The North Yorkshire town was once home to one of the UK’s largest Butlin’s holiday camps, drawing over 150,000 visitors a year
The North Yorkshire town was a favourite amongst holidaymakers after the Second World War(Image: GrahamMoore999 via Getty Images)
A town that previously hosted one of Britain’s largest Butlin’s resorts has been reinvented as an ultra-luxury holiday destination. In the aftermath of the Second World War, staycations reached their peak, with millions of Britons heading to coastal resorts each summer.
Filey, nestled between Scarborough and Bridlington in North Yorkshire and roughly one hour’s drive from Hull, proved a favourite amongst holidaymakers. The town offered extensive sandy beaches, countless fish and chip establishments, Victorian-era fairground attractions, and an enormous holiday centre.
Billy Butlin’s Filey campsite, converted from a former military installation, welcomed more than 150,000 visitors each year, epitomising the post-war holiday experience. Guests would enjoy evenings of cabaret entertainment, dancing, swimming, and amusement arcades, all supervised by the famous Red Coats.
Nevertheless, the emergence of affordable flights to Mediterranean destinations, such as Spain and Greece (the so-called Benidorm boom) swiftly overshadowed Butlin’s popularity. The site fell into decline rather abruptly, ultimately closing in September 1983.
For many years afterwards, the derelict location lay abandoned, becoming a magnet for urban explorers and would-be graffiti artists. It presented a dramatic contrast to the 1950s, with decades of family entertainment supplanted by rubbish-filled swimming pools and partially demolished structures left in an almost post-apocalyptic condition.
Richard Bailey, a retired lecturer and former Butlin’s enthusiast, shared his fond memories of the site with Chronicle Live in 2021. “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 recalled.
However, in 2007, an ambitious £25million redevelopment project was launched to completely transform the site. The Bay, which describes itself as a “purpose-built holiday village on the clifftops”, cleared the remnants and began building apartments and cottages in their place.
The first beach house was constructed in 2012, with the site expanding further still in 2021 following the addition of a new ‘Meadows development’. Today, the complex comprises approximately 500 to 900 properties, a considerable number of which are let out by private owners.
Filey Bay Direct states on its website: “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.
“In the [village] centre, you will find a 20 metre pool with baby splash pool, poolside sauna and steam room. There’s also a fitness suite and a beauty room where you can book 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.”
The upmarket complex also boasts additional amenities including a pharmacy, tennis court, and an ‘adventure’ playground reserved for children under 12.
Filey Bay caters for a broad range of budgets, offering a diverse selection of accommodation whether you’re looking for a bargain break or a more luxurious getaway.
As an example, a three-night stay (Friday, June 12-15) in a two-bedroom flat will set you back £320, at the time of writing.
Filey is approximately an hour’s journey from the nearest city of York, and is easily reachable by train.