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Daily Record
12 hours ago
- Daily Record
'I went to Butlin's for the first time on my own and three words sum it up'
Walking into Butlin's Bognor Regis, two things were crystal clear. One, I was the only child-free person for miles. And two, it was going to be an epic weekend. As a resident of the United Kingdom, I was recently told that going to a Butlin's was a rite of passage. As a relatively new resident of the United Kingdom - I had absolutely no idea what Butlin's was. So naturally I decided to spend a weekend at the closest one I could find, stat. For some context - I moved from India to the UK in June last year and holiday parks were not a popular concept back at home. In fact, you'd be hard-pressed to find one, especially of the same scale and renown. So off I went to Butlin's Bognor Regis to have myself a 'typically British' holiday break. To be fair, Butlin's isn't a holiday park. It's a holiday resort with all the frills and fancies to keep oneself entertained within its (expansive) boundary walls. Although a literal stone's throw away from the beach, that's not the Butlin's USP. The resort chain prides itself at having enough activities on offer within its premises that guests don't feel the need to turn to the beach for excitement. Walking into Butlin's with my partner during the May Bank Holiday weekend, almost immediately two things were crystal clear. One, my partner and I were perhaps the only child-free couple for miles. And two, it was going to be a wild weekend. The Rooms Butlin's Bognor Regis has three hotels within its premises - the Shoreline, Ocean, and Wave Hotels - along with the Comfort range of rooms and apartments. I was staying at the Wave Hotel which was fairly close to the action, and quite frankly, delightful. Entering the room, we were greeted by a neon blue glow (it was there in the name, really), yellow interiors, and the most adorable junior room for kids - outfitted with bunkbeds and a quirky porthole on the door. My 30-year-old self was so excited to have a lie-in on those bunk beds (complete with their own mini-TVs on each level), that I could only imagine how chuffed a child would be to have that space all to themselves. Entertainment Butlin's signature white tents hold a whole world within themselves. Complete with an arcade, a bowling alley, pool tables, a couple of bars, restaurants, and a few stages for entertainment shows in and around the space - it's hard to imagine being bored within its tented walls. You best believe I was a sucker for the arcade games, enjoying myself as much as the swarms of elated children around me. On closer inspection, I found I wasn't the only adult indulging. Seeing the parents in my vicinity become kids themselves was a joy to watch. A spirited game of bowling and a few rounds of pool later, I was in my 11-year-old self's childhood paradise. For those with kids, there were heaps of live shows on offer including The Masked Singer hosted by Mark Rhodes (of Crackerjack and CBBCs Junior Bake Off fame) featuring masked celebrity participants, Electric Wonderland, Iconic, Snow White and her Magnificent Friends, Animals and Mythical Beasts, and even a meet-and-greet with Gladiators stars Cyclone and Nitro. They were always jam-packed, and with the energy radiating out of them, it wasn't difficult to understand why. The PLAYXPERIENCE A brand-new addition to Butlin's Bognor Regis' already jam-packed holiday resort is the PLAYXPERIENCE. Having opened its doors to the public in October 2024, the PLAYXPERIENCE was definitely a highlight of my first-ever Butlin's weekend. Sprawled over two floors and nearly 50,000 square feet, it's undoubtedly a haven for gamers and fans of modern tech. A VR Cade featuring state-of-the-art VR games, laser tag, techputt (mini-golf), digi darts, escape rooms, glow pong, shuffleboard, a batting cage, and neo games - there's something for everyone is this gamer's paradise. Equipped with a bar and cafe within the premises, it was safe to say me and my passion fruit daiquiri had a great time while indulging in some neon mini golf. Another definite highlight was playing laser tag with mischievous kids and their equally (over) enthusiastic parents. Turns out, adrenaline-fuelled, cutthroat competitiveness is all one needs to get the morning going. As we squared off into four teams, it was once again apparent to me that the adults were enjoying themselves as much as the kids. That seemed to be the magic of Butlin's. Food and drink The Butlin's all inclusive drinks package felt like a no-brainer. With a good selection of cocktails, spirits, beers, ciders, wines, mocktails, Costa coffee, and soft drinks on offer - it's almost worth walking around with a pulsing neon-orange wristband for three days. It helps that most of the drinks are fairly delicious and get the job more than done. And with well-placed bars and restaurants throughout the resort site, we never had to go too long without refreshments. There were plenty of options no matter what your budget, whether we were after breakfast or a buffet dinner. We had the premium