
Inside abandoned UK Butlin's resort now transformed into £25m holiday village with poolside sauna, arcades & playground
A ONCE-thriving Butlin's resort has been transformed into a £25million coastal holiday village with pools, saunas, an arcade, and spa.
Billy Butlin's Filey campsite was once a haven for thousands of post-war Brits hoping for some beachside R&R.
9
9
Nestled between Scarborough and Bridlington in North Yorkshire, Filey pulled in more than 150,000 guests every year.
Holidaymakers enjoyed swimming, sunbathing, dancing and amusement arcades at the seaside resort.
In the evening, if they hadn't retired to their simple, yet homely chalets, they were treated to entertainment laid out by the famous Red Coats.
The Butlin's campsite was so popular that it had its own branch and station on the north east railway - which is still open to this day.
Despite its popularity, it was no match for the boom in affordable trips to Spain in the 1970s, and bosses closed it down in 1983.
By 2001, it resembled a ghost town with the shells of abandoned cabins and drained swimming pools filled with rubbish.
Richard Bailey, a former staff member at Filey, paid the site a visit that year and shared his findings on social media.
"I was walking my dog along the beach towards Primrose Valley when I went in search of the remains of the old Butlin's holiday camp whereas an 18 year-old-art student I had worked in the summer holidays of 1968," he wrote.
"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."
But now there's almost no trace of the original staycation provider at the redeveloped site, which is now called The Bay.
The luxury complex has been described as a 'purpose-built holiday village on the clifftops.
The first beach house was built in 2012 and in 2021 The Bay expanded to include a new 'Meadows development'.
There are around 500 properties on the site, many are rented out by private owners.
According to its website: "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.
"Gardens are not enclosed partly to make it easier for our gardeners but also makes it a lovely communal holiday village."
At the centre of the village is a 20 metre pool with a baby pool and sauna and steam rooms.
There's also a gym for those who want to get the blood pumping.
The Bay has a beauty room for holidaymakers looking for a bit of pampering,
There's a pub on site, which serves food ad drink all day and in a slight nod to Butlins: a family entertainment centre with an arcade.
There's even a purpose-built shop selling all the necessities and souvenirs.
For kids under the age of 12, there's an adventure playground.
Despite its luxurious feel, Filey Bay prides itself on being perfect for those on a budget.
For a two-night stay in June, a two-bedroom apartment will cost £380.
On the same dates, guests can also stay at the Sea Urchins beach house, which has king-size bedrooms and an open-plan kitchen for £464 .
At the other end of the scale, a massive four-bedroom house with a sea view will cost £1,160.28 for two nights in June.
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Sun
4 hours ago
- The Sun
Our town is being shamed by ridiculous Tripadvisor tourist reviews that say it's drug-riddled and covered in dog poo
WITH its golden sandy beaches, blue lapping seashore and peppering of fishing boats, this British seaside town looks like the perfect staycation holiday spot. But local residents have been forced to defend their hometown after scathing Tripadvisor reviews slammed the resort as "full of dog poo" and haunted by drug addicts. Residents have now hit back at critics after Scarborough was dubbed "tacky and overrated". One review read: "AVOID, AVOID, AVOID! Dog poo all over." Another added: " I was very disappointed to be dodging dog poo, I know it's the dog owners responsibility to pick up, however where are the dog fowling signs? "This became a bigger issue when the sun went down as you couldn't see it until it was too late. "Also the bins where overloaded and well due an empty. We use to love this place for its cleanliness." And a third said: "Lots of drug use." Aside from a period in the 1990s, when the tourist hotspot was awash with drug abusers who lingered around Peasholm Park, locals say Scarborough has been reborn. The Open Air Theatre now attracts huge crowds for top class acts and the Odeon has been transformed into the Stephen Joseph Theatre. Chalet owner Nikii Walker, 46, from Old Farnley, Leeds, came to the North Yorkshire resort as a student to study dance, music and technology. For her, the negative reviews bear no semblance on the truth. Gesturing at the view of the North Bay, she said: 'How is it tacky? Look at it. It's bloody beautiful. 'You have the wonderful sea and brightly painted chalets. We have the castle." Referring to the town's nightlife, she said: "There is not [much nightlife here] any more, but that does not matter as I have grown up. 