We’ve got a prize package that will transport you back to the 80s, 90s or Y2K with a stay at Butlin’s for one of its legendary Big Weekenders
You can enjoy the ultimate throwback weekend with our competition to win a VIP break for four adults to a Butlin’s Big Weekender!
The lucky winner will get a three night stay from Friday to Monday, on selected dates in October, to Butlin’s ‘Halloweekender’ breaks, which include 80s, 90s and Y2K-themed vibes! Running from October 3 to 31, the Halloweekenders see Butlin’s decade-themed parties given a spooky makeover.
Options include Ultimate 80s Thriller, 90s Reloaded Fright Nights, Back To The 2000s Y2K Scares, and a mash-up Replay Time Warp Terror. Acts confirmed so far include Chesney Hawkes, Claire Richards and A1.
The prize includes VIP passes, premium dining and one Bottomless Brunch session for the duration of your stay – subject to availability. The winner will stay in a gold apartment, or a hotel if staying at Bognor Regis resort – subject to availability. Additional guests can be added to the booking, subject to availability at the time of booking. The costs for any additional guests must be fully covered by the winner.
The break will be for a 3-night (Fri-Mon) Halloweekender break only including:
Back To The 2000s Y2K Scares – 3 October (Bognor Regis)
Back To The 2000s Y2K Scares – 3 October (Minehead)
Replay Time Warp Terror – 10 October (Bognor Regis)
Ultimate 80s Thriller – 17 October (Minehead)
Ultimate 80s Thriller – 31 October (Bognor Regis)
90s Reloaded Fright Nights – 31 October (Minehead)
Back To The 2000s Y2K Scares – 31 October (Skegness)
The prize must be taken by 31 October, 2025. Enter the competition by filling out the form below and if you can’t see it, click HERE:
What to expect at the Butlin’s Big Weekender:
Ultimate 80s Thriller
Love the 80s? Then get ready for a Thriller night throwback this Halloween! Butlins will be digging up the decade of big hair, and even bigger tunes. Expect hauntingly good headline acts, DJ sets and live bands with an 80s Halloween twist (Ghostbusters anyone?) plus endless daytime activities. There’s so much to do, you can’t fail to have frighteningly good fun!
This break is fancy dress-friendly (in fact, it’s almost compulsory) so get your ghoul on – quite literally– and start planning your perfect 80s ‘Thriller’ look.
90s Reloaded Fright Nights
Gather your F.R.I.E.N.D.S, your glow sticks, and get ready to take the plunge with the grunge, because it’s time to bring the 90s back from the dead, with Butlin’s 90s Reloaded weekender! This Halloween, relive the decade of BritPop, house music and indie bands, with live performances from music legends of the era and endless entertainment. Fancy dress? You bet. From Scream to Freddie Kruger, which 90s nightmare look will you and your mates unearth?
Back To The 2000s Y2K Scares
It’ll be murder on the dancefloor at Butlin’s 2000s Halloween bash. The noughties are being resurrected with the best pop, dance and garage music given a frightful twist! For three days, expect high-energy party vibes, plenty of hands-in-the-air moments and a ghoulishly good dose of noughties nostalgia with the best live performances and music from the decade. Fancy-dress is actively encouraged, so get ready to rock those terrifying noughties outfits!
Replay Time Warp Terror
There’s no need to compromise on your music taste this Halloween when you hit Butlin’s REPLAY Weekender. A monster mash-up of decades, REPLAY celebrates the best music of the 80s, 90s and beyond, with different stages dedicated to each. You’ll be partying to nostalgic throwbacks one minute, and chart-topping floor fillers the next. Start planning your horrifying Halloween outfit now! So many decades to choose from!
One mum took to TikTok to share her disappointment with the accommodation at the Skegness Butlin’s holiday park, sharing clips of the filthy room – including a dead bug on her bed
11:00, 26 Jul 2025Updated 12:24, 26 Jul 2025
One woman and her daughter had to move rooms on holiday at Butlin’s in Skegness (Image: Alamy Stock Photo)
Mum Jasmine took to TikTok to share her disappointment with the accommodation at the Skegness holiday park, sharing clips of the filthy room with her 19,000 followers.
“I could make a 10-minute video on all of the issues in here but here’s some of them,” she captioned the clip. “Even walking up to the room I felt grimy. This is the Butlin’s comfort room. This is my sign to not blindly book something hahaha.”
She went on to give a tour of the room – which they couldn’t stand to sleep in for more than one night – showing dirt throughout, including in the shower and the bin.
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In her voiceover, Jasmine said: “I was meant to book the apartment but I didn’t realise. When I first walked in there and I saw there’s only two rooms and one bathroom in the middle, I thought, ‘Where’s the rest of it?’.
“I am going to emphasise that was not Butlin’s fault at all though to be fair – it was my fault. So anyway I don’t know if the videos can do it justice because the smell when I walked in there was just absolutely wild.
“This isn’t the cleaner’s fault or anything like that – it’s the turnover rate is the issue. These rooms need massive deep cleans because a quick once over is not going to help.”
“I didn’t even want to shower in there – in fact, I didn’t shower in there. I ended up going to the swimming pools to have a shower.
“We spent one night in this room and the beds were so damp – my daughter even woke up asking why the bed was so wet.
“I can’t explain the smell. I know I keep saying it but it was horrific. The mould was over the windows, there were cobwebs up the walls… This was a dead bug on our bed and then our daughter got poo on her hand walking out and I was like ‘nah, that’s it, 100% I am going.’
“The stuff kids can do here is amazing though – I will not fault Butlins for that. It is just a shame about the room.”
When The Mirror contacted Butlin’s, a spokesperson for the holiday park said: “We’re sorry and disappointed to see the cleanliness issues the guest experienced with their accommodation. This certainly isn’t the high standards we expect our guests to receive when they holiday with us. We carried out a full reclean and offered a gesture of goodwill which was accepted.”
Others shared similar experiences in the comments, with one person writing: “This looks so much cleaner than our room [laughing emoji].”
Another person said: “Skegness I had the most horrible room haven’t ever gone back. It was a hot year window broke couldn’t open it, bedding didn’t get changed stuff left under the bed etc was horrible.”
However, another visitor insisted they had only ever had positive experiences at the holiday park, writing: “Which Butlin’s is this?? We’ve always been to skeg one and never had a room like this. That’s grim.”
Butlin’s Bognor Regis resort has received a major upgrade with a new £15million playground that’s open to the public – one writer went to see if it lived up to the hype
15:04, 24 Jul 2025Updated 15:26, 24 Jul 2025
Butlin’s is not the cheesy British holiday it was once perceived to be(Image: PR HANDOUT)
Given the ridiculously variable nature of the British weather, it is little wonder that UK holiday resorts are investing massively in their indoor facilities.
