Enjoy a Just For Tots break at Butlin's

It was a magical moment that even the best Disney film would fail to create.

Albeit a few quid lighter, we finally claimed a soft Snow White doll for our three-year-old on those addictive grabber machines at Butlin's.

It was a moment of elation I didn't think I'd experience while on our break in Bognor Regis - seeing our little girl's smile as she caressed her new cuddly friend was well worth it.

And moments like these come by the bucket load when you're on a Just For Tots break at Butlin's.

Keeping your toddler happy is a full-time job, and the holiday resort staff at Butlin's know it only too well.

Designed exclusively for families with children under five, every day is created to fit in with your child's routine, including early dining times, ‘drop in’ style activity sessions such as arts and crafts and repeated entertainment schedules.

After breakfast each morning we headed to Little Tikes Town where Sofia was able to let off some steam in the fresh air. Watch your back though - scores of toddlers motoring round a race track in Cozy Coupes and trikes isn't for the faint hearted.

I could see the football pitches next door, so politely ushered our girl over to the action. There were mini soccer schools on one pitch and Balanceability bicycle sessions on the other. Our girl enjoyed a quick kickaround before we headed for a bite to eat.

We stayed at the Shoreline Hotel, which is closest to the coastline and boasts its own buffet restaurant where you can eat as part of an all-inclusive Butlin's hotel dining plan. Every evening there was a different theme, and we tucked into Indian, Italian and Mexican cuisine during our stay, not to mention a fantastic nosh-up at Papa John's on our final night.

The hotel itself was a bit like stepping on board a ship. Walk-the-plank designs in the lifts and corridor carpets decorated with boards and rigging and pools of fish. Our three-year-old loved her room, dressed like cabins with nautical bunks and octopus sofas. All the furniture had rounded corners so you don’t need to worry about bumped heads.

A big feature of the Just For Tots breaks is the entertainment where youngsters have the chance to meet their TV heroes. We watched Mr Bloom perform live while Justin Fletcher is a regular feature. Youngsters get the chance to have their photo taken with characters like PAW Patrol, Mr Potato Head, Teletubbies, Mr Men Little Miss, Danger Mouse and more. Get there early, though, the queues are notorious. Cinderella Rocks was the highlight of our stay - a fantastic musical packed with all the fun of a traditional panto.

Even if they won't sit still for long, there's always the tots fairground or soft play areas to keep them amused, not to mention little libraries with cushions aplenty if your child needs a bit of down time.

Did I mention the swimming pool? It's not called Splash Waterworld for nothing. We went there twice and although it's due to be replaced, boasted slides, a wave machine and bubble areas that our little one lapped up.

There'll be a brand spanking new £38 million pool in situ at Butline's Bognor next year which, if the current set up is anything to go by, will be a massive hit.

FACTFILE

There are four more Just for Tots breaks at Butlin’s in 2018, and 17 in 2019. They take place at all three seaside resorts (Bognor Regis, Minehead and Skegness), and prices begin from £75pp based upon four sharing Silver self-catering accommodation. That price includes headline shows, character appearances, the traditional fairground and Splash Waterworld, as well as a wide range of other daytime and evening activities and entertainment. For more details go to www.justfortots.com