After Butlins AYR Closes

Researching the former Butlins AYR

The details provided below have also been gathered from earlier Butlins AYR maps. While not everything I point out may be in the exact spot it used to be, it is situated close to where it would have been. I have attempted to cover all the areas I could find, and I hope this will assist you in discovering more about this incredible location. View this page as a rough guide to the nearby sites that were part of Butlins and are no longer found in Haven.

Airbus - Link

Former Butlins AYR - now Haven Craig Tara Holiday Park

Investigating Butlins AYR turned out to require more effort than I had expected, as I noticed numerous alterations to the site prior to its transition to Haven. In this section, I examine various maps and contrast them with the layout, highlighting the significant changes since its initial opening as Butlins.

As of 2025, we see Haven Craig Tara Holiday Park continues to tell its story and create those special memories for those who holiday there. The park has greatly expanded since Butlins AYR, showing how much has been invested into the former Butlins location. Haven or their parent company have NOT asked me to do this, but here is a link to their webpage, showing what they offer and I have to admit, it looks quite good!.

Airbus - Link

The Entertainment Area of Butlins AYR and Haven Craig Tara Holiday Park

The next section is dedicated to reviewing the entertainment area, where I will investigate these buildings more thoroughly. To better understand these spaces, I had to examine several maps due to the changes in the buildings over the years. Below are the names of each building, and further down, you will find the images showing any changes.

Butlins AYR and Haven Entertainment area

Airbus - Link

The Red circle area

Here is the research into this area.

In 1949, this area was just a grassy area.
A year later, in 1950, it was developed to have a building that was known as the medical department.
In the early 1970's the medical building was demolished and a new entertainment building was built in its place. The new name for this building was the Bingo Theatre, which included the whist room, newsagents and a shoe shop. A garage, petrol pumps, main stores and retail sales office were also based at the rear of the building. In front of this building was the fish restaurant.
In the early 1980s, the building was renamed to the Arran Building and would have the Gaiety Theatre, newsagents, a shoe shop, Tartan gift shop and the rock shop. The fish restaurant would be renamed Arran restaurant. The petrol pumps and garage remained in place.
In the early 1990s, the building would be renamed to the Gaiety Parade, which includes: The Gaiety Theatre, Unisex hair salon, Turf accountant, Gaiety News and Solorium.
In 1992, the building would have some minor changes, such as a new name of Moviedrome.
By 2002, the location was demolished and replaced with the carpark we see in Haven today.

Airbus - Link

The light blue coloured circle area

Here is the research into this area.

In 1949, this area was just a grassy area.
The grass area was changed in 1950 when three bungalows were added with the names of A, B and C. An additional building was built called the Cycles and Prams Hire.
In 1992, the bungalows and cycles and prams hire building was demolished. A new building was built in its place, and it would have the Turf accountant and Busbys -Teenstyle Club.
As of 2025, the building is being used for the mini supermarket known as Nisa. It also has the 9-hole footgolf and roller disco.

Airbus - Link

The yellow coloured circle area

Here is the research into this area.

In 1949, had the map tells us that the Ballroom theatre, Coffee and Cocktail bar was hosted here.
In 1950, the building was given the name "Ballroom Theatre"
In 1953, the building had an additional name whilst still being known as the Ballroom Theatre. New additions of the Windsor Lounge and Windsor Coffee Bar were now featured on the map.
By 1973, the building would be known as the Stuart Building. The Stuart building would have the coffee bars, Sundae Bar, Ballroom, quiet lounge, amusement arcade, with the ground floor including the Beachcomber Lounge.
In the early 1980s, the building remained under the same name and would have the coffee bars, sundae bar, Ballroom, quiet lounge, amusement arcade, with the ground floor hosting the Beachomber Bar and Grill.
In the early 1990s, the building was renamed to the Galaxy Building and on the ground floor, it would have the Beachomber, Bingo Bar, and the first floor would have the Moonrakers, Moonbase Bar, Coffee Bar, Sundae Bar, Confectionery Kiosk and Amusement Arcade.
In 1992, the building would now have the Wizzy World - Wizz Kids and teamsters, BMX track and Harlequins on the first floor.
By 2002, the building was demolished and replaced with a caravan showground.
In 2025, this area is still a caravan showground with crazy golf, activity club and kart hire.

Airbus - Link

The blue coloured circle area

Here is the research into this area.

