The £1 passes that make a family trip to Butlin's cheaper than a swim at my local leisure centre
That actually makes it cheaper for me to take my three boys for a swim at Butlin's than at my local leisure centre, where I have to pay more than a fiver per person.
6
6
Instead of spending £20 for an hour in the pool, I could spend £15 for an adult day pass and then £3 for the boys and enjoy a full day out at the seaside resort, with swimming, funfair rides and shows in the Skyline Pavilion all included.
With the incredible Skyparks at Skegness and Minehead and the brand-new soft play at Bognor, now's a good time to head to your nearest site for a day to try out the latest family-friendly facilities, particularly if you have a school inset day in May, like we do.
This deal is only available term-time midweek until May halfterm, so you need to be quick if you're going to take advantage.
Prices for day passes in halfterm rise to as much as £33 for adults and £23 for children depending on the resort, so it could be a huge saving to go midweek in May.
Plus it'll be much quieter when everyone else is at school, so you can make the most of your family fun without battling crowds of holidaymakers.
If you've always wondered whether a Butlin's break is for you, this could be the perfect way to give it a go with minimal investment in time or money, before you decide whether you'd like to book a longer stay.
And it's a great deal if you've got little ones who aren't school age yet, as they will love all the shows in the Skyline such as Peppa Pig or the Skyline Gang, which tend to be geared towards their age group.
In fact, for some of the day pass dates, you'll need to have a tot in tow as you can't get onto site during the weeks aimed at young families without someone aged 14 or under in your party.
As always, you need to factor in the age of those you're taking to work out if you might actually be better off going on a May weekend, when day passes are £15 for adults and £5 for children.
For example, if you have grandparents in your party, they only cost £5 at weekends, but £11 during the week.
6
6
Day visitors won't be able to see the shows in venues like Studio 36, Reds or Centre Stage, so if you're hoping to catch a headline act like Justin Fletcher aka Mr Tumble during a Showtime Tots week, that won't be possible.
And your ticket doesn't include parking, so you need to factor that in to your budget for the day as well.
The best value is at Skegness, where parking is available on resort, with a charge of £1 per day to be donated to Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Parking for Bognor Regis day visitors is at the council pay and display car park opposite the day visit entrance on Gloucester Road and costs £13.90 for more than six hours.
At Minehead, day visitors can use Warren Road Upper car park, which costs £7.30 for the day.
While on site, you'll be able to take advantage of the 'kids eat for a quid' deal, that runs at the resort restaurants from midday to 3pm.
6
6
For each adult meal purchased at Papa John's, Firehouse Grill, the Diner or the Beachcomber Inn, you can add a £1 child's meal.
Day visitors at Bognor can book Playxperience activities if there is availability, but they do need an existing day visit booking to do so in advance.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
'I went to Butlin's to see if its new £15million playground lives up to the hype'
Butlin's Bognor Regis resort has received a major upgrade with a new £15million playground that's open to the public - one writer went to see if it lived up to the hype Given the ridiculously variable nature of the British weather, it is little wonder that UK holiday resorts are investing massively in their indoor facilities. Butlin's is no exception with its Bognor Regis site welcoming a new £15million activity centre, Playxperience, which is open for the first time to holidaymakers this year. Playxperience is home to nine different activities that can be enjoyed by all the family. Whether it is trying to work your way out of one of the three escape rooms, becoming the next Luke Littler on Digi Darts, testing your reactions on the brilliant batting cage, this building boasts the very latest in interactive and immersive technology. For teenagers, it is a gamers' paradise. It can be expensive, as it is an additional cost to your holiday, but it will keep the children occupied for hours. And many memories can be made on the more family-oriented activities like Shuffleboard or TechPutt golf. If parents or guardians want to leave the kids to it, there is also a cafe on the ground floor, or for those fancying something stronger, a superb sports bar on the first floor, which is open until 11pm. As this was a family holiday, though, we were keen to book in for activities we could all enjoy – and there are so many options. The archery was great fun, with our Butlin's guide taking us through games that weren't all about hitting the bullseye and top scoring, which ensured people of differing abilities could be a winner. However, a trip to Butlin's would not feel right without watching some of the many shows they put on, which again cater for all ages. With a 13- and 11-year-old in tow, I did wonder if they would be 'too cool' for it all, but our first night proved I had nothing to worry about, kicking off watching the Cirque du Hilarious show. It was slapstick comedy at its cheesy best, and while some led to groans of 'cringe' from our boys, other aspects were 'sick' or 'bussin', which I'm assured means they were loving it. We also enjoyed SBX Presents Extreme Playgrounds, where performers showcased their football, basketball, street dancing and beat boxing skills. Other shows included the superb Animals and Mythical Beasts and Iconic, which are new for 2025. There's also a Snow White pantomime (oh yes there is) and Electric Wonderland, a dazzling dance display incorporating LED lights and costumes. The most popular was Gladiators, with stars from the