Butlin's major holiday park revamp with brand new attractions and deals from £69

Butlin's major holiday park revamp with brand new attractions and deals from £69
With a massive sale on all breaks across 2025 and 2026 , there's never been a better time to discover what's new at Butlin's
With brand new soft play at Bognor Regis, guests can pay less to play more
(Image: Butlin's )
Butlin's is launching a massive summer sale for holidays in 2025 and 2026, offering discounts of up to 40%. The deals include Midweek Showtime breaks at Bognor Regis from just £69 in June, Summer Holidays featuring Stephen Mulhern with three-night stays from £352, and special Justin Fletcher Tots Breaks starting at £79 in September.
The Bognor Regis resort has recently undergone a makeover, with Butlin's going all out to ensure a memorable summer for its guests. The resort now boasts the company's largest-ever indoor Soft Play centre and a brand-new Puppet Theatre.
These new additions are already a hit with families across the country, with thousands more expected to visit during the school holidays. The expansive soft play centre covers over 3,000 square feet across four floors, accommodating up to 200 energetic youngsters at a time - double the capacity of the previous facility.
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Access to the play area is included in the price of a family break and day passes. The Skyline Soft Play caters to children of all ages and is divided into three zones, each themed around the colourful characters of the popular Butlin's Skyline Gang.
Each character has their own dedicated section filled with slides, climbing challenges, log ramps, cargo nets and more, along with a spacious multi-sensory area for babies, reports the Mirror.
Save up to 40% on Butlin's holidays.
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Butlin's Buy Now on Butlin's Product Description
Butlin's is offering up to 40% off family breaks in 2025 and 2026.
For parents needing a breather while the kids play, there's a cosy new 100-seat café area where they can unwind with a brew. This latest addition to the soft play centre follows hot on the heels of last year's opening of the £15 million PLAYXPERIENCE - a cutting-edge 50,000 square feet immersive gaming attraction.
The West Sussex resort has also introduced a charming Puppet Theatre alongside its soft play centre. This delightful venue will host engaging string puppet shows suitable for all ages, with new productions such as Under The Sea, Jingle in the Jungle, and Christmouse offering guests a sneak peek into the enchanting experiences lined up for this year.
In an effort to make holidays more budget-friendly, Butlin's is offering these puppet shows free of charge to guests on breaks and day visits. The entertainment team guarantees a memorable experience filled with captivating puppetry, amusing characters and plenty of excitement for younger visitors.
This £1.8 million investment is the latest in a series of exciting developments across Butlin's three seaside resorts. The £15 million indoor activity centre PLAYXPERIENCE at Bognor Regis boasts nine immersive gaming experiences, including laser tag, a VR games arcade, escape rooms, and more.
Additionally, a second £2.5 million SKYPARK has opened in Minehead, offering an inclusive and interactive playground for children of all abilities. Last year also saw a significant £12 million investment in new Premium Lodges at the Maple Walk village in Skegness, featuring 128 contemporary-designed lodges at the heart of the Lincolnshire resort.
The new Soft Play is in addition to the £15 million indoor activity centre PLAYXPERIENCE
(Image: Butlins )
Holiday parks remain a beloved Great British institution, with millions of families returning year after year to join in the fun. If Butlin's isn't quite the right fit, Haven Holidays is celebrated for breath-taking coastal views and a wealth of caravan accommodations. It's an idyllic choice for those drawn to the call of nature and traditional seaside jaunts, yet it's Butlins that remains unchallenged in delivering top-notch family fun with its array of immersive and themed adventures.
Parkdean Resorts echoes a similar vibe, boasting 66 parks studded along the UK's sought-after coastal regions. Echoing Haven's ethos, Parkdean thrives with inviting swimming pools, convenient on-site dining, and an assortment of seaside activities aimed at families.
Center Parcs holds a special place in the hearts of many families, renowned for its array of activities nestled within the UK's enchanting forests. Although universally adored, the only sting is the cost that's notably steep over school breaks.
Butlin's Bognor Regis boasts an impressive tally of over 3,900 five-star reviews on TripAdvisor. A thrilled visitor shared their experience, saying: "We had a lovely Easter break at Butlin's Bognor. Top quality entertainment, engaging and friendly staff and we had the weather too. Such good fun for young and old alike. Very impressed with the new soft play, the Splash water park was fabulous and from start to finish we received nothing but exceptional customer service."
Another regular guest added their positive feedback: "This was our third visit to Butlin's within two years, needless to say we absolutely love it...The brand new soft play and play experience are brilliant, soft play has very generous opening hours and the staff are really observant, looks like a much better replacement from the arena soft play."
A family commented on their recent holiday: "We had a fun-filled tots week, busy all day, every day. Playxperience was a new 1 for us and we all enjoyed neo games- 4yr old right up to 60s."
Nevertheless, not everyone left with rave reviews. One less impressed visitor noted: "Decided to give Butlin's a go for half term. Overall, for us adults, everything was a bit meh except for the entertainment, which was awesome."
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Another positive review mentioned: "Always things to do never get bored. Very clean apartment. New playxperience building is very good, packed with new, fun experiences. Had great fun in laser tag. Brilliant and helpful staff."
All of Butlin's holiday offers can be found here, encompassing destinations such as Minehead, Bognor Regis and Skegness. Depending on the date and location, guests could also secure up to 40% discount on meal packages.