dining package booked which sorted our breakfast and dinner on each of the days. Breakfast timings were 8am to 10:30am on all days, and while the spread was extensive and catered to both kids and adults, the actual taste and quality of the food was average for me. But I guess you can't have everything. We were also surprised when we walked in at 10am the first day - I guess everyone wakes up really, really early as we definitely felt like the odd ones out, with people looking at us like we had two heads! The next day we made it at 9.45am but I still think everyone gets up really early and fuels up - which for me, being the person who likes to maximise sleep and get breakfast at the last minute, was not ideal. Fairground and Splash Waterworld A cute little fairground was the cherry on top of my Butlin's weekend. From go-karts and adventure golf, to mini-rides and a trampoline - the pre-booked All-Action Pass proved to be a success. My inner Lewis Hamilton came out to play in a spirited round of karting (in which I came first - and no, it doesn't matter that I was one of a handful of adults competing against mainly children). While I didn't take a swim, the faces of happy families walking around with wet hair and huge smiles plastered on their faces was enough to tell me it would've been a fun experience (when it wasn't raining and unbelievably windy). So, how did my first Butlin's visit rank as far as holidays go? Three days of fun, games, activities, and kids. Lots and lots and lots of kids. Perhaps the next time I'll return is when I have a little one of my own. Book the holiday Butlin's offers a three-night Showtime Weekend break featuring staying in a two bedroom Ocean Hotel room in Bognor Regis from £269 on 11 July 2025. Price is based on a two adults sharing and includes all live shows and activities with free flow access to the pool, unlimited fairground rides and access to PLAYXPERIENCE. Dining packages start from £24.95 per adult, per day, £14.95 per junior (6-14), per day and £6.80 per child (2-5). To find out more head to
Daily Mirror
21 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
'I had never heard of Butlin's but the moment I turned up I knew it'd be wild'
As a resident of the United Kingdom, I was recently told that going to a Butlin's was a rite of passage. As a relatively new resident of the United Kingdom — I had absolutely no idea what Butlin's was. So naturally I decided to spend a weekend at the closest one I could find, stat. For some context — I moved from India to the UK in June last year and holiday parks were not a popular concept back at home. In fact, you'd be hard-pressed to find one, especially of the same scale and renown. So off I went to Butlin's Bognor Regis to have myself a 'typically British' holiday break. To be fair, Butlin's isn't a holiday park. It's a holiday resort with all the frills and fancies to keep oneself entertained within its (expansive) boundary walls. Although a literal stone's throw away from the beach, that's not the Butlin's USP. The resort chain prides itself at having enough activities on offer within its premises that guests don't feel the need to turn to the beach for excitement. Walking into Butlin's with my partner during the May Bank Holiday weekend, almost immediately two things were crystal clear. One, my partner and I were perhaps the only child-free couple for miles. And two, it was going to be a wild weekend. Butlin's Bognor Regis has three hotels within its premises — the Shoreline, Ocean, and Wave Hotels — along with the Comfort range of rooms and apartments. I was staying at the Wave Hotel which was fairly close to the action, and quite frankly, delightful. Entering the room, we were greeted by a neon blue glow (it was there in the name, really), yellow interiors, and the most adorable junior room for kids — outfitted with bunkbeds and a quirky porthole on the door. My 30-year-old self was so excited to have a lie-in on those bunk beds (complete with their own mini-TVs on each level), that I could only imagine how chuffed a child would be to have that space all to themselves. Butlin's signature white tents hold a whole world within themselves. Complete with an arcade, a bowling alley, pool tables, a couple of bars, restaurants, and a few stages for entertainment shows in and around the space — it's hard to imagine being bored within its tented walls. You best believe I was a sucker for the arcade games, enjoying myself as much as the swarms of elated children around me. On closer inspection, I found I wasn't the only adult indulging. Seeing the parents in my vicinity become kids themselves was a joy to watch. A spirited game of bowling and a few rounds of pool later, I was in my 11-year-old self's childhood paradise. For those with kids, there were heaps of live shows on offer including The Masked Singer hosted by Mark Rhodes (of Crackerjack and CBBCs Junior Bake Off fame) featuring masked celebrity participants, Electric Wonderland, Iconic, Snow White and her Magnificent Friends, Animals and Mythical Beasts, and even a meet-and-greet with Gladiators stars Cyclone and Nitro. They