Latest news with #BillyButlin
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Abandoned UK Butlin's site is now seaside town's 'hell hole' hotel
Scathing reviews over dirty mattresses, filthy carpets, mould, and complaints of poor hygiene seems worlds away from when this iconic seaside hotel was managed by Billy Butlin's A once regal and popular hotel was abandoned by Billy Butlin's over 20 years ago - and has since watched its reputation slide into the gutter. The mammoth structure of the Grand Hotel in Scarborough is pretty hard to miss. Defining the seaside town's popular beachfront with its unique V-shape (believed to be in honour of Queen Victoria) and baroque-style, this huge hotel was built back in 1867 and is said to have been one of the world's largest. Construction, which commenced in 1863, is estimated to have cost around £100,000, which - factoring in inflation - works out at around £10.8 million in today's money. Designed around the theme of time, the hotel originally boasted four towers, 12 floors, 52 chimneys and 365 bedrooms - all representing the number of seasons, months, weeks and days of the year. The Grand Hotel quickly attracted a prestigious clientele, luring in the likes of Winston Churchill, Ramsay MacDonald and King Edward. But, in 1914, following the outbreak of the First World War, the hotel was struck with around 30 German artillery shells - with battlecruisers wreaking havoc on the hotel's restaurant. Still, the hotel survived the conflict and went on to become a base for the RAF during the Second World War. Renovation costs totalled up to around £100,000 - but after the war - the hotel was back on track. In 1978, the site was bought by holiday park giant Butlin's, who kept the hotel up and running for two and a half decades. The firm reportedly renovated some of the areas and managed to maintain a 'steady flow of guests'. But, in 2004, Britannia Hotels bought the property - later investing a whopping £7 million in refurbishing it. "In 2017 the Grade II listed Hotel was awarded and named by Historic Britain as one of the top ten places, buildings and historical sites that tell the remarkable story of England and its impact on the world," Britannia Hotels said. However, in recent years, the hotel has garnered heavy criticism from guests - many of which argue the once vibrant property has turned into a 'hell hole'. With a poor 2.4 rating on TripAdvisor, the Grand Hotel's only redeeming quality seems to be its central location. One traveller who visited the hotel on July 20, 2025 left a scathing review online, slamming the hotel for a slew of faults including, 'smelling of mould', having 'filthy carpets', and a 'dirty brown mattress'. "Where do I begin with this utter crap hole?" they fumed. "I will never stay there again." Another agreed, commenting: "I wasn't expecting the Ritz but I was still disappointed. The once grand hotel is now a tired shell of a bygone era. The building itself is full of character. A great staircase, some really nice communal areas but nothing to make you want to stay and enjoy them." A third penned: "This hotel is dire, we didn't stay in the end due to extremely poor standards in cleanliness and dire hygiene issues... Would never stay there in the future, it's gross!" Despite the onslaught of negative coverage, there are still some travellers who seem happy with the hotel's standards. One TripAdvisor user raved about the 'well equipped room' they were put in, which featured facilities such as a hair dryer, iron, and ironing board. "I was very reluctant to book here - but what a lovely surprise I had and am pleased that I gave the hotel a chance," they said. "Try it before you knock it. Welcoming, helpful reception staff checked us into a lovely room with a sea view. Beautiful entrance, wide carpeted staircases and many comfortable seating areas throughout the hotel."
Daily Record
22-07-2025
- 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
22-07-2025
- 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
28-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Three UK seaside towns set for £150m Butlin's boost with eyes on 'fourth site'
Butlin's has unveiled a huge £150 million investment to make drastic improvements across its three UK sites, which attract around 1.5 million holidaymakers every year, over the next five years A trio of seaside resorts are slated for a huge tourism boost thanks to an ambitious £150 million investment. It's no secret that the UK's coastline suffered a huge fall from grace in the late 1950s - when packaged holidays to sunny hotspots like Spain started to become more affordable. The Benidorm-boom resulted in swathes of holiday resorts closing their doors, and saw once-vibrant seaside towns slip into disarray. However, Billy Butlin's holiday camps have stood the test of time, attracting around 1.5 million guests per year across their three resorts. Renowned for its huge swimming pools, stellar entertainment, and iconic Red Coat staff - Butlin's has now got its eye on a potential fourth site. READ MORE: UK's 'worst' seaside town's £60m tourism plan after Butlin's snub 41 years ago In a statement sent to the Mirror, a Butlin's spokesperson said: "With Butlin's turning 90 next year, we are immensely proud of the role we've played in so many seaside towns around the country, entertaining generations of guests. Our priority today is investing in our existing three resorts." Over the next five years, the holiday resort is investing a staggering £150 million into its Bognor Regis, Skegness and Minehead sites. This huge boost will focus on 'upgrading our accommodation and opening state of the art facilities'. Just last month, Butlin's unveiled a £1.8million upgrade to its Bognor Regis site as it opened its biggest ever indoor Soft Play centre and Puppet Theatre. The four storey, 3,000 square feet Soft Play centre - which is included in the price of a family break and day passes - doubles its capacity of the previous Soft Pay. Able to hold around 200 children, the Soft Play area features slides, climbing challenges, cargo nets, log ramps, and even a multi-sensory area for babies. The brand-new Puppet Theatre will entertain guests with shows including Under The Sea, Jingle in the Jungle and Christmouse. It follows the £15 million that was invested last year to open up Butlin's PLAYEXPERIENCE in Bognor Regis. The indoor activity centre, which opened on October 7, 2024, spans across two floors and offers a slew of entertainment including TechPutt, Escape Rooms, VR-cade, Glow Pong, Shuffleboard, Laser Tag, Batting Cage, Neo Games and Digi Darts, as well as a new café and bar. As previously reported, Butlin's also allocated £23 million last year to spruce up guest rooms and upgrade children's play facilities over at its Minehead site. This follows severe flood damage back in September 2023 which meant 400 units of accommodation needed a total makeover. £2.5 million of the investment was used to open Minehead's SKYPARK, which boasts the UK's longest swingline at 42 metres, as well as a wheelchair-friendly seesaw and two light-up intertwining slides. Over in Skegness, upgrades include four new fairground rides, a new SKYPARK, and the decision to make Studio 37 - a high-tech entertainment venue - a permanent feature. In 2013, Butlin's also unveiled a £12 million accommodation project to open 128 premium lodges in Skegness. The luxury lodges each have three bedrooms including a main bedroom with king sized bed and en-suite shower room, two twin rooms, a fully equipped kitchen with full sized fridge freezer, microwave and hob, private decking with outdoor furniture and parking space for two cars directly outside the accommodation. If you currently live too far from all three Butlin's sites in the UK - don't worry, as a fourth site could soon be in the works. "We've identified the North West of England where we don't have a resort as the near-term opportunity for our continued growth," the spokesperson added.
