Latest news with #Butlin
Daily Record
a day ago
- Daily Record
Behind abandoned Scots Butlin's resort that transformed into Craig Tara
The huge 85-acre site in Ayr was transformed into Butlin's ownership in 1946. An abandoned Billy Butlin's resort in Scotland that once lured in thousands of Brits looks completely different nowadays, after it failed to stay afloat. The huge 85-acre site in Ayr was transformed into Butlin's ownership in 1946. At first, it could only accommodate 2,000 holidaymakers before it was quickly expanded to more than double its capacity. In the following years major investment was injected into the site - welcoming an impressive indoor swimming pool, its very own miniature railways, and the first of the Butlin's iconic chairlifts. It became one of the best UK staycation s for people across the UK. However, just like former sites in Barry, Pwllheli, and Filey - the Ayr location started to struggle to bring in the high levels of tourism it had been consistently witnessing. The blow came as the 'Benidorm Boom' (aka when package holidays to overseas destinations like Spain became more affordable) wreaked havoc on seaside destinations across the UK. According to Butlin's Memories, the final months of the 1987 season were 'watched closely' to see whether it was worth investing in the complex more. The publication wrote: "On October 14, Butlin's finally announced a £25 million investment programme," the publication wrote. The decision to go ahead [with investment] was taken after the Scottish Tourist Board pledged their support for the project. Work began the following year and £12 million was immediately invested in the creation of a new indoor water complex and three-star accommodation for all holidaymakers, as well as a new 900-seat food court and a facelift for the caravan park." It is believed the remaining £13 million was invested over the next five years, before the site was renamed Wonderwest World. Ten years later and the resort was transferred over to Haven - who developed the site into what is now known as Craig Tara Holiday Park. The run-down chalets were bulldozed and replaced with luxury caravans. Craig Tara boasts modern beachfront accommodation looking out onto the Isle of Arran, along with arcades, a Splashaway Bay multi-level water complex, an all-weather Airspace sports hall, and eateries including Burger King and Chopstix. Three-night breaks start from just £49 for caravan stays and £249 for lodges. Visitors can also stay in apartments, priced from £49 for a four-night stay. All of the accommodation types are within walking distance to three miles of rugged coastline, featuring soft golden sand and crystal-clear waters.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Abandoned UK Butlin's resort now home to thriving holiday park
Stung by the 'Benidorm Boom', this huge Billy Butlin's resort in the UK closed its doors back in 1999, despite being upgraded with a whopping £25 million of investment An abandoned Billy Butlin's resort that once lured in thousands of Brits looks completely different nowadays, after it failed to stay afloat. After being used throughout the war as a Navy training camp, a huge 85-acre site in Ayr, Scotland, was transferred into Butlin's ownership back in 1946. At first, it could only accommodate some 2,000 guests - but this was quickly expanded to more than double its capacity. In the following years, major investment was pumped into the site, welcoming an impressive indoor swimming pool, its very own miniature railways, and the first of the Butlin's iconic chairlifts. All of this bolstered the resort's appeal, quickly establishing it as one of the best UK staycation destinations for Brits. However, just like the former sites in Barry, Pwllheli, and Filey - the Ayr site started to struggle to bring in the high levels of tourism it had been consistently witnessing. The blow came as the 'Benidorm Boom' (aka when package holidays to overseas destinations like Spain became more affordable) wreaked havoc on seaside destinations across the UK. According to Butlin's Memories, the final months of the 1987 season were 'watched closely' to see whether it was worth investing in the complex more. "On October 14, Butlin's finally announced a £25 million investment programme," the publication wrote. "The decision to go ahead [with investment] was taken after the Scottish Tourist Board pledged their support for the project. Work began the following year and £12 million was immediately invested in the creation of a new indoor water complex and three-star accommodation for all holidaymakers, as well as a new 900-seat food court and a facelift for the caravan park." It is believed the remaining £13 million was invested over the next five years, before the site was renamed Wonderwest World. However, 10 years later and the resort was transferred over to Haven - who developed the site into what is now known as Craig Tara Holiday Park. The run-down chalets were bulldozed down and replaced with luxury caravans. Now, Craig Tara boasts modern beachfront accommodation looking out onto the Isle of Arran, along with arcades, a Splashaway Bay multi-level water complex, an all-weather Airspace sports hall, and eateries including Burger King and Chopstix. Three-night breaks start from just £49 for caravan stays and £249 for lodges. Visitors can also stay in apartments, priced from £49 for a four-night stay. All of the accommodation types are within walking distance to three miles of rugged coastline, featuring soft golden sand and crystal-clear waters. *Prices based on Haven's website at the time of writing.
