What's Happened To Butlins Skegness!

[@WalkWithMeTim]

Butlin's Bognor Full Tour 👉kzbin.info/www/bejne/aWbUaGduZauri6c

[@looneytoons2878]

Pay extra for go kart's WTF get stuffed

[@joshy3302]

I hope there's any good butlins because of my dream

[@santinodichiara-dahm4215]

Butlins Bognor Is absolutely brilliant

[@philb5887]

I always take my kids haven sights which are brilliant but finding there entertainment to young for them so was looking at Butlins Minehead have u ever been there ? If not please go for me b4 next year 🤣🤣

[@Eonednb]

It’s a shame really, butlins use to be the place to go in the 90s, I’ve only ever been to Bognor. Prob 30 times as a kid. Was going to take my kids there but think I’ll swerve it to be honest lol what happened to the chuckle brothers peddle car things they use to have. Does anyone know is Bognor still has that massive giant in the lake where you could hire peddle boats out?

[@JayJay-hc8gh]

Oh wow! We haven't been for a few years and it's gone down hill since 😟. One of them benches down near the Gold apartments is actually my Dad's memorial one! It was his favourite holiday destination and took us nearly every year growing up ☺️

[@angelcoops511]

I remember going to Butlins, Skegness when I was little and it had the monorail and chairlift. I absolutely loved it. Had an outside swimming pool with fountains, and the indoor swimming pool had windows in so you could watch people swim under water. There was a cinema, a games room and a place you could play scalectrics. Crazy golf and of course the fair. You paid nothing extra. Fond memories.

[@WalkWithMeTim]

wow

[@terencejay8845]

The Butlins Pwllheli was similar when we were kids back in the 60's; Mini train or chairlift out to the beach, and a swimming pool with windows you could watch while in the cafe. It was also my first job when I left school at 18. The main entertainment centre burnt down while I was there! ( Ken Dodd was playing there. They opened up an older theatre and it was filled with people in pyjamas and Ken came on and gave an impromptu performance to keep them amused while the fire raged. )

[@essanjay8604]

If you ask me they've had their day like shopping malls on the High Street. Time to wave goodbye and move on.

[@monk3yboy69]

What’s happened to Butlins? Cheap flights to Spain where one has guaranteed sun for your 7 or 14 nights all inclusive . And I do think sadly this sort of place has had its day.

[@neilrogers6767]

I remember all those things at butlins too. I first went in 1981.

[@Residentialpandaa]

This is heartbreaking, we went to Minehead and Skegness every year from 1999-2008 and to see the state of it now calls in to question all those times I defended UK holiday parks. I completely understand if they are tight on money from the pandemic but if these places are to survive they HAVE to invest in the accommodation. Particularly in the day of social media, one viral review can be the death of a business

[@WalkWithMeTim]

the reviews are some of the best on trip advisor

[@basylpeterjones]

How can fully-booked camps be heartbreaking? I booked two Bognor weekends several months in advance for the act I see. One out of season with corona-19 restrictions, and a later one in the summer, and only just found an affordable chalet for the June one despite booking last year.

[@lemsip207]

@@mikenewbold1699 It's their right. What I object to are the fake reviews left by the friends and relatives of the business owners or that are bought by them.

[@omgdisfunny4852]

butlins has been in this condition for the past 10 years, its nothing to do with the pandemic

[@basylpeterjones]

@@omgdisfunny4852 Why worry about it? They sell out all year round. Bognor's fine and Skegness was when I was last there.

[@Azorek-zb2lc]

The reason the "arcade" was so airy is because it used to be a really nice spa pool thing with a built in waterfall and gym. The scouts used to do capsize drills there before sailing season before they got rid of it.

[@laurabaker81]

I loved that Spa. So quiet and the only time I treated myself to a treatment. That arcade is ridiculous.

[@stevebinnington6577]

Used to be called the beach club

[@RoseRedRaccoon]

@@laurabaker81 I agree with you I usually never won anything thing there but I'd they were to remove it instead of making it I would have lost £14 because I won a blooper plushie lol

[@tracyminajjjj]

no clue why they changed it to an arcade, butlins looks so depressing these days it’s sad.

[@buffster948]

About 20 years ago, my Dad made a suggestion on the feedback form about putting in some palm trees (he was a big fan and he knew they'd take well to the climate there - plus they are quite low maintenance and look very holiday-esque). Next year when we showed up, voila! A whole bunch of young palm trees had appeared. He was so happy. I am so glad they are still there and thriving. I'm going to scatter some of my Dad's ashes there if I can. It's sad that some maintenance needs to be done to the properties, but I am sure covid and the recession are hitting our coastal tourist industry pretty hard. I really feel for them. My family have been going to Skeggy for 4 generations now. Lots of happy memories.

[@RadioactiveChannel06]

While permanent tent structures like the Butlins Pavilion and the O2 are impressive architecturally, they don't age particularly well and seem to easily fall into disrepair without regular maintenance.

[@WalkWithMeTim]

agree

[@louisetrinder551]

They went up in 1998 didn't they? I remember going to minehead when it 1st went up. It was great to see but miss the good old days of the outside pool. That was deeper than new one. I didn't like what they done to the entertainment venues either as they took dance floors away. They put dance floor back eventually in Reds but I think they've carpet down again. Probably since covid.

[@andrewbrown8616]

@@louisetrinder551 This is correct

[@kylemcw8301]

I couldn’t possibly comment on the Minehead and Skegness sites. But, the Bognor Regis site is planning on “Getting rid” of the skyline pavilion!… I went too butlins a few months after it’s grand opening after the pavilion was first built and it was seriously impressive!…. Yet after going back within the past year, it’s absolutely disgusting. All green, leaky everywhere and just an eye sore. As for all the attractions…. Exactly the same (if not actually worse) than back in the 90’s! For that kind of money. I’d recommend booking pretty much ANYWHERE else! Everything is rotting, rusty and just aged. It’s a real shame as Butlins used too be “The spot!” 😔

[@thomaswilliams8878]

Chttte tye

[@darkvader7231]

Despite the flaking paint, I bet the inside of their silver accommodation is way better than those pontins parks you have been to. Overall, it looked way better and busier than pontins which is a good sign especially with the investment going into the skeggy one soon!!

