Kids if you want to go somewhere where it's happening in 2006, Butlins is the place to be. We took a long weekend break to checkout Butlins - Minehead. The Shaolin Monks, the guys who invented Kung Fu, put on a fab show called the “Wheel of Life”. They entertained with amazing martial arts, fighting blindfolded, and walking on the cutting edge of axe heads whilst carrying large buckets of water.
Don't try this yourself; these guys train everyday from the age of four to twenty two so their bodies are well used to it. The show tells the story of the Shaolin Monks and Kung Fu. If you look closely at the pictures, you will see a monk doing a handstand, on just his two fingers. Can your instructor do that! The monk told me he hoped to use one finger in the future. All in all, the show was awesome and the Kids in the audience loved it. There was a scramble for merchandise and autographs at the end of the show.
Look....Only two fingers!
Kung Fu fighting calls for perfect timing!
Charles and Hazel Rhodes who sat next to us came all the way from Blackpool , they think Butlins is kickin'. Charles, who had seen the DVD of the Wheel of Life, said the show lived way past his expectations. Charles who is 68 years old trained in Shukiki with the late Sensei John Horan. He said he's not too old to go to Butlins.
Teenager, Leanne Mullin who is a 1 st Dan in Shukiki and her brother who studies Kung Fu recommended Butlins as a great place for kids and teenagers. Armed with this recommendation I had to check it out. There's loads to do! I had a go at being Robin Hood learning archery and then signed up to do a fencing class. Did you know fencing was invented by the Italians, perfected by the French and turned into a sport by the English?
If you are really brave, Minehead has K2 , an amazing high rope adventure walkway with rock climbing and an aerial walkway where you have to jump from one narrow ledge to another whilst being 20 feet in the air. Have you the guts to make the jump? Even though you have a safety harness, it takes real courage. It's much more exciting than any computer game.
When you want to cool off, take a splash in the pool. The pool is fab! It's got loads of slides including the Black Hole, Blue Comet, a river and waves. There's a raft slide that goes all over the place that can seat 2 people.
Part of the old pool building waiting for you to train in.
Butlins still has real funfair rides for those who dare.
When it comes to entertainment, Butlins don't stop short of anything. The 2005 season, saw the incredible Shaolin Monks performing amazing feats including balancing on the points of spears. We were also entertained by African acrobats, wrestlers, live music performances, DJ workshops with professionals, Laser Quest, team games, sports competitions, and what Butlins is most famous for, the Red Coats.
Other 2005 attractions included McFly and themed events such as the Sports festival hosted by Barry McGuigan the ex world champion boxer. At Butlins, special themed events give you the opportunity to meet and get hands on with pros such as the cricketer Graham Gooch, Rocket and Scorpio from the gladiators, Tommy Baker – pro basketball player, the list is endless. When I got back to base, I was told Frank Bruno had been at their Bognor site. They are going to have some great entertainment lined up for you in 2006.
Just outside Butlins you can play on the beach. We watched the annual Blue Anchor to Minehead Sea Raft Race (4 miles). The race is run in aid of The Royal National Lifeboat Institute and attracts a large number of entries male and female from all over the country, it's big! The rafts are home made, so you would not get me on one. In the evening they celebrated with free live music and with a massive fireworks display at the old harbour. If all that is too much, you can always get away on the West Somerset Steam railway. It's within 5 minutes walking distance of Butlins.
Go go go with real karts for boy racers of all ages.
Expert tuition is free so why not try another martial art.
Instructors listen up! Here's something for you. If you want a great site for an organised event whether it be a seminar or a tournament, Butlins Minehead is the place. In the Old Pool building, there are 3 large floor areas with a high ceiling ideal for martial arts use. At the far end of the building is an office available for use. There is plenty of room to set up changing facilities. Alternative facilities are available a short walk away at the new pool. Take a look at the photo; remember that's not the lot! The good news doesn't stop there, it's really affordable to hire too! Vinny, the leisure centre manager said they are still planning what to do with the area. Their aim is to give the Butlins Minehead a Health and Fitness focus. Skegness is already kitted out and ready for you. Why not influence their decision at Minehead, book it!
The fantastic event and facilities are just one reason why Britain 's Strongest Man event was hosted at Butlins. Don't forget that with all Butlins other attractions you would not have to worry about entertainment, and most of it is all in the price.
If you don't want to stop there, Butlins can tailor make activities to meet the needs and interest of your group. Such as team building activities, climbing, rafting, trekking, beach games and pool activities. The younger ones will feel included all of the time. Be warned, you might have a job getting the kids to leave.
