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Which Butlins Resort Is Best? Minehead, Skegness Or Bognor? (2026 Guide)
Author: Robbie Lane | Last updated: 14 January 2026
Short answer - Which Butlins Is Best?
Butlins Skegness is the best all-round Butlins for 2026, while Butlins Minehead is usually the cheapest.
Skegness sits mid-range on price but gets joint-best reviews (alongside Bognor), helped by its modern swimming pool, wide range of activities and sandy beach. Minehead regularly undercuts the others on price, while Bognor performs well on reviews but is often the most expensive.
Skegness sits mid-range on price but gets joint-best reviews (alongside Bognor), helped by its modern swimming pool, wide range of activities and sandy beach. Minehead regularly undercuts the others on price, while Bognor performs well on reviews but is often the most expensive.
Quick Note - Don't Overlook Former Butlins Sites
Two former Butlins sites are now large Haven resorts: Haven Craig Tara in Scotland (formerly Butlins Ayr) and Haven Hafan y Môr in North Wales (formerly Butlins Pwllheli). If you live closer to Scotland or North Wales, they can be a more convenient alternative to driving to Skegness, Minehead or Bognor.
What kind of holiday is Butlins?
All three Butlins resorts offer large seaside holiday parks with a strong focus on included entertainment, swimming pools and family-friendly activities. In terms of price and scale, Butlins sits firmly in the UK’s mid-market, alongside large Haven resorts and the biggest Parkdean Resorts parks.
They’re generally cheaper than Center Parcs or Bluestone, but more expensive than smaller caravan parks with limited facilities. Most holidays include access to the swimming pool, funfair and a wide programme of shows and activities, with some premium activities costing extra.
They’re generally cheaper than Center Parcs or Bluestone, but more expensive than smaller caravan parks with limited facilities. Most holidays include access to the swimming pool, funfair and a wide programme of shows and activities, with some premium activities costing extra.
Butlins Skegness beat Bognor and Minehead in our study of the best value resort for a 2026 Butlins holiday...
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...but it's also worth considering former Butlins resorts such as Haven's Hafan y Môr
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Which Butlins is in the best location?
For many families, travel time is the single biggest deciding factor when choosing between Butlins Skegness, Minehead and Bognor Regis. After all, car journeys with children are as much fun as treading on a Lego brick.
Obviously, the most convenient Butlins depends on where you're travelling from but as a rough guide:
Obviously, the most convenient Butlins depends on where you're travelling from but as a rough guide:
- If you're travelling from London, Butlins Bognor Regis is the most convenient. It'll take you about two hours from Central London compared to about 3 1/2 hours to either Minehead or Skegness.
- If you're travelling from Birmingham, there's very little difference in travel time between the three resorts. It will take you just under three hours whichever Butlins you choose (unless you're stuck behind a caravan, of course).
- If you're travelling from Manchester, Butlins Skegness is the quickest journey at about three hours. Butlins Minehead and Butlins Bognor are more than four hours drive. Butlins Skegness is the most convenient from anywhere north of Manchester. A closer alternative from the North West of England and from North Wales is Haven's Hafan y Môr Holiday Park, which was previously called Butlins Pwllheli.
- If you're travelling from Cardiff, Butlins Minehead is quickest at about two hours. Butlins Bognor is about three hours whilst Butlins Skegness is well over four hours' drive.
- From Glasgow and Edinburgh, it's a whopping six hour drive to the nearest Butlins at Skegness. You would be better to look at Craig Tara, which was previously called Butlins Ayr and is now a Haven resort. It's a similarly huge site with plenty to do and is about an hour away from Glasgow.
Butlins in Skegness is convenient from the East Midlands...
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...whilst a former Butlins site such as Craig Tara is much closer from Scotland
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All three Butlins resorts are alongside the beach. The beaches at Butlins Skegness and Butlins Minehead are sandy whilst the beach at Butlins Bognor Regis is shingle and sand, so less suitable for family sandcastle competitions.
If the beach is the most important thing to you, I'd start by looking at Skegness, which has a massive sandy beach. Be warned though, it takes about three weeks to walk to the water's edge at low tide so swimming requires perseverance.
