Hi, I was an entertainer at Butlins Minehead over 30 years ago, at the time I was housed in these now abandoned chalets, so basically they were staff accommodation. I think you even walked into the one I used to live in, just brought back a flood of memories watching this video, thank you!
I walked around Butlins Minehead in early Feb 2023 when visiting my son who was at an 80's weekend. Those old chalets highlighted in this video are still there and still in a really bad condition. They are in the middle of the occupied chalets and nothing has changed since this video was filmed. I'm amazed Butlins don't blank them off and amazed that people still want to go there.
Incredibly - that derilict, post war looking number 2 flat used to be our home! Redcoat Aimee and I spent the best times there and back then it was immaculate. That's my map of Herefordshire on the cupboards and her little red curtains on the rail. We now live in Hastings together but will never forget our first perfect den x
Hi Tim! I’m a team member, and the buildings behind the shop at the back of the resort are indeed the team accommodation, or as you put it ‘staff quarters’. The inside of those are actually really good for the rent we pay. We have a shared large ish living room, small kitchen and bathroom, and two decent size bedrooms!
Went in the early 2000s with my parents and gran. As a kid you are 100% blind to the flaws. That’s what it’s about, places like this are one of the few things that remain great about this country. Sad to see parts going to waste but I’m sure they will add a better replacement. Long live Butlin’s
Totally agree. Went in the late 1970's to a few of their camps as a kid. Thought it was the greatest holiday ever and although I've spent a lot more money as an adult on holidays, no flash foreign hotel has been as good.
As a child who watches these videos i can confirm i used to be very susceptible to the bieng distracted by the fun stuff and missing the tackyness … until i started watching Tim.
Hey, I also went back then. 2001. We got gastroenteritis and were violently ill, then found out it was a mini outbreak that Butlins knew about but didn't do anything about. Out of the week we did have 4 really awesome days though. All I can recommend is don't go full board because people put their grubby hands all over the buffet.
When I was at primary school, late '60's, the local Lion's Club paid for a few of us 'poor kids' to go to Butlins for a day trip. Trains still ran from Taunton back then. My memories are; the monorail, the rollercoaster on top of the restaurant building, the chairlift that took you across some fields to nowhere, got off and joined the queue to come back again! And the slot machines, which we couldn't afford to play. Happy days, thanks for the post 👍
I’m sorry, Tim, but I must point out that you have been mislead. Those apartments are NOT the old chalet buildings, they are in fact part of the brand new Pontins! 😂
I remember staying in the last row of the old 2 story block in 1997 if it wasn't for mobilty issues abd the fact the balcony looked rather sloped I would have gone up to look
I'm pleased you liked the flowerbeds as my son is a groundsman there!! As a family, for many years, we went to Skegness, only going to Minehead and Bognor a few times. Yes. Let's hope the old chalets are re-developed.
They need to be REALLY careful in that abandoned area. If a child has an accident in one of those they are going to be facing a massive lawsuit. It would be nice if they did, maybe, one block up to how they were originally to show the history of the place but leaving so many in that condition is asking for trouble
I was thinking that aswell! A defo health and saftey breach! Under the health and saftey at work act 1975! If anyone had an accident in the abandoned challots , they'd run thecrisk of getting sued!
I went there for a holiday just before the pandemic and had the most wonderful time. I used to go here regularly as a child and Butlins Minehead is still fantastic IMO.
As an urbex fan, and a huge fan of butlins history and having been going for over 30 years, and i actually love being able to casually walk round the old chalets, it is ridiculous but i personally enjoy it 😅
How its changed. I worked at the Beechcomber Bar which at the time was the largest cocktail bar in Europe . The year 1963. I seem to remember the accomodation had 1 bunk bed and 1 single in cramped conditions, not that we had much time as we worked mostly a 6 day week. Happy memories of a season full of fun nearly 60 years ago!
I went to Butlins Minehead with my family, back in 1978. I remember the chalet accommodation very well. It is good to see it still in operation, but sad that Butlins have sold it. There is still a place in my heart for the traditional holiday camp. Thank you for bringing back some happy memories.
Went quite a few times as a youngster in the mid 1970s stooped in old yellow camp and also the old green chalets first row right by old fair such memories
We turned up to a chalet full of rubbish and I mean like 10 bags full, faeces on curtains etc place stunk. Not the cleaners fault they hadn't had enough time to finish it. Some guests are vile !
@@claireodonohoe8580 I worked in a hotel where I went in a bathroom and there was faeces on the curtain because they'd used all the toilet paper and instead of asking for more just wiped their bum on the curtain. Some people are truly disgusting and make the cleaners job so difficult when they only have a set amount of time for each room or in Butlins case chalet.
Having spent two weeks there as a child, [now 63] I revisited Christmas into January. We enjoyed the stay. Live entertainment was good. Butlins even emailed us where we hadn’t used tickets for shows. Loved visiting the surrounding area and stunning views. Fab Castle, Bristle Channel, Historic villages, Zoo, Steam train. Exmoor ponies. Imagine driving about for 6hrs and not seeing one set of traffic lights! Brilliant camp, enjoyable break.
I worked in Butlins Pwllheli during 1989/90 and those old Chalets were our staff accommodation. They had rows of them and the end of them had shower blocks in a regimental style. I also worked in Minehead for the "closed" season and have great memories of that time of my life. I have since been back to Pwllheli (Now Haven), Minehead and Skegness with my kids from the mid 90's until they have grown up. I loved Butlins, but over the last 20 years they lost site of making it a very special holiday and the owners just cost cut far too much, glad to see they are starting to reverse that and I am planning on taking my Grandson and Granddaughter to one of them again.
I cleaned this place as a temp worker once (once was enough) and was shocked at how disgusting it was. There were mushrooms growing under one of the beds; the cups were just sprayed and wiped, not washed; the place was generally grimy; and the regular cleaning staff (at least the one I was put with) just couldn't be bothered. She kept slinking away to smoke. I should say this was back in about 1999 and it looks MUCH better now.
