Stung by the ‘Benidorm Boom’, this huge Billy Butlin’s resort in the UK closed its doors back in 1999, despite being upgraded with a whopping £25 million of investment
An abandoned Billy Butlin’s resort that once lured in thousands of Brits looks completely different nowadays, after it failed to stay afloat. After being used throughout the war as a Navy training camp, a huge 85-acre site in Ayr, Scotland, was transferred into Butlin’s ownership back in 1946. At first, it could only accommodate some 2,000 guests – but this was quickly expanded to more than double its capacity.
In the following years, major investment was pumped into the site, welcoming an impressive indoor swimming pool, its very own miniature railways, and the first of the Butlin’s iconic chairlifts.
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All of this bolstered the resort’s appeal, quickly establishing it as one of the best UK staycation destinations for Brits. However, just like the former sites in Barry, Pwllheli, and Filey – the Ayr site started to struggle to bring in the high levels of tourism it had been consistently witnessing.
The blow came as the ‘Benidorm Boom’ (aka when package holidays to overseas destinations like Spain became more affordable) wreaked havoc on seaside destinations across the UK.
According to Butlin’s Memories, the final months of the 1987 season were ‘watched closely’ to see whether it was worth investing in the complex more. “On October 14, Butlin’s finally announced a £25 million investment programme,” the publication wrote.
“The decision to go ahead [with investment] was taken after the Scottish Tourist Board pledged their support for the project. Work began the following year and £12 million was immediately invested in the creation of a new indoor water complex and three-star accommodation for all holidaymakers, as well as a new 900-seat food court and a facelift for the caravan park.”
It is believed the remaining £13 million was invested over the next five years, before the site was renamed Wonderwest World. However, 10 years later and the resort was transferred over to Haven – who developed the site into what is now known as Craig Tara Holiday Park.
The run-down chalets were bulldozed down and replaced with luxury caravans. Now, Craig Tara boasts modern beachfront accommodation looking out onto the Isle of Arran, along with arcades, a Splashaway Bay multi-level water complex, an all-weather Airspace sports hall, and eateries including Burger King and Chopstix.
Three-night breaks start from just £49 for caravan stays and £249 for lodges. Visitors can also stay in apartments, priced from £49 for a four-night stay. All of the accommodation types are within walking distance to three miles of rugged coastline, featuring soft golden sand and crystal-clear waters.
*Prices based on Haven’s website at the time of writing.
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