Butlin’s is no exception with its Bognor Regis site welcoming a new £15million activity centre, Playxperience, which is open for the first time to holidaymakers this year. Playxperience is home to nine different activities that can be enjoyed by all the family.
Whether it is trying to work your way out of one of the three escape rooms, becoming the next Luke Littler on Digi Darts, testing your reactions on the brilliant batting cage, this building boasts the very latest in interactive and immersive technology.
For teenagers, it is a gamers’ paradise. It can be expensive, as it is an additional cost to your holiday, but it will keep the children occupied for hours. And many memories can be made on the more family-oriented activities like Shuffleboard or TechPutt golf.
Playxperience is a game-changer(Image: PR HANDOUT)
If parents or guardians want to leave the kids to it, there is also a cafe on the ground floor, or for those fancying something stronger, a superb sports bar on the first floor, which is open until 11pm. As this was a family holiday, though, we were keen to book in for activities we could all enjoy – and there are so many options.
The archery was great fun, with our Butlin’s guide taking us through games that weren’t all about hitting the bullseye and top scoring, which ensured people of differing abilities could be a winner. However, a trip to Butlin’s would not feel right without watching some of the many shows they put on, which again cater for all ages.
With a 13- and 11-year-old in tow, I did wonder if they would be “too cool” for it all, but our first night proved I had nothing to worry about, kicking off watching the Cirque du Hilarious show.
It was slapstick comedy at its cheesy best, and while some led to groans of “cringe” from our boys, other aspects were “sick” or “bussin”, which I’m assured means they were loving it. We also enjoyed SBX Presents Extreme Playgrounds, where performers showcased their football, basketball, street dancing and beat boxing skills.
Butlin’s Bognor has everything you could want for a fun-filled holiday(Image: PR HANDOUT)
Other shows included the superb Animals and Mythical Beasts and Iconic, which are new for 2025. There’s also a Snow White pantomime (oh yes there is) and Electric Wonderland, a dazzling dance display incorporating LED lights and costumes. The most popular was Gladiators, with stars from the show.
The place was packed to the rafters and divided into two teams: Red and Blue. We were on the Blue team and having won the brilliantly interactive ball race against the Reds, where the audience must roll a giant ball above their heads from one end of the studio to the other, and back to the stage, we were let down by our Gladiator, Phantom. He lost his two battles with rival Gladiator Dynamite, leading to the Reds winning overall. It may have been “just a game” to Phantom – but try telling that to two highly competitive boys.
Of course, the Bognor resort is right on the seafront, but while we were blessed with beautiful spring sunshine, the breeze meant it was a little too chilly to get out the deckchairs. Instead, the boys tested their skills on the High Ropes before we enjoyed a few hours at the excellent Splash, which boasts a huge pool, slides and a wave pool.
While Playxperience boasts the very latest in gaming technology, and Splash the ultimate wet and wild fun activity, the adage that the “old ones are still the best” rang true for our boys. Asked what his favourite thing about Butlin’s was, my son, Stanley, replied unequivocally: “Waltzers!”
As for the Butlin’s downtime, we stayed at the Wave Hotel which had bunk beds for the boys and a double bed for my partner and I. Tea and coffee was included – with plenty more on request at reception – and we also had the all-inclusive drinks package allowing us to drink virtually anywhere on site.
While the drinks package was confusing at the start, as you had to have a QR code emailed to you which you then had to scan when ordering drinks, it was worthwhile with a superb selection of soft and alcoholic beverages – and branded ones too. Costa hot drinks are also available for the coffee connoisseur.
Our food was also in the inclusive package, but limited to the Deck offering a wide range of different hot foods and desserts at dinner time and an extensive breakfast menu.
There were also themed nights, such as Italian on the Monday, Indian on Tuesday and Chinese on Wednesday, while our roast potato-loving boy Sam revelled in the different roast meat that was on offer every evening. For convenience and cost, the food and drink bundles are well worth investing in.
Butlin’s is not the cheap and cheesy British holiday it was once perceived to be, it’s had a mighty investment in state-of-the-art facilities, making it one of the UK’s leading family holiday destinations where endless memories are made.
Book the holiday
Butlin’s offers a three-night Summer Holiday break featuring Stephen Mulhern and Meet the stays of The Gladiators staying in a two-bedroom Wave Hotel room in Bognor Regis from £465, for arrival on August 8th. Based on a family of four sharing and includes live shows, activities, free flow access to the pool, unlimited fairground rides, playgrounds and the new Soft Play centre. Dining packages start at £24.95 per adult, per day, £14.95 per child (six-14), per day and £6.80 per child (two-five).
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
The Butlin’s site was closed down, despite hefty investment(Image: Wikimedia Commons )
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.
The huge park featured the first Butlin’s chairlift(Image: Wikimedia Commons )
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.
A £25m investment wasn’t enough to keep the site going(Image: Wikimedia Commons )
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.”
Much of the site was bulldozed down to make way for a new holiday park(Image: Wikimedia Commons )
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.
The site is now run by Haven, who offers breaks starting from just £49(Image: Wikimedia Commons)
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.
What’s your favourite UK holiday park? Let us know in the comments section below
Brits looking for their next staycation have been urged to ‘look past heavyweights’ like Butlin’s and Pontins after both were snubbed in the league tables for the UK’s best holiday park
Butlin’s was snubbed by visitors due to its poor value for money and overall customer service(Image: Getty Images)
The UK’s best holiday park has been revealed – and it’s bad news for the Red Coats. With the cost of living crisis still grappling cash-strapped Brits, many of us are ditching their fortnight abroad for a much more affordable staycation.
In fact, data from last year showed a whopping 52 per cent of Brits were opting to holiday in the UK instead of jetting off to the likes of Spain and Greece, with 34 per cent planning for at least two staycations during 2024. Now that the school summer holidays are just around the corner, swathes of households will be searching for a last-minute break to escape the city and relax.
Butlin’s came fifth to last in Which?’s league tables(Image: Butlin’s)
As a result, consumer brand Which? has ranked all of the UK’s holiday parks – arguing you might want to ‘look past heavyweights’ like Center Parcs, Butlin’s and Pontins.
Despite attracting around 1.5 million visitors a year, Butlin’s was dealt a huge blow in the league tables – ranking fifth to last. The resort, which has three sites across the UK, scored an overall customer score of 67 per cent.
Travellers gave Butlin’s a meagre two stars for its value for money, food and drink offerings, and overall customer service, and three stars for its dog friendliness and variety of free facilities. When it came to the ‘quality and variety of children’s activities’, Butlin’s received a much more respectable four stars.