Celebrated my 40th birthday at Minehead for an 80's weekend with my BFF we stayed in a chalet and had a fabulous time, that was 17 years ago now though
I was a Bluecoat at Minehead back in the mid 1960's. I am sure the staff had more fun the campers. My favourite memory is from working as a waiter in the Bingo lounge during the first moon landing. So many people were pissed off that the broadcast of the landing over the Tannoy was interrupting the Bingo
they could convert a few of those really old abandoned rooms into a museum of sorts, -- i'm sure it would help a lot of people relive memories of the past, as well as those who are curious and interested in history. Went to Butlins 2x with my Nan, we stayed in those old single floor chalets, was the last holiday we ever went on as she had cancer, but we made the most of it and always enjoyed the evening entertainment! Haven't been back in over a decade but it is still looking great and would defo want to go back !
The abandoned lines of chalets have been that way for at least 13 years if not longer. I worked there from 2009-2012 and they were run down and abandoned then. If you had gone to staff lines when I was there you would have seen lines of chalets that were even more run down opposite the current ones. But they weren't abandoned. They were staff accommodation for mainly bars and restaurant staff. They were nicknamed The Ghetto for a reason.
FYI Those chalets were temporary staff accomodation while the other staff accomodation area was demolished and rebuilt, the staff have since moved back to the new area and a decision hasn't yet been made about what to do with the old chalets
As someone that only lives 15 minutes down the road. This Butlins had a huge history. My dad always told be about the cable car system that went from Butlins and followed the shore line of the beach. This I think is back in the 70s/80s. I'm sure there's videos on RUclips with old footage of it still about.
The cable cars went from the front of the camp to the far end where they had a lake that was used for water sking and also a football pitch. I went there many times in the 60s . It was great as a kid.
@@tds1952 like sitting in a flimsy cage in the sky. The one at Barry island was more like a bucket as was the one at Ayr, although slightly different. I'm sure kids would still enjoy the chairlifts now even in the technological age we live in.
A historic point of note at 12:28 on this video you see a path that stops in the middle of the grass. This path is the old cable car turning point at the far end of the camp. The ride is long gone of course, but the path still remains :) The old accommodation you talk about is a fascinating part of butlin’s that is stuck in time for anyone who has memories of the camp for decades ago, along with the old splash pool which is now used as a sprinkler system for the skyline pavilion.
I went here about 20 years ago, doesn’t look like it’s changed too much in that time. great to see Stephen Mulhern is still doing shows there, my best memory of going to Butlins was seeing him doing a live magic show and meeting him afterwards
Tim I’m really enjoying your videos, you’ve got a lovely easy style of presenting. We just stayed at Minehead in the West Lakes village, and for me this sets it apart from the other two sites. I’m actually fascinated with the old parts of the park like Sunsplash which is still there, and I think you have to accept the older grotty parts as they simply haven’t got the money to update it all. Overall we had a great stay there. Good luck building the channel 👍🏻
@@WalkWithMeTim you should explore sunsplash i know how to get it you go to the gate next to the skyline and walk into the gate and go up stairs and your in
Another great vlog Tim 👍🏻it definitely looks like Butlins are trying to make an effort but also I can’t believe anyone can just wander around the unused and dilapidated sections too 😎
Gosh I used to come here a lot as a kid. Think I was 13 the last time we were there on holiday. Kinda sad the funfair has taken away a few rides they had that were actually the best ones!
My husband and I live in Minehead, it's a wonderful town. It's such a shame to see all those chalets empty as there is a real housing shortage. We moved here just over a year ago, it was meant to be temporary. However, we both found solid jobs very quickly, met some great people and settled in really well so very quickly decided we'd stay. It's a really quirky town. I've never been a fan of small towns but there is always something going on and it's got such a pleasant atmosphere. But we've been looking for an upgrade on our flat, which we'd only planned on staying in for a couple of months, and there is NOTHING unless you are earning a LOT of money. We work hard and do okay but damn... Those chalets could so easily be done up and turned into cheap 'n cheery flats for couples or small families. I know they have quite decent staff accommodation, but they don't allow workers spouses to stay unless they also work there which seems like a missed opportunity for everyone.
Minehead is where all the staff get they drugs from..thay are selling loads to staff managers iswell..my room mate was going to Minehead to stock up his weed and coke lol looks nice from the untrained eye
I have been many times to Minehead Butlins, and I love it, my kids are all grown up now and my wife and I still go. We've stayed in the cheapest rooms up to the lakeside apartments and can honestly say the accommodation has always been clean and tidy no matter what money we spent. It is strange though that the cheaper room only rooms are right next to the Skyline, so less walking. Love Butlins.
That’s an amazing area where it almost looks like an abandoned park. It does beggar belief that you can just walk around chalets that have open doors etc. Fascinating footage, thank you.
Your Bournemouth videos brought me here, im a resident. But this video! The good side of butlins minehead, the memories of being a kid and going there on holiday, happy days
Started going to Butlin's in the early 60s as a child. Then as a teenager in the 70s went with friends and then a boyfriend. In the 80s and 90s took my disabled son to Butlin's....he loved it. We used to go twice a year in the 90s. Reduced that to once a year until our very last visit in 2018. I'm in my 60s, disabled and use a walking stick...find it hard to stand. So we went to the evening entertainment early so my son could get a table where he could see! Loads of people in the queue....my son got me a chair. Then a security guard took it off me (health and safety apparently), we queued for well over an hour and I was in excruciating pain. I complained, Butlin's gave us complementary "B" line tickets but that queue was just as long. Every night the same performance, my son would get a chair, security would take it. They even said if I didn't give up the chair they'd throw us off the site! It's a horrible place with no real care for the customers! Oh! And add on top of that they put us in an upstairs beach apartment (not cheap) where the patio door fell out onto the balcony! A whole heap of indifference from customer services. NEVER AGAIN. The ethos by which Billy Butlin opened the camps long gone.....it's now purely about how much extra they can fleece captive holidaymakers.
Couldn't agree more, I was privileged to experience Butlins as a child mid seventies, absolute paradise, great value family holiday with so many fantastic fun activities all included, now it's just a charmless commercial machine, I think sir Billy would frown at what Butlins has become.
I also went to Butlins Minehead in 1972 as a ten year old with my Mom and Dad. Still got the receipt for the booking somewhere. Enjoyed it, the amusement arcades, playing table tennis, watched Bullitt and Carry On Henry at the on site cinema. I remember the cable cars and the artificial ski slope. The indoor pool was too crowded for my liking and the weather was fairly wet that week, but a memorable holiday. Half a century ago now!