were always jam-packed, and with the energy radiating out of them, it wasn't difficult to understand why. A brand-new addition to Butlin's Bognor Regis' already jam-packed holiday resort is the PLAYXPERIENCE. Having opened its doors to the public in October 2024, the PLAYXPERIENCE was definitely a highlight of my first-ever Butlin's weekend. Sprawled over two floors and nearly 50,000 square feet, it's undoubtedly a haven for gamers and fans of modern tech. A VR Cade featuring state-of-the-art VR games, laser tag, techputt (mini-golf), digi darts, escape rooms, glow pong, shuffleboard, a batting cage, and neo games — there's something for everyone is this gamer's paradise. Equipped with a bar and cafe within the premises, it was safe to say me and my passion fruit daiquiri had a great time while indulging in some neon mini golf. Another definite highlight was playing laser tag with mischievous kids and their equally (over) enthusiastic parents. Turns out, adrenaline-fuelled, cutthroat competitiveness is all one needs to get the morning going. As we squared off into four teams, it was once again apparent to me that the adults were enjoying themselves as much as the kids. That seemed to be the magic of Butlin's. The Butlin's all inclusive drinks package felt like a no-brainer. With a good selection of cocktails, spirits, beers, ciders, wines, mocktails, Costa coffee, and soft drinks on offer — it's almost worth walking around with a pulsing neon-orange wristband for three days. It helps that most of the drinks are fairly delicious and get the job more than done. And with well-placed bars and restaurants throughout the resort site, we never had to go too long without refreshments. There were plenty of options no matter what your budget, whether we were after breakfast or a buffet dinner. We had the premium dining package booked which sorted our breakfast and dinner on each of the days. Breakfast timings were 8am to 10:30am on all days, and while the spread was extensive and catered to both kids and adults, the actual taste and quality of the food was average for me. But I guess you can't have everything. We were also surprised when we walked in at 10am the first day - I guess everyone wakes up really, really early as we definitely felt like the odd ones out, with people looking at us like we had two heads! The next day we made it at 9.45am but I still think everyone gets up really early and fuels up - which for me, being the person who likes to maximise sleep and get breakfast at the last minute, was not ideal. A cute little fairground was the cherry on top of my Butlin's weekend. From go-karts and adventure golf, to mini-rides and a trampoline — the pre-booked All-Action Pass proved to be a success. My inner Lewis Hamilton came out to play in a spirited round of karting (in which I came first - and no, it doesn't matter that I was one of a handful of adults competing against mainly children). While I didn't take a swim, the faces of happy families walking around with wet hair and huge smiles plastered on their faces was enough to tell me it would've been a fun experience (when it wasn't raining and unbelievably windy). So, how did my first Butlin's visit rank as far as holidays go? Three days of fun, games, activities, and kids. Lots and lots and lots of kids. Perhaps the next time I'll return is when I have a little one of my own. Butlin's offers a three-night Showtime Weekend break featuring staying in a two bedroom Ocean Hotel room in Bognor Regis from £269 on 11 July 2025. Price is based on a two adults sharing and includes all live shows and activities with free flow access to the pool, unlimited fairground rides and access to PLAYXPERIENCE. Dining packages start from £24.95 per adult, per day, £14.95 per junior (6-14), per day and £6.80 per child (2-5). To find out more head to
Scoop
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Sweet Memories: Rediscovering The Joy Of UK Sweets In NZ
Press Release – Crackerjack When you're living halfway across the world, nothing feels better than biting into something that tastes like home. That's where Crackerjack comes in, bringing authentic UK flavours right to your doorstep in New Zealand. When you ask anyone from the UK what they miss most about home, somewhere after friends, family, and maybe football, comes the sweet stuff—those irresistible tastes of childhood, the British chocolate bars, and those traditional British sweets that just aren't quite the same anywhere else. Luckily for those now calling NZ home, the comforting embrace of familiar UK sweets is never too far away, especially as we celebrate King's Birthday and reflect on those cherished British traditions. At first glance, sweets might seem like simple pleasures. But ask anyone raised on British confectionery, and you'll soon discover that these little treats mean a lot more. A taste of British Cadbury chocolate or a bite into a nostalgic British candy can trigger memories quicker than your favourite childhood song. And let's be honest: when you're living halfway across the world, nothing feels better than biting into something that tastes like