If the beach is the most important thing to you, I'd start by looking at Skegness, which has a massive sandy beach. Be warned though, it takes about three weeks to walk to the water's edge at low tide so swimming requires perseverance.
This is the massive sandy beach at Butlins Skegness
Which Butlins resort is cheapest?
Now here's the juicy part...
For our price comparison we looked at the cost of a week’s holiday at each Butlins resort for a family of four. We looked for the cheapest accommodation for two adults and two children in a self catering unit which included at least a basic kitchen.
We also looked at the cost of the cheapest accommodation with a buffet dining package. This includes four beds but no self catering facilities. Instead, you get breakfast and evening meals out. We didn’t include extras such as activity passes, as there is enough free stuff to do at Butlins if you don't want to fork out.
Cheapest price for a family of four for a week in August 2026, from cheapest to most expensive:
A week during October half term 2026, from cheapest to most expensive:
A week outside of school holidays in early July 2026
We also added together the six prices at each resort for our own curiosity and worked out the average cost:
So, Butlins Bognor is the expensive option in all of our of six price comparisons. In October half term, Bognor is almost £500 more expensive than the cheapest Butlins whilst on other dates there isn't as much in it.
Butlins Minehead is cheapest on four out of six dates, but there is one surprising week at October half term where Minehead was slightly more expensive than Butlins Skegness.
Of course, this is only a snapshot. My advice is to check prices at Minehead, Bognor and Skegness if a cheap holiday is the main factor for you.
Butlins Minehead was the cheapest Butlins in four of our six price comparisons and can be crowned as the cheapest Butlins for 2026. It isn't as simple as saying that Butlins Minehead is always cheapest, so I would check a few dates at Skegness as well if you are deciding between the two.
Butlins Minehead offers a similar range of activities, but it hasn't had as much redevelopment over the years and was a tiny bit behind the other two on customer reviews. However, we did find it was the cheapest for most of our price comparisons so is worth a look for that reason. In some instances, it was about £500 cheaper than Butlins Skegness.
For our price comparison we looked at the cost of a week’s holiday at each Butlins resort for a family of four. We looked for the cheapest accommodation for two adults and two children in a self catering unit which included at least a basic kitchen.
We also looked at the cost of the cheapest accommodation with a buffet dining package. This includes four beds but no self catering facilities. Instead, you get breakfast and evening meals out. We didn’t include extras such as activity passes, as there is enough free stuff to do at Butlins if you don't want to fork out.
Cheapest price for a family of four for a week in August 2026, from cheapest to most expensive:
- Butlins Minehead self catering: £770
- Butlins Skegness self catering: £967
- Butlins Bognor Regis self catering: £1021
- Butlins Minehead with dining (breakfast and evening meals for four people at the cheapest buffet available): £1070
- Butlins Skegness with dining: £1187
- Butlins Bognor Regis with dining: £1466
A week during October half term 2026, from cheapest to most expensive:
- Butlins Skegness self catering: £665
- Butlins Minehead self catering: £788
- Butlins Bognor Regis self catering: £1105
- Butlins Minehead with dining: £1084
- Butlins Skegness with dining: £1136
- Butlins Bognor Regis with dining: £1549
A week outside of school holidays in early July 2026
- Butlins Minehead self catering: £358
- Butlins Skegness self catering: £485
- Butlins Bognor Regis self catering: £526
- Butlins Skegness with dining: £695
- Butlins Minehead with dining: £724
- Butlins Bognor Regis with dining: £865
We also added together the six prices at each resort for our own curiosity and worked out the average cost:
- Butlins Minehead average price for the six dates above: £799
- Butlins Skegness: £856
- Butlins Bognor: £1087
So, Butlins Bognor is the expensive option in all of our of six price comparisons. In October half term, Bognor is almost £500 more expensive than the cheapest Butlins whilst on other dates there isn't as much in it.
Butlins Minehead is cheapest on four out of six dates, but there is one surprising week at October half term where Minehead was slightly more expensive than Butlins Skegness.
Of course, this is only a snapshot. My advice is to check prices at Minehead, Bognor and Skegness if a cheap holiday is the main factor for you.
