Butlins Skegness, need to spend as little as possible?

wiggywoo9

I've booked four nights, going on monday, leaving friday morning. We've booked travel to the park with National Express so no trains, no hassle, don't even have to leave the park. I paid £105 for the holiday, £30 for the coach and that's pretty much the last of the money I have spare for a holiday lol.
So... the only expenses I can think of, providing we stay on site, is food and presents here and there. We're in a room only, with tea making facilities. Oh and its me, an adult, and a very excited toddler only.
How do I scrimp on the food? I read reviews and meals seem to be £40 for two adults!! I can do anything in the room, but need ideas? My plan was to use sanwiches for lunch, with crisps, fruit etc from shop. Then take small toaster, for pancakes/toast for breakfast. Need help with evening meals though? How much would it be for drinks, 1 adult main, 1 child main?
I'll have around £80 to spend on food/extras so need to budget where I can

Keeping_Positive

In the past we have used a local supermarket rather than the on site ones. The last couple of times I find it easier to go with food included. That is though with 5 of us.

Keeping_Positive

Oh and when out I get me and the kids squash rather than the pre packed drinks they serve. Much cheaper.

wiggywoo9

Hi thanks, what's the nearest supermarket? Obviously we'll be on foot so closest to the resort woukd be great Do you know if there are any pubs near it too, that serve food? Might work out cheaper than Butlins

artichoke

what facilities in the room? Just a kettle?

Could you make instant noodles and shred up some ham, and a packet of mixed salad?


not sure what else you can make with just a kettle and a toaster?

could you buy pork pies / quiches / ready cooked chicken and have with salad and bread?

How old is the toddler and what do they normally like to eat?

Art

KateBob

I agree with avoiding the onsite supermarket, it's small and overpriced (captive audience).
Take as much food as possible with you but remember with room only you'll have no facilities for keeping food cold or any utensils.

I've always gone for the dine in price when stopping but mainly because it was easiest with my fussy eldest (even she could find something to eat).
I believe you can pay for entry to the food halls if they have any room available if you're finding it hard going.

Just as an aside most of the activities/entertainment is free once you're onsite so you shouldn't need to send too much after food/evening drinks.

Don't forget a bucket and spade

susancs

It might work out better value to get your meals included. When we have gone to Bognor Regis we have taken the half board unlimited buffet with drinks option. The breakfast we found is usually so filling we didn't feel hungry enough for lunch and we usually had an early evening meal. It was good as you can mix items from different counters and go up as often as you want (so good for fussy eaters) I just had a look online and it is £15.50 per adult, per day and £3.75 per child and it seems that if you book in advance you get a 20% saving, so may be worth ringing up to see if you could add this on to your booking as it would work out about £15 extra per day for half board for you and your child.
http://www.butlins.com/where-to-stay-dine-and-play/where-to-dine/food-court-dining-skegness.aspx

notanewuser

susancs wrote: »

It might work out better value to get your meals included. When we have gone to Bognor Regis we have taken the half board unlimited buffet with drinks option. The breakfast we found is usually so filling we didn't feel hungry enough for lunch and we usually had an early evening meal. It was good as you can mix items from different counters and go up as often as you want (so good for fuzzy eaters) I just had a look online and it is £15.50 per adult, per day and £3.75 per child and it seems that if you book in advance you get a 20% saving, so may be worth ringing up to see if you could add this on to your booking as it would work out about £15 extra per day for half board for you and your child.
http://www.butlins.com/where-to-stay-dine-and-play/where-to-dine/food-court-dining-skegness.aspx

I'd go for this. Even if you just do it for Tues, Weds, Thurs you'll have money left over for food and treats on Monday and Friday.

wiggywoo9

Thanks, I believe its just a kettle. He likes to eat pasta, anything like spaghetti or nuggets, fish fingers, things like that. Does anyone know where there's a shop nearby, prerably a Tesco or ASDA?
The dining plans are all self-serve and I have trouble doing this on my own with a pushchair in tow and a toddler desperate to escape! Is it worth it? It says under 2s are free on dining plans but does that not mean he's restricted to baby food or does he have a choice?

I didn't know you could pick days for dining, I thought it had to be the days you're there?

susancs

wiggywoo9 wrote: »

Thanks, I believe its just a kettle. He likes to eat pasta, anything like spaghetti or nuggets, fish fingers, things like that. Does anyone know where there's a shop nearby, prerably a Tesco or ASDA?
The dining plans are all self-serve and I have trouble doing this on my own with a pushchair in tow and a toddler desperate to escape! Is it worth it? It says under 2s are free on dining plans but does that not mean he's restricted to baby food or does he have a choice?

I didn't know you could pick days for dining, I thought it had to be the days you're there?

I do think the dinning option is worth it as they have counters with different choices and they serve you, whatever you want. You can mix and match items from various counters e.g curry and then go to the roast meat bit and put potatoes and veg on your plate or have starters and mains on the same plate . Your child can have different things from the different counters and can have what he wants. If he does not like it you just leave the plate (as the staff constantly clear tables) and go up to get something else. You could find a table with a highchair very near the food counters, so you could keep an eye on your toddler, while getting food. Then get him some snack bits he can occupy himself with when strapped in the highchair, whilst you get the food (e.g. salad bar items or bread).

Keeping_Positive

Sorry I go to minehead but you can always google the area. With the half board your little one isnt restricted. Its a big buffet with loads of choice and no restriction on how much you eat. My kids are also a pain with eating at times so this really helped. Its also easier to budget knowing that foods pretty much covered.