Daily Mirror
09-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
I took £10 on a day out to Britain's 'worst' seaside town – it was well spent
Despite being dubbed Britain's worst seaside town, the town continues to attract millions of visitors every year — here's what you can do with just a tenner! Skegness, a renowned coastal town that has faced its fair share of criticism over the years, was recently labelled as Britain's worst seaside town. Yet, it still draws in millions of visitors each year. Given the ongoing cost of living crisis impacting families across the UK, many are searching for budget-friendly holiday alternatives for the forthcoming summer. If you're after an economical yet entertaining escape, look no further than the sunny shores of Lincolnshire - home to the original Butlin's holiday resort. Armed with a modest £10 budget on a balmy weekday, I embarked on a journey to discover what Skegness had in store. My first port of call was The Village Church Farm Museum on Church Road South, a genuine hidden gem. Situated further inland from Skegness' primary attractions, the museum provides a peaceful environment. It houses an extensive collection of local and agricultural history spanning over 300 years, including Skegness' oldest house. Admission to the museum is complimentary, with a donation box at the entrance for those who wish to contribute, according to Lincolnshire Live, reports the Express. Around midday, I headed towards the seafront, pleased to see crowds of tourists soaking up the sun and queuing at the various fish and chip shops. I strolled along the famous Skegness Beach and wandered onto the pier while contemplating my lunch choices. When it comes to lunchtime fare in Skegness, the options are abundant. Eager to keep my spending in check, I hunted for a budget-friendly yet filling lunch and stumbled upon a large battered sausage and chips meal for just £3.80. There's an unparalleled joy in tucking into fish and chips as the sea breeze caresses your face and seagulls glide over the waves. Almost two years ago, I set out on a mission to find the cheapest ice cream in Skegness but struggled to find a 99 with a Flake for under £2. Continuing my quest this time around, the lowest price I could dig up was £2.50. Nonetheless, no trip to the seaside is complete without one, so it's a cost I'm willing to bear. With £3.70 left in my pocket, I decided to try my luck at the amusements, so I swapped £2 and started playing. Despite not winning anything, the flashing lights and cheerful noises whisked me back to my childhood. The nostalgic thrill of interacting with traditional arcade games was absolutely worth it, proving that you're never too old to enjoy such pleasures. After a splendid day in Skegness and with my budget nearly depleted, I chose a drink for the journey home. My £10 was well spent and I left with a smile plastered across my face. The trip served as a reminder that sometimes the simplest outings can be the most memorable, and you don't need to break the bank to have a good time. Additional activities in Skegness: Natureland Seal Sanctuary (prices starting at £7.20) Bottons Pleasure Beach (wristbands from £15) Gibraltar Point Nature Reserve (free) Skegness Aquarium (prices starting at £12.50) Fairy Dell paddling pool (free) Hardys Animal Farm in Ingoldmells (prices starting at £12.75)
North Wales Live
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Live
Iconic holiday park nominated as one of the best in prestigious UK travel awards
