UK holiday resorts that offer cheap day passes including Butlins and Center Parcs – and you can even use the waterparks
IF you love a holiday park break but aren’t sure which site is best for you, you might want to dabble in a day pass and try before you buy.
There’s a few resorts that allow day visitors, which could be good for a taster trip to take a look at what’s on offer before you commit to a longer and more expensive stay.
Butlin’s and Center Parcs UK and abroad are among the big names that offer day passes, but you need to be aware of the limitations on what they cover and what you’ll actually be able to do on the day.
Here is everything you need know.
Butlin’s
At Butlin’s, you can use the Splash Waterworld pool, the fairground, indoor softplay and outdoor playgrounds, as well as enjoying shows in the Skyline Pavilion.
You’ll have access to arcades, bars and restaurants, be able to have your photo taken with your favourite characters and book activities like the new immersive PLAYXPERIENCE once on site.
But entry to other entertainment venues like Reds or Centre Stage won’t be included, while special experiences like getting a present from Santa at Christmas also aren’t covered.
Day passes can cost as little as £10 per child and £14 per adult at Minehead in term-time.
Center Parcs
For Center Parcs in the UK, you’ll need to know someone who is staying on site to be able to book as a day visitor.
I’ve had some lovely trips to Center Parcs for a day, hanging out in the subtropical swimming paradise for hours before grabbing something to eat or checking out the festive lights at Christmas.
At Center Parcs abroad, you can book lots of experiences online as standalone visits.
At Zaandvort, you can book swimming, the soft play and the trampoline park, as well as an evening pass for the entertainment and restaurants.
Bluestone
You’ll also need to know someone who is staying on site to be able to book as a day visitor to Bluestone in Wales,
It costs £47 for guests aged 12 and above, while children aged 3-11 are £36.
Bluestone day passes cost £25 per person and include use of the Blue Lagoon pool, The Hive and Serendome play areas and the nature trail.
You can only buy day passes through guest services on resort or by phone though.
Other UK holiday parks
Some independent UK sites are also getting in on the day visit vibe, like Billing Aquadrome near Northampton, where day guests only spend £5 for entry and then £5 for car parking.
In off-peak times, entry includes swimming, but during the peak period, you can enjoy the entertainment and the little train around the lake.
At Ribby Hall near Blackpool, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary, you can book activities like the pool, the pantomime and Santa’s grotto online, without staying on site.
A family swim costs £40, while panto tickets are £12 each and a visit to Santa is £29.50 per child.
There is a cheeky little trick that you could use to get in free, if you’ve got family or friends staying at the site you’d like to visit.
Lots of holidays come with extra spaces that aren’t actually getting used, so you could always ask if you can be added to their booking and then just visit for the day without having to pay for a pass.
For example, my family of five often books accommodation that could sleep eight, as we usually have a three-bed place with a sofa bed in the lounge.
We could add on three extra people without it costing us anything, so our friends or family could pop by to see us for the day.
It’s a lovely way to spend time with loved ones without gatecrashing the whole break!
Tips for a stress-free holiday with kids
PARENTS have been told the three ways in which they can make family holidays with kids so much easier.
Three experts have weighed in with their advice on what to do in order to make your getaways as stress-free as possible.
Family holidays are always exciting but having kids of a certain age can mean that things are more difficult than they need to be.
Thanks to Travel Weekly, here are three ways that those with young toddlers can have the best holiday possible.
Clarisse Chapolard, who is responsible for overseeing and caring for Club Med’s customers, says that booking off-peak flights ensures a quieter plane and airport – providing a more comfortable experience.
“Staff will generally be more available to help too,” she adds. “Flights can be the biggest headache with small children, so travel short-haul where possible.”
Clarisse also recommends making sure there are activities nearby to your accommodation to keep toddlers happy.
Having a child-friendly hotel can make the world of difference to your family holiday, especially when parents are looking for some time to themselves.
Founder and chief executive of Martinhal Resorts, Chitra Stern, said: “Accommodation needs to be child-friendly and safe, but also stylish and comfortable for parents.”
Finding somewhere with bed protectors, stair gates, steps in the bathrooms and furniture with round edges will prevent any unnecessary injuries or accidents.
Alan Cross, director of travel agent relationships for Jet2holidays, has recommended parents to look at package holidays for peace of mind, ease and assurance.
“Families with toddlers may appreciate dedicated facilities like kids’ clubs, children’s pools, creches, playgrounds, cots and highchairs,” he said.
Package deals can also include free child places, single-parent deals and discount codes, catering for more than a standard family of four.
But you do need to remember that you will be responsible for your party while on site, so it needs to be people you know well.
So why not do a day before you pay to staycay? It’s a great way to try before you buy and get a taste of what each site has to offer.