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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to wonder who on earth can afford to go to Butlins?

90 replies

ChooChooLaverne · 26/04/2015 15:57

I've just had a look to see how much it would cost to stay in one of the new chalets they're building at the Minehead Butlins in the summer. The cheapest one available for 4 nights in August is £1275. FOUR NIGHTS!

That price doesn't include food or travel. It sleeps four people. It does look nice but wtf. Am I missing something?

OP posts:
Sallystyle · 26/04/2015 20:02

I love Butlins Skegness.

Haven't been for years because I can't afford it now but three of mine went twice a year with their dad and they loved it.

I know Butlins is frowned upon on MN but we have never had a bad experience there.

The price is ridiculous though.

SoonToBeSix · 26/04/2015 20:04

Jimbos if you dc doesn't turn five until after Easter you can take them out of school next June as they won't be compulsory school age. ( term after they turn five) .

Withershins · 26/04/2015 20:06

We have just booked 4 nights at Het Meerdal (Centerparc's in Holland), for 5 in a premium lodge it was less than £500. That is the last week in August Mon-Fri, and we get some free "toppings" (never been before so not totally sure what they are to be honest). The Center offers a really good deal on a multi day ticket to a nearby theme park, Toverland, which looks like fun. With a ferry crossing costing about £85 its a price I am happy to pay for a break in the Summer holidays.

morage · 26/04/2015 20:07

The top accommodation at Centerparcs for a week in August is over £4,000. So much more expensive than Butlins. Like Butlins, you can go much cheaper of course.

Fiddlerontheroof · 26/04/2015 20:07

That's shocking, but I looked at taking kids (4 adults, 3 kids) to bluestone in west wales for a week at May half term....£2600!!!

I then found a house 2 mins from the beach further over to the coast in ww for £745 for all of us for the week, including sky, wifi two living rooms and all the baby bits we need. The council are running all sorts of beach activities for £3 each, whereas at Bluestone, apart from the very packed pool and play centre....you pay through the nose for everything.

It's completely money grabbing. I've been to Butlins, and it was great...but I didn't feel I could really get to the sea in the same way, and although all the shows and activities were fab, and food good I hated all the constant gaming machines and hype.

PiperIsTerrysChoclateOrange · 26/04/2015 20:16

I like butlins because once you get there, there is no need to spend much money.

We are going term time and I have not informed the school as they will only be off for 1 day.

PseudoBadger · 26/04/2015 20:23

Derek we stayed at Legoland this weekend in a Pirate room for £320, 4 of us with 2 days in the park. When the dates for the year were released in January I went through every date we could do and booked the cheapest!

EatShitDerek · 26/04/2015 20:27

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
ChooChooLaverne · 26/04/2015 20:48

Have just looked up Centerparcs for the same dates and it is cheaper! Still talking crazy money but it is £125 cheaper.

The cheapest price I could find for Butlins for the same date was still over £700.

It's not like I even really want to go there though I know DS would love it. I just can't get my head round the prices.

OP posts:
SoonToBeSix · 26/04/2015 20:50

I don't see the appeal with centre parks apart from the pool there isn't much to do unlike Butlins.

TeenAndTween · 26/04/2015 20:59

YABU. I've never stayed at a Butlins but have stayed at other holiday parks.

On sight evening entertainment for us and the children
Good quality accommodation
Free pool
Good location for exploring the area during the day.
Book with offers and the price comes down.

We've also done other types of holidays abroad and in UK. A holiday park is one type of holiday which can be relaxing and entertaining in one go.

We do not do the gaming machines!

morage · 26/04/2015 20:59

There is lots to do at Centerparcs. But you pay extra for everything. I loved it, but it gets expensive.

idliketoteachtheworldtosing · 26/04/2015 21:10

YANBU butlins is a complete rip off, but they will continue to charge such ridiculous prices all the time people are foolish enoygh to pay them.

rallytog1 · 26/04/2015 21:15

I'm staying in one of the new Minehead lakeside chalets the first week of May (Just for Tots week, so pretty cheap compared to school hols) - I'll come back and let you know if they're worth the extra!

Rabbishes · 26/04/2015 21:26

We don't do the arcades at Butlins. We go swimming, see shows, go to the funfair, go to the various activities such as arts and crafts and music sessions, play in the park, play in the soft play, go to sports sessions like football and archery.

Last time we went we paid £450 for the holiday and took £500 spending money for five days. We came home with £200 of it. £750 for five days in July for half board premium accommodation, all drinks, lunches, snacks, entertainment, and plastic tat for the DC isn't at all bad IMO.

Definitely worth keeping a look out for special offers and deals.

Original poster
ChooChooLaverne · 26/04/2015 21:32

Rabbishes how long in advance did you book your holiday? That sounds much more reasonable.

OP posts:
FiftyShadesOfSporn · 26/04/2015 21:39

I reckon you could hire a cottage or apartment in Minehead and go into Butlins by the day and be quids in.

Hillingdon · 26/04/2015 21:39

Oh my God! I have just booked to go to New York for two in August in a 5 star deluxe hotel with flights from Heathrow and it's costing £700 more than staying at Butlins (6 nights).

Original poster
ChooChooLaverne · 26/04/2015 21:44

Fiftyshades think you've got something there.

OP posts:
Rabbishes · 26/04/2015 21:56

We booked in the August for the following July and they had a couple of offers on at the time. I'm on their mailing list so usually get either a card through the door or an email to tell me that they've got this amount or that amount off, then I phone up and ask them to check the best price :)

For this year's holiday we booked it on the resort because you get quite a big discount if you book it at their travel shop.

lrb978 · 26/04/2015 22:22

Booked on the park (Minehead) last May half term for 7 nights this May half term (friday-friday), self catering, 4 bed silver apartment, cost £511 instead of £998 - that includes £25 holiday insurance which is well worth the peace of mind.

Discounts were on resort offer £54, daily special £190 and first child goes free £243. We did similar two years ago for last year and had similar discounts applied.

It may not be the cheapest, but it works for us.

TOADfan · 26/04/2015 22:28

Jesus that's expensive. I don't have children but I can't ever imagine spending that much on a holiday let alone in the UK. Especially because I'm in NI the flights would add even more onto it.

Me and my DP are going to Spain in June. 7 nights all inclusive for £319.

Mintyy · 26/04/2015 22:31

TOADfan - June is off peak though. So that's not especially helpful to OP who needs to go in school summer holidays.

QueenofLouisiana · 26/04/2015 22:57

Have a look here. A similar to CP set up in Belgium. 4 nights in a nice lodge in August comes in at 700 Euros.

We stayed in the Ardennen one recently. Accommodation was very comfy, clean, spacious, own sauna.

nowwearefour · 26/04/2015 23:07

Select camp are so so much cheaper than euro camp. We couldn't believe their prices in august. Cheaper to rent an apartment or villa in Spain than a caravan from euro camp there.....