As the Summer holidays were looming, thoughts of how I was going to amuse the little man filled my head! 6 weeks off work and school felt amazing!! But what were we going to do??
After a stressy final week at work, a messy break up and a lively 6 year old on my hands - I knew Id need to get away!!
As a single parent, I was worried about what I could manage on my own.
I trawled the internet looking for ideas, day trips here, overnight stays there.. I didnt think I'd be able to afford anymore than that. But then I checked the Butlins website on a whim..
3 nights. Half board. Silver room. 2 people. For the Skegness resort.. £159. BARGAIN!!
I got a free child place and a massive internet discount. I booked and paid for it there and then and told Bradley the good news. He was really excited and it made the final week of school/work go by much quicker knowing we had something to look forward to the following week.
National Express run coaches direct to the Butlins resort which proved a lot cheaper than trains. I was pretty chuffed, for approx £200 Id managed to book 4 days away at a fun-packed seaside resort, complete with food and travel. Result!
They sent an informative little booklet a few days before we left, telling us all we needed to know, things to expect and including all the FAQs.
After a comfortable journey, we arrived at Butlins on the Friday at about midday, left our luggage in the left-luggage room and went to explore.. Bradley was in his element, playing football with newly made friends in the Skyline while I had a drink and a sit down, looking around all the shops spending Mums well-earned money.. and trying out all the rides at the funfair.
Bob The Builder's yard
There is so much on resort to do for free..
The swimming pool - Splash Waterworld is fantastic, spacious, clean and with plenty to attract young and old. Bradley loved the Master Blaster ride and splashing around in the childrens area.
There are always sporting activities going on, we had to visit the football pitch every day for Bradley to 'practise his skills' :)
The funfair is great, lots of fun rides for all ages. It also includes a few things available at an extra charge.. inflatables, bungee trampolines, go karts etc.
The indoor play area is great to allow the kids to explore and climb while you have a quick rest!
Bungee Trampoline
We checked in at 4pm, which was quick and easy and the staff were all so friendly and helpful. The room was clean and perfect for the 2 of us, and was nicely set between the adventure park and the football pitch, much to Bradley's delight! ;)
Superslam Wrestling
Over the 3 days we never stopped, there was so much to do! There were characters walking around the resort, entertainment always available and the food in the dining court was great, even for the fussiest 6 year old!! :) Evening entertainment was brilliant, we often visited the Skyline to see the entertainment aimed at young children before going to Reds to be entertained by the Redcoats. Bradley quickly made friends and was up throwing shapes on the dance floor to the party dances :)
Titan the Robot
The resort was very busy, as expected for the first week of the Summer Holidays. Finding a table on the night Stacey Soloman and Twist & Pulse were in was a task and a half! Id never seen the place so packed!
All in all, our break was perfect and Id recommend it 10 times over for families with children!
My advice - keep checking the website for those late deals! And take lots of spending money!! :)
Neither of us wanted to go home, I was so tempted to nip into the Holiday Booking Shop on site and see if we could stay a few more days :)
On the 4th and final day, my partner came over and we spent the day at nearby Skegness. The weather was fantastic so we relaxed on the beach and had fun at the fair, before coming home.. sunkissed and happy :)
I'm already looking out for those next great deals on the Butlins website. :)
Lianne.. X
