Abandoned Butlins resort now replaced by posh holiday village
The multi-million pound tourist village has lived many different lives over the years - from World War 2 camp to Butlins resort.
A luxury UK holiday resort was once the biggest ever Butlin's resort in the country. The Bay, in Filey, which is built on the previous Billy Butlin's Filey campsite, is sandwiched in-between Scarborough and Bridlington, in North Yorkshire. It describes itself as a 'purpose-built holiday village on the clifftops'
Travellers can now enjoy the chance to revel in sweet nostalgia at the once abandoned popular site - but things look very different from before. Instead of endless fish & chip shops, Victorian-style fairground rides and a mega holiday complex, tourists are offered a more luxurious experience.
Butlin's Filey campsite, which was previously used a military base in the Second World War, closed its door on the site in September 1983. The park used to pull in around 150,000 guests per year, with families flocking to enjoy a post-war holiday. However, the Benidorm boom (which saw cheap flights to sunny destinations like Spain and Greece), quickly pulled guests away from the resort.
Staff in their famous Red Coats were slowly put out of a job as guests number dwindled, forcing management to shut up shop for good.
For years, it's remained deserted - attracting urban explorers and aspiring graffiti artists alike. Looking very different from the family fun site, drained swimming pools were filled with trash, and half-demolished buildings left in an apocalyptic-like state.
Property developers took over the land in 2012 and the first beach house was built. The site expanded even further in 2021 to include a new 'Meadows development'. Now, there are around 500 properties in the complex, many of which are rented out by private owners, reports the Mirror.
"When I visited in 2001 there was still plenty of evidence of what had once been a holiday camp, including the chalets, fountains and remains of the outdoor and indoor pools," reflects Richard Bailey - a retired lecturer and previous Butlin's enthusiast who shared his photos of the site with Chronicle Live back in 2021. However, in 2007 an ambitious project, reported to have cost around £25 million, aimed to completely transform the site.
"The developers paid great attention to the look and feel of The Bay, including boules courts, courtyards, grassed areas all around the development to make it a lovely setting."
The Bay states on its website. "Gardens are not enclosed partly to make it easier for our gardeners but also makes it a lovely communal holiday village.
Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.
You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.
All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!
If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
"In the [village] centre, you will find a 20 metre pool with baby splash pool, poolside sauna and steam room. There's also a fitness suite and a beauty room where you can book treatments. The John Paul Jones pub serves food and drink all day, with inside and outside seating. In the internal courtyard you will also find an arcade, also known as the Family Entertainment Centre, a shop selling groceries, household items, alcohol, beach items, souvenirs, and more."
Other amenities in the posh complex include a pharmacy, tennis court, and an 'adventure' playground for children under the age of 12. It really is the Hamptons of Yorkshire!
There's a wide range of accommodation in Filey Bay, meaning it's great for those on a budget - as well as travellers wanting to really push the boat out. For example, a two-night stay (Friday, June 6-8) in a two-bedroom apartment will set you back £380.
However, if you want to stay in the Sea Urchins beach house, which comes with an open plan kitchen, king-size bedrooms, and two car parking spaces, expect to pay £464 on the exact same dates. A huge four-bedroom house with a balcony and sea view will set you back a staggering £1,160.28 for the same two nights.
Filey is located around 236 miles from London, meaning it'll take you around five and a quarter hours to drive there. However, trains from London (which usually include at least one change) can slash the journey time in half. If you're flexible with dates, you can grab single adult fares for as little as £61.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
9 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Top European theme park that mums say is better than Disneyland shows off new Wes Anderson-style hotel
Plus, a huge new Premier Inn will open near major airport and will be the largest of its kind in the north of UK SUITE DREAMS Top European theme park that mums say is better than Disneyland shows off new Wes Anderson-style hotel Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A TOP European theme park is welcoming a new premium hotel that looks like it's out of Wes Anderson's world. Dutch theme park Efteling will be opening a new hotel this summer called the Efteling Grand Hotel. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Dutch theme park Efteling will be opening a new hotel this summer Credit: 6 It will follow the fairytale-theme of the park Credit: 6 In total, it will have 140 rooms and suites complete with themed decor Credit: The theme park is already well known for its fairytale theme, with one TikToker - The Travel Mum - dubbing it "better and cheaper than Disneyland". The new addition to the attraction will be the first hotel located within the theme park itself and will open on August 1. The hotel will be themed around a traditional grand dame hotel with stories woven into the design throughout, appearing like a Wes Anderson story. There will be digital check-in, valet parking and luggage handling, upon arrival. A bellhop and Efteling's two princesses will guests in the lobby, where the air will also be infused with the hotel's signature fragrance. The hotel will be spread across seven floors offering 140 rooms and suites, with a total of 644 beds. The biggest room will be able to host six people. The hotel rooms will also overlook the park with different views of the Aquanura water show the House of the Dive Senses entrance, the Fairytale Forest or the Pardoes Promenade Lane. All of the rooms include breakfast at Brasserie 7 and half an hour of early access to the park before it opens to the public. Other features of the rooms include each one having an Efteling Grand Hotel fairytale book. Inside Universal Epic Universe with incredible thrill rides and amazing food The lower ground floor of the hotel will have a swimming pool - availabel only to hotel guests - with spa facilities including a steam room, sauna and massage room. There will also be a multifunctional serenity room where guests can unwind, pray or meditate. The hotel will have two restaurants with Brasserie 7 located on the ground floor and Restaurant-Bar Mystique on the first floor. While Brasserie 7 will serve up a range of classic dishes - which include seven 'magical' ingredients such as princess tears and snow from Mother Holle - Restaurant-Bar Mystique will offer a more premium dining experience. 6 There will also be two restaurants at the site and one cafe Credit: 6 There will also be a swimming pool at the hotel, and spa facilities Credit: Each table will be decorated with edible decorations and the restaurant will be open to the public, as well as park and hotel guests. Café Biscuit will also be a part of the hotel, where baristas will serve coffee and the signature Grand Hotel biscuit. Plans have also been revealed for incredible new 240-room hotel with huge swimming lake, golf and spa near to iconic racetrack. Plus, a huge new Premier Inn will open near major airport and will be the largest of its kind in the north of UK.