In 1949, this building had the Dining Hall, a quiet lounge, a card room and a bar & games room were found here.
In the 1950s, the map shows us some additional information, including the dining hall, lounge, billiard room and games room were also inside this building.
In the early 1970s, the building would be known on the maps as the Regency Building. Inside it would have the Grill, Coffee Bar, Bingo theatre, Old Time ballroom, Continental and the Pig and Whistle bars.
In the early 1980s, the Regency building would have the Regency Ballroom, Old Time Ballroom, Continental Bar, Take-away shop, Shellfish shop and fruit shop.
In the early 1990's, the building would be renamed to the Parade. Inside, it would have the shopping centre, chemist, Chuckles Fun Pub and Gatsby's Bar.
In 1992, the building would introduce the Sweeny Toods restaurant.
In 2002, Haven continued to use the building to have the Bonza Wonga Beach club, Munchable, Wonderbar, reception and bowling.
As of 2025, this building has the Bongawong Entertainment venue, Craig Tara Pavilion arcade and reception.

Airbus - Link

The pink coloured circle area

Here is the research into this area.

This building had the reception hall, admin office, shops, public telephones and camper's mail.
In the 1950's a small minor change was made to this building as it now had the shops and a quiet lounge.
In the early 1970s, the building was known to host the main shopping centre. This included the ladies hair dressing salon, photographic shop, amusements and radio Butlins.
In the early 1990s, it would be shown as the Plaza Fast Food Court.
In 2002, Haven had changed this to now be known as the Atlantic Showbar. It also had the Quay West Diner, Buffalo Joes, Wonderbar, Krystal Palace, Harry Ramsdens, Island Bar, Pool tables, amusements and Tucker's Foodstop.
In 2025, it has the Brigs of AYR bar and restaurant, Cooks (fish and chips restaurant) and the Live Lounge (entertainment venue)

Airbus - Link

The green coloured circle area

Here is the research into this area.

This building was a new build and did not turn up until the Holiday World era of Butlins, late 80s - early 90s. It was called Wondersplash
In 2002, it remained in Haven and was renamed to Splash Zone indoor pool
In 2025, it still remains in Haven and is called Splashaway Bay with a Millie's Cookies next to it.

Airbus - Link

The peach coloured circle area

Here is the research into this area.

In 1949, this building had the dining hall, tea lounge, bar and games room.
In the early 1950s, the building would include a snack bar.
In the early 1970s, the building would continue to be the dining rooms and would include the Grosvenor Restaurant, Table tennis, S.T.V. & BBC Television rooms.
In the early 1880s, this building would be renamed to the Bruce Building. On the ground floor, there would be the dining rooms and coin-operated laundrette, which was open from Sunday to Friday at 9 am to midday and 14:30 to 16:30 and lastly at 18:30 until 20:30. On the first floor, there as the table tennis, junior clubroom, multi-sports centre and junior gym.
In the 1990s, it would continue to be known as the Brue building, with the ground floor being the dining rooms and the first floor having the Grosvenor suite and showboat cabaret bar.
In 1992, it had some minor name changes, such as the Captains Table Restaurant, Butlins Holiday shop, Boulevard shopping centre, Rendezvous - Grosvenor Suite, Dining rooms - Touchdown Surf Club, Yacht Club, Centre Court, Gleneagles and Aviemore.
In 2002, Haven would use the building for the Turnberry Gardens restaurant and the Dixies Cabaret lounge with the Everydays convenience store and post office.
In 2025, the building is still in use and currently has the Captains Crazy Golf, Barbour Bay events area, Papa Johns, Lighthouse Harbour, Adventure village, Haven gifts, Cropstix, Lighthouse Bar, The Jump, the drop and Adrena-line zip wire, The Crazy Climber, Aerial adventure, Activity booking hub, mini aerial adventure, creative studio and play village.

Airbus - Link

The dark pink coloured circle area

Here is the research into this area.

In 1949, this building was the original swimming pool
In the early 1950s, the building would also have an outside swimming pool.
In the early 1970s, the guest's betting office would be added next to the indoor swimming pool.
In the early 1980s, the building would be known as the Indoor heated pool and turf accountant with a sun lounge.
With the introduction of the new Wondersplash swimming pool, this building would be reused as an amusement arcade and the Bandidos Clubroom in the early 1990s.
In 2002, Haven used the building for Funworks amusement and prize bingo and the Rory Zone - Paw and Tiger club.

Airbus - Link

The Entertainment Area of Butlins AYR and Haven Craig Tara Holiday Park

I am now going to look at the changes from 2004 (the earliest date available) and see what further changes we see.

Getmapping plc- Link

Google Earth 2004 Photos

As I began with the earliest year available on Google Earth, I noticed that there were some alterations to two buildings that occurred between this year and 2025.

The Bruce building (circled in red) was at full size and not the one we see above.
The swimming pool used to have additional flumes.
The caravan show area is also different in design.