show. The place was packed to the rafters and divided into two teams: Red and Blue. We were on the Blue team and having won the brilliantly interactive ball race against the Reds, where the audience must roll a giant ball above their heads from one end of the studio to the other, and back to the stage, we were let down by our Gladiator, Phantom. He lost his two battles with rival Gladiator Dynamite, leading to the Reds winning overall. It may have been 'just a game' to Phantom – but try telling that to two highly competitive boys. Of course, the Bognor resort is right on the seafront, but while we were blessed with beautiful spring sunshine, the breeze meant it was a little too chilly to get out the deckchairs. Instead, the boys tested their skills on the High Ropes before we enjoyed a few hours at the excellent Splash, which boasts a huge pool, slides and a wave pool. While Playxperience boasts the very latest in gaming technology, and Splash the ultimate wet and wild fun activity, the adage that the 'old ones are still the best' rang true for our boys. Asked what his favourite thing about Butlin's was, my son, Stanley, replied unequivocally: 'Waltzers!' As for the Butlin's downtime, we stayed at the Wave Hotel which had bunk beds for the boys and a double bed for my partner and I. Tea and coffee was included – with plenty more on request at reception – and we also had the all-inclusive drinks package allowing us to drink virtually anywhere on site. While the drinks package was confusing at the start, as you had to have a QR code emailed to you which you then had to scan when ordering drinks, it was worthwhile with a superb selection of soft and alcoholic beverages – and branded ones too. Costa hot drinks are also available for the coffee connoisseur. Our food was also in the inclusive package, but limited to the Deck offering a wide range of different hot foods and desserts at dinner time and an extensive breakfast menu. There were also themed nights, such as Italian on the Monday, Indian on Tuesday and Chinese on Wednesday, while our roast potato-loving boy Sam revelled in the different roast meat that was on offer every evening. For convenience and cost, the food and drink bundles are well worth investing in. Butlin's is not the cheap and cheesy British holiday it was once perceived to be, it's had a mighty investment in state-of-the-art facilities, making it one of the UK's leading family holiday destinations where endless memories are made. Book the holiday Butlin's offers a three-night Summer Holiday break featuring Stephen Mulhern staying in a two-bedroom Wave Hotel room in Bognor Regis from £419, for arrival on July 18. Based on a family of four sharing and includes live shows, activities, free flow access to the pool, unlimited fairground rides, playgrounds and the new Soft Play centre. Dining packages start at £24.95 per adult, per day, £14.95 per child (six-14), per day and £6.80 per child (two-five).
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Scottish Sun
I've found an incredible cheap UK holiday park that brings the best bits of Center Parcs, Butlin's and Haven to ONE site
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) IF you want the style of Center Parcs, the buzz of Butlin's and the hype of Haven, I've found one holiday park that has it all and it won;t cost a fortune. When one child loves spending hours in the pool, another enjoys a boogie on the dance floor and the third wants to swing through the trees on the high ropes, it's hard to know which holiday park is best for your family break - but I've got you covered. 7 I took my three sons for a holiday at a Haven park in North Wales Credit: Catherine Lofthouse 7 There's a climbing wall and plenty of other activities too Credit: Haven My family and I recently took a trip to Haven's Hafan y Mor park near Pwllheli in North Wales. We loved it so much I had booked to return next summer before we'd even made it home. The park is set on a little slice of the British coastline that's like stepping back in time to the holidays of your childhood. The site's staycation secret is that it used to be a Butlin's before being turned into a Haven 25 years ago. So it's still got all the best bits of Butlin's - from the flumes and slides of the Splashaway Bay adventure pool to the top-notch venue full of shows. I even did a double take when I saw the stripy blue tops of the entertainment crew, instead of the Redcoats of Butlin's from days gone by. Now one of the largest Haven parks, there's a stunning choice of outdoor activities you'd usually see at an upscale Center Parc resort. It's the first Haven I've been to where the high ropes take you through the trees, just like at Center Parcs. The Dragon Lakes Adventure Park even sees thrill-seekers zipping over the waters where fellow guests can take to pedalos. The adrenaline-charged activities also include The Jump - a terrifying free-fall leap onto a huge inflatable cushion - as well as climbing wall, mini 4x4 off-roaders and even Segways. There's all sorts of accommodation at Hafan y Mor, including Center-Parcs-style pine lodges surrounded by trees. The perfect Haven holiday park for a kid-friendly break - with direct beach access, indoor waterpark and neighbouring seaside theme park 7 You can jump off the free-fall platform Credit: Haven 7 One of my sons was a big fan of the giant trampolines Credit: Catherine Lofthouse There are even old-fashioned chalet blocks from back in the Butlin's days and mod-con caravans you'll see at all Haven resorts, so you can pick whatever works for you and your budget. It's not often that my three boys all get their own bedroom when we go away on holiday, but our recently refurbished four-bed chalet was huge. I loved the village vibe of everyone hanging out on their decking or balcony, so reminiscent of childhood holidays when the kids played together on the grass by your block. I even spotted one family stringing up a badminton net. The chalet accommodation is also one of the cheapest options - we paid less than £300 for our June weekend away and it's only £275 for four nights in the summer holidays next year, which is incredible value for money if you're bringing eight people. We were just a stone's throw from Dragon Lakes Activity Village, which also offers up sports courts, a sandpit playground and even a bark park for furry family members. Like Center Parcs, most of the activities aren't included in the price of your break, and you'll need to factor that in, but the cost is far less at Haven. We paid £12 for Aquajets in the pool, £8 for the mini 4x4 off roaders and £7 for a go on the bungee trampoline. 