@@espielvision8225 It was June 1972 and a mixed week of weather from what I remember. That ski slope was at the back of the camp and I remember it too. Can remember the monorail stopping over the outdoor pool and going into the theatre with my parents. As you say half a century ago. How the world has changed, some for the better and some for the worse. Thanks for sharing your memories too 👌👍
I've been to Butlins Minehead about 100 times since 2010. Sadly. My visit in July 2022 was my final single night visit as I had to leave due to the accommodation being absolutely saturated with urine, and other bodily fluids. I was put in a temporary accomation for night one but it was a place I couldn't stay as it was up many flights of stairs and I have a disability so I ended up going home the next day. I've seen many articles about this place recently and none are pleasant thats for sure. They've gone down hill since covid and it's a real shame but I'd never go back there again. And to top it all off I had to threaten taking Butlins to court in order to get a refund for the holiday I could not enjoy.
My old school, Joseph Tritton, Battersea used to take the 4th year junior's here for the week before going to our 'big' school. I don't remember much about the accommodation but as an 11 year old you don't but seeing this bought back memories of the disco every evening (Johnson Brother Stomp springs to mind) and wearing a bobble hat so our teachers could tell us apart from the other schools.
Another great vlog. Would be interesting if management from Minehead would explain why the old abandoned area if left for anyone to walk around. You know that's it's only a matter of time that it's an accident waiting to happen.
So many amazing memories at butlins, we went as a church group back when I was young and it was just a super fun time hanging out with my mates going on the rides, building sandcastles on the beach or playing on the big climbing frame (I think it was sponsored by 5alive back in the day. Renting the 4 seater bicycle things and cruising around the park. So much fun
It is amazing what paint and colorful gardens can do. The other Butlin's camps just needed lot's of TLC. Sorry to see them go. Thank you for showing us around the park. Was outstanding. Regards from South Africa 🇿🇦.
Last time I was at Minehead 40+ years ago I am sure there was a Monorail, Chairlift and a train going around the outside of the camp. Minehead was or still is large and we used to use the Chairlift to get from the accommodation to the entertainment. The old buildings i remember well they where old 40 years ago
Wow those old chalets you showed at around the 18:30 mark, pretty sure I stayed in one of those when I was really little. Maybe 15/20 years ago? I remember thinking they were super fancy at the time. I used to love Minehead Butlins. Happy memories ❤️
Went there last week and its all in a really good state. The old chalets are currently undergoing work and we saw them doing construction whilst the others were all locked up with signs everywhere etc. Seems they are doing alot of improvements across the board which is good
I remember going to Minehead Butlins in the 80s, and it's good to see it still thriving and busy! Shame the Monorail has gone now, along with the outdoor pool. Is the cable car still going, I wonder. I remember the huge buildings housing the "Beachcomber Bar" and the "Hawaiian Bar" with table tennis upstairs! And the donkey derby. Ah! happy days! Thanks, Tim for another good vid.
Outdoor pool has moved, Beachcomber was demolished, donkey derby and cable car have long gone along with the glamourous grandmother and knobbly knees contests and loads and loads more, not the same anymore.
As others have said, they're the old staff accommodation! That's why they're right at the back, you want the best and the closest rooms for those paying! There used to be loads and loads but they're slowly being demolished and staff pushed out in to the town rather than onsite at all (as the council won't let them expand and limits the headcount, the less staff stopping onsite, the more paying guests!). The circus tent has been relocated to make way for Studio 36 which has recently been built.
Minehead in 1963 was magical. I spent a lot of time on the wild mouse ride and in the ballroom. As a child, you are totally engrossed in the aura of Butlins. I also remember there being no toliet in the chalets. But we just didn't care.
I loved Butlins as a child we even took our chIldren to the 3 parks that are still left minehead skegness and Bognor it was a fantastic holiday, let’s hope the new owner sorts out them chalets that are just left for anyone to walk around them and gives them a new lease of life, it’s such a shame to see that, minehead is definitely the best Butlins to go to 👍🏻😊
We Moved To Minehead In 2016 And Iv Never known Such A Friendly Place..Great Little Town And Butlins Gives It A Nice Buzz..the only down side is the awful A39!! 👍
I’m going to this resort in a couple of weeks, good to know about the old chalets - I’ll make sure to steer my kids away from that area! Thanks for sharing, I’ve been to Bognor Regis a couple of times but this will be my first time at Minehead. Kate
Used to be a regular visitor to Butlins Minehead staying in what was called Deluxe accommodation which had a carparking space and a lounge. The yacht club dinning room was for higher end accommodation only. The old chalets down the back are/were staff and were nicknamed Beirut! Looks like some improvement since I was last there quite a few years ago.
When we stayed in February this year(our 7th time) I asked the builders and they said all the old buildings will be updated at some point and used to be where the staff lived then they moved the staff to the back of the park(behind the supermarket) a few years ago.. the old buildings was fenced off but the fences are being used for the ones they are doing up now? Also they have put in planing permits to build new places for staff to live in and where they are now will be knocked down or re used as public places to stay(or making the caravan park bigger) I think they are gradually adding more money into it but slowly.. Still a great place to holiday at :)
Its refreshing to know they are putting alot of effort into keeping the site in really good condition. I think many of us from all generations have some fantastic memories at butlins. It's just a shame that pontins didn't do the same!
Skyline still looks like a warehouse, I think it needs many finishing touches. It’s very weird that the closed chalets are accessible, they should be closed off with fences and plants until they are redeveloped. The little terraces are a great idea on the single storey chalets, take note Pontins
What I would like is for the old chalets and apartments to be say made into 1950s themed, like a time loop you could stay in even knobbly knees contests etc lol
Hi walk with Tim I used to work at minhead butlins and the staff accommodation was rough the walls were paper thin and run down, Your video brought back so many memories especially looking at the accommodation.
I really appreciate your channel it's so entertaining and informative. Also it was great seeing you both at home the other day. You are a born presenter and showman.
Most of here is really clean looking, looked after, and up kept. There looks like there’s plenty to do for all ages (that guy on the mini quad😂) They should simply lock the doors on the crusty chalets so nobody can walk in.