[@WalkWithMeTim]

yes agree but come on butlins

[@bridgetteparker5149]

We stayed here in a caravan in 1993 and it was quite nice. Such a shame to see how everything has gone downhill. The trouble with building accommodation out of wood is that it needs a lot of upkeep. It might be more expensive to use bricks but it’s better value in the end cos there’s much less maintenance. Really interesting video Tim even though it made me feel sad. Thanks for sharing🙂

[@WalkWithMeTim]

Interesting points 😎 thanks Bridgette

[@dazm6365]

We have been going for Many years with our 2 eldest & now our 2 youngest, & have stayed in both caravans & chalets, but the chalets only perhaps 3 or 4 times (& not the economy ones) but I have to say, that the caravans Far exceed the chalets in regards to quality of accommodation. We have became good friends with the owners of the caravans we stay in & they provide (amongst other things) a washing machine, dishwasher, TV in all rooms (lounge is a smart TV), games console, WI-FI, Google nest (similar to Alexa) coffee machine, & a Welcome hamper (with even a bags of sweets each for the kids) and All this for Less than what Butlins charge for the chalets!

[@dilltdog1158]

Wow! Last time I was there was 1982, happy times. Skeggy Butlins was always very popular back then.

[@davidroberts-harding8494]

Loved this video.... I worked this site in 1996/97.. Pre skyline.. So to see the place now was a real wrench.... Back then our staff accommodation was day entrance side opposite the fair.. Our accommodation was like those in this video as in need of love and a paint job.... Thanks for bringing back so many find memories...

[@THEEXPOSER666]

They are really struggling for maintainance and cleaning staff, which is a shame. Butlin’s are starting to referbish there resorts, starting with Skegness next year .

[@WalkWithMeTim]

about time

[@welshman64]

Money money money. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🚙

[@jamie-xj5vx]

I would take a matinance job with acomadation

[@basylpeterjones]

Bourne Leisure made big investment in the camps. They were given new water parks, Bognor got three hotels and Minehead the lakeside apartments. It drove out most of their local employees after 2004 in favour of recruiting from Eastern Europe. It was staff ethnic cleansing. I haven't stayed at Minehead for a good few years and my recent stays have been at Butlin's - where there are no issues with maintenance. I knew others who followed the same '80s act as me, and they all favoured the Skegness camp. It had none of this disrepair then.

[@THEEXPOSER666]

@@WalkWithMeTim we stayed last week and the room was filthy, they came and rectified it luckily, the full fairground is being refurbished and 4 new rides are being added . I also believe the skyline pavilion tent needs replacing in a few years aswell , they are also adding a brand new giant park.

[@Emily-ob1tj]

Butlins Skegness are building a new playground - named Skypark - which is planned to open Easter 2023. They have also today announced on social media that they will be bringing some new rides to the Skegness fairground which look good. I've never been to Skegness but the new stuff planned is tempting me. Been to Butlins Bognor Regis many times and love it there

[@colacubes1692]

the rides at the skegness one used to be so good and then they just became really childlike and less thrilling

[@Emily-ob1tj]

@@colacubes1692 Agreed. I know that Butlins is in a way aimed at children (however it can definitely be enjoyed by people of any age), but I feel like they sometimes aim things like rides a bit too much towards younger children. In my experience having very few options, with little thrill for older children and adults. Although that looks like it may be changing at Skegness after seeing pictures (on their official Instagram) of the new rides they're planning on adding

[@CharlotteJanvier30]

I love skegness x

[@WalkWithMeTim]

I hope they sort out the accommodations too

[@Emily-ob1tj]

@@WalkWithMeTim Hopefully. If they do and once they've got all these new plans finished, I'd love to visit and I think others will be encouraged to do the same

[@paulenemuller-mortimer4145]

I worked at Butlins Skegness the summer of 1962. I was 17 and I lied about my age so that I could work there. It was the same year that Rory Storm and the Hurricanes were there, and their drummer was someone by the name of Ringo Starr. I often wonder what has happened to the elephant?

[@NotesOfBoredom]

My mum ran Rory’s fan club and she met all the Beatles - had tea with John Lennon and Cynthia - she was genuinely upset re what happened to Rory and his mum...

[@WalkWithMeTim]

wow

[@hollyr.2846]

I was there as a visitor when you were working there Paulene, same age too. I was born in 1945 and come from Liverpool so I knew all the bands on the scene in that era. Dated Paul's bro Mike.

[@margaretfoley1247]

All my happy childhood memories were made at this Butlins back in the 60s and 70s. Loved it x

[@dotherightthingbro]

The random lake used to be the boating lake and we used to stay in what is now staff accommodation. Note that it is still standing which is testament to the materials and build quality. Stairs are metal framed (made to last) unlike the newer buildings which are made of wood.

[@WalkWithMeTim]

that's why a lot of houses in the uk are not made from wood lol

[@janeokeeffe5297]

I have great memories of butlin's, back in the 60s 70s and early 80s, we went to all of them with my mum, looking forward to seeing how it has changed 👍

[@WalkWithMeTim]

😎

[@philbartlett395]

Same here, Butlins was amazing late seventies to eighties, unrecognisable now to what it was, now it's just a commercial machine.

