Research into the transformations of Butlins AYR would not truly have been achievable without the outstanding program called Google Earth. Google Earth offers the ability to view images from significant historical moments, and this helpful tool allows us to observe a time that has since passed at the previous Butlins AYR location. Each photograph carries a copyright credit below it. This is done in accordance with the regulations specified at this link. I am thankful for the chance to showcase these screenshots, which were obtained using Google Earth (click on these words for additional information), for historical education. Google and Google Earth have not solicited me to include this here, nor do they have any connections to the design and information presented on this website.
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.
Mark Banks Collections
With Butlins AYR now operational, Billy Butlin began exploring alternative accommodation options for his Scottish holiday camp. Following the approval of plans, construction of the Heads of AYR hotel commenced in 1947. Initially, the concept of the hotel was designed for customers seeking a Butlins holiday experience without the traditional camp atmosphere.
The permission for the hotel was granted by the Carrick District Licensing court and was then refused by the County of AYR on an appeal on Friday, the 21st of November 1947.
Image © National World Publishing Ltd - link
In a newspaper article from 1947, it is clear that the concept was not denied, but it was primarily associated with the alcohol license for the hotel. There were worries that those aged 16 to 18 might create issues with alcohol on the hotel grounds.
Those who attended the holiday camp had access to the hotel, but hotel guests were not allowed to enter the camp in the early years plans for the hotel. Additionally, it explains that the hotel and camp were designed to function independently, as Butlins sought to offer customers a choice between the holiday camp experience and staying as hotel guests.
In 1946, plans for the hotel received approval, which caused ex-provost Hopperton of Ardrossan to point out that a provisional license had been granted, thereby informing Butlins that they were permitted to advance with their plans.
Image © National World Publishing Ltd - link
In April, positive news came from the Carrick District Court indicating that Butlins was granted the license to operate the Heads of AYR hotel. With seven votes in favour, the Heads of AYR Hotel would begin to make history as a new location for Butlins Scotland.
Further research on this amazing location will be shared on the Butlins AYR home page on the Butlins Memorabilia website.
Getmapping plc - Link
Now, we look at this fantastic photo of 2024, we can see the former location of where the Heads of AYR Hotel would of been.
Maxar Technologies - Link
Not much has changed since 2004, as we see the former Butlins Heads of AYR Hotel location look tidier with less storage of what must have been caravans going to be used or former ones no longer of interest, but that is a guess.
Taken in 2009, this tree and bush area is where roughly the Heads of AYR would have been. We can see that the Haven sign is showing us the Craig Tara Haven on approach.
Now this is an interesting photo for two reasons, the first is the way the trees stop and we have a grass area which might indicate the layout of the front garden of the former hotel however at the same time, it could be just how it was reverted back once it was demolished but....there is something in this photo that caught my eye that got me a little bit excited.
Now this is very interesting to see, we are looking at a possible former part of a structure. It would not have been the hotel, as that was a bit further back, but this could very well be a part of the former front garden that had a fountain and several other areas. Could this bit of concrete be a former part of the history...Well, I am going to see if it remains in place further along the years, excited to spot this, an important part of history for sure, as this could very well be a part of the former Butlins AYR History, small but something I enjoy finding.
I am so very chuffed to see near the entrance another part that remains, showing that this was a part of some structure when the Heads of AYR Hotel was further back in this area. Amazing to think that these two small areas would of remained all these years later to tell a story, and I am very excited to have spotted it.
The former Butlins and now the Haven Craig Tara Holiday park entrance, as shown in 2009. You drive into this road, and a little further down, you would be greeted by the security for access with your passes or booking confirmation. I am unsure of how it works in Haven today, but I assume it would be something very similar.
The concrete area found above in 2009 remains in place in 2010. I find this fascinating as there is no reason for this to be here unless it was a part of something bigger, and with the history of researching the former Butlins AYR, you can't help but think "wow, something so small could have such a big meaning to something that was but is no longer now today".
In this image, we can see the concrete found in 2009 has nearly disappeared under the grass and will eventually be hidden from telling its story.
I am still keeping an eye on that small concrete area that I found in the 2009 image, and it remains there in 2021. The bushes in the background had grown a great deal since 2009.
By 2021, the concrete from a former structure had been buried by the grass, with no evidence that it had ever been there. (This is the one found near the entrance)
Maxar Technologies - Link
There was not much change to this area besides what has been found on Google Maps but I did notice this building appear.
Not shown - Google Earth - Link
The former Heads of AYR Hotel has seen some additional changes as we now start to see a clear layout of the wjere tej touring vans can be based.
The only change to the entrance that I could find was not until 2021 into this new format. The old sign remains on the left-hand side with the bushes cut back a great deal.
Airbus - Link
In 2023, we see that work has started to fully convert the original location of the Heads of AYR and the Haven Touring park into caravans. This image is perfectly taken as we see;
We can now see that the concrete area found in 2009 remains as of 2023, with the grass level now at the same level as the highest level of the concrete.
The concrete area found in the image of 2009 remains in place as of 2024; however, I believe by 2025 or 2026, this would have been buried by either the grass or the bushes, which have greatly expanded a great deal from the first image. What a great find to see, thanks to Google maps, and it certainly makes me wonder what it was a part of in the past, as it remains there for many years to come.
Airbus - Link
The research into this area has come to an end with three areas of interest.
