Once-famous UK holiday destination that's now a luxury village
It now looks completely different with the campsite long gone
Once a bustling hub of British holidaymaking, the town that was home to one of the UK's largest Butlin's resorts has now transformed into an ultra-luxury holiday village. Post-World War Two saw the peak of the staycation trend, with millions of Brits flocking to the seaside each summer.
Nestled between Scarborough and Bridlington in North Yorkshire, Filey was a popular choice. Visitors were drawn to its long stretches of golden sand, numerous fish and chip shops, Victorian-style fairground rides, and a sprawling holiday complex.
Previously a military base, Billy Butlin's Filey campsite attracted over 150,000 guests annually, encapsulating the post-war holiday spirit perfectly. Holidaymakers would indulge in nights of cabaret, dancing, swimming, and amusement arcades, all under the watchful eye of the iconic Red Coats.
However, the advent of cheap flights to sun-soaked destinations like Spain and Greece (dubbed the Benidorm boom) quickly eclipsed Butlin's success. The campsite fell out of favour rather abruptly, eventually shutting its doors in September 1983.
For years, the deserted site lay abandoned, attracting urban explorers and aspiring graffiti artists. It was a stark contrast to the 50s, with decades of family fun replaced by empty swimming pools filled with rubbish and half-demolished buildings left in an almost apocalyptic state, according to the Mirror, reports Bristol Live.
Richard Bailey, a former lecturer and Butlin's enthusiast, offered Chronicle Live a nostalgic account in 2021, recalling his visit to the site in 2001 when the remnants of its heyday as a holiday camp were still visible. "When I visited in 2001 there was still plenty of evidence of what had once been a holiday camp, including the chalets, fountains and remains of the outdoor and indoor pools," he mused.
However, a visionary £25million regeneration scheme was initiated in 2007, aiming to revamp the entire area. The Bay prides itself on being a 'purpose-built holiday village atop the cliffs', where the old ruins were cleared to make way for modern apartments and cottages.
The inaugural beach house was proudly set up in 2012, with continued growth peaking in 2021 through the introduction of the novel 'Meadows development'. Presently, the establishment is home to approximately 500 properties, with a notable number leased out by individual proprietors.
Filey Bay Direct lauds the aesthetic dedication evident on its website, stating: "The developers paid great attention to the look and feel of The Bay, including boules courts, courtyards, grassed areas all around the development to make it a lovely setting. Gardens are not enclosed partly to make it easier for our gardeners but also makes it a lovely communal holiday village."
They add that within the heart of the [village] the facilities include a 20-metre swimming pool coupled with a baby splash pool, sauna, steam room adjacent to the pool, a gym suite, alongside a beauty room offering bookable treatments.
"The John Paul Jones pub serves food and drink all day, with inside and outside seating. In the internal courtyard you will also find an arcade, also known as the Family Entertainment Centre, a shop selling groceries, household items, alcohol, beach items, souvenirs, and more."
Other facilities in the swanky complex include a pharmacy, tennis court, and an 'adventure' playground for children under the age of 12. It truly is the Hamptons of Yorkshire!
There's a wide variety of accommodation in Filey Bay, making it ideal for those on a budget - as well as travellers wanting to really splash out. For instance, a two-night stay (Friday, June 6-8) in a two-bedroom flat will cost you £380.
Filey, situated approximately 248 miles from Bristol, would take you about four and a half hours to reach by car and slightly if you are catching the train.