Not shown - Google Earth - Link

Google Earth 2016 Photos

Here are the changes I had noticed

An extension has been added to the restaurant building, which was not there in 2004. (yellow circle)
There seems to be an addition added to the activity area, I don't think it's an outside swimming pool. However, it could be the activity where you get into an inflatable water walking ball. (white circle)

Not shown - Google Earth - Link

Google Earth 2018 Photos

Here are the changes I had noticed

The red circle area has been changed back into a grass area.
The white circle area has been completely changed or is in the process of being changed into something different.
The biggest changes it was we noticed above and that is when the Bruce building reduced in size. This photo would have been taken quite some time after, as there is no rubble and the area has been landscaped. (yellow circle)

Airbus - Link

Google Earth 2023 Photos

Here are the changes I had noticed

The red circle area continues to change.
The Crazy Golf seems to have had a change or an update to a newer version (blue circle)
The Bruce build demolished area has had some more work done to it.

Airbus - Link

Google Earth 2025 Photos

Here are the changes I had noticed

The new landscape area of the Bruce building has had some additional work done to it,

It was interesting to see the rich history of the entertainment buildings and what meaning they had to both the staff and campers.

Getmapping plc - Link

The continued review of the area next to the entertainment

Looking at this image, you would not think too much about what you are seeing. However, there is a history related to this part of Butlins AYR as I explain more about this below.

Getmapping plc - Link

The missing building from this image

This photo is missing a building that use to be standing in the yellow circle area. Below I explain more about this location and its meaning towards the former Butlins AYR.

In the yellow circle used to be another building that was known as the Reception centre. Inside this building was the Gaiety Theatre, discotheque, toy shop, billiards room, bank, post office, key counter, public telephones, and general and self-catering accommodation enquiries. I am unsure when it was built, but I can confirm that it's missing in the early 50s and appears in 1973, but with no 60s maps, I can not confirm when it was constructed.
In the 1980s, the Reception centre was renamed to the Burns Building. On the ground floor was the Empire theater, supermarket, post office, guest mail room (open weekdays at 9:30 am until midday and then from 14:00 until 17:00 and on Saturdays at 9:30 am until 13:00), toy shop, reception, key counter, bank, public telephones, general enquiries, STV television and lost property office (open daily with after hours items being handed into reception. On the first floor was the games room and entertainment offices.
In the early 1990s, the building remained and continued to be called the Burns building. Some changes were made to what it was offering as the ground floor would have the Roxy Cinema, Spar supermarket, post office, hire shop, guest mail and accommodation enquiry office. On the first floor, it would have snooker, darts and table tennis.
In 1992, another change was made as the Burn building would have the photo shop, customer service office, Green Baize Snooker club and frames on the first floor, Everydays convenience store, Culzean check in and leisure plus information, left luggage office, and Brodick check in.
On the 2002 Haven map, the Burn building was demolished and replaced with caravans and a car park.
As of 2025, the area still has caravans with the areas called Dunure Village ad Islay Village.

Getmapping plc - Link

The supermarket and carpark

Here is some information about this area.

Circled in white would have been roughly where the supermarket was based in the 1970s. In the 1980s, it would change to the accommodation office. By the 1990s, this building was removed, and no evidence can be found of the current layout.
The area circled in red used to be the customer carpark until the 2000s when it was converted into a caravan villages.

Getmapping plc - Link

Butlins Holiday Worlds Chalet still remain in Haven AYR.

I have to admit that when I saw the Google Earth photo of Haven Craig Tara Holiday Park, I was very pleased to see that these are still going strong after all these years. These chalets were built during the holiday worlds era of Butlins under the management of the Rank organisation. Today, Haven Pwllheli, Butlins Bognor Regis, Butlins Minehead and Butlins Skegness still have this design.

Both Butlins and Haven no longer refer to these as chalets and are now called apartments. Below, I look into what was here before they became the apartments that you see in Haven today. These gems have had a lot of work to them with many upgrades, so they are slightly different to what you would have seen at the Butlins Holiday Worlds era, but the overall design shows its history.

This photo is from my own collection showing the beautiful Butlins Minehead Oyster Bay (formerly known as Exmoor village and before that, the Yellow camp)

Photo from my collection from Butlins Minehead

In accordance with the terms and conditions of Haven, I am unable to show you the photo they have on their website of these chalets. However, I can show you the photo I have from the stunning Butlins Minehead Oyster Bay, which is very similar to the design. Click on the link below to see the ones on the Haven website, and you will see that they are the same design from the Butlins Holiday Worlds era.

Link to Haven AYR showing you these chalets.

