Going to Butlins Skegness - any tips?

Kay.Samuels

We are going for October half term weekend and will be half board in the food court.

Does anyone have any tips on money saving while we are there?

What extras should I budget for that aren't included in the holiday costs? e.g. rides I have to pay more for.

Where can I buy cheap lunch stuff?

Is the bus from Skegness station to the Butlins site reliable?

Also has anyone been recently? I understand areas of the pool and slides are closed, is there still enough open for DS to enjoy himself? He loves swimming and water slides. )

shiprob195

I took my 2 DS (14 and 5) in July.

We arrived in Skeggy by train and took a taxi to Butlins. The rank is right outside the station. It cost less than £8. It took us all the way to the check-in desk at the far side of the holiday park.
This is something to bear in mind when arriving with large suitcases.

We went self catering, and to be honest the food is very expensive. The "Spar" shop does have special offers but a 2 litre bottle of lemonade cost £2.49 :eek:
For lunch we generally had a sausage roll and fruit from the Spar shop.

The food courts seemed to be very busy. We paid extra one night to eat in there. I think it was £13 for me and £7 each for the boys. You can eat as much as you like and all soft drinks are included.

I dont know how old your son is, but if he's like my boys he will love the funfair. All the rides are free. But you do have to pay for the Gokarts (£5).

The Splashzone was partly closed when we were there, but most of the slides were open, and the wave area was too.

If there are any more questions, I will try and answer them.

Kay.Samuels

I didn't realise the fun fair rides were free! :-) We usually go to Haven Primrose Valley and you have to pay for all of the rides there! My son will be happy with what is open in the pool area from the sounds of things.

The spar shop does sound expensive, I think I will take a bottle of squash in my suitcase. I've been told there is a tescos behind the bus station so I may even pop in there before going to the site if I have time.

Thanks for the tip about the taxis, may resort to taxi if it's pouring down (please no torrential rain). Did you happen to see the buses? I'm wanting to check if they are low floor ones or not.

Standingtall

You will have a fab time:T

Tips
If you can take some squash with you then do so as it is pricey to buy even from their on site shop.
You will have to queue on an evening if you want good seats in the entertainment - take something to read and take turns holding your place in the queue.
Take coffe/ tea and powdered milk for your room. If you are really on a tight budget then consider taking some pot noodles or similar for lunches.
You can pay extra to sit in the sky bar on an evening - this is definately worth it but you need to book it online if still available.
Pay for the best accomodation you can afford as you do get what you pay for
Set the children a budget for each day as although a lot is free the extras can still add up.

Note: IT IS 10 times better than Haven regarding value for money

Kay.Samuels

The queueing for seats on a night isn't a possibility for me as I will be on my own with my son who has autism and doesn't understand queues. :-D

Often though he is done in from being in a strange place all day and if we are lucky we will get an hour of evening entertainment, or we may go straight back to room after evening meal and stroll. I think I will just play it by ear.

I can understand people wanting seats near the front if their children like to run and dance on busy dance floor but mine won't leave my side in these places anyway so not an issue.

We have always gone to Haven half price during May term time but the offers that Butlins had on for this October are fab! It was cheaper for me to get the half board than not get it, and cheaper for silver accommodation than it was for standard.

Am impressed the rides are free. :-)

Thanks to you both for your tips, very helpful.

Kay.Samuels

standing tall - just seen your tip about taking tea/coffee for room. Do all rooms have tea making facilities or just the apartments? We are booked into a room with bathroom rather than a full apartment as there are just the 2 of us and I won't be needing to cook.

Will see if I can find out on website. )

Standingtall

Ah Kay, I see. My daughter does not have health problems but does have a strong aversion to queues so I understand the difficulty - I also travel as a single parent.

If there are just the two of you and only yourselves to please then I would take the opportunity to have a rest early evening and then maybe pop in and watch a particular act if there are any you want to see. The headline acts are not usually on until eight or nine and then only for around 30 minutes. You can often stand to one side and see them.

The silver accomodation is fine, this is what we have stayed in and the food is really good for what you pay. You will really enjoy it.

You might want to pop up to Pleasurer Island if your son likes rides although if not then do not be tempted as it is rather chaotic.
Skegness is nice for a day out - typical seaside stuff. One place I would highly recommend is the seal sanctuary at Skegness - it is really fantastic and gives you that warm fuzzy feeling of having done something worth while (your entrance fee supports them rescuing poorly seals).

The rides are free but limited. However my daughter could still spend hours in there going on the same things over and over:D

There is also free soft play and an excellent outdoor adventurer play.

The beach is fab but maybe not in October....

The kids clubs are good, depending on the extent of your son's autism of course. If he does go in a kids club try and book yourself into the spa for an hour and a half:j

Kay.Samuels

I haven't been to Skegness since I myself was a kid :-D

Will have to see what the weather is like I think in terms of exploring locally, I'm praying for dry weather!

Son won't go into kids club, he is extremely clingy. He will like the soft play though and outdoor area. We are only there Fri-Mon though and it sounds like there is plenty to keep us both occupied. :-)

Standingtall

Yes, there is a kettle and cups in your room, no fridge though:)

Have a great time:beer:

I have been to Butlins, Centre parcs, Haven and Park Resorts in the last few years and I enjoy them all for different reasons. I still think thought that Butlins is generally the best value for money:)

tin_can

Kay.Samuels wrote: »

I didn't realise the fun fair rides were free! :-) We usually go to Haven Primrose Valley and you have to pay for all of the rides there! My son will be happy with what is open in the pool area from the sounds of things.

The spar shop does sound expensive, I think I will take a bottle of squash in my suitcase. I've been told there is a tescos behind the bus station so I may even pop in there before going to the site if I have time.

Thanks for the tip about the taxis, may resort to taxi if it's pouring down (please no torrential rain). Did you happen to see the buses? I'm wanting to check if they are low floor ones or not.

theres lidl and morrisons as well there all there the station

laurajmc

There's tons of free stuff to do, you'll get a timetable when you arrive - craft, animal shows, football, panto - I don't see why you cant stay with him for any of them.

The kids fish and chip dinner at the chippy is great value and big enough for an adult at lunchtime. Can't remember exactly but think it was £3 including a drink. Proper tasty and fresh.