A WEEKEND IN THE LIFE
Planning your first Butlin's Big Weekender? Not so sure what you can expect, what to do at what time, or how everything fits together? Here’s our ultimate guide to making the very most of your weekend, based upon a perfect Big Weekender itinerary.
Please note that not all activities are available on all Big Weekenders, and not all facilities are available at every resort. Get the app for full details of activities, times and locations.
FRIDAY AFTERNOON
- A Big Weekender is a party, so why not start it early? Make sure you add early check-in to your booking so you can truly make the most of the weekend. Arrive at resort, get settled in your accommodation, and unpack all the essentials. Once you’re set, download the app if you haven’t already and head straight out to explore. There’s way more to do on resort than you might think, so there’ll be loads to take in – and the energy will be buzzing as more Big Weekender guests arrive.
- First things first – Indulge your competitive side at our new PLAYXPERIENCE activity centre (if you're in Bognor Regis). It's packed with state-of-the-art gaming experiences, including escape rooms, VR gaming, laser tag and digi-darts – it’s like visiting the future and will make for a great start to the weekend. At Minehead or Skegness? Take your Friday higher with some Aerial Adventures.
- The DJs are already dropping the party-starters this afternoon. Stick around for a dance and to soak up the vibe – are there really people in full fancy dress already?!
- Then swing back to your accommodation for a quick nap or (more likely) a cheeky couple of prinks. Maybe save the full fancy dress threads for tomorrow, and get your glad rags on tonight?
FRIDAY NIGHT
- Fuel up with food and a classy cocktail or two at one of the resort’s restaurants. If you’ve bought the right dining plan, you can scoff what you like without worrying about the bill. Great when you need your energy for the night ahead.
- The weekend then officially starts here and the epic Opening Party will set the tone for an unforgettable break. The resident DJ crew drop huge tunes as you get the massive Big Weekender welcome you deserve. Did someone say confetti cannons?
- The energy’s off the charts and the excitement is electric. Head straight to see the first big headliner of the weekend. Hands in the air, it’s time to kick things into high gear...
- You’re riding the high from the first star of the weekend, and gagging for more. Head over to see the next big name who will be ready to blow the roof off with another hit-packed set.
- Check out the silent disco – though you can’t really call it silent when everyone's broken out into a hilarious, full force acapella singalong. Grab a pair of headphones and join in, or head to the bar for another cheeky drink – yeah, it’s a Big Weekender, of course it’s still open!
- The night is far from over. Catch another headliner and keep the party in full swing. Who needs sleep anyway?
- End the night with a final DJ set. On your way back to your accommodation, grab some sneaky late-night chips – just what you need to help you along on your short walk back to your room. Can you still remember at 6pm when you said, “Maybe we should have a quiet-ish one?”
SATURDAY
- Set yourself up for another huge day with a hearty breakfast in one of the resort restaurants. You’ll be thanking the hangover gods that you bought that dining plan – best decision of your life after last night…
- Paracetamol? Energy drinks? No need – there ain’t no party like a Splash Pool Party when it comes to reviving yourself. Get the day properly started with a dip and a dance, plus cracking tunes from our resident DJs, inflatables and flumes.
- Head over to Bingo Bango for party anthems with interactive games and, of course, bingo! Or for the best hangover cure, strut on over to Saddle Up, brand new to 2025. Dance yourself awake to country classics and pop anthems.
- Take a break from activities with some deep cuts from the DJ, or get yourselves down to Hotshots for some strike action at the bowling lane. Game on.
- It’s then time to switch things up. Duck back to your accommodation (you’ve not cracked open that prosecco yet…) and get yourselves suited up into your finest fancy dress costume. Afterwards, line your stomachs with a quick bite to eat from one of our food-to-go outlets – if you can decide which.
- Next it's time for maybe the most unmissable – and definitely the funniest – bit of the weekend: Saturday nights in fancy dress! Costumes are strongly encouraged at many Big Weekenders, so make sure you’re serving that ludicrous look.
SATURDAY NIGHT
- Ready for some monumental live music? Head out to see the first headliner of the night. Get your glow sticks out.
- Rush over to the next venue for another show-stopping headliner – this is where the Weekender hits a whole new level!
- Get the drinks in before another epic headliner or massive DJ – the choice is yours. Remember that your room’s only a few footsteps away if you want to ditch the costume for something a bit easier to throw some shapes in…
- Your feet might be getting tired, but what do they know? Another amazing DJ is just about to drop another load of anthems. It’s a Big Weekender, right? You’ve got to dance until you drop.
SUNDAY
- Hmm… maybe a slightly slower start today, with a relaxed breakfast in your accommodation. Picking up a few bits and pieces from the on-resort supermarket was definitely a good idea. Follow this with a little walk along the beach to blow away those cobwebs and clear your head for the final big day ahead.
- Wind the weekend up, not down with our Sunday Singalong. Keep the party going with your mates and belt out banger after banger. Or wake yourself up with the adrenaline-fuelled rides at the fairground or strap into the go-karts and see if you can overtake your mates – seeya, suckers! Or, if you're still feeling less than energetic, then popping a bottle at our Bottomless Brunch is a surefire way to get you back in the party spirit.
SUNDAY AFTERNOON
- Time to take a seat for a comedy show. Non-stop laughs from top-notch comics – guaranteed to leave your funny bones tickled.
- Now’s the time for Barrioke – feel-good karaoke with the legendary Shaun Williamson, AKA Barry from EastEnders! It’s the ultimate Insta moment. Not feeling in such fine voice? There could be some live big-screen sports and more DJs will be mixing up their Sunday best. Check the app and choose.
- Now it's time for a power nap. You’ll need the energy for the final night...
SUNDAY NIGHT
- Try another spot for dinner – after all, you’re at the seaside, and we do the most epic fish and chips.
- You can do it! Thanks to a great kip in a comfy bed, everyone has the energy to keep the party going one more time. Kick off the night with another huge headliner. Rude not to have a beer at this stage…
- Don’t stop now – we're about to bring on the final headliner of the weekend. Come and see if we’ve saved the best for last!
- You’ve almost made it! Go out with a bang at Sunday Survivors, our epic closing party. Complete your mission by dancing until late and letting your hair down one more time.
MONDAY
- All good things come to an end – you’re so glad you added late checkout for a little bit longer under the covers.
- It’s time to go back to reality, but not before visiting the Holiday Booking Shop to get your next Big Weekender locked in early at a great price. After all, you’ll need something to look forward to once you’re back in the real world. See you soon...?