'We have the sea, and beach, a run, swim and Dalby Forest right next to us. What more could you ask for? 'We had the most beautiful day only last week walking up at The Castle. It looked amazing.' Seafront waitress Lily Eve, 18, added: 'I was born and bred in Scarborough and I love living here. 'I love the beach and the town. There may not be any proper nightclubs here any more but people still have a good time. 'I am learning to surf and the waves are brilliant and the sea is generally clean although it does have its moments.' Amber Millar, 22, was born in Scarborough and now works as a dog walker. In response to criticisms about the town's dog poo epidemic, she said: "You really do not see much of it." She added: 'You could walk all around the North Bay and Marine Drive and you're not going to see any dog poo. 'We have lots of lovely small shops and businesses. When people say Scarborough they associate it just with amusements. 'But we have two beautiful bays and Peasholm Park where I always walk my dogs because it is beautiful and full of friendly people. 'People might say I am biased because I live here. But I love the sea and they take care of the beaches. 'When people say it is not very nice I think they are just listening to a very small minority. We love our seaside town. 'We do not want to be overrun by tourists. The businesses need the tourists because for most of us it is our home.' The harsh reviews come as plans to revitalise the town centre are being set into motion. Plans include a major revamp of the Brunswick shopping mall and reinstating a local cinema after the Odean closed in the 80s - and was later converted into Sir Alan Ayckbourn's Stephen Joseph Theatre. Jim Hughes, 73, who used to manage the town's Brunswick shopping centre before he retired, called the town a "lovely" place. Walking his small dog Bella on the promenade with Katheryn Baggallay, 67, he said: 'I think Scarborough is a lovely place. It is very clean, very tidy and well presented. 11 11 'The beaches are well controlled for dogs with certain areas designated no dogs which makes it really family friendly. 'There are plenty of bins around the seafront and town which help keep the town clean and tidy. There are lots of things for families and kids to do. 'We have plenty of parks, including Peasholm park, a wonderful cricket ground where first class cricket is played and two superb golf courses. 'There is something for everyone.' Despite this, Jim admitted Scarborough had become quite run down and he was looking forward to the Brunswick's revamp later this year. He added: 'It will be a real bonus for the area and hopefully attract more quality shops back to the town centre and better things into the town.' For Katheryn, the area is far from "tacky" and there is plenty of countryside for people to go and wander around. Though, she added, the town could benefit from more "family things". For retired pitman Terry Heselden, 77, there is "nothing wrong" with Scarborough. He said: "I have a caravan just down the road so I am here all the time and have never known anything wrong with Scarborough. 'I take the dog here on the beach on the North Bay and South Bay. The council run gardens are all immaculate. 'We have coming here 23 years. I know the Grand Hotel has got a bit of a reputation now. But I can remember going in there 30 years ago. 'It has gone downhill a bit over the years. But apart from that it is a lovely town. I have never seen any dog poo laid about and I am down here twice a week.' 11 11 11


The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
One of the UK's best seaside towns set to get new tidal lido on the beach
PLANS have been proposed for an outdoor tidal pool at one of the UK's oldest seaside towns. New plans have revealed a three-sided outdoor swimming pool, at the top of Scarborough South Bay. 3 3 If approved, the pool would have sand running into it and a sheltered beach and bathing area for children. The Scarborough Safe Sea Swimming Project's proposed site at Children's Corner is located near to the busy town centre, beach and next to the historic Scarborough Spa. A feasibility study was also presented to councillors, which was commissioned by North Yorkshire Council completed by outdoor swimming specialists and architects Studio Octopi. The study highlighted the potential boost to the local economy and benefits to well-being and health. The study also advised that there should be a pre-planning application "given the unique and rare nature of tidal pool projects". According to the BBC, Councillor Rich Maw said: "This idea began in the simplest of ways – with a letter from two local sea swimmers who asked me, 'How do we build a swimming pool?' "That one question has grown into a meaningful