Pontins was criticised for being ‘extremely tired’(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
However, it was Pontins that came scraping in at the bottom – with a 56 per cent overall customer score. “The furnishings were extremely tired, the chairs and beds were incredibly uncomfortable, and the grounds within the complex were mostly overgrown,” one visitor scathed.
Another agreed, fuming: “It is cheap to book and entertain children. However, the facilities available and prices were below par when actually at the resort.”
Taking home gold, with an impressive 87 per cent customer score, is Potters Resorts. The adult-only, all-inclusive park has just two locations (one in Norfolk and one in Essex) and prides itself on its ‘award-winning hospitality’ and ‘West End-quality evening entertainment’.
Operating for more than 100 years, visitors spent around £110 per person per night – and was hailed for its good value for money (remember this price covers your food and drinks too). “The facilities are excellent,” praised one recent traveller. “Activities varied and well organised. Entertainment was outstanding. The all inclusive deal was very good value. Food superb and plentiful.”
Potters Resorts topped the league tables thanks to its excellent entertainment and value for money(Image: PUBLICITY PICTURE)
UK’s best holiday parks and resorts rated
Potters Resorts
Forest Holidays
Bluestone Wales
John Fowler Holiday Parks
Hoburne Holidays
Hoseasons
Waterside Holiday Group
Warner Leisure Villages
Centerparcs
Haven Holiday Parks
Parkdean Resorts
Butlin’s
Park Holidays UK
Away Resorts
Largo Leisure Parks
Pontins
*Which?’s league tables are based on 2,255 responses from 1,717 Which? members and the general public. The survey was carried out in February and March 2024.
The Mirror has approached Butlin’s and Pontins for comment.
What’s your favourite UK holiday park? Let us know in the comments section below
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!
12:28, 09 Jul 2025Updated 13:36, 09 Jul 2025
Skegness is a renowned coastal town located in Lincolnshire (Image: Lincolnshire Live)
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.
No seaside resort would be complete without fish and chips(Image: Lincolnshire Live)
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.
Skegness sees plenty of tourists flock to its beach(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
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)
Butlin’s Bognor Regis, a holiday resort in West Sussex, is one of the most famous holiday parks in the UK and worldwide. Here’s what happened when Parul Sharma went to Butlin’s without kids.
08:20, 05 Jul 2025Updated 08:21, 05 Jul 2025
Butlin’s holiday park is a quintessential British experience(Image: undefined via Getty Images)
As a UK resident, I was recently informed that a trip to Butlin’s is somewhat of a British tradition. Being relatively new to the UK, I had no clue what Butlin’s was. So naturally, I decided to spend a weekend at the nearest one post-haste.
For some background – I relocated from India to the UK in June last year and holiday parks were not a common concept back home. In fact, it would be quite a task to locate one, particularly on the same scale and reputation.
So off I went to Butlin’s Bognor Regis for a ‘quintessentially British’ holiday break. To set the record straight, Butlin’s isn’t a holiday park.
It’s a holiday resort brimming with all the bells and whistles to keep oneself amused within its (vast) boundary walls. Despite being a mere stone’s throw away from the beach, that’s not the unique selling point of Butlin’s, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Parul went to Butlin’s with her partner over the May Bank Holiday weekend(Image: Parul Sharma)
The resort chain prides itself on offering enough activities within its grounds that guests don’t feel compelled to seek excitement at the beach.
Stepping into Butlin’s with my partner during the May Bank Holiday weekend, two things became immediately apparent. Firstly, my partner and I were possibly the only couple without children for miles around.
Secondly, it was shaping up to be a lively weekend.
The accommodation
Butlin’s Bognor Regis boasts three hotels within its grounds – the Shoreline, Ocean, and Wave Hotels – along with the Comfort range of rooms and apartments.
I had the pleasure of staying at the Wave Hotel, conveniently located near all the action and quite frankly, it was delightful. Upon entering the room, we were welcomed by a neon blue glow (as suggested by the name), yellow interiors, and an adorable junior room for children, complete with bunk beds and a quirky porthole on the door.
As a 30-year-old, I was thrilled at the prospect of a lie-in on those bunk beds, each equipped with their own mini-TVs. I could only imagine the excitement a child would feel having that space all to themselves.
Entertainment
Butlin’s iconic white tents are a world unto themselves. They house an arcade, a bowling alley, pool tables, a couple of bars, restaurants, and several stages for entertainment shows – it’s hard to envision anyone getting bored within these tented walls.
I must admit, I was completely taken in by the arcade games, enjoying myself as much as the throngs of delighted children around me. Upon closer observation, I realised I wasn’t the only adult partaking in the fun.
Watching parents in my vicinity revert back to their childhood selves was a joy to behold. After a spirited game of bowling and a few rounds of pool, I found myself reliving the bliss of my 11-year-old self’s childhood paradise.
For families with children, there was a plethora of live shows to enjoy, including The Masked Singer hosted by Mark Rhodes (known for Crackerjack and CBBC’s Junior Bake Off), featuring masked celebrity participants.
Other attractions included Electric Wonderland, Iconic, Snow White and her Magnificent Friends, Animals and Mythical Beasts, and even a chance to meet Gladiators stars Cyclone and Nitro.
These events were always bustling with attendees, and given the vibrant energy they exuded, it’s easy to see why.
The PLAYXPERIENCE
A new addition to Butlin’s Bognor Regis’ already brimming holiday resort is the PLAYXPERIENCE. Having opened its doors in October 2024, the PLAYXPERIENCE was certainly a standout feature of my inaugural Butlin’s weekend.
Spread across two floors and nearly 50,000 square feet, it’sndeniably a sanctuary for gamers and modern tech enthusiasts.
With a VR Cade boasting cutting-edge VR games, laser tag, techputt (mini-golf), digi darts, escape rooms, glow pong, shuffleboard, a batting cage, and neo games – this gamer’s paradise has something for everyone.
Featuring a bar and cafe on-site, I can safely say that me and my passion fruit daiquiri had a fantastic time while partaking in some neon mini golf. Another memorable moment was playing laser tag with playful kids and their equally spirited parents.
It appears that a dose of high-octane, ruthless competition is just the ticket to kick-start the day. As we divided into four teams, it became evident once more that the grown-ups were having as much fun as the youngsters.
That seemed to be the charm of Butlin’s.
Butlin’s Bognor Regis’ holiday resort has introduced a brand-new attraction called the PLAYXPERIENCE
Food and drink
The all-inclusive drinks package at Butlin’s seemed like a no-brainer. With an impressive array of cocktails, spirits, beers, ciders, wines, mocktails, Costa coffee, and soft drinks available – it’s almost worth donning a vibrant neon-orange wristband for three days.