Butlins Minehead was the cheapest Butlins in four of our six price comparisons and can be crowned as the cheapest Butlins for 2026. It isn't as simple as saying that Butlins Minehead is always cheapest, so I would check a few dates at Skegness as well if you are deciding between the two.
Butlins Minehead offers a similar range of activities, but it hasn't had as much redevelopment over the years and was a tiny bit behind the other two on customer reviews. However, we did find it was the cheapest for most of our price comparisons so is worth a look for that reason. In some instances, it was about £500 cheaper than Butlins Skegness.
Dining packages will cost you extra - but are generally cheaper than eating out (photo shows Premium Dining during our Butlins Skegness holiday)
Which Butlins has the best swimming pool?
For most families, the swimming pool is one of the biggest factors in choosing a Butlins resort.
The swimming pools/waterparks at the three Butlins resorts are all called Splash Waterworld. They're all a good size and are included in the cost of your holiday.
Butlins Bognor Regis has the newest swimming pool/waterpark (it opened in 2019) and it also has the most rides and features such as flumes and rides (there are eight rides and features in all).
The Splash Waterworld at Butlins Skegness is the second newest, having opened in 2013. It's got seven rides and features. We've stayed at Butlins Skegness a few times and the swimming pool has always been a highlight.
Butlins Minehead has the oldest swimming pool. It's got four rides and features, but it's still a good size. We've visited the pool at Butlins Minehead a few times and have still enjoyed it - despite it not being the newest. I'm a big kid and always go on the flumes and rides at holiday parks!
Of course, that just tells you the number of features rather than how good they are but it's a useful start.
The swimming pools/waterparks at the three Butlins resorts are all called Splash Waterworld. They're all a good size and are included in the cost of your holiday.
Butlins Bognor Regis has the newest swimming pool/waterpark (it opened in 2019) and it also has the most rides and features such as flumes and rides (there are eight rides and features in all).
The Splash Waterworld at Butlins Skegness is the second newest, having opened in 2013. It's got seven rides and features. We've stayed at Butlins Skegness a few times and the swimming pool has always been a highlight.
Butlins Minehead has the oldest swimming pool. It's got four rides and features, but it's still a good size. We've visited the pool at Butlins Minehead a few times and have still enjoyed it - despite it not being the newest. I'm a big kid and always go on the flumes and rides at holiday parks!
Of course, that just tells you the number of features rather than how good they are but it's a useful start.
Skegness Splash Waterworld
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Bognor Regis Splash Waterworld
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Minehead Splash Waterworld
Which Butlins has the best facilities and activities?
All three Butlins resorts are large holiday parks with a similar overall scale and a broadly comparable range of activities. Each resort has a Skyline Pavilion, which is a covered indoor area containing several attractions and entertainment venues.
A key difference between Butlins and resorts like Center Parcs is that many activities at Butlins are included in the price of your holiday. This reduces the number of paid add-ons and makes overall costs easier to control, particularly for families with children.
There are still some premium activities that cost extra, but not as many as Center Parcs and the prices are lower. There’s certainly less risk of public tantrums when you tell your children they can't do yet another activity because Daddy is getting panicky text messages from his bank...
Sports like football tournaments and mini fencing are included at all Butlins resorts, as are things like circus skills, tots discos, soft play and some craft activities (see the latest list of included activities on the Butlins website to avoid disappointments/arguments).
Things you pay extra for include minigolf, pottery painting, go-karts, archery, target shooting and bowling. Prices vary, but I wouldn't say they are unreasonable - for example, when we checked it was an extra £7.50 per person to go to the circus.
All of the Butlins resorts have a 'traditional fairground', which is free to use. At the time of writing, there are 7 rides at Butlins Bognor Regis, 7 rides at Butlins Minehead and 12 rides at Butlins Skegness. It is also worth mentioning that Butlins Skegness has a new Skypark which is a great big playground with big climbing towers, an extra-long tube slide and 'the UK's longest interactive seesaw'.
