Pensioner 'gobsmacked' after Butlin's refuses to let him book stay

A pensioner has been barred from visiting resort during the week due to going solo.

Malcolm, 85, from Patcham, East Sussex, was "gobsmacked" to discover he was blocked from visiting his favourite Butlin's resort during the week because he was going alone. Upon calling the company's site in to enquire about a few nights at the resort, he was informed that solo travellers were only welcome at the weekends.

Malcolm was shocked to discover this, and particularly upset as he and his family had been travelling to and staying at the Butlin's resort for years. In a statement, Butlin's said: "We don't allow single travellers on our family breaks unless they are linked to a booking where children are also on the break."

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The mid-week stay Malcolm was hoping to go on would have cost £75, but if he went at the weekend — when he was technically allowed to be there on his own — it would have set him back around £300. Malcolm was only planning on heading to the resort alone, as his wife had had cancer for the last seven years so was unable to travel and his son had used up all his annual leave at work. He also offered to pay the resort a supplement but was told that it was not possible.

Malcolm was also told that if he booked for two people but the second person could not attend, he would be refused access to the resort. Malcolm told "I was amazed when I was told this. I've been to Butlin's before, even the Skegness one. I enjoy my trips to Butlin's - the entertainment in the evening is good and a nice play to stay. I asked if they can waive the rules for older solo travellers but I was told no."

A Butlin's spokesperson stated: "Our family breaks are the only ones that run midweek."

Malcolm said he had now booked an alternative trip on his own.

Earlier this year, Butlin's launched new premium lodges at its Skegness site, welcoming guests in time for the May half term. The new Maple Walk village is available to guests on family breaks and Big Weekenders. The lodges are less than five-minutes from the heart of the resort and the village includes a new play area. Each lodge sleeps a maximum of six guests.

In September, Butlin's in opened a £15 million, 50,000 square foot, indoor activity centre called PLAYXPERIENCE. The new activity centre features a variety of cutting-edge experiences, all under one roof including VR gaming, high tech mini golf and escape rooms for younger age groups.