The 9 Best Activities at Butlins Skegness

If you’re looking for the perfect UK staycation destination then look no further than Butlins! This holiday resort has been entertaining families since 1936 and has everything from fairground rides to a full entertainment schedule. There really is something for everyone to enjoy but it can be overwhelming when there’s so much to choose from. That’s why we’ve put together this post that covers the best activities at Butlins Skegness. All that’s left for you to do is get it booked and pack your bags – just learn from my mistake and remember your swimming costume!    

If you’re looking to book your visit to Butlins Skegness and are considering where is best to stay then check out our review of the Butlins Fairground Apartments. We also have a comparison of the Butlins Skegness vs Butlins Minehead site if you know you want a Butlins holiday but aren’t sure which resort is best for you.

What’s in this post? 

If there’s a part of this guide that you’re particularly interested in you can skip straight there by clicking on that section in the contents below. If not, then continue reading for the 9 best activities at Butlins Skegness.

Where is Butlins Skegness

Butlins Skegness is located on the east coast of England, about an hours drive from Lincoln. Butlins also have resorts in Bognor Regis and Minehead.

List of the 9 best activities at Butlins Skegness

Splashworld

If you’ve visited a Butlins resort before then you know that one of the best things to do at a Butlins is the swimming pool. Complete with slides, rapids and an area for toddlers there is something suited to all ages. If you forget you’re swimming great then don’t worry, you can but most things in the pool shop for a reasonable price. 

The Fairground

From waltzers to tea cups and bumper cars, With a variety of rides for different ages the funfair at Butlins is an activity the whole family can enjoy. The best part – it’s included in the price so there’s no extra cost. 

Hire a family bike

For a reasonable fee of £15 you can hire one of these four seater family bikes for 30 minutes. While it is an awesome way to get around the park and the kids loved it, I’d be giving half the story if I didn’t say how exhausting it was to be one of the peddlers!

Sky Pavilion

The Sky Pavilion is the hub of Butlins and where all the action happens. From live shows to kids disco, there are loads of activities on offer at any of the Butlins parks. There’s plenty of seats so you can relax, or even grab some food from one of the nearby fast food places. 

Play football

If you have football obsessed kids like us then you’ll make good use of the football facilities on site. There’s a good sized football pitch that’s free to use, hour long football clubs for 5 – 17 year olds that are also included in the price. You also have the option of signing up the football academy. This is available for 5 – 12 year olds and involves training from a qualified FA coach. The cost for this is £10 per hour and every child also gets a drawstring bag and water bottle. 

The Skypark

In 2023 Butlins Skegness added its SkyPark, an exciting play park designed to spark imagination and creativity. Suitable for kids of all ages, the accessible and sensory elements are what make this park really special. Another activity that’s included in the price but beware – there aren’t many places to sit in the park and there are less areas of shade. 

Play in the arcade

Flashing lights, loud noises and loads of fun games – what kid doesn’t love the arcade! The Butlins arcade has everything from 2p machines to state of the art VR games, and games that churn out tickets. Even in the busiest periods there’s always space in one of the two arcades at Butlins Skegness, both being centrally located in the Skyline Pavilion and next to the Fairground.

Aerial Adventure 

Fancy getting your blood pumping by having a go on the climbing wall, high ropes, zip wire or, for the real thrill seekers, the free fall? For between £8 to £13 per person you can experience the fun of one of the aerial activities available. These are bookable so make sure you download the Butlins app to secure your booking. 

The beach

The resort is on the beach with easy access through a gate a few minutes walk from the Skyline Pavillion. It’s a good size beach with plenty of sand and grassy dunes but aside from Butlins there’s not much around. If you’re looking for a more typical British seaside experience the blue flag Skegness beach is only 5-10 minutes drive away from the resort. 

FAQs about the best activities at Butlins Skegness

How do you book activities at Butlins? 

All activities can be booked via the Butlins App. 

Even if you’re not planning on booking any activities yet I’d recommend downloading the app before your visit as it has loads of useful information including a map of the Butlins site. If you’ve already booked your stay at Butlins Skegness check their website to find the entertainment and activity schedule for your stay.

Do you have to pay for activities at butlins? 

While some activities are included – the fairground, swimming, entertainment, and the beach to name a few. There are also some additional activities that need to be paid for, including adventure golf, aerial adventure, football academy, and other bookable kids activities. 

Is there evening entertainment at Butlins?

There is a range of evening entertainment and shows at Butlins Skegness. Head to either the Skyline Pavilion, Reds or Studio 36 to join in on live music, game shows, family discos and singalongs. You can find a list of all shows and entertainment on the Butlins website.

What time does evening entertainment start at Butlins? 

Although there are shows throughout the day, the evening entertainment starts from 6pm. 

Are there arcades at Butlins?

There are two arcades at Butlins Skegness, one in the Skyline Pavilion and one next to the Fairground. 

Can you get on the beach from butlins?

You can get to the beach from Butlins Skegness via a gate that provides direct access for Butlins guests. 

Do you have to book for Butlins swimming? 

You don’t have to book to access the swimming, however it does get busier around an hour after it opens and there’s quite a queue before opening, so I’d advise you get there around 15 mins after it opens. 

Do you have to stay at Butlins to use the pool? 

You can also use the pool if you buy a day pass at Butlins. 

Can you walk from Butlins to Skegness? 

You can walk from  Butlins to Skegness, it takes around one hour. You can also jump on a bus to Skegness from Butlins, the closest bus stop is just outside the main Butlins gates and across the road. 

Is the fairground included in the Butlins price? 

The Fairground is free to anyone who is visiting and staying overnight or who have booked a day pass at Butlins. 

Final thoughts on the best activities at Butlins Skegness 

Butlins is the perfect staycation destination for families looking to create unforgettable memories. With its range of exciting activities and shows, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. From the water park to the fairground, the beach to the art studio, there’s never a dull moment at Butlins. So, pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready for a holiday that you and your family will never forget!