[@janeokeeffe5297]

@@philbartlett395 if only we could go back in time

[@stephenchecksfield632]

@@philbartlett395 absolutely agree with you there 💯 I remember Butlins Filey very well I did visit a few times as a day visitor as during the late 70s and the mid 80s my late parents did have 2 static caravans on primrose Valley next door it’s my humble opinion that if the late Sir Billy Butlin saw the decay and lack of care of his camps which he was so rightly proud of he would probably turn in his grave but at least to be fair his camps are not as neglected as Pontins

[@philbartlett395]

@@janeokeeffe5297 funny you should say that, my memories of Butlins from my childhood are magical, if they happen to invent a time machine and you could go anywhere anytime they could keep Disneyland and all the exotic holiday destinations, I would go to Butlins Minehead circa 1980, absolute bliss.

[@zhardoum]

Normally, when given a ‘day pass’ in a place as rough as this, it’s to get out, not in.

[@WalkWithMeTim]

?

[@simonb5986]

@@WalkWithMeTim he's comparing it to prison

[@thecatpi4150]

Looking at the bad state it's in, everything should be free. Bourne has totally neglected it. Now it will give the whole Skegness destination a bad name. What a shame, it needs to close down. Height of the season top prices and hardly anyone visiting.

[@jimjiminy5836]

😂🤣

[@ashleynelson5767]

On the scrounge for a free day pass ??

[@tintersniffer9929]

Looking at the maintenance of the buildings, would you trust the fairground rides to be maintained properly.

[@garddog10]

Nope

[@susandilaimi-rb7zg]

I use to go to Butlins in the 70's the chalets were like hi de hi so it's nice to see that they look better from the outside always enjoyed my stay there Thank you Tim for showing us around

[@benlinfoot4048]

Went to skegness butlins in October 2023 loved it the funfairs completed now my favourite ride was epelexi

[@h4rold948]

Such a shame its turning into a state! This was the only holiday park I'd ever stayed in when I went in 2010 and I was so shocked how good it was. It looked well maintained and nothing like the horror stories of its competitors so to see it like this is really disappointing. Especially given the prices of some of the family packages

[@BIadesMan]

It wasn’t even that nice in 2010,but just getting worse.

[@joedon9758]

I used to work on this shithole years ago in one of the restaurants, but I always split int the soup, enjoy it jackasses :D

[@automotivel3501]

As a Kid, we went to Butlins Skegness loads of times, we always went full board, so me and my brother disappeared first thing in morning, see parents at meals, then off to park again. Brilliant. Then took my kids there, and it was run down, very expensive, half the rides not operating - but kids still loved it. they no longer did full board. It is just the cost now.

[@Dean256]

I live 2 minutes away from this place in ingoldmells drive by almost every other day but never been in so thanks for the tour. All I do know is my auntie was a cleaner here years ago and she left because she got fed up with the poor standards. Great video once again Tim. 😀

[@WalkWithMeTim]

oh did she! wow

[@Soldiermass]

Not been there for years and it still looks so similar. Might have to go back to re-live some childhood memories

[@carlroberts8691]

Used to go Butlins in the 80/90’s as a kid when the monorail and chairlifts where in operation and the current offering, especially the funfair, is a shadow of what it used to be. It’s actually really sad.

[@Ian-lm7mn]

Same here Carl the Fun Fair then was a Fun Fair I remember the Monorail and Chairlifts even roller-coasters now there's about 5 rides and they call it a Fun Fair, everybody used to complain about the dodgy cold chalets with paper thin walls, I remember at Bognor,Minehead, Ayr and Filey(God rest its soul)the BRILLIANT games rooms 50 Snooker tables at each camp that's correct (fifty snooker tables) pool and table tennis tables and the Best thing of all it was all FREEEEEEEE or you had to give was your chalet key.Butlins had definitely lost its way over the years way to expensive for a working class family and looking at some of these apartments looks a bloody RIP-OFF.....

[@juneingram1130]

@@Ian-lm7mn they used to have a big wheel too

[@laurabaker81]

The fair was great when it had a proper place on site (where the gold apartments are now). Now, as Tim said, it just feels dumped there at the front.

[@loadapish]

Same. I remember gointo the 1 in wales. Seeing those colourful dragonflies for the first time. They were everywhere, thousands of them, we called them helicopters. I remember a guy put something round my neck when i was playing streets of rage on the arcade. Remember i blacked out and thought i just pucnched the guy once. Turns out i pasted him in a blind rage and my parents hid me in the corner as staff were looking around for me. Good times haha

[@thomaswilliams8878]

Carrion Rodts

[@ChrisA93]

We always go to haven and it’s always been amazing, Butlin’s sister company. I have always wanted to go to butlins but after this think I will give it a miss. Great video as always Tim.

[@WalkWithMeTim]

haven is much better I think

[@ErisIsAnAbomination]

Been watching your videos for a while, and these parks are definitely interesting from an American perspective! We don’t really have anything like these over here (the closest I can think of would be a theme park resort), so I really enjoy seeing the differences in family entertainment in your country!

[@PiglipsMaximus]

It's all a past time now really since the modern day is aimed at staying at home, i miss the days of lazer quest, fun bay 1 and even the cinema

[@evelynttrtootoo]

I believe the site has just been sold, so hopefully the new owners will fix and liven it up a bit. Even in this state it is still the best resort for me! To answer your question about what they're building, it's an expansion of the funfair. There's going to be more thrill-seeking rides as well as the 'conventional' funfair rides.

[@markc3258]

They sold Butlins in Ireland years ago .. unfortunately the new owners turn it into a refugee camp for processing ..

[@adamhewitt5055]

Always loved going to fantasy island as a kid spend hours walking about the market and rides filled by trip to beach at the end and fish and chips tea

[@louiselou1300]

I worked at butlins skegness and over the time I was there it started to get worst with the accommodation. Years ago the boating lake had boats in when I was a kid.

