Butlin’s Bognor Regis is set to unveil a colossal new indoor soft play area and puppet theatre, just in time for the Easter holidays. This £1.8 million investment represents the largest indoor soft play and puppet theatre ever constructed at a Butlin’s resort, boasting a capacity of 200 children. Spanning an impressive 3,000 square feet across four storeys, the soft play centre will incorporate interactive and sensory features designed to engage children of all ages. The 8-metre high structure will be divided into dedicated zones for babies, toddlers, and juniors, ensuring a safe and stimulating environment for each age group. Theming for the soft play area will revolve around Butlin’s beloved Skyline Gang characters, each of whom will have a dedicated section brimming with climbing challenges, slides, log ramps, cargo nets, and other engaging play equipment. A dedicated multi-sensory space for babies and a seating area for up to 100 adults will also be incorporated into the design.
Complementing the soft play centre, a new Puppet Theatre will also open its doors for the Easter holidays, offering classic string puppet shows designed for family entertainment. The Puppet Castle will host a variety of performances, including “Under The Sea,” “Jingle in the Jungle,” and “Christmouse Wonderland,” adding another layer of amusement to the Butlin’s experience. Access to both the Puppet Castle shows and the expansive indoor soft play centre will be included in the price of family breaks and day passes, representing significant value for guests.
This latest addition builds on Butlin’s recent investments in enhancing its entertainment offerings, following the successful launch of the £15 million PLAYXPERIENCE at Bognor Regis last year. The PLAYXPERIENCE, a 50,000 square foot immersive hub spread across two floors, boasts nine state-of-the-art experiences, including escape rooms, digital arts installations, and a gigantic gaming wall. These ongoing developments underscore Butlin’s commitment to providing guests with a diverse and engaging holiday experience.
The Easter holidays at Butlin’s Bognor Regis promise to be action-packed, with the superhuman stars of the hit TV show Gladiators also scheduled to make an appearance. Guests can look forward to a series of fun and interactive games featuring the Gladiators, adding another exciting dimension to the holiday programme. Breaks at Butlin’s Bognor Regis over the Easter period start from an affordable £49 per person, based on four people sharing a two-bedroom Comfort Room for four nights. This price includes all live shows and headline acts, unlimited access to the Splash Waterworld pools, free fairground rides, and entry to the new Skyline Gang Soft Play and playgrounds.
Butlin’s has undergone a significant transformation over the years, evolving from its traditional seaside holiday camp image to a modern entertainment destination. While retaining its core values of family fun and entertainment, Butlin’s has continued to invest in new attractions and experiences, appealing to a wider audience. The introduction of themed weekends, featuring popular musical acts and entertainment from various eras, has further broadened its appeal. This year, Butlin’s will host 15 different Big Weekender themed breaks, celebrating musical eras from the 80s, 90s, and 00s, with headline performances from artists like Matt Goss and Charlie Simpson.
The evolution of Butlin’s can be seen through the reflections of long-time visitor and travel writer Catherine Lofthouse, who has been visiting the parks for 40 years. She notes the enduring appeal of photo opportunities with iconic characters, the wide array of sports and activities available, and the nostalgic memories of bygone features like the monorails that once graced the Skegness and Minehead resorts. While acknowledging a period in the 2000s where Butlin’s seemed to lose its focus, she praises the rebranding and investment in recent years that have revitalised the brand. Lofthouse’s positive assessment echoes the sentiment of many who have rediscovered the charm of Butlin’s as a family-friendly holiday destination. This renewed appeal is further evidenced by celebrity endorsements, such as Coleen Rooney’s recent praise for her budget break at the resort.
Butlin’s continues to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of the holiday industry, striving to provide guests with an unforgettable experience. The opening of the new soft play and puppet theatre at Bognor Regis marks another significant milestone in this ongoing journey, offering families a unique and exciting new attraction to enjoy. The combination of classic seaside fun with modern entertainment options ensures that Butlin’s remains a relevant and appealing destination for generations to come. The significant investment in new facilities and entertainment options underscores Butlin’s commitment to providing guests with a value-packed holiday experience, catering to a wide range of interests and age groups. This commitment to innovation and guest satisfaction is key to Butlin’s continued success in the competitive holiday market.
