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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU that this seems sooo expensive :(

74 replies

Proudandlovable0201 · 18/01/2019 15:32

Daughter is 5 and she has had 5 years of gruelling treatment.
Anyway this year we are at home more, she is settling in to school and I really wanted to take her to Butlins in the summer holidays ( we wouldn’t get agreed time of as attendance is poor )
Anyway I looked at the cost and it’s over 1k for 4 nights ????? ( 2 adults 1 child ) have to taken another adult due to cares and equipment.
But is it even worth it ? I mean I’m genuinely shocked haha

OP posts:
Iamnobirdandnonetensnaresme · 18/01/2019 16:39

You can book a nice seaside cottage for less that £1k mid August.
Have fun on the beaches etc

ILoveChristmasLights · 18/01/2019 16:44

I wouldn’t pay that.

However, whatever the price I wouldn’t go to Butlins with one 5yo. It’s not my kind of place anyway, but to me the advantage of it is when you have older kids who want to go off and do stuff by themselves. It’s a pretty safe place for independence, but a 5yo is going to be with you all the time so I’d rather go somewhere else.

If it were me, I’d look at a cottage in Wales on a beach. There are some beautiful places and they’re relatively inexpensive.

If I couldn’t find somewhere affordable I’d take her in term time, she’s 5. She’s had a rough start to life. Another few days off school isn’t going to make any difference. 💐

KingBobra · 18/01/2019 16:45

Sun Savers codes aren't always that much cheaper - the Money Saving Expert forum has some good info on which of those deals are worth it. www.moneysavingexpert.com/deals/sun-holidays/ We have had some good holidays with Haven, but the mobile home/static caravan things aren't great by the sea as the seagulls land on the roof and sound like elephants (and that's before they open their beaks!)

Dontfuckingsaycheese · 18/01/2019 16:47

Butlins we found it cheaper when we went to Skegness by splitting me and mum between 2 rooms +food and took ds and a fictitious çhild!! Most I've ever paid for 1 room was about 180 in summer holiday, cheapest we paid about £70 for long weekend. We ate that in food!!!. Have you considered a caravan? Whereabouts are you thinking? You could always pay for a couple of day passes to Butlins . We pay about £450 for a week's caravan at chapel at leonards just round the corner or about £300 to take a tent. Is that an option?

Oddsocksandmeatballs · 18/01/2019 16:52

Have you applied to any of the charities that help families with a seriously ill child go on holiday? They may well be able to help with the costs.

Lovemusic33 · 18/01/2019 16:57

I can highly recomend haven (Devon cliffs), we paid around £300 for a long weekend during May bank holiday, lots for kids to do and everything on site including entertainment and pool. I’m not keen on bigger sites but this one was ok and the kids loved it.

There’s lots of smaller sites which are great too, worth looking around.

Loseitandkeepitlost · 18/01/2019 17:03

You could stay in a B&B and get day passes for Butlins instead? You may prefer not to spend the entire time on site.

Iwantedtrianglesnotsquares · 18/01/2019 17:10

Jumping on the Euro Disney suggestion earlier, Eurostar go straight there and can be Very cheap if you book the day they are released. (When we booked last about 6 yrs ago it was either 6 or 9 weeks in advance- something like that.) it would also be worth looking to see if they do cheaper carer tickets as some theme parks do. Enjoy wherever you choose.

Oliversmumsarmy · 18/01/2019 17:18

We are a convert to Airbnb or holiday let’s

You could probably stay somewhere lovely for nearly 1/2 that price and the day to day costs will be hugely reduced.

Because you have a kitchen and garden you can make your own brunches on lazy days or have breakfast and pack a lunch for days out.
We tend to eat out in the evening but it saves us a fortune

Get one near a beach and you are pretty much sorted for the week.

BlankTimes · 18/01/2019 17:35

I second Longleat, loads to do even if you don't drive through the Safari Park or even go on their guided tour bus.

www.longleat.co.uk/main-square

Info re a pass so you don't have to queue and concessions
www.longleat.co.uk/accessibility

I'd contact them and ask about reduced fee for a carer and what they can do to make your visit easier and enjoyable for your lovely little girl.

Original poster
Proudandlovable0201 · 18/01/2019 17:39

Ohh we would love to go longest will have a look.
To the one who asked if she is disabled. Yes I’m her carer but I get confused by it all as we kinda spend more time in hospital usually so have never applied for anything I will have a look at what’s available.

OP posts:
PocketsForMe · 18/01/2019 17:41

www.familyfund.org.uk/faqs/how-do-we-apply

Have you tried this OP? They can help with funds for a holiday

hendricksy · 18/01/2019 17:55

Have a look at other caravan places , Butlins is expensive . I'm going for the first time ever next weekend so I have no idea if it's nice its not but I'll let you know .

MrsJBaptiste · 18/01/2019 17:57

Definitely look at Haven for a caravan mini break. Some of the sites are lovely (we've been to one on the East coast) and great for kids, especially as your DD will be on her own.

Brainfogmcfogface · 18/01/2019 18:05

Sun holidays include butlins! We did 4 days last year for £200 all in (brought own food but you can add meal deals for £20 pp per day) and that was for 4 (well 3, but you have to pay for 4 min).

tallwivglasses · 18/01/2019 18:23

Look in your local government website and search for the parent/carer forum and other support organisations. And look up the Family Fund. They have deals with various holiday places and can help with lots of other stuff - play equipment etc.

cojmum · 18/01/2019 18:25

Family Fund or your local Carers organisation may be able to help.

QuestionableMouse · 18/01/2019 18:27

Haven are doing 25% off right now.

CottonSock · 18/01/2019 18:27

UK summer holidays are becoming a rip off. I'm finding now that if we don't go abroad we either stay with family or go to premier inn! It can be about 40 quid a night, breakfast extra but kids eat free. Can stay pretty much any town in the UK. Family and disabled access rooms

PinkGin24 · 18/01/2019 20:02

Bloody hell.. you would have to pay ME £1k yo go to Butlins...

Rent an air B&B

MrsJBaptiste · 18/01/2019 20:16

Bit rude PinkGin, if that's where the OP we ts to take her daughter then that's her choice.

Stompythedinosaur · 18/01/2019 20:34

That seems expensive. We went in the summer holidays last year and it was around £700 for 2 adults and 2 kids. Are you looking at the more modest apartments?

Disfordarkchocolate · 18/01/2019 20:41

Haggerston Castle (NE) has accessible caravans and the Calvert Trust does holidays for people with disabilities (and their families). If you have the time to look I'm sure you can find something cheaper or get some help towards your costs.

oopslateagain · 18/01/2019 21:03

Butlins has an offer right now, 30% off. You can get an apartment with a kitchen, so you don't need any catering packages, for around £700 for 4 nights in August.

Still expensive but we took DD when she was younger and she absolutely adored it, still remembers and talks about it.

cestlavielife · 18/01/2019 21:24

There are loads of charities who will support you.and pay for or subsidise a holiday
Hospital might know which to refer you to
You may need a professional letter anyway to say what the issues are and why you qualify