THE knobbly knees contests may have been replaced by high-energy entertainment from dance troupe Diversity, but some things never change on a visit to a Butlin's holiday camp.

And while some may prefer to hop on a plane and venture to warmer climes, it's clear there are thousands who still enjoy simple, home-grown family fun made famous in TV shows such as sitcom Hi-de-Hi!

Founded by entrepreneur Billy Butlin, the essence of this British break is still going strong, with everyone from toddlers to the elderly catered for.

There are three seaside resorts to choose from - Skegness, Bognor Regis and Minehead, which is where our clan headed for the weekend.

We stayed at the West Lakes Village, home to the resort's new-style chalets which Butlin's has spent £100 million on.

Set in beautiful landscaped gardens featuring mature cordylines and phormiums and besides two lakes, the chalets offer a relaxing environment for quality time with your family.

Ours had a veranda overlooking the lake, an open-plan kitchen with dishwasher and microwave, plus a living area with sofa, TV and DVD player. And just like Worcester, the seagulls were never far away.

On the complex surrounding the chalets there were giant board games, village greens and children’s playgrounds, all designed with families in mind.

There were more family activities and entertainment just a short walk away - or a hop on the land train, if you're feeling lazy.

This transports you to the Skyline Pavilion, the traditional fairground, Splash Waterworld and the beach.

After our two-year-old had worn herself out at one of the playgrounds, we headed into the Skyline Pavilion for the live daytime entertainment.

You can treat your little ones to acts such as the Teletubbies, Mr Men Little Miss and Danger Mouse, but we headed to watch the live show in Reds bar, where Justin Fletcher and Mister Maker were performing.

Trying to keep our little one still for over ten minutes to watch anything is a task in itself, so we headed back outside for some fresh air in the traditional fairground. It boasts a beautifully ornate carousel, while there are helter skelters, dodgems and waltzers, plus a specially designed tots fairground for under 5s. Soon enough, our girl was spinning around in a teacup and flying high in a miniature plane. But if your children are hungry for more, next door there is a soft play area to keep them amused.

The beauty of Butlin's is that even when the weather isn't great, there is always something going on indoors. So with showers starting to turn into full-blown downpours, we headed to the arts and crafts zone. With all sorts of materials to spark the imagination and get creative with, children can stick and splodge until their heart’s content.

Other activities include the Skyline Gang circus workshop where you can learn and play parachute games, plate spinning and lots more. Fully trained coaches are on hand to help your little ones learn the art of fencing with foam foils, while there are outdoor football coaching sessions for children of all ages.

Although we didn't try it out, the climbing wall is another activity children will love, but the high-level rope course is definitely not for the faint-hearted!

And of course, there is Splash Waterworld, which keeps everyone out of mischief. There was a special shallow area for our two-year-old with mini slides and fountains, but there are flumes and raft rides for the older ones and a pool party with music on tap.

Swimming can build up a real appetite - even if you're chilling in the lazy river rapids. So after the water fun we had a choice of two buffet restaurants, The Deck and The Yacht Club. Both offer a range of breakfast options including pancakes, full breakfasts and omelettes while dinner choices include the carvery, flame grilled meats and pasta dishes, plus a choice of Ella's Kitchen pouches for babies.

Well fed, there was still time to catch some evening entertainment before heading back to our chalet. And if you like men in tight green underpants grappling each other, Butlin's now hosts New Generation Wrestling - the home of televised British wrestling action.

The stars of NGW are seen weekly on TV in over 34 countries and are now body slamming their way into the Skyline Pavilion. Butlin's had served us well, but there is only so much action you can swallow in a weekend. With sweat and spandex shorts in full flow, we decided to retire for the night, content in the knowledge that Butlin's would do it all again the next day.

FACTFILE

Butlin’s is offering three night breaks at its Minehead resort from:

£79pp for a family of four sharing a silver room

£95pp for a family of four sharing a silver self-catering apartment

£109pp for a family of four sharing a gold self-catering apartment

£125pp for a family of four sharing a seaside self-catering apartment

£149pp for a family of four sharing a West Lakes Chalet

Each price is based on a family of four sharing the accommodation on room only or self-catering basis from 1st September 2017. For more information or to book visit https://www.butlins.com or call on 0330 100 6648.

Butlins Minehead Resort

Warren Road

Minehead,

Somerset,

TA24 5SH