I worked here from 1986 until 1990 as a photographer photographing the campers around the various venues. We would then print them and put them on display boards in the photo shop to be sold to the customers. I had a great time there, it was party time for the photographers as we met every one from all walks of life. These are the old type chalets from years ago when I worked there. We stopped in New static caravans on the caravan site.
We used to go to all the venues in the evening times with someone in a furry costume such as a chicken or a pig and families would queue up to be photographed along with the furry character. The photos would be printed the same evening to be put on display in the photo shop the following day.
I visited this butlins back in 2014 and the area that you looked at which was like abandoned buildings had homeless people in the droves living in, with needles everywhere. Pretty shocking considering kids can just walk in.
Great, honest review. Just to say, you certainly don't go looking for negatives, in fact you're usually very positive even in negative scenarios. Anyway, keep up the brilliant work, Tim. Always look forward to your videos mate 👍
I was working there not too long ago, those abandoned chalets are mainly used for storing bed linen/chalet items for the cleaners to bring to the rooms, the majority of the site is well kept but I never understood why they chose those run down chalets for storage.
I love the old retro chalets awesome stayed in the early 2000s and were awesome right next to the pavilion going to sleep with old 90's music blasting like Steps S Club 7 etc
butlins minehead is defenatly my favorite, im glad its getting a facelift. the only thing i find with the ride (paratroopers) is that adults have to sit on the outside, witch is really hard to do as you move it pushes you into the small child rider and with a lot of strengh try not to squish them x
Really nice Butlins this one but those abandoned Chalets or just asking for trouble,squatters,fire hazards and drug abuse could be a massive problem if they don’t sort this out.Good video.👍
I remember those abandoned chalets being the "Mendip village" in 2006 but they were gradually turned over to staff use. Initially it was the Redcoats who could bag one of those as the staff "sheds" were in far nastier condition. I was once allocated a room that was missing a floor! Went on to live 6 months in one with a large piece of wall missing. Was there for the huge flood, think it was 2008?
At Butlins Minehead rn, just went to the abandoned area, some places been locked over by boards etc, but the one you walked in with the bike outside still open, was cool to retrace ure steps
You made some very good observations. I don't agree that you are just looking for the bad. The gardening team at Minehead clearly deserves recognition for making the place look nice. It's absolutely shocking that the old chalets are at least not locked up via the front doors. Despite it being very dangerous. There is no CCTV inside them and the fact a day visitor can just walk around is shocking.
Just seen the full video Tim and you do know about the sale.. Anyway you are 100% correct those derelict rooms should be either locked or fenced off... How long before kids go in and either get hurt or start prank fires.. It could happen.
@@helenswain1482 I can't imagine many heroin addicts staying in Butlins. You need a pass to get in so why would they go find the abandoned area to shoot up. You're a bit of a spoon.
Want to see my favourite Butlins 👉ruclips.net/video/35q7480FxUE/видео.html
Did you see the white doors near the diner restaurant.
No comment
They've also just sold butlins so the whole company is having an overhaul
Let me know if you need to know anything else about the site
I’ve been there since last monday
Hi, I was an entertainer at Butlins Minehead over 30 years ago, at the time I was housed in these now abandoned chalets, so basically they were staff accommodation. I think you even walked into the one I used to live in, just brought back a flood of memories watching this video, thank you!
you are welcome Paul
You forgot to flush toilet mate.
Yeah same here, I worked in a bar and they used to charge us 50p a day for accommodation in that dump.
Over 30 years ago you were not stopping in this accommodation. Staff sheds were in a different part of the camp until after the big makeover.
Who were you thinking of when you nutted the wall?
I absolutely love these British holiday park videos! Such a glimpse into an obscure part of British culture, which is so foreign to me. It’s so good!
I walked around Butlins Minehead in early Feb 2023 when visiting my son who was at an 80's weekend. Those old chalets highlighted in this video are still there and still in a really bad condition. They are in the middle of the occupied chalets and nothing has changed since this video was filmed. I'm amazed Butlins don't blank them off and amazed that people still want to go there.
Incredibly - that derilict, post war looking number 2 flat used to be our home!
Redcoat Aimee and I spent the best times there and back then it was immaculate. That's my map of Herefordshire on the cupboards and her little red curtains on the rail.
We now live in Hastings together but will never forget our first perfect den x
Wow
Hi Tim! I’m a team member, and the buildings behind the shop at the back of the resort are indeed the team accommodation, or as you put it ‘staff quarters’. The inside of those are actually really good for the rent we pay. We have a shared large ish living room, small kitchen and bathroom, and two decent size bedrooms!
That is awesome! Nxt time I'm down I'll pop in for a cuppa
They are alot better then the team accom in skegness. I shared and we got a “kitchen” area and your bedroom is your living room and a bathroom x
@@ladyche85 There's one born every minute.............
Went in the early 2000s with my parents and gran. As a kid you are 100% blind to the flaws. That’s what it’s about, places like this are one of the few things that remain great about this country. Sad to see parts going to waste but I’m sure they will add a better replacement. Long live Butlin’s
agree
Great point. We're so adaptable as children and this makes us more carefree. Have some fond childhood memories of Butlin's !
Totally agree. Went in the late 1970's to a few of their camps as a kid. Thought it was the greatest holiday ever and although I've spent a lot more money as an adult on holidays, no flash foreign hotel has been as good.
As a child who watches these videos i can confirm i used to be very susceptible to the bieng distracted by the fun stuff and missing the tackyness … until i started watching Tim.
Hey, I also went back then. 2001. We got gastroenteritis and were violently ill, then found out it was a mini outbreak that Butlins knew about but didn't do anything about. Out of the week we did have 4 really awesome days though. All I can recommend is don't go full board because people put their grubby hands all over the buffet.
I absolutely love how these old chalets at butlins look better than the current ones at pontins
When I was at primary school, late '60's, the local Lion's Club paid for a few of us 'poor kids' to go to Butlins for a day trip.
Trains still ran from Taunton back then.
