Butlin's Memorabilia Website Celebrating Butlins History

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Freshfields Holiday Camps

Butlin's was not always the number one option for many campers as some would prefer to seek a quieter location. Sir Billy Butlin was always one step ahead and knew that this area needed to be offered to all his customers. To help solve this issue, Billy would open up a more basic camp called Freshfields. 

The idea was a simple one, to offer less and more of a relaxing feeling. The camps would not be as big as Butlin's however, they had the same magical feeling to them.

Duporth Park

Duporth Holiday Village

Located in Cornwall, on Porthpean Road, Duporth Freshfields had started as an estate and manor, owned by Charles Rashleigh (click to read more).  In 1933, the Manor and estate were sold to a company called Seaside Holiday Camps Ltd. Their plan was to develop the site into a holiday camp, which they achieved in 1934.

As with the Butlin's locations, Duporth was requisitioned for the war with an Indian and American army being based here. It would help train the troops until the end of the war when it returned to be a holiday camp once more. In 1972, Butlin's Ltd would take an interest in the location and purchased the site to open it as a Freshfields holiday camp.

The story of Duporth did not stop here as in 1985, the owners of Butlins, Rank Organisation, had plans to convert some of the sites into the sister company, known as Haven. Duporth was one of the selected locations until the big changes to the Rank Organisation holiday division in 1998. As with Butlin's, Duporth was sold in 1999 as it had a new private owner who continued to run the site, which had chalets and caravans for 1200 people. 

Sadly the site would changes ownership several times until 2006 when it closed down and sold to developers. Today, this location has houses in the design of Cornish cottage style.

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Seaview Park

Seaview, Polperro - Holiday Village

Research into the Seaview Freshfield holiday camp is a hard one to find information about as there are very limited details available. From what I have read, the camp was purchased by Butlins in 1973, however, the details of what was on the camp and what it offered are yet to appear to me. I am on the case as I am very interested to know more about this important location and its meaning it has to Butlin's timeline history. 

Research has shown me that there are two camps, which might possibly be the same one, that continue the camp's future. Below are two extra buttons, one for Hoseseaons, which is believed to be the owner and a second one showing Park Holidays. Interestingly, they both show chalets as a place to stay in, showing a connection.  Furthermore, the Park Holidays one has this in the title "Polperro Holiday Park (formerly Seaview Village) - Chalet, Bungalow & Caravan Holidays" showing a connection to the former name. Which one is this location...I am unsure, may you you do, if so, get in touch. I currently do not have anything in my collection of this camp. (Photo on the left is from Google maps)


Hoseasons page Park Holidays page
St Minver Camp

St Minver Holiday Park

There is little information currently available for this location, however, it's told that was owned by Butlins in 1971 to what date, I do not know, but information tells that it's currently owned by Parkdean Resorts. When I checked the camp, I found that the camp has chalets as an option, however, I do not know any further information. The image shown is taken from Google maps, at this time, I have nothing in my collection.

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Now known as Dolphin Holidays

Tencreek Holiday Park, Looe

As with the former locations, there is little information (at this time) about this important location. Research shows that it was purchased by Butlins in 1973 and was known as a Freshfields site. However, it changed hands to a company named Dolphin Holidays, and from there the information stops. I am still looking into this location and when I find something out, you will know. For now, click on the button below to see (what is believed to be) the current location. The image shown is taken from Google maps, at this time, I have nothing in my collection.

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AYR Holiday Park

Ayrville, St Ives, Cornwall

The information about the former Freshfield site is hard to find however, the current owners have put some information on their site. This information is from their site, shown in the button below "The site was previously known as AYR Farm Camping Site in the 1950s. The site started with the growth of interest in holiday camps as a destination for breaks. Starting on only one field, the camp would offer a location with amazing views for tents, touring caravans and somewhere for the camper's van to stop by for that relaxing break.

In the 1960s, the park would become popular with many customers and was a place many would love to visit for their break. The park would extend to meet the new demands, with caravans for hire and new wooden chalets as an alternative option for those on holiday. It is from here that research shows me that the park was then purchased by Butlins in 1974 as a Freshfields location.

The sale of Freshfields is not known at this time, however, the current owners do state "Now in its third generation of family ownership and called Ayr Holiday Park expansion of the site has continued. Changing technology and customer demands led to fully serviced touring pitches on hard standings, larger more luxurious caravans and the provision of a restaurant and summer pool. Further evolution has seen wi-fi becoming an essential service and now E.U. charging points are available in the park."

The current owners are keeping it updated and the location continues to offer the very best to many that visit. The image shown is taken from Google maps, at this time, I have nothing in my collection. 

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Two Chimneys

Two Chimneys, Penzance

Information about this site shows that the campsite was purchased by Butlins in 1974. The sale of the location is unknown however, the research found that it was purchased by Rojo Leisure Limited. As I researched further into the company, I found nothing until I came across details showing that Rojo Leisure Limited was closed down on the 25th of October 2011.

After finding the information that the company was no longer around, I was able to find an address and link it to a company I believe to be currently operating the former site. The company is called Haulfryn Holidays. However, I could be wrong but that was the one that I was taken to, the link is in the button below, have a look and see what you think. Their park map also has the Two Chimneys, so looks possible to me. The park does look amazing and is very well looked after. The image is from Google Maps, I have nothing in my collection for this location.

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Who and What is Butlin's Memorabilia Website

Mark Banks owns and created this website to show his collection of Butlin's memorabilia items. It was created during my spare time at work and is a hobby of mine and has since grown into a site that offers a chance for others to smile. This website is NOT the official website for Butlin's and is NOT the official archive of Butlin's at any stage. The website has expanded to show stories, with permission from that person, of a moment in Butlin's from people who are either a customer or former staff. This website is in loving memory of all that had come to this amazing company and to Sir William Butlin, the founder.  This website also has information about research regarding Butlin's history with information obtained from the research I made, which is not official. 

Butlins Memorabilia extra areas

This website is made and maintained by me, Mark Banks, as a fan site to celebrate the amazing Butlins name as it has such a large meaning to me.  Below is additional information about the website and answers to questions that you might be thinking of (hopefully I have covered them all, if not, get in touch)

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The Untold Stories of Butlin's

The website has expanded to now include an area called "Untold Stories of Butlin's". These stories have been added to the site by a member of my group who has shared their moment at Butlin's. These stories are not from the official company and are from the person it represent, as shown on the page. The stories shared are from that person's memory and show the magic of Butlin's on how it creates that special moment. 

If you are not official, who is Mark?

Butlin's Memorabilia is NOT the official website for Butlins. This site is also NOT the official website for the archive of Butlin's. The owners of Butlin's, Butlin's company, and Butlins.com have NOT approached me to design this site. They have no involvement with the development of the website or with the information that is shown. I am extremely thankful that they allow me to continue showing you their company's rich history. 

The number one website for Butlins is always, www.butlins.com where you see all the information about booking a break.

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