Daily Mirror
26-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
'Worst' seaside town's £60m tourism plan after Butlin's snub 41 years ago
With Brits still grieving the loss of a huge Butlin's resort some 41 years later, one rundown UK seaside town has revealed its £60 million plans to transform itself back to its former glory Ambitious plans to transform one of the UK's 'worst' seaside towns are well underway, as it stitches up the Butlin's-size hole that epitomises its downfall. In the post-war holiday boom, Clacton-on-Sea was in its heyday, attracting swathes of travellers from up and down the nation. Lured in by an award-winning pier, funfair rides, and a golden sand beach touted as a jewel in the crown of the 'Essex Sunshine Coast', this bustling resort was the perfect place to escape the city and relax. Clacton was also revered for homing one of the first Billy Butlin's sites - which opened its doors in 1937. Boasting a huge outdoor pool, funfair rides, a ballroom dancing hall, bowling green, and unbeatable entertainment - the resort cemented Clacton as the place to go for affordable family fun. However, when cheap package holidays to Spain infiltrated the travel market - Butlin's profits plummeted, resulting in the site closing its doors in 1983. More than four decades later, and locals are still grieving the once insatiably popular resort. The Facebook page Butlin's Clacton Holiday Camp has 2,700 members - and members are still frequently sharing their memories of the site. Earlier this month, user Danny posted a series of pictures of his mum, who worked at the Butlin's resort from 1977. "I went there many times - I loved it," he wrote. "They should never have taken Butlins away from Clacton." In the comments section, dozens of users agreed the site should never have closed. "Butlin's was a truly British institution that was used by many if not all working-class folk in its day," one person reflected. "We took the kids there several times because we could just about afford it. This would be the late 70s through 80s. The kids still talk of it now." Another user added: "They are the best memories I could ever wish for and I think it's the one Butlin's they should have never closed!" while a fourth penned: "I went there as a kid. My brother used to love making the models whilst me and my sister did 3D paintings. The man in charge was lovely. I painted a gold rose with a black background. I was so proud of myself. My favourite holiday. You're so right, they should never have got rid of it." Since Butlin's closure, things have continued to go downhill for Clacton. In fact, earlier this year, it came joint fourth-last with Skegness in Which?'s league tables of the best UK seaside towns. Harshly marked with a 48 per cent overall destination score, survey participants gave Clacton just two stars for its seafront/ pier, and one star for its scenery. Clacton's beach and parking availability boosted its rating up slightly, but shows its reputation is struggling. However, the town is certain it can turn things around with a £60 million regeneration project funded by the government. Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, Councillor Ivan Henderson, Deputy Leader of Tendring District Council and Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Tourism, said: "Tourism is absolutely vital to Clacton's economy, and while there are no active conversations with private sector investors to bring back a Butlin's-style resort, we're focused on building a vibrant, year-round destination that celebrates our seaside heritage while looking to the future." The politician said he was 'incredibly proud' of events like the Clacton Airshow, which draws in around 25,000 visitors and shows demand for the seaside town is present. "It's not just about one weekend or just the summer holidays though – following on from millions of pounds of private sector investment over recent years and a £36 million pound coastal defence scheme completed in 2019 - we're investing in our town's future with exciting projects like transforming a historic Martello Tower into a cultural venue, creating a new seafront arts space, and improving the town centre to encourage people to stay longer and explore more," he added. "I've been pleased to work with the Clacton Coastal Tourism Group, whose passion and ideas are helping shape a bright future for the town as well as the Clacton Town Board, which has been set up as part of the Government's Plan for Neighbourhoods programme, which alone will see £20million invested in Clacton over ten years. We're making real progress – and we're inviting residents, businesses and visitors to be part of that journey." With millions of people still visiting Clacton and the Essex Sunshine Coast every year, Cllr Henderson believes it is still a wonderful place to visit. In his words, it is a town with a 'proud past and even more exciting future'. While holidaymakers won't be able to spend a weekend with the iconic Red Coat staff, there remain more than 20 holiday parks across the Tendring district. This includes two Parkdean Resorts, and a Haven Holiday Park.
