Family Holiday Resort Break Costs Less Than A Weekend At Home, Survey Finds

It is now cheaper to go on a fun filled family staycation holiday than it is to stay at home, research reveals

• Average family of four spends £350 entertaining over four day period at home

• Families cutting back on luxuries amid cost of living crisis to afford holidays

• Research carried out by Butlin’s, which offers fun-filled holidays with unlimited swimming, fairground rides and live entertainment shows from £49

It is now cheaper for a family of four to go on a fun-filled resort break in the UK than it is to spend a long weekend at home with the kids, latest research has revealed. 

It costs the average family a whopping £348.25* to entertain the kids with various child-friendly activities over the course of four days at home, according to a new study by Butlins.

Based on average prices, the new research** found that single trips to the theatre, swimming pool, soft play centre, fairground and pantomime all add up to the eye-watering triple figure total.

The stark statistics are likely to cause concern for parents across Britain, particularly as many deal with the cost of living crisis, which has sent under-pressure family budgets spiralling. 

However, the good news for Brits is that Butlin’s, the home of entertainment, is helping families navigate the testing economic landscape when it comes to holidaying next year, by adding a record number of £49 Showtime breaks in 2023. 

For that price, at just over £3 per person, per day, there’s so much included in the price. The iconic chain of seaside resorts provides guests with accommodation, access to a wide range of activities, including on-site soft play centres, swimming pools loaded with slides, flumes and rapids, unlimited fairground rides and multiple daily live entertainment shows.

Butlin’s study, comprising a nationwide survey of UK parents, also looked into breaks away from home and found a 3-4 night UK family break away costs an average of £426.10 – more than eight times the price of a Butlin’s Showtime break. 

The data also revealed that two thirds of parents (66%) have cut down on takeaways and meals out to afford trips away, while over half (54%) have reduced or stopped subscription services.

When it comes to the time of year British families look to go on holiday, more than half (56%) said that they opt for dates within term time, which is when Butlin’s three or four night Showtime breaks run. 

Nationwide resorts in Minehead, Bognor Regis and Skegness offer up a comprehensive schedule of activities, from endless hours in the pool to unlimited fairground rides as well as live shows with family favourites including Peppa Pig and PJ Masks,.

West End-level Butlin's productions including the brand-new Jukebox Musicals and Festivals Rock shows in 2023, and year-round pantos like Goldilocks and the Three Bears, are also included in the price. 

Mike Godolphin, Entertainment Director at Butlin’s, said: “Our research reveals the enormous price difference between a fun-filled trip to Butlin’s and spending a long weekend at home or going away with the family. 

“As the home of entertainment, we offer fun for all the family and activities for every age group. From swimming in our incredible pools to exciting live shows, unlimited fairground rides to playgrounds and soft play, there’s so much included in the price at all three resorts.

“If a family of four were to replicate this at home it would cost almost £350, a staggering figure that’s almost seven times the cost of our Showtime breaks which start from £49

“This just goes to show the brilliant value for money offered at Butlin’s, especially amid a cost of living crisis that’s impacting millions.

“Despite soaring costs, our great value for money breaks with so much included in the price means that Brits can still enjoy a brilliant holiday with the family – building lasting memories and without compromising on quality.”

To find out more about Butlin’s Showtime breaks, visit: https://www.butlins.com/breaks/showtime-breaks