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Daily Record

21 hours ago

• Daily Record

'I went to Butlin's for the first time on my own and three words sum it up'

Walking into Butlin's Bognor Regis, two things were crystal clear. One, I was the only child-free person for miles. And two, it was going to be an epic weekend. As a resident of the United Kingdom, I was recently told that going to a Butlin's was a rite of passage. As a relatively new resident of the United Kingdom - I had absolutely no idea what Butlin's was. So naturally I decided to spend a weekend at the closest one I could find, stat. For some context - I moved from India to the UK in June last year and holiday parks were not a popular concept back at home. In fact, you'd be hard-pressed to find one, especially of the same scale and renown. So off I went to Butlin's Bognor Regis to have myself a 'typically British' holiday break. To be fair, Butlin's isn't a holiday park. ‌ It's a holiday resort with all the frills and fancies to keep oneself entertained within its (expansive) boundary walls. Although a literal stone's throw away from the beach, that's not the Butlin's USP. The resort chain prides itself at having enough activities on offer within its premises that guests don't feel the need to turn to the beach for excitement. ‌ Walking into Butlin's with my partner during the May Bank Holiday weekend, almost immediately two things were crystal clear. One, my partner and I were perhaps the only child-free couple for miles. And two, it was going to be a wild weekend. The Rooms Butlin's Bognor Regis has three hotels within its premises - the Shoreline, Ocean, and Wave Hotels - along with the Comfort range of rooms and apartments. I was staying at the Wave Hotel which was fairly close to the action, and quite frankly, delightful. Entering the room, we were greeted by a neon blue glow (it was there in the name, really), yellow interiors, and the most adorable junior room for kids - outfitted with bunkbeds and a quirky porthole on the door. My 30-year-old self was so excited to have a lie-in on those bunk beds (complete with their own mini-TVs on each level), that I could only imagine how chuffed a child would be to have that space all to themselves. Entertainment Butlin's signature white tents hold a whole world within themselves. Complete with an arcade, a bowling alley, pool tables, a couple of bars, restaurants, and a few stages for entertainment shows in and around the space - it's hard to imagine being bored within its tented walls. ‌ You best believe I was a sucker for the arcade games, enjoying myself as much as the swarms of elated children around me. On closer inspection, I found I wasn't the only adult indulging. Seeing the parents in my vicinity become kids themselves was a joy to watch. A spirited game of bowling and a few rounds of pool later, I was in my 11-year-old self's childhood paradise. For those with kids, there were heaps of live shows on offer including The Masked Singer hosted by Mark Rhodes (of Crackerjack and CBBCs Junior Bake Off fame) featuring masked celebrity participants, Electric Wonderland, Iconic, Snow White and her Magnificent Friends, Animals and Mythical Beasts, and even a meet-and-greet with Gladiators stars Cyclone and Nitro. They were always jam-packed, and with the energy radiating out of them, it wasn't difficult to understand why. The PLAYXPERIENCE ‌ A brand-new addition to Butlin's Bognor Regis' already jam-packed holiday resort is the PLAYXPERIENCE. Having opened its doors to the public in October 2024, the PLAYXPERIENCE was definitely a highlight of my first-ever Butlin's weekend. Sprawled over two