The fact that most of the beverages are quite tasty and do the trick adds to the appeal. And with conveniently located bars and eateries scattered across the resort, we never had to wait too long for a drink or snack.
There was a wealth of choices to suit any budget, whether we fancied breakfast or a buffet dinner.
There was a wide array of cocktails, spirits, beers, ciders, wines, mocktails, Costa coffee, and soft drinks available
We opted for the premium dining package which covered our breakfast and dinner each day. Breakfast was served from 8am to 10:30am daily, and while the selection was broad and catered to both children and adults, I found the actual taste and quality of the food to be average.
But one can’t have it all, I suppose.
We were taken aback when we arrived at 10am on the first day – it seemed everyone was an early riser, and we certainly felt out of place, with people giving us double-takes!
The following day we managed to get there by 9.45am, but it still appeared that everyone was up bright and early for breakfast – not ideal for a late riser like me who prefers to squeeze in as much sleep as possible.
Fairground and Splash Waterworld
A charming little fairground was the icing on the cake of my Butlin’s weekend. From go-karts and adventure golf to mini-rides and a trampoline, the pre-booked All-Action Pass was a hit.
My inner Lewis Hamilton emerged during an exhilarating go-kart race (in which I triumphed – and no, it doesn’t matter that most of my competitors were children).
Although I didn’t take a dip, the sight of joyful families wandering around with damp hair and broad grins was enough to convince me it would’ve been a delightful experience (provided it wasn’t raining and excessively windy).
So, how did my inaugural Butlin’s trip fare in terms of holidays? Three days packed with fun, games, activities, and children. Lots and lots of children.
Perhaps my next visit will be when I have a little one of my own.
Book the holiday
Butlin’s is offering a three-night Showtime Weekend break, which includes accommodation in a two-bedroom Ocean Hotel room in Bognor Regis, starting from £269 on 11 July 2025. The price is based on two adults sharing and encompasses all live shows and activities, unrestricted access to the pool, unlimited fairground rides, and entry to PLAYXPERIENCE.
Dining packages begin at £24.95 per adult, per day, £14.95 per junior (aged 6-14), per day, and £6.80 per child (aged 2-5). For more information, visit www.butlins.com..
Stephen Mulhern has confirmed the future of his ITV game show Deal or No Deal after taking over from Noel Edmonds but it comes after a huge change for the presenter
Stephen Mulhern has made an exciting announcement regarding the return of his ITV game show Deal or No Deal(Image: (Image: ITV))
Stephen Mulhern has made an exciting announcement regarding the return of his ITV game show Deal or No Deal.
Eager fans have been clamouring for updates on when they might see new episodes following the conclusion of the recent series.
A fan implored on social media: “@ITV @StephenMulhern When is Deal or No Deal back?” while another expressed their anticipation: “Can’t wait for the new series. Have missed it!.”
A third fan humorously inquired: “Never mind the Banker. When’s Noel Edmonds coming back?”.
Responding to the outpouring of queries, Stephen took to Twitter with a response: “Hello mate, Deal or No Deal is back in September!
“I can hear the Banker counting his money already!”
Eager fans have been clamouring for updates on when they might see new episodes(Image: Getty)
He also invited viewers to become contestants, saying: “You’ve cried at the heartbreak.
“You’ve cheered at the celebrations. Now it’s your chance to hold the box..”
This news comes amidst a significant change for Mulhern, who is set to conclude his £1million deal with Butlin’s this year.
The 48-year-old Dancing on Ice star has represented the holiday chain for three years but has decided not to renew his contract.
He started his career as a beloved Redcoat entertainer at Butlin’s, later gracing the stages in Minehead, Bognor Regis, and Skegness, delighting crowds with his lucrative contract performances.
Stephen Mulhern confirmed Deal or No Deal’s future(Image: Getty)
However, changes are on the horizon, as a spokesperson recently disclosed to The Mirror: “Stephen has absolutely loved being part of the Butlin’s family – performing his stage shows in front of thousands of holiday makers across the country and the relationship with Butlin’s remains hugely positive.”, reports the Express.
“This change allows Stephen to explore new opportunities in the family holiday space – something he’s incredibly passionate about.”
Butlin’s also shared their side, stating: “Stephen has been an incredible part of the Butlin’s experience and continues to be a valued member of the family.
“Stephen’s much-loved live show won’t return in 2026 after three fantastic years, but we’re thrilled to be working together on ongoing projects this autumn.”
Deal or No Deal episodes are available to watch on ITVX
Within the first six months of 2025 I have visited Center Parcs’ Longleat Forest and Butlin’s Minehead parks – and the contrasts couldn’t be more stark
Center Parcs is completely different to Butlin’s but they both compete in one area – for British holidaymakers to book them up every year(Image: Getty)
Two of the leading UK holiday brands have a lot to offer, but it’s exactly what they serve up to unassuming holidaymakers that makes them worlds apart.
When I told my husband I wanted to compare Center Parcs with Butlin’s, he told me it was impossible to compare apples with pears. In other words, their concepts are very different.
But after a long-weekend at Center Parcs Longleat Forest in March, and then an additional four days at Butlin’s in Minehead, there’s a lot to be said for both and what they bring to the table in terms of staycations.
Butlin’s serves the British seaside culture, whereas Center Parcs plunges its guests into the middle of the countryside where urban life feels a million miles away. So yes, of course, they are going to be different and have their own appeals. And they don’t promise to be like each other, either.
Rocking up at Center Parcs in March, the wooden-clad lodges, towering trees, and abundant cyclists told me that this park is for the adventuring family. The ones who like to explore, walk, cycle and stay as active as possible. Let’s be honest, you often need a holiday to recover from an action-packed stay at Center Parcs.
Then, in the height of spring arriving at Minehead’s Butlin’s, the sea breeze, the far-away buzz of fairground rides and loud laughter of children told me this break was all about the simple concept of making children feel as included and entertained as possible. It’s kids first and adults a close second.
For anyone who hasn’t yet been to either and could be looking to book a break to Butlin’s or Center Parcs, I’ve done all the hard comparisons for you.
(Image: Publicity Picture)
Center Parcs vs. Butlins: Budgets
The first obvious thing to mention is Center Parcs is way more expensive than Butlin’s. Not only have I been to Longleat, but also to its Elveden Forest branch in Suffolk where the branding and concept is identical.
You’d easily spend well over £600 for a basic family lodge at any of its locations, whereas Butlin’s could set you back just over £100 for a basic apartment at either Minehead, Skegness or Bognor Regis.
Butlin’s offers smaller apartments, hotel-like rooms or self-catering complexes which all vary in cost. Center Parcs also has some variety but its price point starts much higher, with some of its luxurious lodges coming with hot-tubs, saunas and enclosed gardens. It also has designated lodges for people with dogs, which comes at an additional cost.