Daily Record
9 hours ago
- Daily Record
Capture pictures of Scottish wildlife to celebrate biodiversity and win a free holiday
Wildlife lovers across the UK are invited to capture nature's beauty in Verdant Leisure's Wild Shot competition Wildlife lovers are being called on to grab their cameras and turn their lens to nature, as a major UK-wide competition launches to celebrate the richness of British biodiversity. Whether it's a red deer in the Highlands, a robin perched in your garden, or a fox dashing across a city street, Verdant Leisure's Wild Shot competition is inviting people of all skill levels to capture the magic of the natural world through photography or video. The Scottish Wildlife Trust estimates that Scotland alone is home to more than 90,000 species, including six amphibians, four reptiles, and over 50,000 invertebrates, not to mention iconic native birds and mammals. From soaring red kites to delicate butterflies, the wild moments waiting to be caught on camera are endless. Eager to showcase Scotland's remarkable nature, Verdant Leisure is asking budding wildlife photographers and filmmakers to share their finest work that brings the region's natural beauty to life. One lucky winner will walk away with a four-night holiday for four at a Verdant Leisure park, and their work could be seen by viewers across the UK. 'This competition brings together a celebration of nature and creativity, which we are passionate about here at Verdant Leisure HQ,' said Mike Wilmot, CEO at Verdant Leisure. 'Your photos and videos have the opportunity to inspire others to look at nature a little more closely, and standout entries will be published across our marketing channels, so you will gain exposure for your name, too.' A panel of prestigious judges including Wilmot and Outdoor Photography Magazine editor Claire Blow will review all entries and select the winner. The chosen image or video will not only receive nationwide recognition, but also enjoy a relaxing break immersed in nature. To enter the photography category, participants must email a non-expirable link (such as Dropbox) containing no more than two high-resolution images, along with a written overview of themselves and their submission (maximum 500 words). Image files should be titled with the image name and entrant's name. For video submissions, a short clip of no more than 30 seconds must be submitted in the same format, with a 500-word written overview and the file clearly labelled. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. All entries should be sent to online@ by 4pm on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. Late entries will not be considered. The winner will receive a three or four-night break for up to four people in a two-bedroom caravan at a Verdant Leisure park, to be taken before September 30, 2026. The prize is subject to availability and excludes school and bank holidays. The winner will be notified by email by October 31, 2025, and must claim the prize within 28 days or a new winner will be selected. So whether you're a seasoned content creator or a nature-loving beginner, there's never been a better reason to step outside and get snapping.
Daily Record
9 hours ago
- Daily Record
The 'relaxing' Scottish city hotel you can stay in for better than half price
It is housed in a Victorian building that dates back to 1845. A Scottish hotel that has been described as "very enjoyable and relaxing" can now be booked for better than half price. The accommodation is located in the city of Stirling. The Stirling Highland Hotel is a hotel and spa situated in the heart of Stirling, near the historic Stirling Castle. It is housed within a Victorian building that dates back to 1845. At the moment, guests can book a one-night stay for two at the Stirling Highland Hotel at a cost of £145 through Wowcher. Usually, an overnight stay is priced at £298.95—equating to a discount of 51 per cent. Visitors can choose from either a classic double or twin room at the hotel. The Wowcher deal includes a glass of Prosecco each upon arrival, as well as a £25 dining credit per person at its restaurant. The Scholar's Restaurant serves up a mix of Scottish and European cuisine, with its ingredients locally sourced. Its dinner menu includes dishes such as gnocchi primavera, shepherd's pie, and pan roasted sea bass. Guests will also have access to the Stirling Highland Hotel's leisure centre, which includes a pool, sauna, steam room, and gym. Meanwhile, the spa offers a range of relaxing and rejuvenating treatments. Another highlight of the Stirling Highland Hotel is its 130-year-old rooftop observatory. Guests can enjoy tours hosted by the Astronomical Society, and take advantage of rare photo opportunities. Elsewhere, Stirling offers a huge range of things to see and do outside of the hotel. In addition to Stirling Castle, visitors can climb the National Wallace Monument or head to The Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Museum. The Stirling Highland Hotel has mostly received good feedback from guests. On Tripadvisor, the hotel has an overall rating of 3.8 out of five based on 3,483 reviews. One previous guest wrote: "Very enjoyable and relaxing. I was impressed with this hotel. "The staff are friendly, professional, helpful and approachable. The mattress was so comfortable and I slept like a log. "Breakfast was good. Buffet style hot and cold which gives freedom to enjoy at your own pace." However, a less positive two-star review states: "We had a very pleasant stay here a couple of years ago hence our return but wish we hadn't come back. At nearly £500 for two nights feel it was a total waste of money and that we'd have been better off in the travel lodge." Meanwhile, another positive writeup reads: "As a family we enjoyed our stay. The reception staff are a credit to the hotel, possibly the best customer service we have ever received. "The spa facilities were very good. I would recommend a visit to the pool if you stay. "Good location, short walk from castle and shops. Room was warm, comfortable and clean. Had everything we needed for a short stay." If the Stirling Highland Hotel does not appeal, there are many other accommodation options in Stirling. Among these are the Stirling Court Hotel and The Golden Lion Hotel.