floors and nearly 50,000 square feet, it's undoubtedly a haven for gamers and fans of modern tech. A VR Cade featuring state-of-the-art VR games, laser tag, techputt (mini-golf), digi darts, escape rooms, glow pong, shuffleboard, a batting cage, and neo games - there's something for everyone is this gamer's paradise. ‌ Equipped with a bar and cafe within the premises, it was safe to say me and my passion fruit daiquiri had a great time while indulging in some neon mini golf. Another definite highlight was playing laser tag with mischievous kids and their equally (over) enthusiastic parents. Turns out, adrenaline-fuelled, cutthroat competitiveness is all one needs to get the morning going. As we squared off into four teams, it was once again apparent to me that the adults were enjoying themselves as much as the kids. That seemed to be the magic of Butlin's. Food and drink ‌ The Butlin's all inclusive drinks package felt like a no-brainer. With a good selection of cocktails, spirits, beers, ciders, wines, mocktails, Costa coffee, and soft drinks on offer - it's almost worth walking around with a pulsing neon-orange wristband for three days. It helps that most of the drinks are fairly delicious and get the job more than done. And with well-placed bars and restaurants throughout the resort site, we never had to go too long without refreshments. There were plenty of options no matter what your budget, whether we were after breakfast or a buffet dinner. We had the premium dining package booked which sorted our breakfast and dinner on each of the days. Breakfast timings were 8am to 10:30am on all days, and while the spread was extensive and catered to both kids and adults, the actual taste and quality of the food was average for me. But I guess you can't have everything. ‌ We were also surprised when we walked in at 10am the first day - I guess everyone wakes up really, really early as we definitely felt like the odd ones out, with people looking at us like we had two heads! The next day we made it at 9.45am but I still think everyone gets up really early and fuels up - which for me, being the person who likes to maximise sleep and get breakfast at the last minute, was not ideal. Fairground and Splash Waterworld A cute little fairground was the cherry on top of my Butlin's weekend. From go-karts and adventure golf, to mini-rides and a trampoline - the pre-booked All-Action Pass proved to be a success. My inner Lewis Hamilton came out to play in a spirited round of karting (in which I came first - and no, it doesn't matter that I was one of a handful of adults competing against mainly children). While I didn't take a swim, the faces of happy families walking around with wet hair and huge smiles plastered on their faces was enough to tell me it would've been a fun experience (when it wasn't raining and unbelievably windy). So, how did my first Butlin's visit rank as far as holidays go? Three days of fun, games, activities, and kids. Lots and lots and lots of kids. Perhaps the next time I'll return is when I have a little one of my own. Book the holiday Butlin's offers a three-night Showtime Weekend break featuring staying in a two bedroom Ocean Hotel room in Bognor Regis from £269 on 11 July 2025. Price is based on a two adults sharing and includes all live shows and activities with free flow access to the pool, unlimited fairground rides and access to PLAYXPERIENCE. Dining packages start from £24.95 per adult, per day, £14.95 per junior (6-14), per day and £6.80 per child (2-5). To find out more head to

Daily Mirror

a day ago

• Daily Mirror

'I had never heard of Butlin's but the moment I turned up I knew it'd be wild'