[@thebard9786]

Still being there proves how successful Butlins are. However, like most things, time takes its toll on these wonderful seaside resorts full of childhood memories (including mine). Thanks for the vid, Tim! 👍

[@WalkWithMeTim]

yes but they still charge the prices they should at least keep the paint up lol

[@thebard9786]

@@WalkWithMeTim completely agree 👍

[@harkinsclark1417]

Butlins is ultimately owned by American venture capitalists Blackstone who have assets of nearly 45billion under their control so the fact that Butlins still exists is probably more to do with Blackstone's willingness to sit on broken assets than anything else. The last major investment in Butlins was over a decade ago which is a generation in hospitality time. What Butlins needs is someone to love it again as much as we do 🙂

[@thebard9786]

@@harkinsclark1417 it has to be an investment of some sort if they've kept said assets. No business would sit on such a thing unless they intend to asset strip. That could be seen as financial suicide I guess. However, what Tim has shown is mere neglect since covid other than the unwillingness to invest... 👍

[@harkinsclark1417]

@@thebard9786 The company accounts for last year are due shortly, for the last few years the auditor has banked on customer loyalty as a catalyst for future growth, be interesting to see if they repeat that statement this year. Unfortunately company accounts don't separate maintenance from investment but Tim's video footage speaks volumes

[@neilbush514]

I don't even recognise this place anymore! To be fair when I went they still had the old monorail and that was great fun to go around the place on. Looks like the snooker hall is no more either. I remember Tony Drago giving an exhibition match there. Such a shame I had great memories. Roller skating was there and a putting green with huge over sized plastic golf ball. ahh those were the days! I wonder if the original swimming pool is still there?

[@devonkev1018]

From reading the reviews online, the majority of issues seems to centre around a lack of cleaning and maintenance staff. The industry is really struggling at the moment, they’ve been so used to having Europeans who are happy to work for the minimum wage. I did like the funfair facelift they did a few years ago, however the lack of rides is embarrassing. Also the cycle they put the rides on is either aimed at timid families or to reduce maintenance, I’d put my money on maintenance.

[@WalkWithMeTim]

I hear they are upgrading the fair

[@devonkev1018]

@@WalkWithMeTim I really hope they do.

[@aligiff17]

Thats the issue, most of the european staff went home in the first lockdown & stayed there, all the ents team had to muck in when they reopened, that was on top of their contracted work.

[@looneytoons2878]

Pay people a decent wage and they might get people to work there

[@solidstateresistor2485]

The truth is there are plenty of unemployed single English people who believe cleaning work is beneath them. I've worked in plenty of low paid jobs. I've always found it preferable to staying at home and vegetating all-day.

[@homeschoolfunvlogs5813]

Hi tim the reason why there is no theaming is because the hole ride section is getting redone with 3 new rides and a sky park at the back off the park so will be open easter holidays

[@littlemissfunny4868]

4 new rides and a doughnut stall 🥰

[@pamelahunter8659]

Brought back so many memories. We used to take our children to Skegness in the late 90’s. Loved it.

[@garytaylor9474]

Hi Tim just to keep you posted, myself and wife are just back from butlins at Skegness.. They are really going for it regarding the very much needed revamp.. Loads of painting and replacing old rotten wood etc.. Even power washing the moss from the tiles on the buildings... A guy was on top of the pavilion when we were leaving cleaning etc.. I'm not saying it's all been done as its a huge task they have on their hands but it's a good start.. Also they are on with the new fair which is open next year.. Looks good.

[@WalkWithMeTim]

wow I look forward to returning :-)

[@garytaylor9474]

@@WalkWithMeTim yeah we will be going back, fingers crossed I'll bump into you. ' : )

[@iipanduhVR]

Thanks for posting this! This video put me off booking but might wait a few months before booking x

[@joedon9758]

I used to work on this shithole years ago in one of the restaurants, but I always split int the soup, enjoy it jackasses :D

[@MoonlightStrider]

Been going to Butlins Skegness since I've been a child so I've definitely seen the amount of change that has happened throughout the years in fact as of writing this comment, I've just recently come back from a week break, I'll admit the park does need a lot of maintenance but someone like me wouldn't really pay much attention to it unless you brought it up, I'm honestly sad that the spa has been replaced by another arcade hence the soulless feeling in that place, I'd have preferred it to have been a Spa. Honestly it's the nostalgia of going to Butlins as a kid that keeps me going there and the familiarity of it due to my autism so it's something that has always clicked to me as "holiday" I just wish there was more stuff to do as a grown up because most of the time, I go off site and catch a bus into Skeggy and Ingoldmells.

[@jacobjcb8883]

Same here

[@joedon9758]

I used to work on this shithole years ago in one of the restaurants, but I always split int the soup, enjoy it jackasses :D

[@bunkerboy02]

You have to remember that this park is massive and has a hell of a lot of accomodation to upkeep. Its location so close to the unforgiving winters of Skegness where the wind howls off the North Sea and batters the park. There will be rust where there is bolts holding things up as the sea air corrodes things and then you get rust runs along paintwork etc. I was there in February and to read people's comments saying it's dilapadated is way over the top. It's not at all but it needs some planned maintainance across different areas each year.

[@Azorek-zb2lc]

As a local I wouldnt call skegness winters unforgiving, we barely get any frost or temperatures below zero, the wind isn't as bad as it is up north, its just a case of negligence on the owners part, the paint is horrible the amusement rides shappy and the walls dreary it can't be justified by its location or scale.

[@bunkerboy02]

@@Azorek-zb2lc erm, what’s Skegness’ motto again? Skegness is so bracing. Given due to the fact it gets hit with cold northerly winds!

[@gl00wwyy-95]

@@Azorek-zb2lc as a local myself I would call them quite chilly myself. I feel like as a polish man you would probably be more built for the cold than I however

[@Azorek-zb2lc]

@@gl00wwyy-95 no way its you!

[@gl00wwyy-95]

@@Azorek-zb2lc who would have known

[@izzybeffs]

It certainly needs a lick of paint, it would make all the difference and signs and more lights. I went years ago as a child, i loved it.

