

Our Timeline
Scanning back over 80 years, take a look at how our history unfolds and explore how Billy Butlin started his career as a travelling showman, progressed into holiday camps and grew his business into the iconic brand that it is today.
1940s
To help with the war efforts, Billy’s existing camps were given over to the government. Clacton became an army camp and Skegness became HMS Royal Arthur. Billy was asked to finish his new resort at Filey so it could be used by the military, along with Ayr and Pwllheli, both of which he bought back at the end of the war.
1960s
A further three resorts opened, at Bognor Regis (1960), Minehead (1962) and Barry Island (1966). The 1960s also saw the famous monorails brought to Skegness and Minehead, and other new innovations being opened on the camps including chairlifts, a pool with underwater viewing windows and revolving bars.
1990s
The new owners tried to reverse the downturn by building new accommodation and entertainment venues but sadly Mosney, Filey, Clacton and Barry Island all had to be sold, and Ayr and Pwllheli were transferred to Haven. 1999 saw the magnificent and renowned Skyline Pavilions built across all three resorts to cater for the unpredictable Great British weather.
2000s
The new millennium saw Butlin's bought by Bourne Leisure Holdings. In 2003, our beloved Billy Bear character made his debut, and a year later The Spa in Skegness opened. 2005 saw the very exciting completion of our first on-resort hotel, The Shoreline at Bognor Regis, and after its success our second hotel the Ocean Hotel, was built in 2009.
Find out more about...
Redcoats
Redcoats play a very important part in our history and continue to do so on every break at our resorts today.
GOSH
It started in 1938 and to this day our fundraising efforts continue to support the brilliant GOSH Children's Charity.
Our Blog
From exciting news to inspirational do-it-at-home articles, keep up-to-date with Butlin's over at our blog.
Our Resorts today
Located next to some of Britain's loveliest beaches, discover our three seaside resorts and what makes them special.