As a resident of the United Kingdom, I was recently told that going to a Butlin's was a rite of passage. As a relatively new resident of the United Kingdom — I had absolutely no idea what Butlin's was. So naturally I decided to spend a weekend at the closest one I could find, stat. For some context — I moved from India to the UK in June last year and holiday parks were not a popular concept back at home. In fact, you'd be hard-pressed to find one, especially of the same scale and renown. So off I went to Butlin's Bognor Regis to have myself a 'typically British' holiday break. To be fair, Butlin's isn't a holiday park. It's a holiday resort with all the frills and fancies to keep oneself entertained within its (expansive) boundary walls. Although a literal stone's throw away from the beach, that's not the Butlin's USP. The resort chain prides itself at having enough activities on offer within its premises that guests don't feel the need to turn to the beach for excitement. Walking into Butlin's with my partner during the May Bank Holiday weekend, almost immediately two things were crystal clear. One, my partner and I were perhaps the only child-free couple for miles. And two, it was going to be a wild weekend. Butlin's Bognor Regis has three hotels within its premises — the Shoreline, Ocean, and Wave Hotels — along with the Comfort range of rooms and apartments. I was staying at the Wave Hotel which was fairly close to the action, and quite frankly, delightful. Entering the room, we were greeted by a neon blue glow (it was there in the name, really), yellow interiors, and the most adorable junior room for kids — outfitted with bunkbeds and a quirky porthole on the door. My 30-year-old self was so excited to have a lie-in on those bunk beds (complete with their own mini-TVs on each level), that I could only imagine how chuffed a child would be to have that space all to themselves. Butlin's signature white tents hold a whole world within themselves. Complete with an arcade, a bowling alley, pool tables, a couple of bars, restaurants, and a few stages for entertainment shows in and around the space — it's hard to imagine being bored within its tented walls. You best believe I was a sucker for the arcade games, enjoying myself as much as the swarms of elated children around me. On closer inspection, I found I wasn't the only adult indulging. Seeing the parents in my vicinity become kids themselves was a joy to watch. A spirited game of bowling and a few rounds of pool later, I was in my 11-year-old self's childhood paradise. For those with kids, there were heaps of live shows on offer including The Masked Singer hosted by Mark Rhodes (of Crackerjack and CBBCs Junior Bake Off fame) featuring masked celebrity participants, Electric Wonderland, Iconic, Snow White and her Magnificent Friends, Animals and Mythical Beasts, and even a meet-and-greet with Gladiators stars Cyclone and Nitro. They were always jam-packed, and with the energy radiating out of them, it wasn't difficult to understand why. A brand-new addition to Butlin's Bognor Regis' already jam-packed holiday resort is the PLAYXPERIENCE. Having opened its doors to the public in October 2024, the PLAYXPERIENCE was definitely a highlight of my first-ever Butlin's weekend. Sprawled over two floors and nearly 50,000 square feet, it's undoubtedly a haven for gamers and fans of modern tech. A VR Cade featuring state-of-the-art VR games, laser tag, techputt (mini-golf), digi darts, escape rooms, glow pong, shuffleboard, a batting cage, and neo games — there's something for everyone is this gamer's paradise. Equipped with a bar and cafe within the premises, it was safe to say me and my passion fruit daiquiri had a great time while indulging in some neon mini golf. Another definite highlight was playing laser tag with mischievous kids and their equally (over) enthusiastic parents. Turns out, adrenaline-fuelled, cutthroat competitiveness is all one needs to get the morning going. As we squared off into four teams, it was once again apparent to me that the adults were enjoying themselves as much as the kids. That seemed to be the magic of Butlin's. The Butlin's all inclusive drinks package felt like a no-brainer. With a good selection of cocktails, spirits, beers, ciders, wines, mocktails, Costa coffee, and soft drinks on offer — it's almost worth walking around with a pulsing neon-orange wristband for three days. It helps that most of the drinks are fairly delicious and get the job more than done. And with well-placed bars and restaurants throughout the resort site, we never had to go too long without refreshments. There were plenty of options no matter what your budget, whether we were after breakfast or a buffet dinner. We had the premium dining package booked which sorted our breakfast and dinner on each of the days. Breakfast timings were 8am to 10:30am on all days, and while the spread was extensive and catered to both kids and adults, the actual taste and quality of the food was average for me. But I guess you can't have everything. We were also surprised when we walked in at 10am the first day - I guess everyone wakes up really, really early as we definitely felt like the odd ones out, with people looking at us like we had two heads! The next day we made it at 9.45am but I still think everyone gets up really early and fuels up - which for me, being the person who likes to maximise sleep and get breakfast at the last minute, was not ideal. A cute little fairground was the cherry on top of my Butlin's weekend. From go-karts and adventure golf, to mini-rides and a trampoline — the pre-booked All-Action Pass proved to be a success. My inner Lewis Hamilton came out to play in a spirited round of karting (in which I came first - and no, it doesn't matter that I was one of a handful of adults competing against mainly children). While I didn't take a swim, the faces of happy families walking around with wet hair and huge smiles plastered on their faces was enough to tell me it would've been a fun experience (when it wasn't raining and unbelievably windy). So, how did my first Butlin's visit rank as far as holidays go? Three days of fun, games, activities, and kids. Lots and lots and lots of kids. Perhaps the next time I'll return is when I have a little one of my own. Butlin's offers a three-night Showtime Weekend break featuring staying in a two bedroom Ocean Hotel room in Bognor Regis from £269 on 11 July 2025. Price is based on a two adults sharing and includes all live shows and activities with free flow access to the pool, unlimited fairground rides and access to PLAYXPERIENCE. Dining packages start from £24.95 per adult, per day, £14.95 per junior (6-14), per day and £6.80 per child (2-5). To find out more head to