If you go for the inclusive dining option then you will probably eat from the buffet which you've paid for rather than eating out at a different restaurant. However, lots of people go for self catering and then eat out on a few nights. All three resorts have five pay-as-you-go restaurants onsite, so there's no notable difference there.
A key difference between Butlins and resorts like Center Parcs is that many activities at Butlins are included in the price of your holiday. This reduces the number of paid add-ons and makes overall costs easier to control, particularly for families with children.
There are still some premium activities that cost extra, but not as many as Center Parcs and the prices are lower. There’s certainly less risk of public tantrums when you tell your children they can't do yet another activity because Daddy is getting panicky text messages from his bank...
Sports like football tournaments and mini fencing are included at all Butlins resorts, as are things like circus skills, tots discos, soft play and some craft activities (see the latest list of included activities on the Butlins website to avoid disappointments/arguments).
Things you pay extra for include minigolf, pottery painting, go-karts, archery, target shooting and bowling. Prices vary, but I wouldn't say they are unreasonable - for example, when we checked it was an extra £7.50 per person to go to the circus.
All of the Butlins resorts have a 'traditional fairground', which is free to use. At the time of writing, there are 7 rides at Butlins Bognor Regis, 7 rides at Butlins Minehead and 12 rides at Butlins Skegness. It is also worth mentioning that Butlins Skegness has a new Skypark which is a great big playground with big climbing towers, an extra-long tube slide and 'the UK's longest interactive seesaw'.
If you go for the inclusive dining option then you will probably eat from the buffet which you've paid for rather than eating out at a different restaurant. However, lots of people go for self catering and then eat out on a few nights. All three resorts have five pay-as-you-go restaurants onsite, so there's no notable difference there.
Most attractions are included at Butlins...
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...whilst some things cost extra (images from Butlins)
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Which Butlins resort gets the best reviews?
On customer reviews alone, Butlins Skegness and Butlins Bognor are tied in first place (as of July 2025).
After many thousand reviews, the scores look like this:
And how does that compare to rival holiday parks? Overall, I would say that Butlins holds its own on review scores compared to similarly huge holiday parks owned by Haven, Parkdean Resorts, Bluestone and Center Parcs.
Here are average customer review scores at a selection of 10 of the UK's largest holiday parks, including the three Butlins resorts underlined:
You might like to read our more detailed comparison of Butlins v Haven to see how the compare on features, price and location. It's worth mentioning that Bluestone and Center Parcs tend to be a lot more expensive than Butlins, Haven and Parkdean Resorts.
Also take a look at our guide to the six biggest Haven resorts, if big scale holiday parks are what you're after.
After many thousand reviews, the scores look like this:
- Butlins Skegness averages 4.3/5 on Google Reviews or 3.7/5 on TripAdvisor - a total of 80%
- Butlins Bognor Regis scores 4.2/5 on Google Reviews or 3.8/5 on TripAdvisor - a total of 80%
- Butlins Minehead scores 4.2/5 on Google Reviews and 3.6/5 on TripAdvisor - a total of 78%
And how does that compare to rival holiday parks? Overall, I would say that Butlins holds its own on review scores compared to similarly huge holiday parks owned by Haven, Parkdean Resorts, Bluestone and Center Parcs.
Here are average customer review scores at a selection of 10 of the UK's largest holiday parks, including the three Butlins resorts underlined:
- Bluestone National Park Resort, Wales - 93% (similar scale and activities to Center Parcs)
- Center Parcs Sherwood Forest, East Midlands - 85%
- Haven Hafan y Môr, Wales - 83% (former Butlins site)
- Haven Devon Cliffs, South West England - 82% (one of Haven's biggest resorts)
- Butlins Skegness, East Midlands - 80%
- Parkdean Resorts Trecco Bay, Wales - 80% (Parkdean's largest resort)
- Haven Primrose Valley, Yorkshire - 80% (very large Haven resort)
- Butlins Bognor Regis, South East England - 80%
- Butlins Minehead, South West England - 78%
- Haven Craig Tara, Scotland - 73% (former Butlins site)
You might like to read our more detailed comparison of Butlins v Haven to see how the compare on features, price and location. It's worth mentioning that Bluestone and Center Parcs tend to be a lot more expensive than Butlins, Haven and Parkdean Resorts.