home. That's where Crackerjack comes in, bringing authentic UK flavours right to your doorstep in New Zealand. Childhood Treats and Chocolate Dreams Picture it: walking into the corner shop with a pocketful of coins and endless possibilities. You might have reached for the honeycomb crunch of a Cadbury Crunchie or savoured the chewy chaos of a Cadbury Curly Wurly. Maybe it was the sleek perfection of Galaxy Minstrels, which never seemed to last as long as you'd hoped. Each bite of these British chocolate bars now can whisk you straight back to carefree afternoons and schoolyard adventures. Of course, every UK sweets aficionado has their personal favourite. Perhaps you adored the bubbly simplicity of a Nestlé Aero Peppermint bar or dreamed about the chewy, nutty layers of a Nestlé Lion Bar. Or maybe you were the kid who was always first in line for Cadbury Fudge or Cadbury Twirl, tucked happily in your lunchbox as a midday treat. Whatever your candy of choice, those childhood favourites are here to spark your sweetest memories—and Crackerjack makes sure they're always within reach. From Sweet Shops to Shared Stories A big part of the charm of British sweets isn't just the taste—it's the memories attached. Ask anyone from the UK, and they'll fondly recall sherbet lemons and fruit sherbets, sweets that fizzed and crackled on their tongues. Kendal & Miller Spearmint Chews were pocket essentials, shared generously among friends, and Barratts Lion Fruit Salad gums were usually saved for sunny Saturdays. For some, it was the gentle burst of flavour from a pack of Maynards Bassetts Jelly Babies, while for others, Fry's Turkish Delight meant the weekend had officially arrived. These are sweets and chocolates that shaped moments, built friendships, and brought families together—little edible bookmarks in the story of growing up British. Chocolatey Comforts and Little Rituals No Brit would deny the comfort of a cup of tea paired with English sweets and chocolate. There's something uniquely soothing about dunking a Kit Kat Finger (milk, orange, caramel, or dark mint—take your pick) into a steaming cuppa. Fry's Chocolate Cream or Peppermint Cream bars offered moments of quiet indulgence, while Terry's Chocolate Orange—both milk and dark—always signified something a bit special, often reserved for Christmas mornings or birthdays. Cadbury Wispa bars, meanwhile, were the soft-spoken heroes of many a lunch break, their bubbly British chocolate melting satisfyingly in your mouth. And who can forget the satisfying crunch of Aero Hazelnut, or the delightful surprise of Aero Melts Neapolitan Ice Cream pouches shared around on movie nights? Tea Time Traditions: McVitie's and British Biscuits No discussion of British comfort food would be complete without mentioning the beloved ritual of tea and biscuits. McVitie's has been the cornerstone of British biscuit tins for generations, and their iconic treats remain as essential to the UK experience as a proper cup of tea. Whether it's the classic McVitie's Digestives—perfect for dunking—or the chocolate-coated indulgence of McVitie's Chocolate Digestives, these biscuits represent the heart of British tea time culture. The simple pleasure of McVitie's Rich Tea biscuits alongside a steaming mug, or the weekend treat of McVitie's Hobnobs with their hearty oat crunch, created countless moments of comfort and connection. For many Brits in New Zealand, finding these familiar biscuits means being able to recreate those cherished tea time moments, sharing a piece of home with family and friends who might be experiencing authentic British biscuits for the very first time. Making Home Feel a Little Closer For many Brits in New Zealand, the arrival of familiar sweets isn't just a chance to relive childhood—it's about holding onto roots, celebrating traditions, and creating new memories. Unwrapping British chocolate or tearing open a packet of your best-loved British sweets is a gentle reminder that home isn't always thousands of miles away. Sometimes, it's found in the flavours you know best. And so, whether you're a lifelong lover of the best English sweets, a dedicated fan of British Cadbury chocolate, or simply someone curious about English candy, one thing is clear: these treats aren't just sweets—they're tiny time machines, always ready to transport you back to simpler, sweeter times. To revisit these delicious memories or create new ones, simply explore Crackerjack's extensive selection of authentic UK sweets and confectionery. As King's Birthday approaches, it's the perfect time to celebrate British heritage with the flavours that matter most. Beyond our comprehensive range of UK sweets and chocolates, Crackerjack also offers a variety of British household items, health and beauty products, and groceries to help make your Kiwi home feel a little more like the UK. You never know—you might find yourself smiling, remembering, and reaching for just one more piece of home. Because, after all, life's too short not to enjoy the sweets you love—especially when they bring back the tastes, smells, and feelings that remind you exactly where you come from.