A popular family holiday spot is celebrating national acclaim after being shortlisted for two top honours at the 2025 British Travel Awards. Butlin's Bognor Regis has been named a finalist in both the 'Best Company for UK Parks and Lodges Holidays' and 'Favourite Company for Radio Advertisements' categories. These prestigious, consumer-voted awards recognise outstanding achievement across the UK's travel and leisure sector, spanning everything from holiday parks to cruise lines. With winners chosen entirely by public vote, the awards provide a genuine reflection of what matters most to UK holidaymakers. Butlin's is urging holidaymakers to cast their votes before the deadline on 1 November. Everyone who takes part will be automatically entered into a prize draw, with rewards including a £5,000 Greek holiday, a river cruise worth over £4,000, holiday vouchers of up to £1,000, or a £5,000 European villa break. Votes can be submitted online via the British Travel Awards website, reports the Mirror. The Bognor Regis resort has recently revealed new attractions following an ambitious program of refurbishment. Among the highlights is the company's largest-ever indoor Soft Play centre, spanning over 3,000 square feet across four floors and accommodating up to 200 children at a time - double the previous capacity. The resort's family-friendly appeal has been further enhanced with the introduction of a new Puppet Theatre, themed play zones, a sensory area for babies, a cosy café and complimentary shows such as Under The Sea and Christmouse. These additions have already proven popular, with thousands of families set to visit during the school holidays. The £1.8 million Soft Play investment is part of broader developments across Butlin's three seaside resorts. Bognor Regis also boasts the £15 million indoor activity centre PLAYXPERIENCE, offering nine immersive gaming experiences, ranging from laser tag and a VR arcade to escape rooms and more. In addition, the Minehead site recently welcomed a second £2.5 million SKYPARK, an inclusive and interactive playground suitable for children of all abilities. Over in Skegness, the £12 million Maple Walk village introduced 128 contemporary Premium Lodges at the heart of the resort. To mark these developments, Butlin's has launched a significant summer sale on 2025 and 2026 holidays, offering discounts of up to 40%. Deals include Midweek Showtime breaks at Bognor Regis from £69 in June, Summer Holidays with Stephen Mulhern featuring three-night stays from £352 and Justin Fletcher Tots Breaks starting at £79 in September. Holiday parks remain a beloved British institution, with families booking breaks to enjoy an action-packed getaway closer to home. For those seeking a break by the sea Haven Holidays offers an ideal combination of entertainment and sentimentality. Parkdean Resorts offers a similar arrangement across 66 locations featuring swimming facilities, onsite restaurants and more than a touch of old school nostalgia. While Center Parcs remains a favourite for its forest escapes packed with activities, prices can soar during school holidays. Brits love Butlins for the affordable fun it offers, with holidaymakers sharing their experiences on TripAdvisor. One visitor said: "We had a lovely Easter break at Butlin's Bognor. Top quality entertainment, engaging and friendly staff and we had the weather too. Such good fun for young and old alike. Very impressed with the new soft play, the Splash water park was fabulous and from start to finish we received nothing but exceptional customer service." Another family who stayed at Minehead added: "We've just returned from our most amazing family break at Butlins Minehead, marking our fifth year visiting, and we honestly can't praise it enough! From start to finish, everything exceeded our expectations." A holidaymaker who just returned from a visit in June, said: "Went to Skegness Butlins over the weekend and it was amazing, the kids absolutely loved it! The place was lovely and clean, staff were extremely helpful and we can't wait to come back." Nevertheless, not everyone left with rave reviews. One less impressed visitor noted: "Decided to give Butlin's a go for half term. Overall, for us adults, everything was a bit meh except for the entertainment, which was awesome." Another positive review from Bognor mentioned: "Always things to do never get bored. Very clean apartment. New playxperience building is very good, packed with new, fun experiences. Had great fun in laser tag. Brilliant and helpful staff." All of Butlin's holiday offers can be found here, with deals available at Minehead, Bognor Regis and Skegness. Depending on the date and location, guests could also secure up to 40% discount on meal packages.