Airbus - Link

The history of this location

Here is what my research has found about these apartments

From 1949 until the late 80s, when the land was built on to include this new chalet village.
Its name in the early 90s was the Burns Village until the camp was transferred to Haven.
In 2002, Haven renamed the chalets to Burns Square and kept the original layout from the Butlins era.
As of 2025, the apartments remain in place and are still known as Burns Square. The blocks have all been given names: Afton, Barkskimming, Blairquhan, Brow, Cassillis, Drimlanrig, Ellisland, Foyers, Friars Carse, Lincluden, Maben, Mossgiel and Sanquhar.
As far as I can see, these are the only Butlins chalets to remain on the Haven Craig Tara Holiday Park.

The GeoInformation GroupAirbusData SIO, NOAA, U.S. Navy, NGA, GEBCOLandsat / Copernicus - Link

The original Butlins chalets

"WOW!!!" is the first word that comes to mind when I see this Google Earth from from 1999. This photo is important for two reasons;

This photo was taken on the 31st December 1999, which means that we are seeing Haven Craig Tara Holiday Park in its first year. Butlins would have closed down at this location the year before when the owners at the time, the Rank organisation, transferred this site to Haven, Butlin's sister company at the time.
The second reason why this is important is that you are looking at the photo of the original chalets that used to be on the former Butlins AYR site. These designs remain on Butlins Skegness, Butlins Minehead and Butlins Bognor Regis (if they are double deckers, which I think they are, but unsure).

Butlins AYR - postmarked as 1972 - Link

Showing the chalet design at Butlins AYR

This is a postcard from my collection showing the Butlins chalets from Butlins AYR. This photo gives you an idea of how good these chalet lines used to look and how they add towards the Butlins feeling.

The GeoInformation GroupAirbusData SIO, NOAA, U.S. Navy, NGA, GEBCOLandsat / Copernicus - Link

The history of this location and what it means to the Butlins Story

These chalets have a strong connection to the history of this former Butlin's AYR camp and Haven Craig Tara Holiday Park

In 1949, these chalets had no specific name and were simply referred to as the chalets with a letter to each block line and door number for the camper to find where they were staying.
It was not until I had seen the map for 1953, when the first set of chalets was named the Centre Camp. Next to these were a row of the original chalets, which I call the gems, being added, which are shown below this one.
In the early 70s, the chalet line for this area expanded and is known as Centre Camp chalets A to Z and Self-catering Suites U to ZH
In the early 80s, all the chalets on this side were renamed to the Blue Camp.
In the early 90s, the chalets would split once again, with the room-only chalets now known as Brigadoon Village and the self-catering as Fairways.
In 1992, the fairway name remained, but the Brigadoon village named as now known as Brig'o'doon.
In 2002, Haven kept the chalet lines with some demolished from the fairways selection. The names remained the same at this stage.
Sadly, in 2025, these chalets are no longer a part of the Haven Craig Tara Holiday Park have been converted into caravans; nothing remains to show these beautiful chalets were there besides memories and past photos. The caravans are known as Alloway Village.

My personal collection - link

Postcard showing Butlins AYR

This postcard, published by Butlins Ltd, shows you the single chalet design. The photo you see here is of the location where they were facing the middle part, which is related to the research above.

From my own personal collection - link

Postcard showing the route towards the Centre Camp

This postcard, published by Butlins Ltd, shows a sign of where to find the Centre camp chalets.

Getmapping plc- Link

Google Earth 2004 Photos

We can see a clear image of the original chalet, still in Haven Park in 2004.

Getmapping plc- Link

Fairways

These three blocks are the last ones remaining that are the Fairways chalets.

Getmapping plc- Link

Brigadoon

These lines of chalets are the remaining ones that are a part of the original chalet lines called Brigadoon.

Maxar Technologies - Link

Google Earth 2007 Photo

The orginal chalet lines continued to 2007 when I had notice a small change

Circled in yellow, we can see that a chalet block was demolished and removed form the Haven Park.

Maxar Technologies - Link

Google Earth 2016 Photo

By 2011, these original chalets were demolished and replaced with caravans, making the Butlins Holiday Worlds chalets now the only remaining former Butlins chalets to remain.

I used the 2016 image as its better quailty to the one in 2011.

Getmapping plc - Link

Further research into key areas

The part of my investigation is looking at this area, which would have been chalets and sports themed with the cable cars.

The area circle yellow was known by many names over the years, with its final name at Butlins as the Nursey.
The green was the tennis courts.
The pink circle was known as the location for the chairlift
The blue circle was known as the lawn
The red and pink circles was known as the Waverley village.

Getmapping plc - Link

Former Butlins Chalet Locations

In this area was the original location of the Butlins chalets until they were demolished when Butlins changed in 1999. Here is the information I was able to find about this area.

