The story of the camp that was always meant to be is in Bognor Regis. At first, like Clacton, he was refused permission to have a camp represent his name in the town. However, Billy was always one step ahead and knew that having the zoo and shops there was enough for his name to be shown. It was much later, in 1960 that we see the council require the properties he has for development.
The deal was simple "give me that land there for a camp and you can have these", well maybe not the exact words but that is how Billy got his camp in Bognor Regis. You can read more about this special event via this link, which has more information about this story.
One of the last remaining camps/resorts that still represent the Butlin's name. It's the smallest one of the three however, it had the most changes made to it with a £40 million swimming pool
Historic Moments
Bognor Regis town has a rich history with Butlins with the reaction center being a major point of the history timeline.
A homemade8-cine film made in 1961, using a standard 8 cine camera
Viewing Butlins in the 1960's.
Click on the screen shot above to view this moment on Youtube
Butlin's Bognor Regis featured in the movie - The leather boys
Butlins had arrived in the Southwest of England in Somerset. Around an hour's drive from Taunton, it was located near the West Somerset Railway. Butlins Minehead had cost £2 million pounds to build.
This camp has remained very close to the way Billy Butlin had designed it.
Historic Moments
Minehead was the only camp to receive a modern chalet rebuild on the former location of single-decker accommodation and the carpark. It was planned for this location to have a hotel, however, these plans have changed.
Butlin's Minehead in the 1960s, a very young Butlins
Butlins Minehead in 1969, showing how much has changed over the years since has been opened.
Click on these words to view the website above to see further information.
Small note: the design is from their website and can be removed from here at any time.
Billy Butlin MBE will now be known as Sir Billy Butlin
Click on the screen shot above to view this moment on Youtube
William (Billy) Butlin becomes Sir William (Billy) Butlin.
The design and making of the Monorail Train, ready for its historic moment in Butlins.
Further information about the Monorail train can be found on the icons of Butlins, just click on these words to see more.
Showing you the Monorail Train in 1970.
One very important camp is Barry Island as it was this location where Billy Butlin had the idea of starting his legacy. A landlady for a bed and breakfast had locked him out and he had waited for her to come back to gain access. It was at this point that Billy knew what he wanted and started his idea. At this stage, in 1966, Billy had hotels and camps representing his name. Barry Island was the last camp to open in Butlins and the last one where Sir Billy Butlin was leading the company.
This location is where Billy Butlin had the idea of starting his holiday camps.
Historic Moments
This is the second camp to be featured in Wales and it's told that if you went to the beach, Minehead camp will be in the background looking back at you.
Video showing Butlin's Barry Island
Video showing Butlin's Barry Island
Click on the screen shot above to view this moment on Youtube
Billy Butlin donated £100,000 into the Bill Butlin charity trust. This was in support of the police officers that were incapacitated or fatally injured while on active duty. This generous donation gained public support, which allowed the fund to grow to £250,000. This continued and went over £1 million pounds.
A video showing the views from the tower, giving you a chance to see London in 1967 and how the restaurant worked.
Another video from 1966 of the restaurant.
Click on the screen shot above to view this moment on Youtube
Showing footage of the Post office tower opening in 1966 with Sir Billy Butlin and a speech. It also looks like Robert Butlin is in the crowd sitting down.
Click on the screen shot above to view this moment on Youtube
An iconic ride that is greatly missed in today's Butlin's. This footage shows you the train in Skegness.
Click on these words to view the website above for further information
Small note: the design is from their website and can be removed from here at any time.