[@tomneville8312]

Ringo Starr was there on the drums with Rory Storm and the Hurricanes just before he joined the Beatles. My pals and I were there back in 1962.

[@AA.1961]

The cheap holiday packages abroad killed the British holiday camps. I have wonderful memories of the Filey and Skegness camps as a kid with my family in the 60’s and 70’s. They were fantastic holidays. I loved the chalets , the trips to the dining halls and the entertainment in the Gaiety theatre and the competitions etc were fantastic … how sad they’re in this state now. 😢

[@WolfoftheDM]

We don’t quite have anything like this in the USA that I’m aware of (if we do they’re probably local things, not widespread) so I find these videos endlessly fascinating! While it is sad to see the maintenance has gone a bit slack, it does look like it’d still be a fun day visit at the least

[@philholland8288]

Ah but you have those glorious national parks sir, they are a site to be behold and have been lucky enough to camp in a couple of them.

[@thornbird6768]

Back in the 70’s Butlins & Pontins another holiday park were the place to be , they are near beaches and all had outdoor swimming pools a fun fair , club house with bar , bands and disco even a Miss Butlins / Pontins competition , my cousin came 2nd once 👍🏻 These holiday parks are of that era and it seems now almost everything is for children which is fine to keep young children entertained but not a lot for adults with older children which is why they probably stopped going !

[@LukeTheGeek]

I go there every year with my family and swear it’s slowly getting worse and worse which is a shame. I believe the new building site is an extension of the fun fair and that’s where the old slot machines were, they had bingo in there too and me and my cousin used to love the guy who ran it (same guy every year).

[@rubiemay]

I go to the Bognor Regis one and it’s getting worse as well sadly

[@WalkWithMeTim]

that's what was great about these parks seeing the similar faces

[@LukeTheGeek]

@@WalkWithMeTim yeah exactly, there’s a few people who work in the fair who’ve been there years too but I don’t recognise any of the redcoats anymore. When I was a kid I knew them every year. I don’t even think they walk around as much as they used to, then again I’m not really looking around for them like I used to

[@jakeplayz24910]

@@rubiemay I hate Bognor one there’s were loads of ants in our room we had to leave early.

[@evelynttrtootoo]

@@WalkWithMeTim 100%! The best part for me is going to see some of the redcoats and other staff. I know one who's known me since I was 3 as she'd play with me in the soft play area. I'm now 21 and she still says hello whenever she can.

[@richardtrainor3554]

I worked (& lived) at this Butlins as a lifeguard many years ago. Great place to work as a youth and many fond memories of the place.

[@PSDC]

that arcade at the beginning was a day spa with an oasis pool and waterfall. with gym rooms and treatment rooms thats why it was bright

[@simonbradshaw3708]

After the Rank Organisation sold Butlins the only camp I've been to is Minehead. I remember the chair lifts to the back of the park and the monorail. Not sure I'd visit Butlins again it doesn't seem to have updated itself. Thanks for sharing the video, would be nice to look around Minehead and the town.

[@WalkWithMeTim]

yes noted

[@williamevans9426]

I don't know when you visited Minehead Butlins but I'm 57 and still recall staying there in the summer, with my parents, as a child. I. too, remember the chair lifts, and the monorail that (in my day) used to take a 'figure-of-eight' path above the outdoor pool and paddling pools (the latter with circular cascades), plus an indoor pool with artificial vines and parrots overhead and underwater side windows through which swimmers could be observed from a lounge below! There was also a boating lake, and two real, retired, steam engines near the front boundary. Other amenities included a full-sized cinema, the 'Gaiety Theatre' (with displays for 'baby crying' reports from the nightly patrols), and several bars (including the 'Beachcomber' and the more traditional 'Pig & Whistle'). Funnily enough, I also remember minor things like vacuum-operated, cartoon designed waste bins around the site, machines that dispensed milk cartons from a tilting compartment at the base (a novelty for a child in the days when house deliveries of milk in bottles was the norm), and beautifully maintained rose beds. The Redcoats, too, were immaculately turned out in white trousers and (obviously) red blazers. In fact, everything was extremely well maintained and spotlessly clean. As the saying goes, 'those were the days'. (I'm now returning to my rocking chair to enjoy a Werther's Original and an afternoon nap!!)

[@TheStephensonGrechFamily]

been going to butlins for 10 years. they are putting in a fairground called skypark and adding 4 new rides to the funfair should all be open by Easter 2023

[@WalkWithMeTim]

but still needs a paint lol

[@hazelmanship7516]

Oh Tim,this looks very dreary in places, thanks for showing these insights to the campsites. Great vlog 👍

[@WalkWithMeTim]

thanks Hazel

[@mathewpenney2843]

We was here in November and it was great, we was in the seaside apartment and it was very nice and clean and everything must have had a wipe down down the ride was pretty clean too

[@kevinbroughton7316]

My grandad was the first person to work for Billy Butlin at skegness when billy had a hoop lay stall

[@cyclingandstuff]

First time visiting Butlins ever and I saw Tim doing his stuff, you're a fast walker 👍 anyway, just to note, the maintenance and painters had arrived on the Friday of the week you came and the day we left ( I think it was Wednesday 29th June I seen you). So hopefully this will improve things drastically, it wouldn't take much as you can see. BUT I'd also like to add that the food (dining plan) was excellent, the shows were excellent and the swimming complex was excellent. So much to do and good value 👍

[@WalkWithMeTim]

wow, you should have said hello! good to hear John

[@beans589]

Kinda sounds like you work for butlins if not you should work in their complaints department 😂

[@joedon9758]

I used to work on this shithole years ago in one of the restaurants, but I always split int the soup, enjoy it jackasses :D

[@ladymidnightxx]

I use to work at Butlins back in 2017, and I always thought that it needed a revamp. The fairground needs improving as well. It needs some magic put back into Butlins, but having said that it doesn't stop people from coming back every year.

