Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To Ask About Single Parent Holidays........

28 replies

SammySmyth · 18/02/2020 16:45

I've done a bit of googling and haven't found much of anything. What I'm after is holidays where there will be other single parents and their DC.

My son and I were able to go on 3 cheap holidays last year, once to Loch Ness (Inverness) and twice to Butlins (it's all we can afford) and whilst we had fun I feel my lad would have enjoyed it much more if there were other kids in the same boat as him, ie, stuck with Dad all the time and to have someone to play with

We did in fact meet up with another Dad and son combi at Butlins but that was by pure chance and was on the second to last day of the holiday, both the boys had a blast....

So, my very poorly worded question is, are there any holidays around for single parents looking to have play dates for their DC?

I saw what I guessed (probably, poorly) other single parents at Butlins but you can't just walk up to someone and go - can my boy play with your boy/girl.

OP posts:
ghostyslovesheets · 18/02/2020 16:50

have a look here - some websites listed

www.gingerbread.org.uk/information/holidays/#othersps

I found my 3 made mates no problem it was me who felt lonely - especially when they where little - I longed for a bit of adult company on holiday

Earslaps · 18/02/2020 16:52

My DSis recommends this company www.acornfamilyholidays.co.uk
They went on a single parent holiday with them and loved it. Not too expensive either.

Ratbagcatbag · 18/02/2020 16:54

I think some of it depends on your child too.
I've had holidays when I was still with my ex and my daughter made friends and ignored us both. And now I'm single I've done holidays and I just get ignored by her whilst she makes friends anyway.
I think if you try and just find other single parents you're limiting yourself. I've sat with so many different people at butlins and Disneyworld because DD started chatting to their children and they've joined me on spare seats on my table.

Good luck though. As it can be a bit daunting.

Blackandgreenteas · 18/02/2020 16:56

I’ve just got back from Butlin’s with my two (big age gap so not much use to each other although they get on ok) as a single parent. I actually think Butlin’s isn’t that cheap!

We had a really fun time and we always do but they’d like to meet up with children their own ages to play with. I do agree that sometimes it seems like everyone else is in two parent families or big extended family groups, and you can feel like the only one.

I’d wouldn’t mind if someone asked to play with ds (he’s the younger one so the one likely to play) but he does do quite well finding random kids!

Original poster
SammySmyth · 18/02/2020 16:56

Brilliant, thank you!

I know what you mean about the loneliness side of things but after 12 hours in the madness that is Butlins I was glad to get some peace and quiet in the evenings. I was lonely in Inverness though, definitely.

OP posts:
Blackandgreenteas · 18/02/2020 16:57

Thanks for those links PPs as they are helpful to me too!

Original poster
SammySmyth · 18/02/2020 17:01

Thanks Ear, will check that out.

Ratbag - appreciate what you say about no limiting yourself but whilst I like to pretend I'm outgoing and not shy I'm probably quite shy...it's pretty daunting trying to strike up conversations. I try and be as smiley as possible but that doesn't always/never works. I also don't want to feel like I'm imposing myself

Black - No, it's not that cheap to be fair but once you've been once you get really good deals and last minute offers, you probably already know that.

OP posts:
raspberryk · 18/02/2020 17:04

I've often taken my kids as a couple and as a single parent, both just made friends woth whoever. Kids are kids to them they don't pay much mind to being in the same boat, its only the adults that are sometimes left out.

Original poster
SammySmyth · 18/02/2020 17:08

My son is a bit shy but is fine once that initial barrier is broken. He just loves playing with other kids and it breaks my heart when I can see he wants to get involved but can't - so I'll often end up in the ball pit with him or in the soft play area. To be fair the ones in Butlins are great (if you remember to book)

OP posts:
RuffleCrow · 18/02/2020 17:08

I'm looking for similr.

As a single parent i feel i have two choices: go it alone and be the only sp surrounded by 2 parent families or

Give up any sense of personal space or privacy on a single parent holiday - sharing accomodation with complete strangers.

What i want is a happy medium: our own private lodge/ caravan / holiday cottage but a team of similar parents to team up with during the day and a herd of kids from similar backgrounds for mine.

Not something that's avaiable afaik

Original poster
SammySmyth · 18/02/2020 17:10

www.acornfamilyholidays.co.uk

They are doing camping not too far up the road from me in August - going to book as soon as I confirm dates with his mum.

That's made my day, thanks!

OP posts:
Original poster
SammySmyth · 18/02/2020 17:11

Ruffle,

I've often wondered over the last couple of years whether there is a gap in the market to provide something like you suggest and if it's a viable business opportunity?

OP posts:
Earslaps · 18/02/2020 17:26

So pleased you like the sound of them! My DSis did the Brecon Beacons camp last year and loved it so much they are going on one of the trips abroad this year!

We might do one of their holidays one year (not single parent ones) as a family- they look like a great option. So much included for the price.

Original poster
SammySmyth · 18/02/2020 17:30

Yes, the Beacons are about a 45 minute drive from me so it's perfect.

Really chuffed, thank you for posting that.

OP posts:
greasyspooncafe · 18/02/2020 17:31

Following as I have 7 year old twins and very interested in single.parent holidays. We have found a brilliant campsite in France where we've been going for 4 years and we've made lots of friends there. So going back to a regular place helps too I think. But v interested in the Wales camping- one for next year!

Original poster
SammySmyth · 18/02/2020 17:34

Blimey, not cheap but looking at all the included activities I think it will be worth the money. Much better than the bloody arcade at Skegness! :)

OP posts:
Blackandgreenteas · 18/02/2020 17:35

My two don’t really like evening entertainments weirdly so we usually have a quiet evening , which I also quite like!

Original poster
SammySmyth · 18/02/2020 17:39

Black, did your two enjoy the silent cinema at Butlins?

It blew my boys mind! He's was only 5 at the time though.

We went to the wrestling once - I thought he'd love it - far from it.

OP posts:
Clymene · 18/02/2020 17:41

We've been with singlewithkids.co.uk/ a couple of times and they've been great

Boredofthisstagenow · 18/02/2020 17:45

I joined Frolo App and started meeting other single parents near me. The plan is to become friends and have more people to do stuff like go in holiday with. I don’t know yet if the plan will work but hopefully! There are certainly people on there saying stuff like ‘we are going to xx at Easter... anyone want to join’

Original poster
SammySmyth · 18/02/2020 17:45

Thanks, Clymene, that also looks great.

I'm trying to pluck up the courage to take him abroad (technically, Scotland was abroad) not sure we're ready for that yet. I must sound like a right wuss.

OP posts:
Beansandcoffee · 18/02/2020 17:52

Looking at the prices with Acorn the coach trip to the Ardeche looks great value and includes a night outside sleeping. Could be nicer weather too and somewhere very different,

Earslaps · 18/02/2020 18:35

Yes, the prices aren't cheap, but they include pretty much everything so you wouldn't really need any spending money.

Igmum · 18/02/2020 19:07

I second Single with Kids. They do everything from cheap as chips camping to overseas trips. We've done loads with them and it's marvellous. The kids form a tribe and have a blast doing stuff together. The adults have people to talk to as well and there's a group coordinator who organises stuff (join in as much or as little as you like). Early December there's a Christmas weekend in an old Manor House which is utterly magical. Before I tried them I went with another company which charged pretty much double the prices for much less good holidays. Good luck op, hope you have a great time.

MadameGazelleIsMyHomegirl · 18/02/2020 19:24

There is a Facebook group called SPTC Single Parent Travel Club where you can join others to go on holidays - there’s always something on there!