Scoop
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Sweet Memories: Rediscovering The Joy Of UK Sweets In NZ
When you ask anyone from the UK what they miss most about home, somewhere after friends, family, and maybe football, comes the sweet stuff—those irresistible tastes of childhood, the British chocolate bars, and those traditional British sweets that just aren't quite the same anywhere else. Luckily for those now calling NZ home, the comforting embrace of familiar UK sweets is never too far away, especially as we celebrate King's Birthday and reflect on those cherished British traditions. At first glance, sweets might seem like simple pleasures. But ask anyone raised on British confectionery, and you'll soon discover that these little treats mean a lot more. A taste of British Cadbury chocolate or a bite into a nostalgic British candy can trigger memories quicker than your favourite childhood song. And let's be honest: when you're living halfway across the world, nothing feels better than biting into something that tastes like home. That's where Crackerjack comes in, bringing authentic UK flavours right to your doorstep in New Zealand. Childhood Treats and Chocolate Dreams Picture it: walking into the corner shop with a pocketful of coins and endless possibilities. You might have reached for the honeycomb crunch of a Cadbury Crunchie or savoured the chewy chaos of a Cadbury Curly Wurly. Maybe it was the sleek perfection of Galaxy Minstrels, which never seemed to last as long as you'd hoped. Each bite of these British chocolate bars now can whisk you straight back to carefree afternoons and schoolyard adventures. Of course, every UK sweets aficionado has their personal favourite. Perhaps you adored the bubbly simplicity of a Nestlé Aero Peppermint bar or dreamed about the chewy, nutty layers of a Nestlé Lion Bar. Or maybe you were the kid who was always first in line for Cadbury Fudge or Cadbury Twirl, tucked happily in your lunchbox as a midday treat. Whatever your candy of choice, those childhood favourites are here to spark your sweetest memories—and Crackerjack makes sure they're always within reach. From Sweet Shops to Shared Stories A big part of the charm of British sweets isn't just the taste—it's the memories attached. Ask anyone from the UK, and they'll fondly recall sherbet lemons and fruit sherbets, sweets that fizzed and crackled on their tongues. Kendal & Miller Spearmint Chews were pocket essentials, shared generously among friends, and Barratts Lion Fruit Salad gums were usually saved for sunny Saturdays. For some, it was the gentle burst of flavour from a pack of Maynards Bassetts Jelly Babies, while for others, Fry's Turkish Delight meant the weekend had officially arrived. These are sweets and chocolates that shaped moments, built friendships, and brought families together—little edible bookmarks in the story of growing up British. Chocolatey Comforts and Little Rituals No Brit would deny the comfort of a cup of tea paired with English sweets and chocolate. There's something uniquely soothing about dunking a Kit Kat Finger (milk, orange, caramel, or dark mint—take your pick) into a steaming cuppa. Fry's Chocolate Cream or Peppermint Cream bars offered moments of quiet indulgence, while Terry's Chocolate Orange—both milk and dark—always signified something a bit special, often reserved for Christmas mornings or birthdays. Cadbury Wispa bars, meanwhile, were the soft-spoken heroes of many a lunch break, their bubbly British chocolate melting satisfyingly in your mouth. And who can forget the satisfying crunch of Aero Hazelnut, or the delightful surprise of Aero Melts Neapolitan Ice Cream pouches shared around on movie nights? Tea Time Traditions: McVitie's and British Biscuits No discussion of British comfort food would be complete without mentioning the beloved ritual of tea and biscuits. McVitie's has been the cornerstone of British biscuit tins for generations, and their iconic treats remain as essential to the UK experience as a proper cup of tea. Whether it's the classic McVitie's Digestives—perfect for dunking—or the chocolate-coated indulgence of McVitie's Chocolate Digestives, these