[@moneyprofessional]

That's very sad to see. I spent a lot of time at Butlins Skegness 20 years ago in the two story wooden accommodation you showed. It was quite new back then but I've see videos from recently that showed it in good condition. The lack of painting seems to be total neglect of maintenance which will lead to permanent damage of these wooden structures. Poor management I reckon, a real shame considering the scale of investment which was made in the 90s being allowed to degrade.

[@adamaston1460]

Very new my dad fitted the carpets in them

[@moneyprofessional]

@@adamaston1460 I remember they were really nice when they first opened. Nothing like you'd expect from Butlins. Really high quality finish inside and out. Shocking to see them in this state

[@adamaston1460]

@@moneyprofessional yes mate especially what was there before my nan and grandad used to clean the old ones they were contracted the new 1s made it look so much better I can’t believe how bad they are now my friends still work there

[@WalkWithMeTim]

yes agree the wood will be next on most of them

[@cafsixtieslover]

Those long rows of chalets remind me of the sheds with beds that we stayed in in Minehead in 1966. It was fun when I was 12 but it is not my idea of a holiday now.

[@garywayell7211]

True what they say . If you dont maintain things fall apart a bit like life really

[@reecechambers3467]

I've been there multiple times over the years, one holiday, me and my family spoke to one of the groundsmen, back in like 2008/9, that the skyline tent had to be changed every 10/15 years. This would take it to 2015 at most, the most they've done on it is small patchwork. There's been parts of it that have come away from all the bits attaching it to the structure holding it up and tears throughout.

[@WalkWithMeTim]

lol

[@dannyhill896]

I go there twice a year for the Adults Only Big Weekenders and always say I can’t understand how they can have families staying in the accommodation when the weekenders are not on, they all need renovation. The problem is place gets absolutely trashed by a select few people who can’t help themselves, which sadly, has an affect on the guests who take there family’s to Butlins when the weekenders aren’t on.

[@econ1240]

You should review Minehead Butlins, it has an amazing view of the sea and a stream train station. The butlins also looks good. Im going there in august. :)

[@WalkWithMeTim]

noted

[@lewisdowsett8390]

Went there 2 weeks ago,it's AWESOME

[@steveoprey7969]

Stayed there for a week in Aug 1992 in what is now staff accommodation (It was called APPLE DRIVE back then.) Basic room with 2 beds, kitchenette and bathroom, was very clean and comfortable and for just me and 1 child it was all we needed. The Go-Karts were free back then too. Thanks for a trip down memory lane, great video.

[@WalkWithMeTim]

thanks Steve

[@cjfeather]

Them buildings are well over 20 years old now in need of more than a lick of paint, I remember when they was new and could smell the fresh paint was awesome

[@WalkWithMeTim]

wow

[@TheeDumpSquad]

As a previous employee of Butlin’s Bognor Regis (sept 21-mar 22) I would love to have a talk sometime about what it’s like behind the scenes and for a staff member 👍

[@WalkWithMeTim]

was it not good?

[@TheeDumpSquad]

@@WalkWithMeTim unfortunately not, there’s a lot of behind the scenes that is unknown to guests

[@TheeDumpSquad]

@sammy the bass you would be correct

[@TheeDumpSquad]

@@clyth41 not really, just tell a truthful account of what it’s like 👍

[@justsomerandombirdwithinte5896]

@@TheeDumpSquad Enlighten us, how boging was it?

[@kkrispy2009P]

Great video Tim . very run down day pass is great ,!great tour guide bad fun fair and arcade I ain't a happy camper tim

[@WalkWithMeTim]

The fair is getting a revamp but not good on the dodgem sitting like that

[@Jack_nevison]

Omg thanks so much for uploading this video Tim I used to come here regularly as a kid it brings back so much memories the thing I loved most was the go karts! Also another thing I loved was the night life it was amazing! I can’t believe how run down it looks what a shame

[@WalkWithMeTim]

You are welcome yes it's a shame but investment is coming

[@Jack_nevison]

@@WalkWithMeTim ah that’s good to know

[@craigblackwood3024]

There now , many many carpenters and painters doing up whole blocks replacing old wood etc well needed

[@tom-jay9144]

I go to butlins twice a year for the adult weekends. So much fun. Best weekends of my life

[@MarleneSB]

Wikipedia says they had a net income in 2010 of £12.2million. If they hired full time painters and decorators dedicated to the job, a team of 5, paid them £30,0000 a year per decorator, double that to include tools and materials, that'd be £300,000. Rotate them around the 3 parks, 120 days for each park per year, that's 4 months each to spruce and maintain. More than enough time. Butlins are being cheap and that is visible in the state of the parks.

[@chudchadanstud]

You forgot to include the tax, electric, water, gas the other staff etc. £12m is peanuts. Especially if a few painters and cleaners cost £300k.

[@xcf5587]

Tbh that sounds like 300k they don’t have. Basic operating costs alone like gas heating etc for all those buildings must be well into the millions. Also 30k a year you wouldn’t get much of a decorator tbh. Definitely more they could do, hire a maintenance man a couple days a week or something but it must be hard to make any money from these places these days.

[@ashley_bell]

We went to Skegness around 5 years ago now. We had a good week but haven’t considered going back. So overpriced. More recently we went to seashore Haven in Yarmouth for a 1/4 of the price (we’re based in Ipswich so about an hour-hour and a half away) and can’t wait to go back next year!

[@sirteddy2100]

Not sure how much you paid for your Butlins trip, but I have just got back from a 7 night Butlins trip and the cost was only £740 in a seaside apartment. A gold caravan from haven is £1419. You must be getting a big discount.