My memories are; the monorail, the rollercoaster on top of the restaurant building, the chairlift that took you across some fields to nowhere, got off and joined the queue to come back again! And the slot machines, which we couldn't afford to play. Happy days, thanks for the post 👍
I’m sorry, Tim, but I must point out that you have been mislead. Those apartments are NOT the old chalet buildings, they are in fact part of the brand new Pontins! 😂
I remember staying in the last row of the old 2 story block in 1997 if it wasn't for mobilty issues abd the fact the balcony looked rather sloped I would have gone up to look
@@claireodonohoe8580 They are the old silver suite I stay in the new one
LOL
I lived in those when I worked as a lifeguard at Butlins Minehead. They are actually the staff accommodation, we called them ‘sheds’ for good reason
They should re-do it because if I worked at Butlins I would quit and say I don't want to work here if you fix to staff accomodation
I'm pleased you liked the flowerbeds as my son is a groundsman there!!
As a family, for many years, we went to Skegness, only going to Minehead and Bognor a few times.
Yes. Let's hope the old chalets are re-developed.
They need to be REALLY careful in that abandoned area. If a child has an accident in one of those they are going to be facing a massive lawsuit.
It would be nice if they did, maybe, one block up to how they were originally to show the history of the place but leaving so many in that condition is asking for trouble
yep I thought that
I was thinking that aswell! A defo health and saftey breach! Under the health and saftey at work act 1975! If anyone had an accident in the abandoned challots , they'd run thecrisk of getting sued!
Wonder if some people go on a day pass and use those abandoned chalets.
@@sandradowling4605 Exactly what I thought. You could buy a day pass and stay for two weeks for free😁Who would ever know!
I’m quite concerned that some teenagers can smoke weed and “exercise” with themselves in there…
I went there for a holiday just before the pandemic and had the most wonderful time. I used to go here regularly as a child and Butlins Minehead is still fantastic IMO.
As an urbex fan, and a huge fan of butlins history and having been going for over 30 years, and i actually love being able to casually walk round the old chalets, it is ridiculous but i personally enjoy it 😅
Me too, I love exploring
How its changed. I worked at the Beechcomber Bar which at the time was the largest cocktail bar in Europe . The year 1963. I seem to remember the accomodation had 1 bunk bed and 1 single in cramped conditions, not that we had much time as we worked mostly a 6 day week. Happy memories of a season full of fun nearly 60 years ago!
I went to Butlins Minehead with my family, back in 1978. I remember the chalet accommodation very well. It is good to see it still in operation, but sad that Butlins have sold it. There is still a place in my heart for the traditional holiday camp. Thank you for bringing back some happy memories.
Butlins in the 70s was amazing every year we went and Pwllheli best times of my life
Went quite a few times as a youngster in the mid 1970s stooped in old yellow camp and also the old green chalets first row right by old fair such memories
As a former 13 yr employee who cleaned chalets in addition to my normal job,I can guarantee you any poor maintenance in the park is VERY rare.
We turned up to a chalet full of rubbish and I mean like 10 bags full, faeces on curtains etc place stunk. Not the cleaners fault they hadn't had enough time to finish it. Some guests are vile !
The chalets at Skegness are rotting away.
@@bigtone1348 I'm talking about Minehead.
@@1garryrippon Good for you, but Skeggy is worth avoiding currently.
@@claireodonohoe8580 I worked in a hotel where I went in a bathroom and there was faeces on the curtain because they'd used all the toilet paper and instead of asking for more just wiped their bum on the curtain. Some people are truly disgusting and make the cleaners job so difficult when they only have a set amount of time for each room or in Butlins case chalet.
Having spent two weeks there as a child, [now 63] I revisited Christmas into January. We enjoyed the stay. Live entertainment was good. Butlins even emailed us where we hadn’t used tickets for shows. Loved visiting the surrounding area and stunning views. Fab Castle, Bristle Channel, Historic villages, Zoo, Steam train. Exmoor ponies. Imagine driving about for 6hrs and not seeing one set of traffic lights! Brilliant camp, enjoyable break.
I went to the spring harvest event in 1987 so it's changed a great deal
We bought a caravan here last year. Our youngest absolutely loves it
I worked in Butlins Pwllheli during 1989/90 and those old Chalets were our staff accommodation. They had rows of them and the end of them had shower blocks in a regimental style. I also worked in Minehead for the "closed" season and have great memories of that time of my life. I have since been back to Pwllheli (Now Haven), Minehead and Skegness with my kids from the mid 90's until they have grown up. I loved Butlins, but over the last 20 years they lost site of making it a very special holiday and the owners just cost cut far too much, glad to see they are starting to reverse that and I am planning on taking my Grandson and Granddaughter to one of them again.
I cleaned this place as a temp worker once (once was enough) and was shocked at how disgusting it was. There were mushrooms growing under one of the beds; the cups were just sprayed and wiped, not washed; the place was generally grimy; and the regular cleaning staff (at least the one I was put with) just couldn't be bothered. She kept slinking away to smoke. I should say this was back in about 1999 and it looks MUCH better now.
Celebrated my 40th birthday at Minehead for an 80's weekend with my BFF we stayed in a chalet and had a fabulous time, that was 17 years ago now though
I was a Bluecoat at Minehead back in the mid 1960's. I am sure the staff had more fun the campers. My favourite memory is from working as a waiter in the Bingo lounge during the first moon landing. So many people were pissed off that the broadcast of the landing over the Tannoy was interrupting the Bingo
Definitely the staff had a ball. I was there mid 80s 🤣🤣🤣
18:50 was there early this year
they could convert a few of those really old abandoned rooms into a museum of sorts, -- i'm sure it would help a lot of people relive memories of the past, as well as those who are curious and interested in history.
Went to Butlins 2x with my Nan, we stayed in those old single floor chalets, was the last holiday we ever went on as she had cancer, but we made the most of it and always enjoyed the evening entertainment! Haven't been back in over a decade but it is still looking great and would defo want to go back !
a bit like how you can walk round auswitch, the layout looks similar
@@bleedinghandshughes Murray go round the Jiminy Bush, the Jiminy Bush, the Jiminy Bush.
I agree, should be kept and reserved. Think it's Skegness they have the 1936 original chalet preserved as a listed building, which is not used
The abandoned lines of chalets have been that way for at least 13 years if not longer. I worked there from 2009-2012 and they were run down and abandoned then. If you had gone to staff lines when I was there you would have seen lines of chalets that were even more run down opposite the current ones. But they weren't abandoned. They were staff accommodation for mainly bars and restaurant staff. They were nicknamed The Ghetto for a reason.
