Booking Butlins on the cheap!

jonnyjackov

Hi, was hoping to get some advice if possible. To cut a long story short....

My best mate whom I have lived with for ten years had a very severe brain haemorrhage recently. Poor lad is only in his 30's, and now confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life, unable to speak, and unable to move any part of the right side of his body.

Over the last ten years we have always joked about having a lads weekend or week at Butlins, and whilst he was very ill in hospital, I promised him if/when he got better I would treat him and take him there.

He is now out of hospital after nearly a year, and I really would like to keep my promise and surprise him. Since then, with the recession and stuff, money is now extremely tight. So what I would like help on is firstly, is Butlins wheelchair friendly, and secondly, any tips on getting a Butlins break as cheaply as possible.

It doesn't matter when we go, late this year or early next. Nor does it matter which one we go to as we will be taking public transport. (Though I would like to go to one of the better ones, or are they all the same)? I know 'The Sun' has its cheap offers occasionally, but not sure if these include Butlins or not. Also, am I best booking early or trying to get a last minute deal to get the best price. Thanks in advance for any advice you can give.

Cheers, John

twinmumagain

How about hiring a caravan there?? Look for an accessable one.

http://www.directholidayhomes.co.uk/butlins.html

Think this will be your cheapest bet.

kjmtidea

When we went to Butlins Bognor Regis last year there were a couple of people in wheelchairs who seemed to manage just fine. I cannot think of anywhere that would be restricted, it is all ramps rather than stairs, you can request downstairs accomodation when you book.

One of my children has disabilities, although not in a wheelchair and we found Butlins to be very helpful, couldn't fault them. As for booking it cheap, I have no idea! We are going again in 2 weeks but we booked it nearly a year ago to get it half price. Good luck, it's a lovely thing to do.

Smi1er

twinmumagain wrote: »

How about hiring a caravan there?? Look for an accessable one.

http://www.directholidayhomes.co.uk/butlins.html

Think this will be your cheapest bet.

None of the Caravans at Minehead are wheelchair friendly.

Out of school term you could call them on a Thursday and ask what they have for Friday? Problem is you save on Butlins but then pay through the nose of public transport:o

SUESMITH_2

lots of disabled people there when we went to bognor, none of them seemed to have any problems getting about

Rachie_B

we have saved loads on our Butlins trips by either booking a static caravan ,or by booking with the SUN

you can also use Tesco Clubcard deals ,if you collect points

HTH

oldmandave

Only prob with Clubcard is that you dont get any discount you have to pay the full price, may need a lot of points.

We booked at Bognor Regis worked out cheaper for us to get the discount rather than use the clubcard points, don't know if there is any discount at the moment sorry.

kevandkeira

A group of us went away last year to butlins in bogner, we found an adults only weekend for £11 each. I do look on there at least once a month to see if any more bargains like this pop up, but they haven't yet.
We had a great weekend & as I recall its all pretty much wheelchair accessible.
Hopefully another bargain comes along soon!!

Rachie_B

oldmandave wrote: »

Only prob with Clubcard is that you dont get any discount you have to pay the full price, may need a lot of points.

We booked at Bognor Regis worked out cheaper for us to get the discount rather than use the clubcard points, don't know if there is any discount at the moment sorry.

Of course,but if you haven't got the cash and have the points

then may as well use them !

jonnyjackov

Thanks everyone, will look into the suggestions. Will also keep my eye out here for any cheap offers that you guys post.

I don't post here that often, but read the forums everyday, and have had some great deals. Thanks again.

dmg24

One thing to be aware of, with the exception of the adult weekends, Butlins do not usually take single sex groups. However, if you ring the centre directly, I would hope that they will make an exception under the circumstances.

There are accessible apartments available for all grades of accom, and all of the facilities/ attractions are accessible also. I would warn against the adult weekends, because whilst they are great fun, some of the guests get into such a state that they don't think of anybody else, and it might not be much fun being bashed about when you can't bash back.

If you do ring through to the individual centre, they are likely to direct you to the main call centre. Hold for an operator, and explain that you need to discuss accessibility issues etc, and they should put you through to the onsite booking team. They can give you the best tips on how to get the best price, and if they know you then you are more likely to get upgraded.

I used to work at Skegness Butlins, so anything else you need to know just ask.