7 We rented out aquajets which were cheaper than those at Center Parcs Credit: Catherine Lofthouse 7 The holiday park is surrounded by beaches where you can relax or paddle Credit: Haven Aquajets at Center Parcs would set you back £18.50 to £22.50, while children's 4x4 off-road explorers are £24, so there's a hefty saving to be made here. And you could easily just stick to the freebie fun if you prefer. The pool was enough to keep everyone busy for hours and although you pre-book an entry time, there wasn't anyone asking us to leave at the end of our hour time slot on the weekend we were there. The free shows and entertainment were great - my littlest loved the Jack and the Beanstalk pantomime and won a prize for his enthusiastic dancing at the kids' disco. And no seaside staycation would be complete without a stroll to see the sandy shore, although you might need to venture a bit further afield if you want to find a beach to play on. This is quite a spread-out site with a railway track splitting it in two, but there's a land train that takes you on a turn around the park if your little ones are worn out with all the activities and don't fancy walking. This tucked-away spot is surrounded by dramatic mountains, picturesque beaches and unassuming tourist towns that only add to the magic of a trip here. It's like going back in time to the heyday of the great British staycation. Catching sight of Criccieth Castle overlooking the beach was a welcome signal that we had almost arrived after our long drive. It's a bit of a trek to get there, but the direct train from Birmingham takes less than five hours, around the same time as travelling by train from London to Cornwall. And Penychain station is on the edge of the park within walking distance of its entrance. This haven by the sea could well become our new holiday hotspot as it ticks all the boxes for my boys. Here's more about the Haven holiday from someone who visits every year - and has discovered secret areas that guests don't know about. Plus, the beachfront Haven holiday park reveals plans for huge new adventure attraction and Wetherspoons pub.
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Inside transformation of abandoned £25m Scots Butlin's resort into family favourite modern holiday park
The location was transformed in 1999 BUT IN BUT IN Inside transformation of abandoned £25m Scots Butlin's resort into family favourite modern holiday park Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BUTLIN'S has been a long-time favourite for Scottish holidaymakers - with the resorts dating back to the 1930s. Families across the UK would head to the coast for a break at the popular holiday camps. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 Butlin's Ayr opened to the public in 1946 and families flocked to the resort Credit: Alamy 7 The popular resort boasted the iconic Butlin's chairlifts Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd 7 As it grew in popularity, major investment was poured into the site Credit: Wikimedia Commons 7 The Ayr location was then transformed into Craig Tara Holiday Park Credit: Alamy And one of the resorts used to be based in Ayr which opened in 1946. At first, it could host 2,000 holidaymakers before it quickly doubled its capacity. As it grew in popularity, major investment was poured into the site. Butlin's opened its first park in 1936 at Skegness, which remains open today. Eight more resorts followed, including one in the Bahamas. However, many have closed over the years and been taken over by other brands such as Haven, with just three remaining - Skegness, Minehead and Bognor Regis. Holidaymakers enjoyed swimming, sunbathing, dancing and amusement arcades at the seaside resort. In the evening, if they hadn't retired to their simple, yet homely chalets, they were treated to entertainment laid out by the famous Red Coats. The Ayr resort boasted a huge indoor swimming pool, a miniature railway and the iconic Butlin's chairlifts. Parents could enjoy packed bars which featured entertainment from well loved music acts. The Recoats even wore kilts at the beginning at the Scottish venue. Butlin's reveals new £1.8million soft play attraction with three floors of activities But the Ayr location started to struggle to keep up the high tourism levels as overseas package holidays started to become more affordable. In 1987, Butlin's, with support from the Scottish Tourist Board, the announced a £25million investment. It was also renamed Wonderwest World. The investment was used to build a new water complex, upgraded three star accommodation and a 900-seat food court, Butlin's Memories reports. In 1999, the resort was then transferred over to Butlin's sister company Haven Holidays. The Ayr location was then transformed into Craig Tara Holiday Park. Many of the old attraction disappeared and run-down chalets were knocked down. Luxury caravans replaced the accommodation and the new site was officially opened by footie legend Kenny Dalglish. Craig Tara remains a popular tourist hotspot to this day with beachfront lodges and caravans, an Airspace sports hall, Splashaway Bay water complex and restaurants including Burger King and Chopstix. 7 Luxury caravans replaced the accommodation at the old Butlin's site Credit: John Kirkby - The Sun Glasgow 7 It boasts a huge water complex and much more Credit: Haven