But it’s not just the price of staying over you’d need to be aware of. At Butlin’s shows are free, as are the indoor and outdoor fairgrounds, something I found incredibly good value for money. We paid an additional £15 per person for VIP wristbands which enabled us to queue jump and get seated first for the performances. Swimming is also free and the indoor and outdoor pools can be used as often as you’d like.
At Center Parcs swimming is also free, but any other activity such as quad biking, pottery painting, seeing owls, and hiring bikes come at an extra cost. But you are not pressured into buying into any of this – you can visit a Center Parcs site and bring your own bikes, explore the on-site parks and walking trails and not spend much money at all. If you are wanting to immerse yourself in the full CP experience, it is going to cost you.
So to conclude – a budget-friendly break is far simpler to complete at Butlin’s than it is at Center Parcs, but it’s not impossible at either.
Center Parcs vs. Butlins: Entertainment day and night
One striking similarity at both parks is, by around 10pm, most of the noise and buzz dies down. After-all these are family-orientated complexes. Butlin’s does, however, offer big weekenders for adults and these types of events go on well into the night.
Guests are reminded of others who are in bed much earlier, and are asked to keep the noise down as they filter back to their accommodation. There’s no doubt entertainment is Butlin’s middle name, with organised shows, character meet-and-greets and fairground attractions taking centre stage.
Center Parcs holds things like quiz nights and has a bustling sports bar at each site which is where adults are seen spending much time. But its concept is less-imposing, and with the site way more sprawled out, I’ve never heard noise after-dark. If you’re looking for an upbeat break where bed-times don’t matter, Butlin’s should be your first choice. If you want to shut the noise away on your terms, it’s Center Parcs all the way.
Center Parcs vs Butlin’s: Things to do
Both holiday parks have more than enough to do – but I’d say Center Parcs has more of a variety than Butlin’s. This is because there’s a lot of activities for families and adults.
Butlin’s is very child-orientated if you are there for a standard week’s holiday. By the end of our fourth day I was more than ready to come home and felt as though we had done everything the park had to offer.
With Center Parcs, unless you have an unlimited bank account and an infinite amount of time, you’ll never get around all the activities in a single stay. This means you can keep returning and there will always be something new to do next time. But much of the activities are outdoors based, so if you’ve picked an unfortunate week weather wise, wellies and waterproofs are essential.
Plus, the sites are varied. At Longleat there’s a little road train which takes guests across the park due to its sheer size, but there’s nothing like this at Elveden as it’s much smaller and not so hilly. Some of CP’s sites also house some incredible spas, which are so sought after that people living nearby visit these alone. Of course, treatments and visiting all costs.
(Image: Press Association Images)
Butlin’s main event tents are dominated by arcade machines, which obviously require cash to operate. They also have a bowling alley and other small scale games for the family to participate in. At Center Parcs, they also have designated areas with arcade-like entertainment, pre-booked smaller scale activities such as teddy bear designing, hair braiding and face painting along with 10-pin bowling.
Both sites have great outdoor parks for children, with Butlin’s recently spending millions on a new interactive playground, with lights and sounds, for kids at Minehead. Center Parcs has wooden, rustic playgrounds – equally as fun – with around the same amount of facilities.
Center Parcs vs. Butlin’s: Eating arrangements
At Butlin’s you can pay for a half-board eating plan which requires you to go to one or two of its on-site restaurants and pick from a buffet-style choice.
This obviously means you can fill up at breakfast time, have a light snack at lunch and be ready for dinner. It’s by far the cheapest option on site, with food court dining priced at £24.95 per adult, per day, and under £7 per child, per day.
Premium dining is only a fraction more expensive at £32.95 per day for an adult and just under £10 for a child. There’s also fish and chips and Costa coffee outlets for anyone wanting to eat on-the-go. There are a number of restaurants scattered around the park for anyone wanting to eat-out and experience table service.
We brought some of our own food, and our apartment was set up with a microwave and oven if we wanted to cook our own, but we didn’t need to bother.
Center Parcs offers no such dining plans. We nearly always do a food shop before arriving and cook our own dinners in the apartment. Center Parcs houses big name restaurants such as Bella Italia, Pret-a-Manger and Las Iguanas to name a few. It also allows you to pre-book takeaways from their on-site restaurants delivered directly to your lodge.
Centre Parcs at Longleat Wiltshire(Image: Center Parcs Limited)
My verdict
My husband was right – directly comparing both parks is no easy feat. They both have their pros and cons, but ultimately, for me, Center Parcs wins my vote. I found the parks more modern, clean, and varied. And I came away with the ability to have stayed longer had the option been there. My four-year-old also fell in love with the pools, which had various flumes and areas designated for children.
We never go over-board when it comes to shelling out on endless activities, and I like the fact you don’t need to feel obliged to do so. Center Parcs had way more for adults to do, with kids in mind too.
Butlin’s was without a doubt a great break for my little one who was buzzing at the shows, the fairground rides and the arcade amusements. She loved the football ground, and the swimming. But as the pool’s flumes were too big for her to go on, she wasn’t itching to go back. I was also more than ready to go on our last day.
If you’re looking for a budget break by the sea, Butlin’s is where it’s at. But if you’re into the countryside and could walk and cycle for hours away from civilisation, Center Parcs is the holiday for you.
Tourists ‘ran in terror’ after a 90mph tornado flattened a popular Butlin’s resort, uprooting trees from the ground and ripping roofs from chalets. Now, the site looks completely different
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A freak tornado shaped the future of this once-thriving Butlin’s resort(Image: Ian Bond)
Roofs were ‘ripped like paper’ from this once-thriving Butlin’s resort that has now taken on a completely new breath of life.
Back in 1947, a 150-acre stretch of rolling farmland – sandwiched in between mountains and sea – was transformed into a Red Coat holiday camp, after previously being used as a training centre for the Admiralty and Merchant Navy during World War Two. Located in Pwllheli, in Wales, it had the capacity to welcome a whopping 8,000 visitors at any one time, and even boasted its own miniature railway that whizzed holidaymakers from the centre of the complex over to the beach.
Like any classic Butlin’s site, the resort boasted a huge outdoor swimming pool with a five-tier water feature, along with a boating lake, ballroom, tennis courts, cosy cabins, and thrilling fun fair rides. In 1987, it is believed the camp bought the Vekoma Boomerang, a stomach-churning roller coaster that consisted of six loops (three of which went backward).
When it came to entertainment, the Pwllheli site also did not disappoint. “Ringo Starr appeared at the camp during his pre-Beatles era,” reports Butlin’s Memories. “His group, Rory Storm and the Hurricanes, appeared for a 13-week engagement in 1960. The booking was due to start on June 4, but Ringo declined due to his impending marriage. In the end, the marriage was cancelled so he could go to Butlin’s.”
