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Original poster

Butlins-need at least two people for a day pass?

20 replies

SpikyCoconut · 19/02/2025 19:07

This seems a bit unfair?

My friends and their children are at Butlins for a week and asked if I'd like to join them for a day-I had to miss the latest social gathering due to unforeseen circumstances. I've gone to buy a day pass and you need to be at least two of you to buy one. Seems a bit unfair on single or child-free people and I've never been 'told no' when going somewhere alone before.

I've never been to Butlins (or anywhere remotely like it!) however so I suspect I am getting it very wrong and this is a fairly normal thing.

OP posts:
FrannyScraps · 19/02/2025 19:16

Yes it's to stop perverts.

MustBeThursday · 19/02/2025 19:16

I didn't think you could go to butlins as an adult without children except on adult only weekends

AmeliaTangfastic · 19/02/2025 19:16

We have a local country park which is very geared towards families with children. They also have this policy! People aren't allowed to buy a ticket for one person on their own.

I think I can guess why, but it does seem harsh in circumstances such as yours. What if you were an aunt or grandparent?

modgepodge · 19/02/2025 19:18

Why not get your friend to email and ask to add you to the booking? I’ve been to places where adults can’t buy a ticket unless accompanied by a child, presumably to stop weirdos turning up at children’s attractions. That’ll be what’s going on here I imagine. Obviously you have good reason to be going ‘alone’ but others may not.

Original poster
SpikyCoconut · 19/02/2025 19:28

FrannyScraps · 19/02/2025 19:16

Yes it's to stop perverts.

I did think of this! Unfortunately. And of course It's important to protect children, not nice to be thought of as a potential pervert though!

OP posts:
Original poster
SpikyCoconut · 19/02/2025 19:30

AmeliaTangfastic · 19/02/2025 19:16

We have a local country park which is very geared towards families with children. They also have this policy! People aren't allowed to buy a ticket for one person on their own.

I think I can guess why, but it does seem harsh in circumstances such as yours. What if you were an aunt or grandparent?

Edited

That's what I mean! I am not a relative of the children but I have a good relationship with them all so It's kind of not-too-dissimilar, I am just an adult in their lives who'd like to spend the day with them (and my friends).

OP posts:
FrannyScraps · 19/02/2025 19:31

SpikyCoconut · 19/02/2025 19:28

I did think of this! Unfortunately. And of course It's important to protect children, not nice to be thought of as a potential pervert though!

Show quote history

I'm not saying you are, of course not. But a blanket rule sadly.

SwanOfThoseThings · 19/02/2025 19:38

You didn't post in AIBU but you are 100% not being unreasonable!

I think it's incredibly unfair and illogical, OP. Perverts don't always go around in isolation; one half of a couple, or two friends, or a member of a larger group could just as easily fall into that category as a single person.

I could understand a rule for a children's venue that said you couldn't go in without accompanying children, but at a venue which includes entertainment firmly geared at adults, such as pubs/bars, single adults should absolutely be allowed entry.

AllHisCaterpillarFriends · 19/02/2025 19:41

I would contact them. As your friend has a booking and you will be joining them there is probably a way around it.

Original poster
SpikyCoconut · 19/02/2025 20:06

modgepodge · 19/02/2025 19:18

Why not get your friend to email and ask to add you to the booking? I’ve been to places where adults can’t buy a ticket unless accompanied by a child, presumably to stop weirdos turning up at children’s attractions. That’ll be what’s going on here I imagine. Obviously you have good reason to be going ‘alone’ but others may not.

I might do that. See if they can add me on and me just give them the money. Thank you.

OP posts:
MissScarletInTheBallroom · 19/02/2025 20:07

You could try calling Butlins and telling them the name of your friend who has the booking and asking if you can buy a day pass over the phone or something.

Original poster
SpikyCoconut · 19/02/2025 20:10

I am going to ring them tomorrow Smilethank you everyone.

I do understand it but, as a PP said it does seem a bit unfair on someone wanting to join a group for the day. I'd understand they can't let single people in willy-nilly as anyone wanting to go to a place aimed at children, by themselves is a bit odd-but as a PP also said this can't be the first time an aunt/uncle/gran/family friend has wanted to just join their family/friends for a day and I've gone to the bother of booking it off work too so yes, I'll see if they can give me any leeway.

OP posts:
FictionalCharacter · 19/02/2025 20:18

I didn't know they did that. I was hoping to spend a day at one to use the spa, I suppose that isn't possible then?

Original poster
SpikyCoconut · 20/02/2025 11:26

I suppose not! I didn't even know they had Spas. I want to go even more now! I don't know anything about them.

OP posts:
FictionalCharacter · 20/02/2025 11:59

SpikyCoconut · 20/02/2025 11:26

I suppose not! I didn't even know they had Spas. I want to go even more now! I don't know anything about them.

We used to take the kids to Butlins when they were little, and I always used to treat myself to a spa session and some treatments. It was lovely.

Doseofreality · 20/02/2025 12:04

They are doing you a favour, Butlins is an absolute shithole!

berksandbeyond · 20/02/2025 12:55

FictionalCharacter · 19/02/2025 20:18

I didn't know they did that. I was hoping to spend a day at one to use the spa, I suppose that isn't possible then?

There are a million better places to go for a spa day. Like a puddle in the middle of the road, or a public toilet

Original poster
SpikyCoconut · 20/02/2025 18:48

Doseofreality · 20/02/2025 12:04

They are doing you a favour, Butlins is an absolute shithole!

I did imagine it was to be honest! A lot of it from what I have read on here-I'll be children love it though and It's a way to take them away on a budget I suppose.

OP posts:
FictionalCharacter · 21/02/2025 09:35

berksandbeyond · 20/02/2025 12:55

There are a million better places to go for a spa day. Like a puddle in the middle of the road, or a public toilet

Show quote history

The spa I went to several times was in one of the hotels on the site. It was very pleasant, a little oasis away from all the kids’ entertainment and arcades. The beauty treatments and massages were fantastic.

Original poster
SpikyCoconut · 21/02/2025 10:49

berksandbeyond · 20/02/2025 12:55

There are a million better places to go for a spa day. Like a puddle in the middle of the road, or a public toilet

Show quote history

🤣😅😂 I've spoken to my friend now who's said they're quite nice, so I'm doubly disappointed, I didn't even know they had those but I'd have definitely made use of them if I could go.

But I can't. Ugh. I rang butlins and they won't budge.

OP posts:
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