Scottish Sun

3 days ago

• Scottish Sun

We live in a UK seaside resort that Butlin's abandoned before Hollywood moved in – it's a real-life paradise

Plus, the where to find Gavin and Stacey filming locations SEA ME NOW We live in a UK seaside resort that Butlin's abandoned before Hollywood moved in – it's a real-life paradise Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BARRY Island is the Welsh seaside resort we all know and love thanks to the hit series, Gavin and Stacey. But it's so much more than just a filming location to the locals whose exclusive homes, built on a headland at the resort made famous by the BBC show, offer panoramic sea views and spectacular sunrises. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 13 Barry Island is one of the most recognisable spots in Wales Credit: Alamy 13 The seaside resort used to be home to an enormous Butlins resort Credit: Wales News Service On a clear day, residents living at Nell's Point on Barry Island in south Wales have uninterrupted views reaching as far as Somerset. Some have rear gardens joining a grassy clifftop with a private pathway down to the sandy beach below. There are incredible views of the coastline, and some people have seen dolphins and porpoises from Nell's Point. Sightings are rare, but seals are regularly spotted in the area. The smart, executive-style homes on the Nell's Point estate are a world away from the rows of chalets that were put up at the same spot 60 years ago by William 'Billy' Butlin when he bought the site and turned it into one of his famous Butlin's Holiday Camps. In those days, it was predominantly coal miners and their families trudging up and down the pathway as they revelled in their annual summer holiday leave from their jobs in the long since-closed South Wales collieries. Now houses sit on the former Butlin's site, with some that have been turned into holiday homes rented out by individuals. Some locals still remember the resort's heyday when thousands of excited holidaymakers made the journey to the island to stay in the more than 800 chalets at the attraction. At its peak in 1934, 400,000 people visited during the August bank holiday weekend. Like any other Butlin's resort there was a plethora of activities to choose from, like paddling in the heated swimming pools. The real life of Barry Island made famous by BBC's TV Series Gavin and Stacey 13 Mark described Barry as 'paradise' to holiday-goers Credit: Nigel Iskander 13 Butlin's used to be one of the busiest places on Barry Island Credit: WalesOnline/Media Wales Onsite, there was also funfair, cable car, miniature railway, restaurants, bars, and a fish and chip shop. Mark Anthony, now 68, was a young boy when Butlin's opened and shared his memories of those booming summer months every year. Mark, who runs a cafe and gift shop on the nearby seafront with his wife, Lisa, 60, said: 'Barry was bustling with people, many of them families who'd come down from the coal mining valleys for a well-earned summer holiday." Mark continued: 'They loved coming here because there was so much to do, especially at Butlin's. There were the famous Butlin's Redcoats, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a ballroom, a boating lake, tennis courts and an amusement arcade. It was like paradise. 'People used to come down here and spend a few hours crammed on the beach like sardines. "Those that couldn't get a chalet at Butlin's up there used to stay in one of the numerous local boarding houses and B&Bs. Hardly anyone went abroad in those days because there was so much to do here. 'It's sad that nowadays so many people seem to want to spend their holidays overseas because, I guess, it's so cheap to get there and the sunshine is almost guaranteed. 'Even so, Barry has a lot to offer still. There are lots of lovely places to go out for a drink or a nice meal and there's the funfair and beautiful beaches which are just as good as anywhere in the world. 