Butlin's 90th Anniversary: Why Holiday Parks Are Britain's Best Staycation
Traditional British holiday parks often face unfair snobbery, but this attitude is entirely misplaced. These destinations offer incredible value and entertainment, whether you're staying in a basic chalet or a luxurious penthouse with panoramic sea views. Butlin's in Bognor Regis stands out as a personal favourite, and its enduring appeal is clear as the brand marks its 90th anniversary this month. Founded by Billy Butlin in Skegness on April 11, 1936, Butlin's continues to thrive thanks to significant ongoing investments and modern attractions.
Major Investments and Modern Attractions
One key factor behind Butlin's success is its commitment to upgrading facilities. At the Bognor Regis resort, the Splash water park opened in 2019 with a staggering £40 million investment. Designed in a classic art-deco style, it features charming slides shaped like sticks of rock, providing fun for all ages. Additionally, the PLAYXPERIENCE venue launched two years ago at a cost of £15 million. This two-storey space houses nine state-of-the-art attractions, including escape rooms, digital darts, laser tag, virtual reality games, glow-in-the-dark table tennis, and a sports batting cage.
Adult Weekend Events and Celebrity Endorsements
Butlin's adult weekenders have become particularly popular, offering friends a chance to relax and enjoy themselves. These events are consistently busy, indicating widespread appeal. Legendary DJ Fatboy Slim has hosted a three-day adult weekender called All Back To Minehead at the Minehead camp every November since 2022. The event has featured dance music icons like Jodie Harsh, Eats Everything, and Horse Meat Disco. Even A-list celebrities are embracing the holiday park experience, with Idris Elba taking to the decks at Butlin's in 2022.
Coleen and Wayne Rooney, despite their combined wealth of around £200 million, have openly expressed their love for budget breaks at Butlin's Skegness resort. During her appearance on I'm A Celebrity in 2024, Coleen recalled taking her four sons during a May half term, where they saw Diversity perform. Her eldest son Kai, now 16, described it as "the best holiday I've ever been on" upon returning to school.
Broader Staycation Trend and Industry Growth
The resurgence is not limited to Butlin's. With uncertainty surrounding long-haul travel, more Britons are opting for staycations. Matthew Price, CEO of holiday rentals firm Awaze, reports that bookings for Hoseasons in July are up 10 per cent, attributing this to British holidaymakers prioritising escape and calm over the stress of lengthy flights.
Center Parcs is also expanding, with its Longford Forest site in Ireland undergoing an €100 million (£87 million) expansion, adding 83 new lodges, facility upgrades, and a zipline. The Center Parcs Scottish Borders development, set to open near Hawick in summer 2029, represents a £450 million investment featuring up to 700 lodges, a subtropical swimming paradise, a spa, and numerous restaurants.
Other parks are following suit. Skirlington Coast Holiday Park in Yorkshire is undergoing a £20 million makeover, including cabanas and a new splash park. Meanwhile, Lovat Parks has recently become the only UK holiday-park group to achieve "Mumsnet Rated" status, highlighting its family-friendly credentials.
Conclusion: Embracing Affordable British Holidays
Holiday parks are proving to be nothing to sniff at, offering excellent staycation options right on our doorstep. Why be a travel snob when these destinations provide fun, affordability, and quality entertainment for millions of families? As Butlin's celebrates its 90th anniversary, it's clear that the traditional British holiday park is here to stay, evolving with the times while retaining its charm.
