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1980 - 1989

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Postmarked 1980

Postmarked: 1980

Publisher: John Hinde

The postcard is given a reference number: 3M19

The Beachcomber bar is located in the third building and close to the East entrance. The Beachcomber bar would be found on the ground floor and was a popular location for many customers. In 1996, it was changed into Hurricane Harry's. The building was demolished for the Blue Skies building however, during the Covid pandemic, a new building hosting the Studio 36 club was built on its location. 



Postmarked 1981

Postal Mark: 1981

Publisher: John Hinde

The postcard is given a reference number:  3M20

The original location of the funfair was located near the chalet lines. It would include the children's and adults funfair. It was later relocated to the front of the camp where the big lake was. This area (as of 2023) becomes the outdoor sports arena. 

Postmarked 1982

Postmarked: 1982

Publisher: John Hinde

The postcard is given a reference number: 3M13

This location was in between the Exmoor Bar and the Windsor Building with the Monorail train in the background. I was told by a member that the photographer took a great deal of time to get this photo. Today (as of 2023), you will see the Crazy Golf. The Windsor building was demolished in 1998 and had a fort and driving school for children. In 2022, the fort was also removed, and nothing has been said about what will go in its place. 

Postmarked 1982

Postmarked 1982

Publisher: John Hinde

The postcard is given a reference number: 3M34

The miniature railway had relocated three times whilst in Butlins Minehead and was removed in the 90's. In this photo, the train can be found travelling towards the caravans of today. The chalets in the background are still there today and are used for staff. During the time this photo was taken, the chalets were known as Quantocks and were one of the first locations on the camp to have self-catering. This photos is the second location. 

Postmarked 1983

Postmarked 1983

Publisher: John Hinde

The postcard is given a reference number: 2M16

A multi-view of Butlins Minehead, which includes the funfair, the Monorail Train over the outdoor swimming pool, the miniature railway and the miniature golf. 

Postmarked 1985

Postmarked 1985

Publisher: Golden Shield

The postcard is given a reference number: MIN14
This is one of the first photos that shows the outdoor swimming pool being converted into the fun pool. It was the final adjustment to the pool as there was one more change to come however, it was the start. 

Postmarked: 1985

Year: 1985

Publisher: Golden Shield

The postcard is given a reference number: MI8

Another multi-view postcard showing the Monorail train, the miniature railway and the children's funfair. The photo of the Monorail train in the bottom left was at the front of the camp, where it was later replaced with the funfair, which remains today. 

Postmarked 1985

Year: 1985

Publisher: Golden Shield

The postcard is given a reference number: MI10

This multi-view is showing the funfair in the original location, the front lake, the Monorail train at the front of the camp and the chair lifts. 

Postcard never used

Postcard not used

Publisher: John Hinde

The postcard is given a reference number:  3M2

These are one of the first orginal self catering units in Butlin's Minehead and still remain to this very date. 

Postcard never used

Postcard not used

Publisher: John Hinde

The postcard is given a reference number:  3M2

The Prince's ballroom where the magic of dancing was amazing to see. A strong connection to the Butlin's timeline, Ballroom dancing had always been an area many customers would love to do. This area would be later converted into the Broadway club until the year 1999 when it was changed to its current name of Centre Stage. 

Postcard not used

Never used postcard

Publisher: John Hinde

The postcard is given a reference number: 3M

A lovely postcard showing the Regency Show bar, which was found in the Regency building. This building also had the Regency Coffee Bar, Ballroom, Holiday Fayre Restaurant and Sundae Bar. There was also a Cash bingo lounge, Lycons Maid ice cream bar and the swimming pool. Around the 80s, it would see changes such as Busby Disco and gift shop being added. In the late 80's, the building would be renamed to the Wessex Building. This club was renamed the Wessex Room with the swimming pool opening as Sunsplash. Mid 90's, the club would be developed again into the Crazy Horse Saloon. This remained open as both day and night entertainment. In 1999, the club did not fit the design of the Family entertainment resort plans that Rank had.  The club was used for private hire and for other areas, such as a brief period of Bingo and exchange tickets for gifts. In 2023, the club was demolished inside (not the building)  with the Sunsplash to make way for the new Play xperience due to open in 2024. 