'And there are several beautiful bays that are safe to swim in. I absolutely love living here. Barry Island should still be at the top of everyone's list of holiday destinations." 13 Barry Island has become more popular again thanks to Gavin & Stacey Credit: Tom Jackson/BBC Popular beach-side cafes in Barry Island include Marco's Cafe which of course is famous for its appearance on Gavin and Stacey - and there's even a mural on the side dedicated to the TV show. On the front is also Bay 5 Coffee House which serves savoury snacks and sweet treats and 'pancake stacks' according to a Tripadvisor review. As for the top restaurants, the most highly-rated on Tripadvisor is Paletta Pizzeria which lots of customers say to book early as it gets very busy. It was also Barry's first wood-fired Pizzeria, serving up tasty pizzas, pasta dishes and gnocchi. As for ice cream shops, they are around most corners with John's Cafe being the most highly-rated. The classic sweet treats shop also serves candy floss, a stick of rock and of course, ice cream too. Barry Island has five notable beaches with Whitmore Bay being the most popular, it's known for its golden sand and sits directly in front of the pleasure park. Whitmore Bay is also the spot where the Shipmans and the Wests go for their beach day in Gavin and Stacey in series three. Jackson's Bay is a more secluded section of the coastline and is more popular with locals because it's lesser-known. One visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: "This is a beautiful safe enclosed sandy beach away from the fairground and bustle of the main beach of Barry Island. " Another added: "What a nice walk and lovely scenery. A nice bay, small and hardly anybody there." Cold Knap Beach, which has pebbles instead of sand, is also a quieter spot than Whitmore Bay. 13 Whitmore Bay on Barry Island is the most well-known and popular beach Credit: Alamy Helen, a grandmother strolling along the seafront with one of her grandsons, agreed: 'Barry is still a fantastic place to come for a holiday. Us locals are incredibly friendly and the fairground is great fun, whatever the weather. 'In fact, I prefer it now to when we had Butlin's here. Sure, the holidaymakers brought in money, but it was mostly spent at the holiday camp, not in the rest of Barry. 'In those days, it was mainly miners coming here, but nowadays people come for the Gavin and Stacey experience and that means they go everywhere on the island. "It's created plenty of trade for the whole of Barry and as a result, the place has been transformed. It's no longer just a cheapo holiday destination.' There are plenty of locations to spot during a visit to Barry, Trinity Street is home to the homes of Gwen, Uncle Bryn, and Doris - now belonging to Gavin and Stacey. On Barry Island itself there's the famous Marco's Cafe and the Arcade where Nessa worked the slots. We've listed a few more foilming locations at the bottom of the article. Over the years, Barry Island has become increasingly popular and according to the BBC, the home belonging to Gwen, which really belongs to a lady called Glenda Kenyon has had nearly 30,000 visitors. Gavin and Stacey fans coming from as far away as Australia, Hawaii and India. Visitors often take pictures in front of her house and when Glenda opens it up, have a tour too. As for shopping on Barry Island, there's been a new development called Goodsheds. The site is home to independent shops which are in repurposed shipping containers in an area called the Shipyard - there you'll find craft beers, records, home furnishings and fashion stores. Nearby there's The Tracks, where railway carriages have been repurposed, and there's even a cinema. The Wales Coast Path runs right around the coastline at Barry. It's about 4 miles along the coastline to Rhoose Point, the most southerly spot in Wales which offer incredible views over the coast. 