An iconic UK seaside town propelled to fame thanks to a popular TV show also used to be home to a huge Billy Butlin’s resort – which was flattened after just 30 years
An iconic seaside town previously home to a huge Billy Butlin’s resort now looks completely different – but there’s still a small reminder of what once was. While many Brits think the hit TV series Gavin & Stacey cast south Wales’ Barry Island into the tourist limelight, the town was already luring in swathes of holidaymakers back in its hey-day.
Situated in the Vale of Glamorgan in South Wales, Barry and its eponymously named island boasts a sweeping stretch of golden sand beach, cobalt waters and a recently refurbished seafront complete with restaurants, cafes, and colourful beach huts. But back in 1966, the town also featured a Butlin’s resort that had the capacity to accommodate 7,000 overnight visitors every single week.
According to reports, Sir Billy Butlin is rumoured to have been inspired to create his holiday camp business after his family was accidentally locked out of a B&B in Barry Island by the landlady. The all-inclusive complex – which consisted of 800 ‘no-frills’ chalets – featured heated swimming pools, a cable-car ride, a miniature railway, bars, restaurants, and even a Fish & Chip shop – and of course, the iconic Red Coat staff.
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But, similarly to the Butlin’s resort in Filey, business started dwindling when package holidays to destinations like Spain started becoming more affordable. Hindered by the ‘Benidorm boom’, Barry Island’s Butlin’s, located on Nell’s Point, ran for just 20 years.
It was then taken over by Majestic Holidays – and renamed The Barry Island Resort – but only managed to last a further 10 years. In its last decade of welcoming tourists, the Red Coat staff were forced to wear blue uniforms following threats of legal action.
But in 1996, following a storm that worsened growing maintenance issues, the entire site closed. Rows of once fun-filled cabins, swimming pools, and restaurants were left to rot for almost an entire year, when Vale Council bought the site for £2.25 million.
It was later sold to Bovis Homes and bulldozed to make way for a new housing estate as part of a £3 million regeneration project in the area. Now, the Butlin’s resort looks like any normal residential area – filled with new-build properties and green space.
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While Brits heading over to Barry Island for a weekend of sun and ice cream won’t be able to watch an iconic Red Coat show – or spend their days by the pool – they’ll still be able to find a tiny slice of nostalgia. This is because in 2014, a blue plaque was erected at the seafront garden to commemorate the holiday entrepreneur.
Former Red Coat Tony Collier told the BBC: “We couldn’t want for a better position in this lovely garden for the plaque. Hundreds of thousands of holidaymakers and staff came from all over the country each summer and Christmas, to enjoy the facilities offered on site, and the beautiful Welsh countryside on its doorstep.”
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