Daily Mirror
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Butlins nominated for top UK travel awards
Butlins could be bringing home two prestigious industry awards this year, but holidaymakers can still save up to 40% on breaks A much-loved family holiday destination is celebrating national recognition after being shortlisted for two major accolades in the 2025 British Travel Awards. Butlin's Bognor Regis has been named a finalist for both 'Best Company for UK Parks and Lodges Holidays' and 'Favourite Company for Radio Advertisements.' These prestigious consumer-voted awards honour excellence across the UK travel and leisure industry, covering everything from holiday parks to cruise lines. Winners are decided entirely by public vote, offering a true reflection of what UK holidaymakers value most when they take a break. Butlin's is encouraging holidaymakers to cast their vote before voting closes November, 1. Anyone taking part will be automatically entered into a prize draw to win rewards such as a £5,000 Greek holiday, a river cruise worth over £4,000, holiday vouchers up to £1,000, or a £5,000 European villa break. Votes can be made online via the British Travel Awards website. The Bognor Regis resort has recently unveiled new attractions following an ambitious makeover. Among the highlights is the company's largest-ever indoor Soft Play centre, covering over 3,000 square feet across four floors and accommodating up to 200 children at a time - double the previous capacity. The addition of a brand-new Puppet Theatre with themed play zones, a sensory area for babies, a cosy café, and free puppet shows such as Under The Sea and Christmouse has further boosted the resort's family-friendly appeal. These features have already proven a hit, with thousands of families expected to visit during the school holidays. The £1.8 million Soft Play investment is part of wider developments across Butlin's three seaside resorts. Bognor Regis is also home to the £15 million indoor activity centre PLAYXPERIENCE, offering nine immersive gaming experiences, from laser tag and a VR arcade to escape rooms. Meanwhile, Minehead recently welcomed a second £2.5 million SKYPARK, an inclusive and interactive playground for children of all abilities. In Skegness, the £12 million Maple Walk village introduced 128 contemporary Premium Lodges at the heart of the resort. To celebrate, Butlin's has launched a major summer sale on 2025 and 2026 holidays, with discounts of up to 40%. Offers include Midweek Showtime breaks at Bognor Regis from £69 in June, Summer Holidays with Stephen Mulhern featuring three-night stays from £352, and Justin Fletcher Tots Breaks starting at £79 in September. Holiday parks are a cherished British tradition, with families returning year after year for fun-filled breaks. For families looking for a break by the seaside, Haven Holidays offers a perfect blend of fun and nostalgia, while Parkdean Resorts provides a similar experience, with 66 parks featuring pools, on-site dining, and classic seaside activities. While Center Parcs remains a favourite for its forest escapes packed with activities, prices can soar during school holidays. Brits love Butlins for the affordable fun it offers, with holidaymakers sharing their experiences on TripAdvisor. One visitor said: "We had a lovely Easter break at Butlin's Bognor. Top quality entertainment, engaging and friendly staff and we had the weather too. Such good fun for young and old alike. Very impressed with the new soft play, the Splash water park was fabulous and from start to finish we received nothing but exceptional customer service." Another family who stayed at Minehead added: "We've just returned from our most amazing family break at Butlins Minehead, marking our fifth year visiting, and we honestly can't praise it enough! From start to finish, everything exceeded our expectations." A holidaymaker who just returned from a visit in June, said: "Went to Skegness Butlins over the weekend and it was amazing, the kids absolutely loved it! The place was lovely and clean, staff were extremely helpful and we can't wait to come back." Nevertheless, not everyone left with rave reviews. One less impressed visitor noted: "Decided to give Butlin's a go for half term. Overall, for us adults, everything was a bit meh except for the entertainment, which was awesome." Another positive review from Bognor mentioned: "Always things to do never get bored. Very clean apartment. New playxperience building is very good, packed with new, fun experiences. Had great fun in laser tag. Brilliant and helpful staff." All of Butlin's holiday offers can be found here, with deals available at Minehead, Bognor Regis and Skegness. Depending on the date and location, guests could also secure up to 40% discount on meal packages.