13 The Pleasure Park is still a hit with tourists and locals alike Credit: Alamy Barry Island Pleasure Park first opened in 1897 and is still going strong down on the seafront. The most recognisable attraction is the giant Ferris wheel, but they also have three rollercoasters, a log flume and spooky ghost train. The family-owned business' biggest ride is Aerospace. It's a giant, 32-seater space machine that swings riders up and down, reaching heights of 214 feet and speeds of up to 75mph. During the summer months when Barry is bustling with visitors, the amusement park gets 400,000 ride goers. 13 There was lots to do at Butlin's like swimming in the pools Credit: WalesOnline/Media Wales 13 Coach driver Barry is more than happy to visit the Welsh coast Credit: Nigel Iskander Coach driver Barry Elms, 60, from Birmingham, was having a rest on the seafront when we caught up with him. 'I've just dropped 50 holidaymakers off and this is just what I need - fresh sea air and magnificent views,' he said. 'The lot I've just brought here from Brum have come for Gavin and Stacey. I think that show is what has made Barry Island famous again." Solicitor Jay Thomas, 42, was in Barry enjoying a day at the seaside. He said: 'It is just a beautiful spot to come to. It's very clean and the people are super-friendly. I've driven down from Solihull in the West Midlands and it has been well worth the time spent getting down here. 'You can get here and back home in a day, so it's perfect." I didn't know until today that there used to be a Butlin's here, but to be honest there still seems plenty to do." Local Tony Rosser, 79, remembers the Butlin's era but says he prefers the resort as it is today. He said: 'As a boy, we never really came to the sea front here in summer because it was so busy. We only used to come here in the winter, when it was a bit quieter and have lovely long walks. 'The local traders liked having Butlin's here, for sure, because they benefited from there being so many holidaymakers in town, but now they're enjoying the Gavin and Stacey effect instead, so they're happy again. 'However, I still think the council needs to do a lot more to encourage more people to come here because the show has finished now and we'll always need visitors to help the local economy.' 13 Tony prefers Barry Island without the Butlin's resort Credit: Nigel Iskander 13 The seafront is far less busy during the winter months Credit: Nigel Iskander Barry Island no longer has any holiday parks on the island, but there are still a few nearby that mean visitors can easily access the island. Porthkerry Leisure Park is a family-friendly located close to Barry Island and the scenic Vale of Glamorgan. There's also Fontygary Touring Park which has a spa, pool, and sea views. But none of the holiday parks are on the scale that Butlin's was. 13 Lawrence's nickname is the 'karaoke king' Credit: Nigel Iskander Lawrence Hill, an 83-year-old retired painter and decorator, proclaims himself to be the 'karaoke king' of Barry Island. He said: 'They should never have built those luxury homes on the old Butlin's site. It was a wonderful complex and I'm sure it could have been spruced up and used as some kind of holiday attraction again. It's such a good spot up there. 'I have such fond memories of Butlin's. I wish it was still here in Barry, I really do.' The Top Locations For Fans of Gavin and Stacey Gavin and Stacey came to an end with the finale episode over Christmas, but you can still keep the show's spirit alive with a trip to Barry, Wales. Up the road is The Colcot Arms aka Smithy's local Essex hangout and of course the Tadross Hotel which doubles as The Dolphin - where pints cost £4, according to reviews left by guests. There are organised tours of Gavin and Stacey locations, some onboard Dave's Coaches, but it's easy enough to go on your own adventure.