In 1949, this area was simply known as the chalets with a row and a number associated with the booking.
In the early 50s, a row of single chalet designs (photo shown above) would be where the red highlighted areas are in this photo. The pink area is where the chalet blocks were built.
In 1953, this area was given the name of West Camp and it also had a nappy washing service.
In the early 70s, the single chalet design on the left side was demolished, with only those on the right side remaining. This area was known as the West Camp Chalets A to O.
In the early 80s, this area of chalets was renamed again and was now known as the White Camp
In the early 90s, during the Butlins Holiday Worlds era, the single chalet design was removed and the remaining chalets were renamed to the Waverley Village
By 2002, these chalets were no longer in Haven and the area was replaced with caravans, which were named Stirling Village
As of 2025, this area continued to be known as Stirling Village.

Getmapping plc - Link

The Nursery building

This building appears to have a rich history and has undergone changes over the years, from Butlins to its current incarnation as Haven Park.

In 1949, this building would be used for the children's playroom and junior campers.
In the early 1950s, the building underwent a small change and was known as the Children's playground and feeding centre.
In the early 1970s, this building would be renamed to the children's theatre, which included the infants' service, quiet lounge and the children's theatre
In the early 1980s, this building would be renamed to the Nursery building, which included the free nappy washing service, pram store, first aid post, quiet lounge, BBC television and whist room.
In the early 1990s, this building would change its use again to be used for the Teamsters Club and the Nursery.
However, shortly after, between 1992 and 1993, it would revert to its nursery name.
In 2002, it was still used and was now the location for the Rory Zone - Paws and Tiger Club
By 2011, the building was demolished and was no longer in Haven.

Getmapping plc - Link

Tennis Courts

The tennis courts at the former Butlins AYR dates back to the 1940s.

In 1949, the tennis courts would be between the middle row of chalets.
There was not a great deal of change to the tennis courts; Google Earth show them gone in 2018 (shown below).

From my personal collection - link

Tennis Courts and Nursery Building

This picture from my collection shows the central section that I am researching. In this image, the old tennis courts and the nursery building are visible, with a single chalet design on both sides.

From my personal collection - link

Tennis Courts and Nursery Building

This postcard, published by John Hinde, is an excellent photo that shows us the nursery building changed at the back, the tennis courts, the original chalets to the left-hand side of the centre camp and the cable cars exit and entrance.

Getmapping plc - Link

Cable Cars

Around this area would have been where the cable cars would have turned around and gone back to the front of the camp.

The children's playground was moved near the cable cars in the early 1970s.
The cable cars and buildings were removed by the late 90s.
The children's playground remained.
In 2025, this area is now caravans, shown further below.

From my own personal collection - link

Postcard showing the cable car entrance and exit

In this postcard, published by Butlins Ltd, we see the entrance and exit to the cable cars. In the background are the tennis courts.

Getmapping plc - Link

Adventure Play area

This area dates back to the 1940s when it was known as the children's playground.

It was not until the early 70s that we would see it change to the Lawns.
This area did not see any changes until 2018, when it was converted into a sports adventure park.
As of 2025, this area is used as the outdoor bar and bungee trampolines, sandpits, kart hire and mini golf.

Getmapping plc - Link

and of course...the Butlins chalet

Amazing to think that this one row is the last remaining one to tell the story of the West Camp chalets that once stood in this area. When reviewing the details of this area, I had not originally seen this until I had redone this page to the new version you see today.

What a great find and a beauty of a building still holding on to tell its story until it was removed.

Maxar Technologies - Link

Google Earth 2011 photo

By 2011, we see some changes to this important area

It was not until the early 70s that we would see it change to the Lawns.
This area did not see any changes until 2018, when it was converted into a sports adventure park.
As of 2025, this area is used as the outdoor bar and bungee trampolines, sandpits, kart hire and mini golf.

Not shown - Google Earth - Link

Google Earth 2016 photo

The story continues to show us some big changes to this important area.

The former West Chalet location, which became a small car park is now used for caravans.
The former nursey building has also been converted for the use of caravans.
The park in the middle seems to have been given a large space.

Not shown - Google Earth - Link

Google Earth 2018 photo

More changes are found to these areas.

The location of the former Butlins tennis courts is completely removed.
The park that was in the middle has changed again to what looks like a sandy texture; however it could very well be something else.
The bottom part, formerly known as the lawns, has now been converted into an outdoor sports area, including football.

Not shown - Google Earth - Link

Google Earth 2023 photo

The biggest change that we see this is area...

Most of this area has now been converted into the use of the caravans with no evidence of the former history.
The locations of the former middle park up to the former tennis courts are now known as the Dalrymple Village caravans, as the former nursery building is part of the Kintyre View caravans.

As of 2025, this layout remains the same at Haven.

GoogleThe GeoInformation GroupAirbusData SIO, NOAA, U.S. Navy, NGA, GEBCOLandsat / Copernicus - Link

The former playing area

As we come towards the end of the research, I now look at the former location for the amusement park and how this part of Haven currently holds a great deal of history.