Omg
thinkhow much extra money that would make with rentals ifthey fixed them up
Gotta love the Ghetto. I worked and lived on site for the summer of 2012 until the November. Great memories
FYI Those chalets were temporary staff accomodation while the other staff accomodation area was demolished and rebuilt, the staff have since moved back to the new area and a decision hasn't yet been made about what to do with the old chalets
Last year in the Newspapers they mentioned Bed Bugs in Butlins Minehead.
I will never go there again.
As someone that only lives 15 minutes down the road. This Butlins had a huge history. My dad always told be about the cable car system that went from Butlins and followed the shore line of the beach. This I think is back in the 70s/80s. I'm sure there's videos on RUclips with old footage of it still about.
oh wow ill look for that
Chairlifts at 6 camps. Monorails at two, miniature railways, beachcomber bars with tropical indoor storms. Used to be great places to holiday as a kid
Remember going on that cable car 😆
The cable cars went from the front of the camp to the far end where they had a lake that was used for water sking and also a football pitch. I went there many times in the 60s . It was great as a kid.
@@tds1952 like sitting in a flimsy cage in the sky. The one at Barry island was more like a bucket as was the one at Ayr, although slightly different. I'm sure kids would still enjoy the chairlifts now even in the technological age we live in.
A historic point of note at 12:28 on this video you see a path that stops in the middle of the grass. This path is the old cable car turning point at the far end of the camp. The ride is long gone of course, but the path still remains :) The old accommodation you talk about is a fascinating part of butlin’s that is stuck in time for anyone who has memories of the camp for decades ago, along with the old splash pool which is now used as a sprinkler system for the skyline pavilion.
Also had a monorail and dry ski slope, we used to go down the ski slope on bar trays, 1960
do you mean sunsplash neer the entrance? they are doing something to it at this moment, there were some holes in the wall neer the entrance.
I went here about 20 years ago, doesn’t look like it’s changed too much in that time. great to see Stephen Mulhern is still doing shows there, my best memory of going to Butlins was seeing him doing a live magic show and meeting him afterwards
Wow brought back a lot of memories with the old chalets
Tim I’m really enjoying your videos, you’ve got a lovely easy style of presenting. We just stayed at Minehead in the West Lakes village, and for me this sets it apart from the other two sites. I’m actually fascinated with the old parts of the park like Sunsplash which is still there, and I think you have to accept the older grotty parts as they simply haven’t got the money to update it all. Overall we had a great stay there. Good luck building the channel 👍🏻
Many thanks George that means a lot
@@WalkWithMeTim you should explore sunsplash i know how to get it
you go to the gate next to the skyline and walk into the gate and go up stairs and your in
14:00 Lots of potential there. Can be used for staff, can be refurbed for guests.
Had a great time this summer during heatwave kids loved it might go again soon
Another great vlog Tim 👍🏻it definitely looks like Butlins are trying to make an effort but also I can’t believe anyone can just wander around the unused and dilapidated sections too 😎
Totally agree
Gosh I used to come here a lot as a kid. Think I was 13 the last time we were there on holiday. Kinda sad the funfair has taken away a few rides they had that were actually the best ones!
I think they are slowly doing it up with new owners and all thanks for watching Roly I checked out your vids .. brilliant!
My husband and I live in Minehead, it's a wonderful town. It's such a shame to see all those chalets empty as there is a real housing shortage. We moved here just over a year ago, it was meant to be temporary. However, we both found solid jobs very quickly, met some great people and settled in really well so very quickly decided we'd stay. It's a really quirky town. I've never been a fan of small towns but there is always something going on and it's got such a pleasant atmosphere. But we've been looking for an upgrade on our flat, which we'd only planned on staying in for a couple of months, and there is NOTHING unless you are earning a LOT of money. We work hard and do okay but damn... Those chalets could so easily be done up and turned into cheap 'n cheery flats for couples or small families. I know they have quite decent staff accommodation, but they don't allow workers spouses to stay unless they also work there which seems like a missed opportunity for everyone.
Minehead is where all the staff get they drugs from..thay are selling loads to staff managers iswell..my room mate was going to Minehead to stock up his weed and coke lol looks nice from the untrained eye
@@welshLad your talking nonsense pal
Excellent work Tim. The abandoned area reminded me of some of the accommodations at Pontins that you have stayed in : )
lol
I have been many times to Minehead Butlins, and I love it, my kids are all grown up now and my wife and I still go. We've stayed in the cheapest rooms up to the lakeside apartments and can honestly say the accommodation has always been clean and tidy no matter what money we spent. It is strange though that the cheaper room only rooms are right next to the Skyline, so less walking. Love Butlins.
That’s an amazing area where it almost looks like an abandoned park. It does beggar belief that you can just walk around chalets that have open doors etc. Fascinating footage, thank you.
thanks .. yes found out they also have a massive swimming pool complex too abonded
@@WalkWithMeTim great place for your next walk! I’ve just watched some videos on the abandoned Sunsplash area, it’s still got water in it!
Your Bournemouth videos brought me here, im a resident. But this video! The good side of butlins minehead, the memories of being a kid and going there on holiday, happy days
Started going to Butlin's in the early 60s as a child. Then as a teenager in the 70s went with friends and then a boyfriend. In the 80s and 90s took my disabled son to Butlin's....he loved it. We used to go twice a year in the 90s. Reduced that to once a year until our very last visit in 2018. I'm in my 60s, disabled and use a walking stick...find it hard to stand. So we went to the evening entertainment early so my son could get a table where he could see! Loads of people in the queue....my son got me a chair. Then a security guard took it off me (health and safety apparently), we queued for well over an hour and I was in excruciating pain. I complained, Butlin's gave us complementary "B" line tickets but that queue was just as long. Every night the same performance, my son would get a chair, security would take it. They even said if I didn't give up the chair they'd throw us off the site! It's a horrible place with no real care for the customers! Oh! And add on top of that they put us in an upstairs beach apartment (not cheap) where the patio door fell out onto the balcony! A whole heap of indifference from customer services. NEVER AGAIN. The ethos by which Billy Butlin opened the camps long gone.....it's now purely about how much extra they can fleece captive holidaymakers.
