Once home to one of the UK's largest Butrin resorts, the town has now transformed into a super luxurious holiday village. After World War II, the trend of stay peaked, with millions of British people flocking to the beach every summer.
The hidden files between Scarborough and Bridlington in North Yorkshire were a popular choice for holiday makers. Here, visitors can indulge in long sandy beaches, numerous fish and chip shops, Victorian-style fairground rides and a vast holiday complex.
Previously a military base, Billy Butlin's Filey Campsite portrayed over 150,000 guests each year, completely encapsulating the spirit of post-war holidays. The holiday maker will delight in cabaret, dancing, swimming and entertainment arcade nights under the careful eyes of the iconic red coat.
However, the emergence of cheap flights to sun-stained destinations like Spain and Greece (known as the Benidorm boom) quickly overturned Butlin's success. In fact, the site fell fairly quickly and favorably, and eventually closed the door in September 1983.
For years, the abandoned site remained abandoned, attracting urban explorers and ambitious graffiti artists. It is in stark contrast to the 50s, with decades of family fun being replaced by empty trash-filled swimming pools and half-abolized buildings remaining in almost apocalyptic state, reports Bristol Live.
Retired lecturer and former Butrin enthusiast Richard Bailey shared his favourite memories of the site at a live show on the Chronicle in 2021. “When I visited in 2001 there was still plenty of evidence that it used to be a holiday camp that included an outdoor and indoor pool fountain and ruins,” he recalled.
However, in 2007, an ambitious project worth around £25 million was launched, completely overhauling the site. The Bay has described it as “a dedicated holiday village above obstacles,” cleaned up debris and began building apartments and cottages.
The first beach house was built in 2012, and in 2021 a new “Meadows Development” was added to expand even further. Today, the complex boasts around 500 properties. Many of them are rented by private owners.
Filey Bay Direct said on its website:
“The gardens are not partially surrounded to make it easier for gardeners, but also become a lovely communal holiday village.
“The (Village) Centre has a 20-meter pool with a baby splash pool, a poolside sauna and a steam room. There is also a fitness suite and a hair salon where you can book treatments.
“John Paul Jones pubs offer food and drinks all day long and feature internal and external seating.
“Inside the courtyard there is also an arcade, also known as a family entertainment centre and a shop selling groceries, household items, alcohol, beach items, souvenirs and more.”
Other facilities in the fashionable complex include pharmacies, tennis courts and a “adventure” play area for children under the age of 12.
Filey Bay has a wide variety of accommodation options, perfect for budget people and travelers who really want to jump in.
For example, a two-night stay in a two-bedroom flat (6-8 June) costs £380 at the time of writing.
Filey is about an hour away from York's nearest city and is accessible by train.