GoogleThe GeoInformation GroupAirbusData SIO, NOAA, U.S. Navy, NGA, GEBCOLandsat / Copernicus - Link

The Stables

From the 1940s until around the 1970s, this region would have been identified on the maps as the beach area. The stables location is visible on the 1980s map; however, I have not encountered any maps from the 1970s to verify if it was present earlier. I do not find any reference to the stables during the Butlins Holiday Worlds period, and I am uncertain if they were still in existence at Butlins during this time. Currently, in Haven, there is no indication that a building once existed in this location. Nothing really has changed to this area up to 2025.

GoogleThe GeoInformation GroupAirbusData SIO, NOAA, U.S. Navy, NGA, GEBCOLandsat / Copernicus - Link

The former Butlins Train

Based on my research, the Butlins train did not arrive at Butlins AYR until the 1960s. The train operated between two ends, each featuring a platform marked as the station on the Butlins map.

At both ends of the tracks, there was a loop that enabled the train to return to the opposite side. By the early 1990s, both the train and the tracks were dismantled.

When Butlins AYR transitioned to Haven, this area was transformed into a caravan park, which includes three sections known as Clyde View, Beach Grove, and a portion of Bay View, which remains unchanged as of 2025.

From my own personal collections - link

The Butlins Train

This postcard, published by Butlins Ltd, shows you the Butlins train in the early years. The postmark on the postcard in 1960, which means that the train and tracks could have been a part of Butlins AYR from the late 50s.

From my own personal collections - link

The Butlins Train

This postcard, published by John Hinde, shows you the next generation of the Butlins train as it travels alongside the lake.

From my own personal collections - link

The Butlins Train

This postcard, published by John Hinde, shows you the next generation of the Butlins train as it travels alongside the lake.

From my own personal collections - link

The Butlins Train

This postcard, published by Golden Shield, shows how the train loops around to go back towards the other side.

GoogleThe GeoInformation GroupAirbusData SIO, NOAA, U.S. Navy, NGA, GEBCOLandsat / Copernicus - Link

The Putting Green - Butlins AYR

In the late 1940s, this area was home to a putting green. It was only in the 1960s to late 1970s that it evolved into a soccer field. In the 1990s, known as the Holiday Worlds period, this location was rebranded as the sports field.

GoogleThe GeoInformation GroupAirbusData SIO, NOAA, U.S. Navy, NGA, GEBCOLandsat / Copernicus - Link

The Bowling Green - Butlins AYR

In the late 1940s, around this area would have been the first place that the Bowling Green would be found in Butlins AYR. I am unsure when it was removed; however, I can tell you that it's not found on the Haven maps.

Based on the maps I am using, the bowling green might have been removed from 1992 to 1995. I can not confirm these years as it's not showing it listed in 1992, but it could have been there still and not highlighted.

From my own personal collection - link

Postcard showing the Bowling Green

This postcard, published by Cromwell Marketing Ltd, shows the bowling green during the Butlins Holiday World, when Butlins AYR was known as Wonderwest World. This postcard has a postmark of 1990.

GoogleThe GeoInformation GroupAirbusData SIO, NOAA, U.S. Navy, NGA, GEBCOLandsat / Copernicus - Link

The Roller Skating Rink - Butlins AYR

In the late 1940s, this area would have been where the skating rink would have been found. It was first known as the Roller Skating Rink and had its name changed in the 1950s to just the Skating Rink. In the 70s, it would remain in the same place and would now be known as the Roller Rink. In the Butlins Holiday Worlds era, it would be renamed back to the Skating rink. When the site transferred to Haven, it was removed and put back to grass.

From my own personal collection - link

Postcard showing Skating Rink

This postcard, published by John Hinde, shows the skating rink with the Butlins train in the background. This postcard was postmarked 1964.

From my own personal collection - link

Postcard showing Skating Rink

This postcard, published by John Hinde, shows the skating rink.

GoogleThe GeoInformation GroupAirbusData SIO, NOAA, U.S. Navy, NGA, GEBCOLandsat / Copernicus - Link

The former soccer field

In the 1940s, this area would have seen the playing fields, which were a large area of just grass. From the 60s to the 70s, this area would be changed to soccer fields. During the holiday worlds, this area was used for bumper boats.

This area was converted into go-karts and crazy golf. As of 2025, the map of Haven shows that this area was converted into caravans and this particular area is now known as Balmoral.

GoogleThe GeoInformation GroupAirbusData SIO, NOAA, U.S. Navy, NGA, GEBCOLandsat / Copernicus - Link

The former putting green

From the 60s to the 70s, this area would be developed, with this area being the putting green. In the Butlins Holiday Worlds era, this area would become a part of the amusement park.