[@Technaudio]

Really sad to see it looking rather run down. We used to go to Ingoldmells every year as kids, when caravans didn't even have toilets in them! (I'm 43 now) and we would always gaze starry-eyed through the fence of Butlins as we walked by on the beach, which didn't have anywhere near as much grass on it back then! We once went to Butlins, probably around 30 years ago, when there was (the cheaper) chalets across the road, they were the same as those staff accommodation blocks, which were fairly basic, quite similar to the ones at the Pontins' you've been to, but not quite as grubby! The monorail was still operational back then, and possibly the cable cars too? The random lake I'm sure used to be the boating lake? Went there again with my Dad about 20 odd years ago, which was the first time he'd been since 1964, when he came second in a talent contest, singing Johnny B Goode, the first time he'd sang in public at the age of 15. To think that in peak season its near on £1000 a room (no kitchen!) for a week here, to nearly £2000 for self catering apartments, they really need to pull their finger out and get it looking more respectable.

[@WalkWithMeTim]

agree

[@gailhickman9035]

HOW much? !!!!! 😳 lol, I'd rather have a week in a tent!

[@janegrieve]

I worked here in the 80s for two seasons had the best time those single story apartments looked like the staff quarters that we had and the now staff quarters were the actual chalets 😂 I used to clean as a chalet maid. Great to see the place as I haven’t been back but sad it’s looking pretty tired.

[@kimjonyoungthesupremeleade7432]

I lived half a mile from here a few years ago, could see the giant tent things and fantasy island from my window.

[@leannemartin4766]

I was there in September 2022 and found it really run down compared to other years we have been. We also went with a disabled adult and child both in wheel chairs and found staff parking in disabled parking without blue badges.... All in all we didn't have a very good experience when we went and did complain to guest services.

[@PhDLunaticUK]

I’m always surprised to see relics of a bygone age like this still limping on. These venues always come across as a bit grubby and tawdry. Better to save your money and stay at home and pay for good days out instead, or buy a tent and go camping, out in the fresh air!

[@leeboi9300]

@@joshSpencerUK I agree with you there mate I just came back from there last wicked I had a great time cudnt ask for more for the kids the shows was good same as the food I am a butlins fan

[@hammer6619]

gobsmacked how these companies have the front to charge huge money for a week's holiday and you walk into this camp and find it like that it's beyond disgusting

[@WalkWithMeTim]

Yes that's annoying

[@monk3yboy69]

@ Hammer 66 Why are you surprised? It’s rip off Britain at its best. Suck the profits out of a place. Shareholders need their slice, don’t you know? Besides, plenty more people will come each year and not even notice….

[@joedon9758]

I used to work on this shithole years ago in one of the restaurants, but I always split int the soup, enjoy it jackasses :D

[@philbartlett8308]

and they have the nerve to charge extra for attractions that should be included in the ridiculous amounts they charge to stay there, I think butlins started to lose its way in the 90s when it began to transform from an amazing action packed great value family holiday in to what it is now, a charmless,soulless commercial machine designed to relieve you of as much money as possible, glad sir Billy not around to see what his butlins has become.

[@thomthulbourne2336]

I used to absolutely adore going to Butlins skeggy with my family when I was very young, with Billy bear, the skyline gang, titan the robot and obviously the infamous redcoats... this is heartbreaking to see the state of it now :( .. and that umbrella ride brought back some memories wow! the first ride i ever went on as a little one aha

[@rachelkilby-drew8090]

Been going to Butlins Skegness for 10 years with my kids. The apartments you have showed in this clip are the older ones. We have only ever stayed in the New Style Silver ones and never had any problems. We also do Disneyland Paris and not going to lie I think my son prefers butlins 🤦🏻‍♀️ Butlins is for CHILDREN mainly and they don't notice the paint job that's needed. Again the apartments you have shown are the OLD ones that are a lot cheaper

[@gilly0264]

What a shame letting it get that bad with the paint & keeping it clean. The attention to detail does mean a lot wherever you stay or eat. It would put me right off & make me wonder where else they are lacking in care, like food & what goes on behind the scenes!😬 Another great Walk Tim👍Have you ever been stopped when filming ?

[@WalkWithMeTim]

yes and when u pay a lot of money

[@barrytherave1345]

well i can tell you with 100% honest truth i have worked at many butlins as an installer of coldrooms and it is disgusting out the back where food is cooked and the state of the back of house. If you think out front is bad you should see out where "all the magic happens lol". Its vile

[@carlh429]

Butlins nowadays is a completely different and totally unrecognisable creature compared to the Butlins of my childhood which left such fond memories that live with me to this day. When I took my kids there in 2012 (Minehead) we ended up leaving early because there was nothing for them to do when the weather was poor. Another difference was the having to pay for everything, a complete contrast to when I was a kid, when everything was free - the roller skating rink for example you would hand over your chalet key as a ‘deposit’ for the skates (ahhh still remember the bruises!) I’d leave the chalet at the long gone camp at Pwllheli in North Wales, after a rushed breakfast and would hardly be seen again by my Mum and Dad until after darkness had fallen (no exaggeration). Stayed at Pwllheli in 1975,78,79 and 1981 - Loved it.

[@WalkWithMeTim]

Wow thanks for sharing

[@Curlyperm59]

Been to Skegness. Bognor. Ayr. Barry Island. But my fave will always be clacton where I spent all my childhood holidays. Sadly no more

[@Sailingon]

The whole village used to go on the miners holidays in the 70s from woodlands, Doncaster. It was great fun and the main hall with parents and kids on a night out was great. In later years I think 80s the kids disco was ace. There was loads to do and all free. It's nothing like that now, feel sad it's gone.

[@eoj8371]

Seems like you have to pay for the top price accommodation to get even a semblance of basic maintenance

[@WalkWithMeTim]

yes its very expensive

[@hoffwell]

Not keeping up with painting is madness. Will cost more in the long run when the wood has rotted.

