JANE HINES finds the traditional holiday park, Butlins, has shed its dated image and moved into the 21st century

AS THE lifeguard gives me a thumbs up it's my turn to take on the giant slide. I look nervously down for the last time and I'm off, speeding over bumps and around turns before entering the Space Bowl, a huge circular funnel that sees me spin around before being shot into a pool at the bottom. I emerge gasping to see my two eldest children laughing before we head off to the next slide.

We're at the Splash Waterworld, a park packed with slides and pools that is one of the main attractions at Butlins in Skegness.
That we are here, believe it or not, is down to our Brownies pack.

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Some months ago, while debating our next choice of holiday destination, my 10-year-old, Lucy, had said: "What about Butlins, mum?" My husband John and I exchanged glances. "Butlins?

Us?" we obviously thought at the same time, recalling dated images of knobbly knees contests, tiny chalets and poor weather.
Lucy, though, was adamant.

The Brownies had gone last year and loved it and we should follow suit. So we set off for the Lincolnshire resort, with Lucy's brother William, eight, and sister Isabel, five, in tow.

As we drew closer, the skies lightened and a ripple of excitement raced through the car as sand dunes gave way to blue sea and white-capped waves.

Our accommodation, Mermaid Court, is a Gold-class apartment, as far removed from one of those old chalets as you could expect.
It's a spacious affair with a leather suite, TV and DVD player in the lounge, a double and a twin bedroom with soft Egyptian cotton bedding, and a well-equipped, fitted kitchen.

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The spa and all the restaurants, shops and bars are located around the Skyline Pavilion, the resort's main entertainment complex, with its stages and game zones. The accommodation is well away from the hustle and bustle.

The thrills and spills in the water park having helped us work up an appetite, we head to The Sun & Moon Pub. The menu is v aried and there are healthy options for children that have been created by celebrity nutritionist A nnabel Karmel. The bill comes to £45: great value for a family of five.

After an afternoon's rest, we head to the Skyline Pavilion, where George Sampson is the headline attraction. The 2008 Britain's Got Talent winner is just one of the TV stars, including X Factor's Stacey Solomon and Danyl Johnson, who perform regularly at the resort. Predictably, he dazzles us with his dancing skills.

The next morning, the children have an archery lesson. The instructors are excellent, taking control of a bunch of would-be Robin Hoods and ensuring everyone has good, safe fun.

Lucy and William have a great time and by the end, an arrow on target is being celebrated with the glee of an Olympic winner.
John and I are just pleased most activities are included in the price of a stay here, meaning we don't need to keep a keen eye on our budget.

For lunch, we wolf down fish and chips at the new Coast Restaurant before making for the funfair.

Dodgems light up the children's faces but it's the intricate hook-a-duck challenge that absorbs our attention, until we decide to take on the family challenge on the go-kart track.

Our group is augmented by none other than George Sampson himself and I will spare the family any embarrassment by not revealing the results. Let's just say that Mummy and Isabel could show Messrs Hamilton and Button a thing or two.

Sunday offers more excitement for the children but amid the funfairs, shows and swimming, I manage to escape to The Spa for some pampering. Children are not allowed, so it's a relative oasis of peace, giving me an opportunity to recharge.

The facilities are excellent: a well-equipped gym, great pool and sauna, as well as a full range of spa treatments.

I choose a warm-up in the sauna before a refreshing circulation boost in the Atlantic storm shower and a swim in the pool.

It's not nearly as hectic as the attractions in Splash Waterworld but as I lie back and relax in the calming water, I can't help but offer thanks to the Brownies for their excellent recommendation.

INFORMATION:
Butlins Skegness (0845 070 4730/www.butlins.com) offers four nights in a Silver apartment from £52pp (four sharing), self-catering.

Gold from £68pp. The Spa (01754 614 450/www.butlins.com/spa) includes a hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room, Atlantic storm shower and pool, from £16.

Visit Lincolnshire: 0845 674 0505/www.visitlincolnshire.com