Butlin's drinks package tested for value

A journalist tests Butlin's new all inclusive drinks package at Bognor Regis to gauge whether the price matches the experience.

Butlin's drinks package tested for value on a family break

Butlin's recently introduced an all inclusive drinks package that can be added to a family booking. The price is £30.95 per adult per day during school holidays and £10.50 per day for children aged 6 to 14, with under fives drinking free. The test used a basic stay for two adults and four children and examined how the package fits a three day break. The extra cost would be about £92.85 per adult for three days, totaling around £304 for all six people. The package includes access to Costa coffee and a wide range of drinks, plus entertainment, pools and on site activities, making it a straightforward add on for families trying to simplify budgeting during a busy break.

Drinks are ordered with a wristband and a QR code, and a number of venues allow adults to roam with a plastic cup while the kids enjoy the resort. Some drinks, like cocktails, are included, and there are spots offering happy hour deals. A few practical quirks stand out: Costa coffee is listed as included but can only be ordered from a bar with a coffee machine rather than at the dedicated Costa shop, so the experience is not exactly barista level. The day also shows the limits of an all inclusive plan when other activities have separate prices, such as Go Karts (£7 per child) or VR games, which can add to the total spend. Overall, the package can deliver value for a short, busy break, especially if you plan to have lunches and light drinks throughout the day, but it requires careful budgeting to avoid surprise costs and to ensure the package actually covers what you expect across a multi-day stay.

The deal taps into a familiar travel trend: selling comfort through an all inclusive tag in places that are already budget friendly for families. For many parents, the promise of predictable drinks costs can be compelling, but clarity matters. The test highlights how convenience can blur the line between value and over-spend when families push beyond the basics. It also shows how on site pricing and restrictions, like only some bars accepting wristbands or the need to juggle kids at the bar, can shape the real value of the offer. In a market where families compare a flat price to the cost of separate meals, drinks and activities, packages like this force a scrutiny that usually comes after the trip starts rather than before.

Highlights

A thoughtful approach to family travel combines clear pricing with flexible plans that match your pace.