When I was younger we used to go to Butlins every year, are they still going

Asks howardpiercy

A. Butlins holiday camps, or Butlins Family Entertainment Resorts as they are now called, are still going and there are three resorts left in the UK in Skegness, Minehead and Bognor Regis.

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Q. Are they still popular

A. Although not as popular now as they were in the 70s and 80s, Butlins is a good holiday venue because it caters for families cheaply, any time of year (it has good indoor facilities to counteract the British weather), with babysitting facilities and on-site entertainment for adults and children.

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Q. Do they still have Redcoats

A. You bet, and they are still larger than life. The Redcoats are an integral part of the Butlins -experience and they still sing and dance and generally entertain and look after their holidaymakers. While they might resemble the Redcoats of the 1970s when Butlins was in its heyday, they have moved with the times. The Redcoats now have RTV, their very own television channel, which keeps visitors informed about what's on at each resort throughout the day.

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Last season some of their most popular events were the Butlins chart show Red n Funky and the Redcoat version of the pub quiz - Reds Quizmaster. Code Red, the Redcoat pop band was a huge success, as was Reds of Tomorrow, the children's talent contest.

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Q. Some popular entertainers had their big breaks treading the boards at Butlins; do they still have star turns

A. Yes, pop group Steps and Five included Butlins in their UK tours last year. Jim Davidson is also a regular. If you visit for a themed break (see below) you could also brush shoulders with pop stars from the past e.g. The Real Thing.

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Q. When is the best time to visit

A. The summer months are most popular, especially during July and August when the schools have broken up for the summer. All three resorts are located near a beach in a seaside town, so attract the holiday crowds. Out of season themed mini breaks are hugely popular, and are a good time to visit.

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Q. What happens on a themed mini break

A. It depends when you visit, but all the themed mini breaks are lots of fun and enjoyed mostly by large groups of friends on a retro break. Christmas mini breaks are good fun as there is always a pantomime on or a cheesy tribute band performing. Not to forget the most famous Redcoat of all - Santa Claus in his grotto. Halloween breaks can include a haunted house, fireworks and trick or treating.

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The Minehead resort has a promotional midweek music break offer on where holidaymakers can relive the 70s, or savour country and western treats.

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In Skegness they have their very own Stars in Their Eyes event Tribute to the Stars during the week with Rod Stewart and Ronan Keating sound-a-likes.

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At the Bognor Regis resort a midweek break will enable you to enjoy the Stars of Vegas tribute night featuring Elvis and Sinatra. Disco breaks (often fancy dress events) are featured at all resorts.

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Q. What special events are targeted at children

A. The majority of events are geared towards children, with the exception of some of the evening shows. Some of the highlights this year will include stage versions of the Spiderman tale and Casper the ghost.

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A Fox Kids-themed Rumble in the Jungle outdoor adventure play area is a favourite with most kids, as are visits from Fox Kids TV favourites the X-Men and the Power Rangers. For smaller children a visit to the Toy Town Theatre is a must to see Noddy and Big Ears. For real Noddy lovers, Toyland-themed accommodation is available.

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Q. What other types of accommodation is available

A. You can stay at any of the resorts half board. Half board accommodation includes tea and coffee making facilities, bed linen, pillows and duvets and a colour TV - plus full English breakfast and three-course evening meal.

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Self-catering accommodation is also available and includes a kitchenette with cooker and refrigerator, cooking utensils, cutlery and crockery, bed linen, pillows and duvets and a colour TV. Groceries and other essentials can be purchased at the Everydays supermarket on site.

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In addition, studio apartments are available and include a bath or shower room, at least one bedroom and a lounge area. Gallery and Gallery Plus accommodation is also available and offers more spacious rooms with patio doors leading onto a patio or terrace.

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Q. How much does it cost to visit for one week

A. It depends how many people are in your party and which venue you visit (Bognor Regis is the most expensive). But on average a family of four (two adults and two children) can stay in the Gallery for one week in mid-July for �567.20 including insurance. This would be cheaper in Minehead - �507.60 including insurance and in Skegness this would be �474 including insurance.

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Q. Would you benefit from any special deals if you visited Butlins more than once

A. It would depend on whether a return visit promotion was running when you visited, but you would have the opportunity to buy your own leisure home if you’re planning to become a regular visitor. At Skegness and Minehead you can purchase a home from �5,995. All new and pre-owned leisure homes feature a fitted kitchen, 2 or 3 bedrooms, bathroom and spacious lounge area.

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Q. How would I book a Butlins holiday

A. You can book online at http://www.butlins.co.uk (but it is difficult to find the actual prices on this site, so it's much quicker on the phone) or by telephone on 0870 242 0870 or 01473 820350 or through a travel agent. If you want to keep in touch with other Butlins holidaymakers you can join the Yahoo Butlins Club online at http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/butlins.

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By Karen Anderson