Didn't get back to this thread after Minehead but for those who have contributed I would 100% recommend you attend a UK open one year.
Having been to Matchplay, Worlds, Premier League, Grand Slam and Masters, it pisses on all of those comfortably. It's a long slog and you do need a break from the Butlins Beer after a while but for Darts fans it's a mecca.
Spent most of Friday and Saturday on the multi-boards or Board 2 before moving to the main stage. Although I did see my hero Beaton on Day 1 who lost out on the main stage.
The Heta -Littler game I actually caught on TV as Sunday is our traditional afternoon trip into Minehead to play Darts at the Queens Head with a carvery, two bottles of red wine and a ludicrously loud jukebox to play 80's soul on.
The hidden bonus there is some of the players bring two brand new boards every year for a friendly tournament on the Thursday before. They are always still up on the Sunday.
Saw many of the players out and about on the weekend, it's worth the extra cash as opposed to a single day event.