In Haven, as of 2025, this area is now all caravans and is part of the Carrick Village and Bay View.

GoogleThe GeoInformation GroupAirbusData SIO, NOAA, U.S. Navy, NGA, GEBCOLandsat / Copernicus - Link

The former soccer field (second location)

From the 60s to the 70s, this area would be developed, which was an additional area for the use of football. In the Butlins Holiday Worlds era, a part of this was converted into caravans known as the Bayview Caravan Park, and a small part was part of the amusement park.

In Haven, as of 2025, this area is now all caravans and is known as Bayview.

From my own personal collection - link

Postcard showing Soccer Field

This postcard, published by Jarrold & Sons Ltd, shows the amusement park and also the soccer field in the background.

GoogleThe GeoInformation GroupAirbusData SIO, NOAA, U.S. Navy, NGA, GEBCOLandsat / Copernicus - Link

The former Pitch and Putt

From the 60s to the 70s, this area would be developed, which was an additional area for the use of pitch and putt. In the Butlins Holiday Worlds era, a part of this was converted into caravans known as the Bayview Caravan Park

In Haven, as of 2025, this area is now all caravans and is known as Bayview.

GoogleThe GeoInformation GroupAirbusData SIO, NOAA, U.S. Navy, NGA, GEBCOLandsat / Copernicus - Link

The former Amusement Park

From the 60s to the 70s, this area would be developed, which was an additional area for the use of pitch and putt.

In Haven, as of 2025, this area is now all caravans and is known as Carrick Village

GoogleThe GeoInformation GroupAirbusData SIO, NOAA, U.S. Navy, NGA, GEBCOLandsat / Copernicus - Link

The Amusement Park new location

In the Butlins Holiday Worlds era, this area was developed a great deal with the new Bayview Caravan park added and the amusement park being relocated. This was the last location where the amusement park would be in Butlins AYR.

In Haven, this is all now a part of the Carrick Village caravans.

From my own personal collection - link

Postcard showing amusement park

This postcard, published by Jarrold & Sons Ltd, shows us a part of the amusement park that was once based in this area.

From my own personal collection - link

Postcard showing amusement park

This postcard, published by John Hinde, shows us a part of the amusement park that was once based in this area. This postcard has a postmark of 1971.

From my own personal collection - link

Postcard showing amusement park

This postcard, published by John Hinde, shows us a part of the amusement park that was once based in this area.

From my own personal collection - link

Postcard showing amusement park

This postcard, published by Golden Shield, shows us a part of the amusement park that was once based in this area.

From my own personal collection - link

Postcard showing amusement park -Butlins Holiday Worlds era

This postcard, published by Fincom, shows us a part of the amusement park during the Holiday Worlds era.

From my own personal collection - link

Postcard showing amusement park -Butlins Holiday Worlds era

This postcard, published by Fincom, shows us a part of the amusement park during the Holiday Worlds era.

From my own personal collection - link

Postcard showing amusement park -Butlins Holiday Worlds era

This postcard, published by Cromwell Marketing Ltd, shows us a part of the amusement park during the Holiday Worlds era.

From my own personal collection - link

Postcard showing amusement park -Butlins Holiday Worlds era

This postcard, published by Golden Shield, shows us a part of the amusement park during the Holiday Worlds era.

From my own personal collection - link

Postcard showing amusement park -Butlins Holiday Worlds era

This postcard, published by Cromwell Marketing Ltd, shows us a part of the amusement park during the Holiday Worlds era.

Getmapping plcLandsat / Copernicus - Link

Google Earth Photo 2004

As I looked for changes in this large area, I would notice that the go-karts would get a new area for storage and that the crazy golf area has an increase in what it offers to the customers.

Maxar Technologies - Link

Google Earth Photo 2007

Another small change is that the grass area now has four caravans.

Google Earth - Link

Google Earth Photo 2016

In this photo, we can see that the grass area is now caravans, now known as Balmoral. The crazy golf is gone and it looks like some rides have been added. The lake at the top has been drained, with more caravans added, on its former edge, which is a part of the Kintyre View caravans in 2025.

Maxar Technologies - Link

Google Earth Photo 2018

In this image, we can see that the former Butlins AYR lake has now completely gone and has been replaced with grass

Maxar Technologies - Link

Google Earth Photo 2023

In 2023 and still in 2025, we see that this area is now all in caravans, marking and the end of this story for this area. The go-kart and crazy golf area is now a part of the Dalrymple Village caravans and Kintyre View.

Getmapping plc - Link

The former Butlins AYR Chapel

Next to the skating rink would have been the Butlins Chapel. Billy Butlin had a chapel on all the sites, with his family history being closely connected to the church.