Postcard was never used

Postcard never used

Publisher: John Hinde

The postcard is given a reference number: 3M31

Another view of the Prince ballroom that is located in the Prince building. This area was changed into the Broadway showbar in the 90s and then into the Centre stage as of 1999. 

Postcard never used

Postcard not used

Publisher: John Hinde

The postcard is given a reference number: 3M32

The Gaiety building used to have the shopping arcade, post office, Radio Butlin, TV lounges, indoor bowls, billiards, snooker, darts, table tennis and of course the Gaiety theatre.  The theater would remain until the mid 90's when it was closed off. In 1999, this theater was converted into the current Hotshots, where it has remained as of 2023

Reproduction set postcard

Reproduction

Publisher: John Hinde

The postcard is given a reference number:  23537

This is a John Hinde reproduction postcard that was brought back in a set. Showing the iconic Monorail trains over the outside heated swimming pool, 

Reproduction set postcard

Reproduction

Publisher: John Hinde

The postcard is given a reference number: 23538


This is a John Hinde reproduction postcard that was brought back in a set.

Postcard never used

Never used

Publisher: Golden Shield

The postcard is given a reference number: MI3

Showing the wonderful Beachcomber bar in Butlin's Minehead. 

Postcard never used

Never used

Publisher: Golden Shield

The postcard is given a reference number:  MI9

A multi-view postcard showing the iconic Monorail train and fountain. The postcard also includes the children's funfair, miniature railway and cable cars. 

Postcard never used

MI6

Publisher: Golden Shield

The postcard is given a reference number:  MI6

Featuring two Redcoats, the Beachcomber Bar, an Indoor heated swimming pool, Donkey Derby and miniature railway. 

Postcard never used

Never used

Publisher: Butlins Ltd

The postcard is given a reference number: CT2347

Showing the front lake and the iconic lampshades and umbrellas. The Monorail train was added to the front and it remained like this until the early 90s when it was changed. The lake was reduced in size greatly and the funfair was relocated to the front of the camp. In the 2000s, the funfair was changed into Sir Billy's Fairground, which remains to this current date. 

Postcard never used

CT2355

Publisher: Butlins Ltd

The postcard is given a reference number: CT2355


Postcard never used

CT2356

Publisher: Butlins Ltd

The postcard is given a reference number: CT 2356

Showing the Pig and Whistle bar which was in the Prince's building. The bar continued until 1986 when it was changed into the Princes Bar and Ballroom. In the 90's, the club had changed into the Broadway until it changed once more into Centre Stage, which remains as of 2023. 


Postcard never used

M1

Publisher: Butlins Ltd

The postcard is given a reference number: M1


The outside heated swimming pool with the Prince's ballroom and Gaiety theatre. The pool was converted into a fun pool in the 90s until it was filled in for the Pavilion to be installed. 

Postcard never used

M6

Publisher: Butlins Ltd

The postcard is given a reference number: M6

The Old Tyme Ballroom was found in the Regency bar. It was later renamed to the Wessex Ballroom and to its final name, the Crazy Horse Saloon. As of 2023, the building is being changed into the new Play xperience. 

Postcard not used

M7

Publisher: Butlins Ltd

The postcard is given a reference number: M7
 
The cable cars of Butlins with the Butlin's miniature train with the double-decker accommodation in the background (where Oyster Bay is as of 2023). 

Postcard never used

M10

Publisher: Butlin's Ltd

The postcard is given a reference number: M10 

To play snooker up to the end of the Butlin's Holiday World era was free of charge. You would give you the key to the member of staff who would then give you the parts you need to have a game. There was not normally a time limit to how long you could play the game as you chose the table and tried to beat the person you were with. In 1999, this was all changed with the amount of Snooker and Pool tables being reduced to those found in Hotshots. There is now a charge with time limits in place to play snooker as there are only two or three available to play on. The others are American Pool. 