Couldn't agree more, I was privileged to experience Butlins as a child mid seventies, absolute paradise, great value family holiday with so many fantastic fun activities all included, now it's just a charmless commercial machine, I think sir Billy would frown at what Butlins has become.
Fascinating Tim. First went to Minehead in 1972 as an 8 year old. Those old chalets hold many happy memories.
I bet
I also went to Butlins Minehead in 1972 as a ten year old with my Mom and Dad. Still got the receipt for the booking somewhere. Enjoyed it, the amusement arcades, playing table tennis, watched Bullitt and Carry On Henry at the on site cinema. I remember the cable cars and the artificial ski slope. The indoor pool was too crowded for my liking and the weather was fairly wet that week, but a memorable holiday. Half a century ago now!
@@espielvision8225 It was June 1972 and a mixed week of weather from what I remember. That ski slope was at the back of the camp and I remember it too. Can remember the monorail stopping over the outdoor pool and going into the theatre with my parents. As you say half a century ago. How the world has changed, some for the better and some for the worse. Thanks for sharing your memories too 👌👍
I've been to Butlins Minehead about 100 times since 2010. Sadly. My visit in July 2022 was my final single night visit as I had to leave due to the accommodation being absolutely saturated with urine, and other bodily fluids. I was put in a temporary accomation for night one but it was a place I couldn't stay as it was up many flights of stairs and I have a disability so I ended up going home the next day.
I've seen many articles about this place recently and none are pleasant thats for sure.
They've gone down hill since covid and it's a real shame but I'd never go back there again.
And to top it all off I had to threaten taking Butlins to court in order to get a refund for the holiday I could not enjoy.
My old school, Joseph Tritton, Battersea used to take the 4th year junior's here for the week before going to our 'big' school. I don't remember much about the accommodation but as an 11 year old you don't but seeing this bought back memories of the disco every evening (Johnson Brother Stomp springs to mind) and wearing a bobble hat so our teachers could tell us apart from the other schools.
Another great vlog. Would be interesting if management from Minehead would explain why the old abandoned area if left for anyone to walk around. You know that's it's only a matter of time that it's an accident waiting to happen.
Thanks!
Thank you so much!
So many amazing memories at butlins, we went as a church group back when I was young and it was just a super fun time hanging out with my mates going on the rides, building sandcastles on the beach or playing on the big climbing frame (I think it was sponsored by 5alive back in the day. Renting the 4 seater bicycle things and cruising around the park. So much fun
Good dayz
Love the dramatic music when you was going through older buildings
Great video as always Tim, it’s quite cool seeing the abandoned chalets, odd but cool.
Lol agree mark odd but interesting
It is amazing what paint and colorful gardens can do. The other Butlin's camps just needed lot's of TLC. Sorry to see them go. Thank you for showing us around the park. Was outstanding. Regards from South Africa 🇿🇦.
Hi Tim
It's amazing that anyone can just walk around and into those chalets. Hopefully they will get pulled down soon. Or revamped.
I know crazy
Well done, really interesting, yep a bit strange the old part and spooky!
Last time I was at Minehead 40+ years ago
I am sure there was a Monorail, Chairlift and a train going around the outside of the camp.
Minehead was or still is large and we used to use the Chairlift to get from the accommodation to the entertainment.
The old buildings i remember well they where old 40 years ago
Sadly, all now gone in the name of progress and saving a few quid!
Wow those old chalets you showed at around the 18:30 mark, pretty sure I stayed in one of those when I was really little. Maybe 15/20 years ago? I remember thinking they were super fancy at the time. I used to love Minehead Butlins. Happy memories ❤️
Went there last week and its all in a really good state. The old chalets are currently undergoing work and we saw them doing construction whilst the others were all locked up with signs everywhere etc. Seems they are doing alot of improvements across the board which is good
Love ❤️ butlins in minehead only been once but we didn’t want to leave had lots of fun I will definitely return one day!
I remember going to Minehead Butlins in the 80s, and it's good to see it still thriving and busy! Shame the Monorail has gone now, along with the outdoor pool. Is the cable car still going, I wonder. I remember the huge buildings housing the "Beachcomber Bar" and the "Hawaiian Bar" with table tennis upstairs! And the donkey derby. Ah! happy days! Thanks, Tim for another good vid.
Thanks Nellie
Outdoor pool has moved, Beachcomber was demolished, donkey derby and cable car have long gone along with the glamourous grandmother and knobbly knees contests and loads and loads more, not the same anymore.
There is a new Beachcomber, as others have said a lot of the original buildings have gone.
@@richardevans2829 Is the Princes bar still there, and the Balmoral ?
This bought back a whole bunch of memories. Thanks for the nostalgia trip!
As others have said, they're the old staff accommodation! That's why they're right at the back, you want the best and the closest rooms for those paying! There used to be loads and loads but they're slowly being demolished and staff pushed out in to the town rather than onsite at all (as the council won't let them expand and limits the headcount, the less staff stopping onsite, the more paying guests!). The circus tent has been relocated to make way for Studio 36 which has recently been built.
Minehead in 1963 was magical. I spent a lot of time on the wild mouse ride and in the ballroom.
As a child, you are totally engrossed in the aura of Butlins.
I also remember there being no toliet in the chalets. But we just didn't care.
I loved Butlins as a child we even took our chIldren to the 3 parks that are still left minehead skegness and Bognor it was a fantastic holiday, let’s hope the new owner sorts out them chalets that are just left for anyone to walk around them and gives them a new lease of life, it’s such a shame to see that, minehead is definitely the best Butlins to go to 👍🏻😊
A very good Saturday morning to you sir and your family from Wellington Somerset
We Moved To Minehead In 2016 And Iv Never known Such A Friendly Place..Great Little Town And Butlins Gives It A Nice Buzz..the only down side is the awful A39!! 👍
We used to stay in the mine head butlin's camp when I was a kid back in the late 1960's and can remember having all our meals in a big dinning area
I’m going to this resort in a couple of weeks, good to know about the old chalets - I’ll make sure to steer my kids away from that area! Thanks for sharing, I’ve been to Bognor Regis a couple of times but this will be my first time at Minehead. Kate
I've been to all 3 Butlins camps and for me Minehead is the best one.
