Family holiday parks were made popular around the middle of the 20th century when Billy Butlin opened the first “Butlins” holiday park. Since then the family holiday park holiday has grown in popularity, with 1000’s of holiday parks dotted around the England, Scotland and Wales. All the holiday parks have different activities, although they all feature some of the same characteristics.
You will find most family holiday parks have a central entertainment venue. The entertainment venue is likely to be open all day, with children’s entertainment being featured throughout the daylight hours, and more adult themed entertainment happening at night – with a bar, disco and live singers.
The holiday park is set-up to keep the children entertained – if the children are happy, you will be too. There will be a playground for the older ones to explore, and maybe a kids club too.
You can’t beat a nice swim – which is why your chosen family holiday park will have a swimming pool. Some parks have an outdoor pool, some have an indoor pool. If you’re lucky you’ll get both. Children will also love the “splash areas”, featuring fountains and waterfalls – which have a tendency to drop over any unwary paddler.
An amusement arcade, of course, can be found in the main entertainment complex – containing the latest in slot machines and video game action. Pool tables and air hockey tend to be favourites amongst the dads.
Each park you look at will have slightly different facilities, so make sure you choose one which suits you. You’ll find family holiday parks at a host of locations across England, Scotland and Wales. Some of the biggest providers of holiday parks in the UK are Hoseasons, Haven Holiday, Pontins, Park Resorts Butlins, have a look round and see what takes your fancy.