Butlins has turned back the clock this weekend by opening a traditional fairground at Bognos Regis. Guests can now get dizzy on the dodgems, whirl through the breeze on the beautiful new spinning carousel, fly through the air on the chairoplanes and enjoy classic fairground rides such as the helter-skelter, the Paratroopers and Trabant rides.
According to new research, almost two thirds of Brits say they have had more fun at traditional fairgrounds than at any big theme parks.
Mega theme parks may have become a must-visit for kids, but many Brits actually long for a day at the seaside, riding traditional fairground rides and enjoying time spent with the family. Nine out of 10 say British fairgrounds remind them of their youth, while almost half say they give them a feeling of nostalgia.
Three quarters even go so far as saying that fairgrounds epitomise our “Best of British” heritage. When asked about their favourite rides, dodgems topped the list, with carousels coming in second place and chairoplanes a close third.
Sir Billy Butlin was the first to bring dodgems to the UK and now Butlins Bognor Regis in West Sussex has opened its fully refurbished traditional fairground.
Vanessa Toulmin (Professor in Fairgrounds – that is her real title!), above, says: “This is a fair you can go on with your grandparents, parents can take their children, teenagers can go on the rides, young families can go on the helter skelter and play on the sideshows. It’s perfect…..”
The fairground is also home to the World of Wonders and Street Theatre Sideshows. You can also play games such as hook a duck and the coconut shy, or bite into clouds of candyfloss. And all the rides are free.
A four-night break at the Wave hotel at Butlins Bognor Regis resort starts from £49 per person.