biscuits represent the heart of British tea time culture. The simple pleasure of McVitie's Rich Tea biscuits alongside a steaming mug, or the weekend treat of McVitie's Hobnobs with their hearty oat crunch, created countless moments of comfort and connection. For many Brits in New Zealand, finding these familiar biscuits means being able to recreate those cherished tea time moments, sharing a piece of home with family and friends who might be experiencing authentic British biscuits for the very first time. Making Home Feel a Little Closer For many Brits in New Zealand, the arrival of familiar sweets isn't just a chance to relive childhood—it's about holding onto roots, celebrating traditions, and creating new memories. Unwrapping British chocolate or tearing open a packet of your best-loved British sweets is a gentle reminder that home isn't always thousands of miles away. Sometimes, it's found in the flavours you know best. And so, whether you're a lifelong lover of the best English sweets, a dedicated fan of British Cadbury chocolate, or simply someone curious about English candy, one thing is clear: these treats aren't just sweets—they're tiny time machines, always ready to transport you back to simpler, sweeter times. To revisit these delicious memories or create new ones, simply explore Crackerjack's extensive selection of authentic UK sweets and confectionery. As King's Birthday approaches, it's the perfect time to celebrate British heritage with the flavours that matter most. Beyond our comprehensive range of UK sweets and chocolates, Crackerjack also offers a variety of British household items, health and beauty products, and groceries to help make your Kiwi home feel a little more like the UK. You never know—you might find yourself smiling, remembering, and reaching for just one more piece of home. Because, after all, life's too short not to enjoy the sweets you love—especially when they bring back the tastes, smells, and feelings that remind you exactly where you come from.
Scoop
08-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Scoop
How To Make Mother's Day Memorable Without Breaking The Bank
Mother's Day is a time to show love and appreciation to the remarkable women who support us—whether that's our mum, stepmum, mother-in-law, grandma, fur-mum, or any other special woman who plays a nurturing role. Finding meaningful gifts without overspending can be tricky, but businesses like Crackerjack make it easier. Their curated selection of affordable Mother's Day gifts is designed to help Kiwis celebrate all kinds of mums in thoughtful, budget-friendly ways. From pet mums to stepmums, Crackerjack has something for everyone. Thoughtful Ideas That Don't Cost a Fortune You don't have to spend a lot to show someone you care. It's the small, heartfelt gestures that often mean the most. Crackerjack's Mother's Day range includes: Perfumes and pampering skincare Health and beauty products for a bit of well-deserved self-care Cosy slippers and winter clothing —perfect for the cooler months Chocolates and sweet treats to indulge her sweet tooth Home comforts like throws, candles, and cushions to create a warm, relaxing space Stylish accessories for a touch of flair Autumn and winter wardrobe options to keep her comfy and looking great as the seasons change Whether you're buying for your own mum, a loved one who's like a mum, or simply a woman who deserves recognition, there's something in store. Adding a Personal Touch You don't need to go over the top. Personalising a gift or pairing it with a heartfelt note can turn something simple into something deeply meaningful. A handwritten card or a photo frame with a cherished memory can say more than an expensive present ever could. Celebrate the Thought Behind It Whether it's breakfast in bed, a shared cuppa, or a warm hug, what really matters is the time spent and the thought behind the gesture. Let's take a moment to celebrate the many women who show up for us every day—in all the roles they play. This Mother's Day, give a little joy to the mums, stepmums, fur-mums, and every wonderful woman in between—with gifts that come from the heart, not the wallet