Also take a look at our guide to the six biggest Haven resorts, if big scale holiday parks are what you're after.
Butlins Skegness gets the best review scores of the three Butlins resorts...
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...whilst Bluestone Resort in Wales is on a similar scale and scores slightly higher with customers
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Which Butlins holiday park has the best weather?
If you want guaranteed sunshine, I'd try Spain. However, if you want a slightly increased chance of sunshine, I'd picked Butlins Bognor Regis over the other two.
According to the Met Office, the South Coast (home of Butlins Bognor Regis) managed 1749 hours of sunshine in 2018, compared to 1625 in the South West (home of Butlins Minehead) and 1635 in the Midlands (home of Butlins Skegness).
Over a year, that means you'll average about 20 minutes extra sunshine per day in Bognor Regis compared to Skegness.
As I said, if you want guaranteed sunshine, try Spain...
According to the Met Office, the South Coast (home of Butlins Bognor Regis) managed 1749 hours of sunshine in 2018, compared to 1625 in the South West (home of Butlins Minehead) and 1635 in the Midlands (home of Butlins Skegness).
Over a year, that means you'll average about 20 minutes extra sunshine per day in Bognor Regis compared to Skegness.
As I said, if you want guaranteed sunshine, try Spain...
Which Butlins holiday park has the best accommodation?
All three Butlins resorts give you a choice of either 'rooms' (i.e. a bed and a bathroom) or an 'apartment' which also includes a kitchen and living area.
You can either go for self catering accommodation at Butlins or pay a bit extra to have a breakfast buffet and evening meals provided.
If you go for a 'standard apartment' (which is what a lot of people do) then you won't notice a vast difference between Bognor, Skegness or Minehead.
However, there are some differences in the upgrades which are available at each resort. It can be a little confusing, as there are so many options (see our full guide to the different grades). The main differences are:
You can either go for self catering accommodation at Butlins or pay a bit extra to have a breakfast buffet and evening meals provided.
If you go for a 'standard apartment' (which is what a lot of people do) then you won't notice a vast difference between Bognor, Skegness or Minehead.
However, there are some differences in the upgrades which are available at each resort. It can be a little confusing, as there are so many options (see our full guide to the different grades). The main differences are:
Butlins Skegness Accommodation
- Butlins Skegness has a more limited choice of upgrades for 'rooms' compared to the other Butlins resorts. You can only have 'standard rooms' or upgrade to 'silver rooms' which are a bit more modern. You can't get a 'suite' which is a room with extra living space (those are available at Minehead and Bognor).
However, Skegness has six different grades of 'apartment' including some fairground themed apartments which you'll only find at Skegness Butlins. It also has some 'New Style Silver Apartments' which are more modern than those at Minehead.
When we've stayed at Butlins in Skegness we have always gone for apartments rather than rooms, despite also going for a dining package. We've found that it's useful to have somewhere to prepare food, even if you are mostly eating out.
Fairground themed apartments with wobbly mirrors are only available at Butlins Skegness
Butlins Minehead Accommodation
- Butlins Minehead has a better choice of different types of 'rooms' than Skegness and Bognor. As well as a basic 'standard room' or more modern 'silver room' you can also pay extra for a 'silver suite' or deluxe suite' which is a room with a bonus bit of living space. That means you don't have to sit on the bed to watch TV.
Minehead is a better option than Skegness if you want an apartment with a view or lodge-style accommodation. It is only resort with Bayside Apartments which overlook the beach, Seaside Lodges which are more spacious than most apartments and West Lakes Chalets which overlook two lakes.
Butlins Minehead doesn't have the more modern type of standard apartments that you get at Skegness and Bognor. However, it is the only Butlins which has bungalows, which tend to be popular with people with mobility issues.
We've also stayed at Butlins Minehead and took a similar approach to Butlins Skegness, where we booked an apartment even though we signed for a dining package. The extra space and the option of making food is a big plus point and doesn't tend to cost a lot more unless you are visiting at peak time.