A terrifying twister hit the park in 1989(Image: Ian Bond)
However, on August 14, 1989, the site was wrecked by a freak tornado that sparked carnage in the seaside town. According to North Wales Live, tourists ‘ran in terror’ as 90mph winds ripped roofs from lodges, chucked boats into the air, and uprooted trees from the ground.
“I remember I’d just come back in from having tea. It had been a gorgeous day, the sun had been shining all day long,” Ian Bond, who was at the camp when the tornado hit, said. “We went back into our chalets, then all of a sudden there was this huge bang and a crash. Then it went really quiet.”
Guests say the twister ‘ripped everything to pieces’(Image: Keith Barnfield)
Ian explained how when he looked outside, all he could see was ‘grey dust everywhere’ before the terrifying twister became visible. “It came up over the headland near where the cable cars used to be, and up over the boating lake. It literally split all the trees and you could see the path where it had been,” he added.
“Then it came towards the chalets. We ran back inside and then it hit us. It ripped everything to pieces. When it passed, we looked up and the roof of the chalets were just gone, ripped off.”
The former Butlin’s site looks completely different now(Image: Hadyn Iball / North Wales Live)
With the majority of the camp flattened, and more than 35,000 forced to cut their holiday short, the tornado caused an estimated damage of £2 million. A £30 million investment scheme was announced a year later, and the site rebranded as Starcoast World – boasting a new subtropical water-world known as StarSplash.
But by the end of 1997, the Pwllheli camp was transferred to Haven Holidays – and the survivIng Butlin’s features were bulldozed. Chalets were replaced with static caravans, and the funfair and miniature railway were removed.
You can stay at Haven Hafan y Mor holiday camp for as little as £49(Image: Hadyn Iball / North Wales Live)
Now, the area is home to the Hafan-y-Mor Holiday Park, which was given an AA 5 Platinum Star award last year. The popular Haven site features an adventure village, water park and pool, as well as four-lane slide and flume. Visitors can now opt to stay in Caravans, Lodges, or Apartments – with three-night stays costing as little as £49.
*Prices based on Haven listings at the time of writing.
Which UK seaside town should get a new Butlin’s site? Have your say in the comments section below
One of the UK’s most beloved holiday park brands, Haven, has unveiled ambitious plans to transform its Kent Coast site with a hefty £10 million investment – and work has already begun
The refurb will feature a new splash activity zone and falling rapids slide(Image: Haven Holidays)
A giant holiday park is ploughing a whopping £10 million to transform one of its sites, as it promises guests there will ‘never be a moment to be bored’.
Haven – which has 38 sites dotted along the Great British coastline – is upgrading its Kent Coast resort to create a brand new swimming complex. It will feature a splash activity zone, falling rapids slide, and see the current outdoor pool be converted into another huge indoor pool.
The huge investment follows previous refurb work, including a new state-of-the-art 1,200-seater venue with big screens, an outdoor terrace, and a bar and kitchen. Kent Coast’s arcade also recently had a makeover – joining the Creative Studio space where guests can unleash their creativity with activities like pottery making and Make a Bear.
The £10million upgrade will improve the site’s swimming complex(Image: Haven Holidays)
Alongside the swimming pool investment, Haven invested £1.35 million into opening a new J D Wetherspoon pub, The London Stone, which opened back in March. This was part of a much wider £6.7 million investment after the holiday park partnered with the pub chain to open three other JDW sites at Devon Cliffs, Cleethorpes Beach, and Haggerston Castle.
The expansion of its J D Wetherspoon partnership is also part of a broader £8.3 million boost to enhance food and beverage offerings in 2025. This has already resulted in two new Burger Kings opening up at Hopton Holiday Park and Lakeland Holiday Park.
The new Wetherspoon pub opened back in March(Image: Haven Holidays)
Haven told the Mirror it is also working on ‘modernising’ its holiday home accommodation and adding more pitches across its portfolio. Work on Kent Coast Holiday Park began at the end of 2024, and is due to be completed by the end of the year.
In a statement sent exclusively to the Mirror, Simon Palethrope, CEO of Haven said the £10 million investment will create a ‘brilliant new experience’ for holidaymakers. “Whether it’s the thrill of the new Falling Rapids, enjoying a splash in the new AquaPlay centre or toddlers learning to swim in the new Confidence Water area, there’s something for everyone,” he added.
Haven has been upgrading its Kent resort for the last couple of years (Image: Haven Holidays)
“To add to this, grabbing a bite in our new J D Wetherspoon pub, taking part in Haven’s Adventure Village, or simply relaxing in one of our stylish holiday homes, there’s never going to be a moment to be bored. With pool works already underway and due for completion by the end of 2025, we look forward to welcoming guests to enjoy an even more memorable stay.”
The park remains open as usual, and Haven has vowed to keep disruption to a minimum. If you’re wanting to book a staycation at the park, four-night breaks start from just £49.
*Prices based on Haven listings at the time of writing.
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Butlin’s is introducing seven brand-new Big Weekenders in 2025 and 2026 across all three resorts—Bognor Regis, Minehead, and Skegness—and also offering a 20% discount off the adult-only breaks
Win the ultimate VIP experience at a Butlin’s Big Weekender!(Image: Butlin’s)
The biggest holiday park party weekend of the year is back and bigger than ever.
Butlin’s Big Weekenders is an event exclusively for adults that turns the three Butlin’s holiday parks into a riot of music and drinking. The event is known for bringing the same kind of chaotic good vibes that Brits typically venture out to Magaluf or Zante in search of.
“I went to a Skegness 80s one for my stag do (was 26). The best way I can describe it was freshers week (weekend) for people in their 40s and 50s who didn’t go to uni. Just mayhem, really. At one point I was drinking rum and Coke out of a large sock whilst watching a band,” one happy customer relayed on Reddit.
Another fondly remembered: “I think on the whole we can all agree the crowd is very much the salt of the earth (myself included), however in all the times, I haven’t seen even so much as an argument, never mind a fight. The whole setup is brilliant and everyone is just on their best, albeit their most unhinged behaviour. I’m a gay guy and I’ve been in fancy dress as a woman a couple of times – nothing but good vibes from every single person I met. No homophobia, nothing.”
The holiday park also hosts party people (Image: undefined via Getty Images)
Now Butlin’s is introducing seven brand-new Big Weekenders in 2025 and 2026 across all three resorts—Bognor Regis, Minehead, and Skegness—and also offering a 20% discount off the adult-only breaks. Many of them are themed and include weekends dedicated to the best electronic or funky 90s soul music and celebrations of the LGBTQ+ community and Mod culture.
