How to use this part of the website
Designing the Butlin timeline was a more challenging task than I initially thought due to the extensive content that needed to be added. As the timeline expanded, I noticed that it was affecting the loading time on devices. To ensure a high-quality user experience, I decided to divide the timeline into ten-year sections. I also included links for additional research and videos to provide more information. Just select the topic you wish to explore further, and the corresponding page will load for you. Each page will feature links to the previous and next pages for seamless navigation through the years.
1900 to 1909
Billy Butlin and his brother Harry John Butlin come back to the United Kingdom to join the Hills Family traveling show, where their grandmother (Bertha's mother) is prepared to greet them home.
1910 to 1919
Learn about William Butlin's relocation to Canada with his mother Bertha, where he landed a job at Eaton's. Get insights into Billy's service in the Canadian Army.
1920 to 1929
Explore the Butlin timeline to learn about the Barnstaple Fair's significance and Billy's affection for Dolly Cheriton. Delve deeper to discover where the first Butlin's was located in Skegness.
1930 to 1939
The debut of the initial Butlin's Holiday camp in Skegness. Additionally, the somber announcement of Bertha Butlin's passing, Billy's mother. The association between Major Frank Bond and Norman Bradford, the pioneer Redcoat.
1940 to 1949
Read about the support that Billy Butlin had given with World War Two. The development and creation of the 21 clubs to support our troops. Also, read about how the camps were handed to the ministry to help train the troops. Billy also receives a MBE
1950 to 1959
In the year that the Brighton hotel opened, there was the unfortunate news of Billy's father, William Butlin, passing away. It was also the same year when Butlin's international channel swimming event was happening. Additionally, it was the time when Billy Butlin MBE was a guest on "This is your life".
1960 to 1969
In this part of the timeline, we see the grand opening of Bognor Regis camp. It is also the period when Billy's son, William Butlin (Junior), is born. Butlin's extends its reach to Minehead as Billy Butlin is honored with the title Sir William (Billy) Butlin. The famous Butlin's monorail train is unveiled, and Sir Billy Butlin decides to retire.
1970 to 1979
Under new ownership by the Rank organization, Butlin's undergoes a transition. With a value of £43 million, Robert Butlin is appointed as the company's executive. Meanwhile, Sir Billy Butlin and Sheila Butlin also tied the knot in these years.
1980 to 1989
It's a day of mourning at Butlin's as they bid farewell to the founder. The recent years have been filled with sad news, from the closure of the Mosney camp in Ireland to the tower restaurant in London. The passing of the first Redcoat, Norman Bradford, adds to the sadness. The closures of Filey, Clacton, and Barry Island, along with Robert Butlin stepping down as executive, only add to the disappointment.
1990 to 1999
The Butlin's Holiday Worlds era began with the renaming of all camps to holiday worlds, including Pwllheli and AYR mentioned twice in the timeline. This period also featured the diamond jubilee and the introduction of Butlin's Family Entertainment Resorts era, marking the end of Butlin's as a holiday camp. The hotel division was sold, and Pwllheli and AYR were transferred to Haven.
2000 to 2009
Butlins was streamlined by The Rank organization to only three camps, now rebranded as resorts. Pwllheli and AYR were handed over to the sister company Haven. The holiday division, which encompassed Haven, Oasis, Warners, and Butlins, was purchased by Bourne Leisure Ltd in the early 2000s.
2010 to 2019
The Bognor Regis resort is now home to a fabulous new swimming pool, thanks to a £40 million development. At the same time, the old staff quarters in Minehead have been removed, making way for an exciting new caravan village.
2020 to 2029
A new entity now holds the majority shares of Bourne Leisure Limited and is offering Butlins for sale. The Harris Family Trust has taken this opportunity to purchase Butlins and is set to invest in improvements, introducing features like a funfair, Playxperience, and Skyparks.