conversation, and now, the foundations of a community-led and deliverable plan. "Scarborough's South and North Bays are already loved by sea swimmers year-round. Cold water swimming is growing rapidly in popularity and for good reason." Scarborough was named one of the UK's best seaside towns by Conde Nasté Traveller last month, praising its reinvention of itself. Not only that, but Scarborough is the country's oldest holiday resort, dating back to the mid 1600s. New £4million lido to open in UK next year Even nicknamed 'Scarbados,' its long stretch of sand are the popular draw. There is also an English tidal lido right on the beach that you can only visit twice a day. Located in the historic fishing village in West Cornwall, Mousehole Rock Pool is open for 24 hours a day. However, when you can swim in the pool, depends on whether the tide is in or out. Due to being a tidal swimming spot, visitors can only have a dip twice a day. Essentially, during high tide the pool is exposed to the sea and fills with more water. But then during low tide, the pool can drain and will become shallower. The tide varies throughout the year, but in summer, Mousehole usually has two high tides a day - in mid-morning and the evening. Plus, a unique Victorian lido with outdoor lazy river to reopen with new £250k splash zone. 3


Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Daily Mail
Planning a budget-friendly break? Butlin's now has Showtime family holidays from just £49 - plus an EXTRA 10% off for a limited time
Looking to plan your next summer getaway? Well, good news, as Butlin's is currently offering an extra 10 per cent off their iconic Showtime Term-Time Breaks – with prices starting at just £49. Running throughout the year during term-time, Butlin's Showtime Term-Time Breaks showcase more quality entertainment than you can shake a stick at, and won't break the bank, either, making your next family getaway more affordable than ever. Butlin's Showtime Term-Time Breaks Looking to plan your next summer getaway? You can now score your next Showtime Term-Time Break with a whopping 10 per cent off, perfect if you're looking to save money on your next family holiday. Running throughout the year during term-time, Butlin's Showtime Term-Time Breaks showcase more quality entertainment than you can shake a stick at, and won't break the bank, either. From £49 Shop While an unforgettable getaway at Butlin's has always been excellent value for money, you can now score your next Showtime Term-Time Break with a whopping 10 per cent off, perfect if you're looking to save money on your next family holiday. But while your stay will cost less, there's no shortage of unforgettable experiences up for grabs during these term-time getaways. With everything from exclusive, West End-quality shows to thrills and spills in the huge Splash Waterworlds, there's plenty for the entire family to enjoy when you spend your holiday at Butlin's. Showtime Term-Time Midweek Breaks start from as little as £49 based on two adults and two children, and include a stay in a comfortable apartment with separate living and sleeping areas (ideal if you're catering to different bedtimes), and fully equipped kitchen areas to prepare your own meals. Holidaying with younger children? Butlin's are here to make your stay seamless with buggy parks, highchairs, child-friendly cutlery, baby food pouches included and travel cots available at selected locations, so you don't have to take the whole nursery with you. With stays of three to four nights up for grabs, and deposits for as low as £5 per person, you'll find plenty of activities included to keep little ones entertained, including mini discos, arts and crafts and unforgettable soft play zones. And these aren't called Showtime breaks for nothing… Also included in the price of your stay are a whole host of dazzling shows such as Snow White and Her Magnificent Friends, Peppa's Circus Celebration and The Butlin's Party Show Hosted by Mister Maker, none of which will be forgotten in a hurry. After all the excitement experienced during your Butlin's break, you'll no doubt have worked up an appetite. Luckily, there's plenty of dining options to help you and your family refuel throughout your break. Whether you opt for a dining plans that offer incredible variety at a great price, or pick and choose what you fancy each day, the Butlin's restaurants and grab-and-go outlets mean your action-packed days start and end with satisfied tummies. With so much to see and experience for the whole family, there's truly never been a better time to book an unforgettable getaway at Butlin's and treat your family to a magical holiday for less. Click here to find out more about what's included in your Showtime Term-Time Break, browse locations and dates available and secure your next holiday today.