The Big Weekender features bands and DJs alongside a packed schedule of daytime and evening activities, such as pool parties and pop-up exhibitions. The ticket price includes three nights’ accommodation.
Here’s what’s coming up:
2025
Halloweekenders (Bognor Regis, Minehead and Skegness, 3 – 31 October) from £53pp
Classic decade-themed Big Weekenders across all three resorts are getting a spooky makeover this October, transforming into Halloweekenders. From £53pp, guests can choose from Ultimate 80s Thriller, 90s Reloaded Fright Nights, Back To The 2000s Y2K Scares or a monster mash-up of all these decades with Replay Time Warp Terror. Headline acts include Chesney Hawkes, Claire Richards and A1.
DJ Spoony Presents UNDRGRND (Skegness, 7 – 10 November) from £96pp
For the first time, DJ Spoony is heading to Skegness for 72 hours of clubbing heaven with his brand-new multi-genre break UNDRGRND, following the sell-out success of his A House Full of Garage Weekenders. From £96pp, committed clubbers will not only see the garage pioneer himself, but also David Rodigan, Majestic and radio DJs Rickie & Melvin, playing a mash up of R&B and Dancehall, House and Garage, and Jungle and Drum n Bass.
Madness House of Fun Weekender (Minehead, 28 November – 1 December) from £205pp
Returning to Minehead’s Big Weekender line-up in 2025 is the House of Fun Weekender. From £205pp, fans will be treated to an incredible one-night-only performance by Madness, as well as performances from The Specials – Neville Staple, Aleighcia Scott, Janet Kay and over 20 other artists and DJs. There’s also a jam-packed schedule of activities throughout the weekend, from diving headfirst into The Nutty Professors Pool Party, breaking a sweat at Reggae Aerobics or shouting ‘BINGO’ at Bangerz Bingo.
2026
My Generation Weekender (Minehead, 9 – 12 January) from £131pp
Minehead will kick0start 2026 with a celebration of Mod culture in the form of the My Generation Weekender. The specially curated weekend for Mod fans will feature bands and DJs from the UK and international Modernist scene, including Ocean Colour Scene, Secret Affairs and The Dualers.
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Soul Power Weekender (Skegness, 16 – 18 January) from £114pp
Celebrate the ‘neo-soul’ era of the early 90s with the Soul Power Weekender at Skegness. With a fusion of funk, R&B and acid jazz jams, defining artists of the soul scene, such as Trevor Nelson, Craig Charles and The Brand New Heavies, will be taking the stage throughout the weekend.
Don’t Tell Mama (Bognor Regis, 23 – 26 January) from £113pp
The Bognor Regis resort will host a brand-new LGBTQ+ Big Weekender, Don’t Tell Mama. The Weekender is dedicated to a community that knows how to party, and they’ll be joined by Claire Richards and Louise Redknapp, drag icons Danny Beard and La Voix, plus a whole host of other artists and DJs.
Bugged Out! (Bognor Regis, 6 – 9 March) from £133pp
The legendary clubbing brand’s Weekender boasts a line-up of the best DJs and artists in the electronic music space, including Daniel Avery, Emerald and Helena Hauff. They’ll be blasting only the greatest electronic music, with acid house and techno for the energetic crowd and Balearic beats for those chasing a more chilled vibe. Before guests get ready for another unforgettable night, there’s pool parties, pub quizzes, fairgrounds and so much more, to ensure the good vibes last all day.
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
The town has responded to calls to bring back the Butlin’s resort(Image: Getty Images)
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.”
The resort is still missed by swathes of Brits
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.”
Clacton was recently crowned one of the worst UK seaside towns by Which?(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
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.”
The town has ambitious plans to turn its image around(Image: Getty Images)
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.
Does Clacton-on-Sea actually deserve to be called the UK’s ‘worst’ seaside town? Have your say in the comments section below
It’s hard to believe this rundown seaside town, that was recently ranked one of the worst in the UK, used to be the proud owner of a huge Billy Butlin’s resort
The seaside town recently ranked joint fourth-last with Skegness(Image: Getty Images)
A once-thriving seaside town that has plummeted in the league tables used to home a huge Billy Butlin’s resort – not that you’d ever be able to tell.
Famed for its award-winning pier, golden sand beaches, and quintessential fun fair rides – Clacton-On-Sea used to be a glorious seaside resort that attracted droves of Brits from across the nation. But, earlier this year, Clacton, in Essex, came joint fourth-last with Skegness in Which?’s ranking of the UK’s best seaside towns.
It scored a measly 48 per cent – a shocking contrast to Bamburgh, who topped the tables with an impressive 86 per cent destination score. Following a survey of almost 5,000 travellers, the town was given three stars for its beaches and parking availability, but only two stars for its seafront/ pier and in the ‘peace and quiet’ category. When it comes to scenery, Clacton only took home one star.
The Butlin’s resort was hugely popular back in its glory days
But back in its hey-day, before the Benidorm-boom saw Brits betray the UK coast for cheap package holidays to Spain, Clacton looked completely different. In 1936, Billy Butlin bought the West Clacton Estate, which already contained a miniature golf course and boating lake, and transformed it into the Red Coat resort we all know and love.
The resort closed due to the outbreak of war, where it was temporarily taken over by the Army. But in 1946, it reopened as a holiday camp – and went on to acquire nearby land to expand. “By the late 1950s, Butlin’s had become a national institution and to some extent, Clacton was able to bask in its reflected glory,” explained Clacton History. “The combination of Butlin’s and Clacton had become firmly established and for both their futures as family holiday venues seemed unshakeable.”
Like other Butlin’s sites, guests couldn’t get enough of the vast facilities on offer, such as cosy cabins, a huge outdoor pool, funfair rides, a ballroom dancing hall, bowling green, shops, a miniature railway, and stellar entertainment. It is said stars including the Beverley Sisters, Michael Holliday, and Jack Douglas all appeared on the camp in their younger days.
The site closed back in 1983
But, unable to compete with competitive flight prices to sunny Spain, and tarnished by unruly teens using the resort as a place to get drunk, Butlin’s sadly closed its doors in 1983 – the same year the Filey resort was also abandoned. According to Butlin’s Memories, the site was purchased for around £2 million by Amusement Enterprises Ltd – whounveiled ambitious plans to turn the complex into a ‘Disneyland’ style theme park.
With a new name, Atlas Park, the site re-opened in 1984 but remained largely unchanged from the Butlin’s era. The venture only lasted four months before running into financial difficulty, and the land was sold again. By 1987, everything had been demolished.
The area now serves local residents as a housing development, which is ideally located near the sea. It seems worlds away from the glory days of Butlin’s – which is still missed by swathes of locals.