The church/chapel was removed when Butlins AYR became a Haven.

From my own personal collection - link

The former Butlins chapel and skating rink

In this postcard, published by John Hinde, we can see the side of the chapel facing the skating rink.

From my own personal collection - link

The former Butlins train and Chapel

In this postcard, published by Cromwell Marketing Ltd, we see the back of the chapel as the Butlins train travels by.

GoogleThe GeoInformation GroupAirbusData SIO, NOAA, U.S. Navy, NGA, GEBCOLandsat / Copernicus - Link

The Butlins AYR Boating Lake

I am unsure of the exact year the boating lake was created, since the Butlins AYR maps do not show its presence until the 1960s or 1970s. Nevertheless, I have a postcard featuring this lake that has a postmark dated 1960. The postmark confirms that it was in existence at that time, although the photo likely predates it, indicating that the lake was there in the 1950s. It was originally referred to as the boating lake and kept this name for the entire time Butlins operated, giving campers a different option to enjoy their experience.

The 2001 Haven map marks its initial change, where it was referred to merely as the pond. By 2011, it had been renamed the Boating Lake and Pond. I am not sure if it was available for customer use at this time, as I do not see any evidence to suggest this.

The boating lake and pond were maintained in this condition until 2016, at which point they were drained and dried. By 2025, this site will have become part of the Kintyre View Caravans.

From my own personal collections - link

The Butlins Boating Lake

This postcard, published by Butlins Ltd, shows you the Butlins train in the early years. The postmark on the postcard in 1960, which means that the boating lake could have been a part of Butlins AYR from the late 50s.

From my own personal collections - link

The Butlins Boating Lake

This postcard, published by John Hinde, shows you the next generation of the Butlins train as it travels alongside the lake.

From my own personal collections - link

The Butlins Boating Lake

This postcard, published by John Hinde, shows you the next generation of the Butlins train as it travels alongside the lake.

Google Earth - Link

The Butlins AYR Boating Lake

This area used to be the Boating lake and is now a part of the caravans that we see today in Haven Craig Tara Holiday park.

Butlin's Memorabilia Website After Butlins AYR - The Changes

Now known as Craig Tara Holiday Park

Remembering AYR Butlins

Researching the former Butlins AYR

Former Butlins AYR - now Haven Craig Tara Holiday Park

Butlin's AYR Maps

1973 map

1992 Map

2025 Haven Map - Link

The Entertainment Area of Butlins AYR and Haven Craig Tara Holiday Park

The Red circle area

The light blue coloured circle area

The yellow coloured circle area

The blue coloured circle area

The pink coloured circle area

The green coloured circle area

The peach coloured circle area

The dark pink coloured circle area

The Entertainment Area of Butlins AYR and Haven Craig Tara Holiday Park

Google Earth 2004 Photos

Google Earth 2016 Photos

Google Earth 2018 Photos

Google Earth 2023 Photos

Google Earth 2025 Photos

The continued review of the area next to the entertainment

The missing building from this image

The supermarket and carpark

Butlins Holiday Worlds Chalet still remain in Haven AYR.

Photo from my collection from Butlins Minehead

The history of this location

The original Butlins chalets

Showing the chalet design at Butlins AYR

The history of this location and what it means to the Butlins Story

Postcard showing Butlins AYR

Postcard showing the route towards the Centre Camp

Google Earth 2004 Photos

Fairways

Brigadoon

Google Earth 2007 Photo

Google Earth 2016 Photo

Further research into key areas

Former Butlins Chalet Locations

The Nursery building

Tennis Courts

Tennis Courts and Nursery Building

Tennis Courts and Nursery Building

Cable Cars

Postcard showing the cable car entrance and exit

Adventure Play area

and of course...the Butlins chalet

Google Earth 2011 photo

Google Earth 2016 photo

Google Earth 2018 photo

Google Earth 2023 photo

The former playing area

The Stables

The former Butlins Train

The Butlins Train

The Butlins Train

The Butlins Train

The Butlins Train

The Putting Green - Butlins AYR

The Bowling Green - Butlins AYR

Postcard showing the Bowling Green

The Roller Skating Rink - Butlins AYR

Postcard showing Skating Rink

Postcard showing Skating Rink

The former soccer field

The former putting green

The former soccer field (second location)

Postcard showing Soccer Field

The former Pitch and Putt

The former Amusement Park

The Amusement Park new location

Postcard showing amusement park

Postcard showing amusement park

Postcard showing amusement park

Postcard showing amusement park

Postcard showing amusement park -Butlins Holiday Worlds era

Postcard showing amusement park -Butlins Holiday Worlds era

Butlin's Memorabilia Website
After Butlins AYR - The Changes