[@WalkWithMeTim]

agree

[@esclad]

My favourite Butlins was Pwllheli. Have about seven consecutive years of memories as a child in the 80s. It looks nothing like it did 30 years ago, breaks my heart. Bognor Regis looks nice though.

[@WalkWithMeTim]

Interesting!

[@jeanettegris899]

I went there in about 1960. Great memories.

[@PerpetualAlfa]

The swimming baths at Butlin’s Skegness are fantastic.

[@WalkWithMeTim]

:-)

[@grahamsibbert2412]

Further to my earlier comments. The layout has changed. Where is the big swimming pool area, it had an outdoors rapids run and best of all was the water chute, a big pipe network running outside the tent ending up inside at the pool, used to be great fun.

[@WalkWithMeTim]

make sense now thanks

[@traceymarie6707]

I am so sad to see this! I worked there for a few years around 2002 and although the cleaning inside the cheaper rooms was a bit interesting the dolphin and high end apartments were considered luxury to us and it’s such a shame to see them like this. It was so lovely back then not a speck of paint out of place you just didn’t trust the bedding to be clean 😂

[@andyarmstrong1493]

Some of those buildings looked structurally questionable. Surprised there wasn't more signage on how to contact "The Samaritans". I really feel bad for financially stretched people arriving here and realising they had been duped. No excuse for dirty, poorly maintained places like this. Butlins should be ashamed, especially as you've said this is one of their best reviewed venues.

[@WalkWithMeTim]

agree

[@lemsip207]

Talking to the Samaritans is pointless when instead you can make an official complaint to both the camp manager and the local authority's environmental health department.

[@andyarmstrong1493]

@@lemsip207 You're totally right, of course. My Samaritans reference was purely in jest. However, I suspect their complaints department is just as effective as the maintenance department.

[@lemsip207]

@@andyarmstrong1493 That's why I suggested going to the local council's environmental health department as well. If there are rats running around and the chalets aren't cleaned they will inspect the premises.

[@andyarmstrong1493]

@@lemsip207 Fair point.

[@megmarlow8984]

Sadly I couldn’t bring myself to stay there even if the paid me a Kings Ransom. Some could easily be resolved by a good wash. Things can be old, but clean. It could be fantastic - shame.

[@WalkWithMeTim]

I know they are doing some work

[@SilverCharmbracelet]

I was a Redcoat here 2009-2011. From what I remember, the standards in cleanliness and maintenance was of a very high standard. Such great memories performing on those stages.

[@skibidiohiosigmaprur]

I’ve been to butlins! The water park is amazing! Also the caravans they are so modern!

[@Jamman1403]

I went here as a kid (10+ years ago) and it was not much diffrent in terms of whats there. Appart from the outdoor play area, which used to be nicer. Was a woodland theme, when your young you dont pay attention to all the missing paint and dirt. But I agree it seems to have gone downhill :(

[@eshefa]

butlins has been struggling with a shortage of maintenance and cleaning staff , the butlins resorts are refurbishing all of their parks in the upcoming years beginning with the skegness resort.

[@WalkWithMeTim]

lets hope so

[@radioman951]

We were there for a weekend at the beginning of June. We used Tesco vouchers so it only actually cost us just over £100. The first arcade you went into used to be the spa, which we found to still be incredibly hot inside (like it was when it was the spa!). My partner joked if we went in there again she would go in in her swimsuit! We stayed in standard accommodation which could do with a lick of paint. Food was good, entertainment was good, as I say we only paid just over £100 so for what we paid we had a good weekend

[@WalkWithMeTim]

😎

[@MrBaldeagle15]

We were, there recently, joiners and Painters where replacing rotten bannisters and stair parts..to upper floor flats..Whole place needs investment and renovation, otherwise we had a good 4 day stay...Leonard 😀

[@nicolajames1396]

I was there 2 weeks ago we took our 1 year for his first ever holiday. We love it

[@melissaphillips3088]

Needs some attention but looks to be fun for the kids. Thanks Tim☀️

[@WalkWithMeTim]

thanks Mel

[@melissaphillips3088]

@@WalkWithMeTim you are welcome Tim . See you next time. Have a great week .☀️

[@michaelwiseman3155]

I went to the big reunion that butlins hosted there at Skegness quite some time ago which I was sold whilst on holiday in Magaluf "Great holiday " and I'm not pointing fingers but alot of the damage caused whilst I was there for the weekend was made by the 18-30s crowd so maybe alot of the stuff were seeing in this video isn't entirely butlins fault. Just an example I saw people smashing windows on there accommodation units which isn't a quick fix to be fair to butlins however I did stay at butlins Minehead last year with my wife and daughter and it was absolutely fine No issues at all.

[@seanwoodyatt7342]

I went on holiday there when I was younger, we found skid marked knickers and dirty nappies in our challet. Had a nice time there, it was the lack of cleanliness we didn't like.

[@littlemissfunny4868]

They are refurbishing everywhere, especially fairground. They cornered off place is for 4 new rides and doughnut stalls etc. We went here 2 years ago and had an amazing time! We are going back in October 2023 and look forward to seeing all the new rides and refurbishments

[@SerenitySoloReacts]

I worked there as a cleaner about 8 years ago for a very short time. Beware! The cleaners have to do a certain amount of chalets per day and they admitted to me on the first day that they quickly sweep the dirt under the rugs or under or behind furniture where it cannot be seen. I did not work there long as I did not like this method. People pay to stay in a clean and fun place, not hidden dirt all over. I took my time and did it normally, as clean as I could, and just got shouted at daily for not working fast enough. As I say, beware. They are not as clean as you may first think.

[@Alex-rl6mq]

Yes! Only the people who have worked there , know. The horror stories from friends who have worked there. One was told he had 8 minutes per chalet to clean. He left after 2 days as on the second day he found a condom filled with human excrement in the microwave.(and yes it had been turned on). It should of been thrown out instantly but it was just cleaned for the next family..