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Clacton is trying to turn its image around with a huge upgrade(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
However, things are looking up for the town after they revealed plans to regenerate Clacton and the nearby Jaywick Sands in a huge £20 million upgrade. Tendring District Council’s (TDC) Cabinet has backed a whole host of schemes aimed at regenerating the town as part of a new Community Regeneration Partnership with the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government.
This includes £3 million being pumped into Clacton Leiure Centre to become a new Active Wellbeing Centre, as well as £2 million for the NHS towards building a new urgent treatment centre at Clacton Hospital. £500,000 has also been set aside for a new seafront art and community micro venue, while £500,000 will be invested to improve tired shopfronts.
Councillor Ivan Henderson, Deputy Leader of TDC and Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Tourism, said: “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver transformative interventions across our district. These projects will significantly improve the quality of life, access to opportunities and health and wellbeing of our residents.”
Should Butlin’s return to Clacton-on-Sea? Let us know in the comments section below
An iconic UK seaside town propelled to fame thanks to a popular TV show also used to be home to a huge Billy Butlin’s resort – which was flattened after just 30 years
The Butlin’s resort first opened in 1966(Image: The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales)
An iconic seaside town previously home to a huge Billy Butlin’s resort now looks completely different – but there’s still a small reminder of what once was. While many Brits think the hit TV series Gavin & Stacey cast south Wales’ Barry Island into the tourist limelight, the town was already luring in swathes of holidaymakers back in its hey-day.
Situated in the Vale of Glamorgan in South Wales, Barry and its eponymously named island boasts a sweeping stretch of golden sand beach, cobalt waters and a recently refurbished seafront complete with restaurants, cafes, and colourful beach huts. But back in 1966, the town also featured a Butlin’s resort that had the capacity to accommodate 7,000 overnight visitors every single week.
According to reports, Sir Billy Butlin is rumoured to have been inspired to create his holiday camp business after his family was accidentally locked out of a B&B in Barry Island by the landlady. The all-inclusive complex – which consisted of 800 ‘no-frills’ chalets – featured heated swimming pools, a cable-car ride, a miniature railway, bars, restaurants, and even a Fish & Chip shop – and of course, the iconic Red Coat staff.
The resort welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors(Image: Youtube/Martin Pope)
But, similarly to the Butlin’s resort in Filey, business started dwindling when package holidays to destinations like Spain started becoming more affordable. Hindered by the ‘Benidorm boom’, Barry Island’s Butlin’s, located on Nell’s Point, ran for just 20 years.
It was then taken over by Majestic Holidays – and renamed The Barry Island Resort – but only managed to last a further 10 years. In its last decade of welcoming tourists, the Red Coat staff were forced to wear blue uniforms following threats of legal action.
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But in 1996, following a storm that worsened growing maintenance issues, the entire site closed. Rows of once fun-filled cabins, swimming pools, and restaurants were left to rot for almost an entire year, when Vale Council bought the site for £2.25 million.
It was later sold to Bovis Homes and bulldozed to make way for a new housing estate as part of a £3 million regeneration project in the area. Now, the Butlin’s resort looks like any normal residential area – filled with new-build properties and green space.
It’s hard to believe the area used to have a huge Butlin’s resort(Image: Media Wales Ltd.)
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While Brits heading over to Barry Island for a weekend of sun and ice cream won’t be able to watch an iconic Red Coat show – or spend their days by the pool – they’ll still be able to find a tiny slice of nostalgia. This is because in 2014, a blue plaque was erected at the seafront garden to commemorate the holiday entrepreneur.
The region has been blessed with a blue plaque honouring Billy Butlins(Image: Mirrorpix)
Former Red Coat Tony Collier told the BBC: “We couldn’t want for a better position in this lovely garden for the plaque. Hundreds of thousands of holidaymakers and staff came from all over the country each summer and Christmas, to enjoy the facilities offered on site, and the beautiful Welsh countryside on its doorstep.”
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A well-known seaside town in the south of England, which was recently crowned one of the ‘worst’ in the UK, has welcomed a huge upgrade to its insatiably popular Butlin’s resort
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The town didn’t perform well in Which?’s seaside league tables(Image: Martin Burton/SussexLive)
A once regal seaside town loved by Brits has watched its glitzy reputation slowly wash away. Snuggled on England’s south coast in West Sussex, some 70 miles from Central London – lies the coastal town of Bognor Regis.
Boasting half a dozen golden sandy beaches, crystal-clear water, and a Victorian pier originally built in 1865 – Bognor Regis attracts a whopping four million tourists every single year. Like any quintessential seaside resort, it’s filled with all of your staycation essentials: Fish & Chip shops, ice cream vans, arcades, and souvenir shops.
But, the town was recently snubbed in Which?’s seaside league tables, where it came joint fourth from last with Burnham-on-Sea. Scoring a measly 47 per cent out of 100, survey participants gave the town just two stars for its beaches, tourist attractions, scenery, and food and drink offerings – and a brutal one-star rating for its pier and range of shops.
Bognor Regis has grappled with its reputation in recent years(Image: Adam Gerrard / Daily Mirror)
Bognor Regis, known as one of three UK homes to Butlins, opened its resort back in 1960, during the UK’s coastline glory days. It was the third complex to be built in England and reportedly witnessed a staggering 3,000 visitors on the opening day.
And just last month, Butlin’s announced it had finished a huge £1.8 million upgrade to the resort – helping to bolster tourism in the region. The transformation means Bognor Regis is now home to Butlin’s biggest-ever indoor Soft Play centre and Puppet Theatre.
Butlin’s opened up its third resort in Bognor Regis back in the 60s(Image: Adam Gerrard / Daily Mirror)
Opening in time for the busy Easter half term, the four-storey soft play centre, which is a whopping 3,000 square feet, has the capacity to entertain up to 200 children – while adults can kick back and relax in the new 100-person eating area. The Soft Play centre features new slides, climbing challenges, log ramps, cargo nets, and a multi-sensory area for babies. The Puppet Theatre will put on new shoes for guests, including Under The Sea, Jingle in the Jungle and Christmouse.
Jon Hendry Pickup, CEO at Butlin’s, said he was ‘delighted’ to open the Soft Play and Puppet Theatre at Bognor Regis. “Both are included in the price, providing incredible value for our guests,” he added. “They have always been popular with guests, and these incredible new spaces are full of personality, just like the Skyline Gang and their performances which are always a standout part of family’s breaks.”
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It takes around two hours and 17 minutes to drive to Bognor Regis from London, but direct trains can slash the journey time down to just one and a half hours. If you’re flexible with dates, you can grab single adult fares for as little as £10.