Postcard never used

M26

Publisher: Butlins Ltd

The postcard is given a reference number:   M26

The Queen of the Lake boat would be an alternative form of entertainment that was found on the lake at the front of the camp. I am unsure of when it was stopped. Today, if the boat remained, it would be sitting with the go-karts looking at the Pavilion. (as of 2023).

Postmarked 1986

MIN14

Publisher: Golden Shield

The postcard is given a reference number: MIN14

This postcard represents this era of Butlins as a new change was coming as the location was now going to be called Butlin's Somerwest World. The outdoor heated pool was converted into a fun pool. In 1998, this area was filled in and if you were to take a photo today (as of 2023), you would be looking at the Pavilion stage. 


Postmarked 1986

min17

Publisher: Golden Shield

The postcard is given a reference number: MIN17

The heated indoor swimming pool was also converted into a fun pool, which included flumes (slides) and rapids. The pool was renamed to Sunsplash and would remain open to customers until 1998 when it closed. It remained unused by customers from 1999 until 2022. In 2023, this wonderful swimming pool was demolished within (not the building) to make way for the new Butlins Playxperience opening in 2024.



Postmarked 1986

MI1

Publisher: Golden Shield

The postcard is given a reference number:  MI1

The miniature railway train travelling along the track at its second location. In the background are the cable cars and the Quantocks chalets, which were standard self-catering. Today, you will see some caravans but not many with chalets still in place. However, the cable cars have now gone. 



Postmarked 1986

MI4

Publisher: Golden Shield

The postcard is given a reference number:  MI4

The iconic Monorail train shows its beauty as it travels around the Butlins Minehead camp. In this photo is the front of the camp with the large lake. This lake remained until the early 90s when it was converted into the funfair area, which remains to this very date (as of 2023)

Postmarked 1986

MI5

Publisher: Golden Shield

The postcard is given a reference number: MI5

Showing three photos of the new Butlins Somerwest World. The iconic monorail train, the miniature railway and the funfair are in the original location within the camp.  Today (as of 2023), the Monorail train would be where the funfair is located, the miniature railways will show the Quantocks chalets and the funfair is the outside sports arena. 






Postmarked 1986

MI7

Publisher: Golden Shield

The postcard is given a reference number:  MI7

This postcard is another important one as it shows you how previous photos were reused. On the top left-hand side are the double-decker chalets now known as Beachwood, the bottom left is the original location of the funfair, the top right is showing the indoor heated swimming pool and not Sunsplash and the bottom right hand is the children's funfair. The interesting photo is the top right-hand side, showing that at the time, Sunsplash was a plan and not yet ready. I believe this postcard represents Butlins Somerwest World just before it was developed. 


Postmarked 1986

MI11

Publisher: Goldenshield 

The postcard is given a reference number: MI11

Same photo as above however, the train has changed colour, which is interesting to see. In the small photo are the chair lifts or cable cars as some would call them. This would have been in the very early days of Butlins Somerwest World. 



Postmarked 1986

MI13

Publisher: Goldenshield

The postcard is given a reference number: MI13


This multi photo postcard as it shows you a great deal of Butlins Minehead that many might know was there. On the top left-hand side are the chalets around the round lake at the rear of the camp. Today (as of 2023), this lake no longer exists and was filled in quite some time ago. The top right-hand side would be near to this lake also, showing how much has changed. The bottom left shows the cable cars, which are no longer in Butlins. The bottom right-hand side shows the Butlin bus and the children's funfair. Both of these are no longer in this area. If you were to take the same photo, you would see the Inn on the Green. 

Postmarked 1986

MI6

Publisher: Golden Shield

The postcard is given a reference number: MI6

A smashing postcard at the very start of the Butlin's Somerwest World development. Showing the miniature railway, the Beachcomber, the Donkey Derby and the indoor swimming pool. 