That was one of the best updated butlins I've ever seen. Except the ones with open doors . Really impressed.
lol
Used to be a regular visitor to Butlins Minehead staying in what was called Deluxe accommodation which had a carparking space and a lounge. The yacht club dinning room was for higher end accommodation only. The old chalets down the back are/were staff and were nicknamed Beirut! Looks like some improvement since I was last there quite a few years ago.
omg
17:22 would be nice sitting on those porch and balcony areas next to the pond on a hot summer day, just chilling out with a drink or something
Agree
When we stayed in February this year(our 7th time) I asked the builders and they said all the old buildings will be updated at some point and used to be where the staff lived then they moved the staff to the back of the park(behind the supermarket) a few years ago.. the old buildings was fenced off but the fences are being used for the ones they are doing up now? Also they have put in planing permits to build new places for staff to live in and where they are now will be knocked down or re used as public places to stay(or making the caravan park bigger) I think they are gradually adding more money into it but slowly..
Still a great place to holiday at :)
Its refreshing to know they are putting alot of effort into keeping the site in really good condition. I think many of us from all generations have some fantastic memories at butlins. It's just a shame that pontins didn't do the same!
We've literally just come back from Butlins Minehead, loved it and didn't know about the bad side! We've been going for 20 years!
Skyline still looks like a warehouse, I think it needs many finishing touches. It’s very weird that the closed chalets are accessible, they should be closed off with fences and plants until they are redeveloped. The little terraces are a great idea on the single storey chalets, take note Pontins
Brings back so many memories from when i used to worked at Butlins clacton-on-sea many years ago now in the 70s ohh my showing my age Ha
What I would like is for the old chalets and apartments to be say made into 1950s themed, like a time loop you could stay in even knobbly knees contests etc lol
agree
Hi walk with Tim I used to work at minhead butlins and the staff accommodation was rough the walls were paper thin and run down, Your video brought back so many memories especially looking at the accommodation.
Good or bad ones
I really appreciate your channel it's so entertaining and informative. Also it was great seeing you both at home the other day. You are a born presenter and showman.
thank you mike , means a lot
Wow what a difference since I was there back in the mid 70s in the good old days of hi-de-hi spent many happy care free holidays at butlins.
Most of here is really clean looking, looked after, and up kept. There looks like there’s plenty to do for all ages (that guy on the mini quad😂)
They should simply lock the doors on the crusty chalets so nobody can walk in.
Loved this Butlins Tim thanks for the walk round brilliant, and like you said I’m sure the new owners will have plans for each park xx
I worked here from 1986 until 1990 as a photographer photographing the campers around the various venues.
We would then print them and put them on display boards in the photo shop to be sold to the customers.
I had a great time there, it was party time for the photographers as we met every one from all walks of life.
These are the old type chalets from years ago when I worked there.
We stopped in New static caravans on the caravan site.
Lovely to read your memories, you've probably photographed me as a kid quite a few times!!
We used to go to all the venues in the evening times with someone in a furry costume such as a chicken or a pig and families would queue up to be photographed along with the furry character.
The photos would be printed the same evening to be put on display in the photo shop the following day.
I love abandoned stuff and would love to see it. Even more as a kid!
I visited this butlins back in 2014 and the area that you looked at which was like abandoned buildings had homeless people in the droves living in, with needles everywhere. Pretty shocking considering kids can just walk in.
I remember going for a walk around the whole complex and saw those old chalets...like going back in time! And that was 18 years ago lol
Great, honest review. Just to say, you certainly don't go looking for negatives, in fact you're usually very positive even in negative scenarios.
Anyway, keep up the brilliant work, Tim. Always look forward to your videos mate 👍
Thanks 😎
I remember staying in these when my kids(20&16) were little,I recognise the curtains!
I was working there not too long ago, those abandoned chalets are mainly used for storing bed linen/chalet items for the cleaners to bring to the rooms, the majority of the site is well kept but I never understood why they chose those run down chalets for storage.
Too expensive to tear it down
I love the old retro chalets awesome stayed in the early 2000s and were awesome right next to the pavilion going to sleep with old 90's music blasting like Steps S Club 7 etc
:-)
butlins minehead is defenatly my favorite, im glad its getting a facelift. the only thing i find with the ride (paratroopers) is that adults have to sit on the outside, witch is really hard to do as you move it pushes you into the small child rider and with a lot of strengh try not to squish them x
A good video of The Two Sides Of Butlin's Minehead! I was SHOCKED!🖤🖤🖤🖤
Wasn't expecting to see Pontins accommodation within a Butlin's.
Lol me too
Nice One Tim .Not Going There Any Time Soon . Thanks For The Head s Up .
Really nice Butlins this one but those abandoned Chalets or just asking for trouble,squatters,fire hazards and drug abuse could be a massive problem if they don’t sort this out.Good video.👍
I went here every year when I was younger with my parents..loved it
I remember those abandoned chalets being the "Mendip village" in 2006 but they were gradually turned over to staff use. Initially it was the Redcoats who could bag one of those as the staff "sheds" were in far nastier condition. I was once allocated a room that was missing a floor! Went on to live 6 months in one with a large piece of wall missing. Was there for the huge flood, think it was 2008?
At Butlins Minehead rn, just went to the abandoned area, some places been locked over by boards etc, but the one you walked in with the bike outside still open, was cool to retrace ure steps
You made some very good observations. I don't agree that you are just looking for the bad. The gardening team at Minehead clearly deserves recognition for making the place look nice. It's absolutely shocking that the old chalets are at least not locked up via the front doors. Despite it being very dangerous. There is no CCTV inside them and the fact a day visitor can just walk around is shocking.
Agree 😉
Omg Butlins and the redcoats, so many great childhood memories!
Just seen the full video Tim and you do know about the sale.. Anyway you are 100% correct those derelict rooms should be either locked or fenced off... How long before kids go in and either get hurt or start prank fires.. It could happen.
yep I cant believe no one else has mentioned .. granted you need to walk up the end of the park but still ..
Any thing could happen what if someone finds a used needle especially a child
@@helenswain1482 I can't imagine many heroin addicts staying in Butlins. You need a pass to get in so why would they go find the abandoned area to shoot up. You're a bit of a spoon.