at the Minehead resort as a lifeguard in my teens.
“One thing that’s always set Butlin’s apart from its rivals are the photo opportunities that you have during your break, including Teletubbies and TV star Stephen Mulhern.
“There’s also lots of sports and activities to choose from, like football, archery, crafts and soft play.
“One of the things I miss from holidays gone by are the monorails that ran at Skegness and Minehead from the 1960s for forty years.
“I think Butlin’s lost its way a bit in the 2000s when it seemed to become a mecca for stag and hen dos, but in the last decade, there’s been a bit of a turnaround in terms of rebranding and investment.
“I would say that anyone who hasn’t been for a while or who has written Butlin’s off as not for them might be wise to give it another go.”
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