Butlins Minehead is the only Butlins resort with these chalets overlooking lakes
Butlins Bognor Accommodation
- Butlins Bognor Regis is the only Butlins resort with 'hotels', as well the usual 'rooms' and 'apartments'.
There are three different hotels spread across the Butlins Bognor Regis resort. Each one is aimed at a different age group. The Shoreline Hotel is aimed at under fives, The Wave Hotel is aimed at junior school aged children and The Ocean Hotel is best for teenagers and adults. The hotels tends to be amongst the most expensive accommodation for a Butlins holiday, but they are modern and some rooms have sea views.
The cheaper hotel rooms don't have living space, but they have more modern decor than the rooms at other Butlins resorts. The more expensive hotel rooms are more like apartments as they have a bit of living space.
The hotels have their own restaurants and places to meet up with other people.
Butlins Bognor Regis is unique in having three hotels on the resort - including The Shoreline Hotel for preschoolers
Other differences between the three Butlins locations
- Butlins Skegness was the original Butlins, which opened in 1936. Butlins Bognor Regis and Butlins Minehead both opened in the 1960s. I'd hardly say this is relevant in your decision making as they've all been improved over the years.
- According to Wikipedia, the Minehead resort is the largest of the three as it can hold up to 10,000 people. From above, the three sites look to be a similar size overall and they've all got enough to keep you entertained for several days.
- Again according to Wikipedia, Butlins Minehead hasn't changed as much over the years compared to Butlins Skegness and Butlins Bognor Regis ('the changes at Minehead were less extensive than at the other two remaining Butlins resorts, and most of the original structures and layout remained intact').
Our personal experience of staying at Butlins in Skegness and Minehead
We've stayed at Butlins in Skegness and Minehead over the years and have enjoyed both greatly. We haven't yet stayed at Butlins in Bognor, but the money they've spent on the swimming pool has made us consider it.
Minehead felt a bit larger and more spread out than Skegness to me. Skegness felt a little bit more compact and was easier to get around. I would say that Skegness felt more like a classic Butlins resort with quite tightly packed chalets, whilst Minehead was a little bit more of a holiday park vibe with more space.
We enjoyed the fairground rides at both. I would say that the Skegness rides were pretty busy, but neither had particularly long queue times compared to some theme parks.
Both Skegness and Minehead resorts are right by the beach. Personally, I don't think there's much between the two beaches. If I had to choose, I would go for Skegness as the more scenic but a lot of people will tell you the opposite. I wouldn't make your mind up based on my thoughts alone!
You can read our blog about our most recent visit to Butlins Skegness.
Minehead felt a bit larger and more spread out than Skegness to me. Skegness felt a little bit more compact and was easier to get around. I would say that Skegness felt more like a classic Butlins resort with quite tightly packed chalets, whilst Minehead was a little bit more of a holiday park vibe with more space.
We enjoyed the fairground rides at both. I would say that the Skegness rides were pretty busy, but neither had particularly long queue times compared to some theme parks.
Both Skegness and Minehead resorts are right by the beach. Personally, I don't think there's much between the two beaches. If I had to choose, I would go for Skegness as the more scenic but a lot of people will tell you the opposite. I wouldn't make your mind up based on my thoughts alone!
You can read our blog about our most recent visit to Butlins Skegness.
We stayed in a Gold Apartment at Butlins Skegness
Conclusion - which Butlins is right for you?
For most families, Butlins Skegness is the best all-round choice for 2026. It combines joint-best review scores with a modern swimming pool, a sandy beach and mid-range pricing, making it the most balanced option overall.
Butlins Minehead is the best choice if price is your top priority, as it was the cheapest option in most of our comparisons. Butlins Bognor Regis performs well on reviews and has the newest swimming pool, but it is usually the most expensive of the three.
Travel time may still be the deciding factor for some families, but if distance is similar, Skegness is the best pick for most people.
Butlins Minehead is the best choice if price is your top priority, as it was the cheapest option in most of our comparisons. Butlins Bognor Regis performs well on reviews and has the newest swimming pool, but it is usually the most expensive of the three.
Travel time may still be the deciding factor for some families, but if distance is similar, Skegness is the best pick for most people.
