Butlin’s is interested in expanding its holiday camp business and is eyeing the abandoned sites of Pontins in Southport, Merseyside, and Prestatyn, north Wales. These two Pontins sites closed down unexpectedly in the past six months, leading to concerns for the local communities. Butlin’s has contacted Britannia Hotels, the owner of Pontins, about potentially taking over these two sites. The closure of the Pontins’ resorts has left a gap that Butlin’s is eager to fill, as it does not have a resort in the North West of England. Butlin’s three existing resorts are located in Somerset, West Sussex, and Lincolnshire. The closure of the Pontins sites comes at a time when Butlin’s is experiencing growth, with predictions of a record year and plans for significant investment.
Butlin’s managing director, Jon Hendry Pickup, has expressed the company’s interest in acquiring the Southport camp, stating that it is an existing site that could be developed further without disturbing the countryside. If Butlin’s were to acquire the site, they would likely demolish the existing structures and invest in long-term improvements. The closure of the Pontins sites has created an opportunity for Butlin’s to expand its presence in the North West and offer its signature action-packed holidays to families in the region. The company is in the midst of a £150 million investment program that includes plans for new indoor activity centers and luxury lodges at its existing resorts.
Butlin’s has a rich history dating back to its founder Billy Butlin, who sought to provide affordable holidays for ordinary families. The company’s first resort opened in Skegness in 1936, and it quickly grew to include several other locations across the UK and even one in the Bahamas. Over the years, Butlin’s has changed ownership and undergone various transformations, but its commitment to offering fun and engaging holidays for families has remained constant. The company’s focus on providing value and a wide range of activities for guests continues to attract visitors, with plans for exciting performances and events scheduled for this year.
The potential acquisition of the Pontins sites in Southport and Prestatyn represents a strategic move by Butlin’s to expand its presence and cater to new markets in the North West of England. By targeting these abandoned sites, Butlin’s can leverage its existing expertise in the holiday camp industry to revitalize these locations and offer guests a unique and memorable experience. The closure of the Pontins sites has opened up an opportunity for Butlin’s to fill the gap in the market and provide families in the region with quality, action-packed holidays. With a strong focus on investment and growth, Butlin’s is poised to continue its legacy of providing unforgettable holiday experiences for generations to come.