Postmarked 1987

MI8

Publisher: Golden Shield

The postcard is given a reference number: M18


Postmarked 1987

min16

Publisher: Golden Shield

The postcard is given a reference number: MIN16

This postcard shows two outside Fun pools however, both are not from Butlins Somerwest World. The top one shows the pool in Minehead and the one below shows Bognor Regis. Both pools no longer exist in Butlins as of 2023. 

Postcard never used

MI1

Publisher: Golden Shield

The postcard is given a reference number:   MI1

Same photo as further up, just reused with the Butlins Holiday Worlds logo (Butlins logo - this is very early design before it changed)

Postcard never used

MI2

Publisher: Golden Shield

The postcard is given a reference number: MI2

Very early start of the Butlins Somerwest World era as the iconic fountain remains in place with the lake at the front. This postcard is showing the start of a new change in Butlins.  It's a stunning photo and shows the beauty of Butlins Minehead. 


Postmarked 1988

BM0025

Publisher: Fincom

The postcard is given a reference number: BM0025

Showing the wonderful iconic Monorail train with North Hill in Minehead showing beauty to all. In the top left-hand corner, you will see the Sunsplash flumes (slides). If you were to take the same photo in 2023, you would see the Pavilion stage as the other areas will be blocked by the pavilion. 


Postmarked 1988

BM0004

Publisher: Fincom

The postcard is given a reference number:  BM00404

The iconic monorail train is showing off as it travels around the camp and passes the flumes of Sunsplash. The right-hand side photo shows that Butlins was starting to remove the iconic umbrellas and colours. Today (as of 2023), the left-hand photo will only show the funfair and a building that is being redeveloped into the new Playxperience. The right-hand side photo would also show the funfair and go-karts. 


Postmarked 1988

BM0005

Publisher: Fincom

The postcard is given a reference number:  BM0005

The Oasis swimming pool was a new pool that was built on the camp that offered lane swimming and nothing like Sunsplash. The story that was told at the time is that it was built to help school children in Minehead and surrounding areas learn to swim with an agreement with the local council. This could only be done during selected times as it was also used for customers on holiday. Today (as of 2023), you will be surprised to know that this swimming pool still remains!. It's a part of the Splash pool that is currently on the resort. As you get changed and walk through to the pool, the first bit is the Oasis swimming pool. Look at the top left-hand corner, and take note of the roof and structure...now go swimming or via visitor and you will see it all remains there still! Also, in the bottom right-hand photo, look at the windows and go to the current pool and you will see they are there (well maybe not window now but the design remains in place). The visitor area where to wait for your loved ones, you are actually sitting in this swimming pool sitting area. 

Postmarked 1988

BM0008

Publisher: Fincom

The postcard is given a reference number: BM0008

The funfair of Butlins Somerwest World postcard, showing the Quaser ride, the traditional bumper cars (also known as Dodgems), the octopus's ride (in the middle),  the Mexican hat and the Paratrooper. The Quaser ride is no longer in Butlins Minehead, the three remaining ones are still on the resort (as of 2023). The octopus ride (in the middle) is no longer in Butlins.






Postmarked 1988

BM0012

Publisher: Fincom

The postcard is given a reference number:  BM0012

The left-hand side is the original location for the funfair, which is within the camp. The top right-hand side is the mall that connects you from the chalet side (and funfair) to the entertainment and the bottom right is the iconic Monorail ride passing by the Wessex building (formerly the Regency building). As of 2023, the slide has been relocated into the children's funfair and the mall has been given a modern update. The Monorail train has been removed from the camp and the Wessex building is currently in development for the Playexperience. 


Postmarked 1988

BM0013

Publisher: Fincom

The postcard is given a reference number: BM0013

A lovely photo showing the Paratrooper ride on the top left-hand side with the Sunsplash swimming pool on the bottom left. The top right-hand side is the traditional Donkey Derby with the outside swimming pool and the iconic Monorail train. In the middle is my favourite ride, the Octopus.  If you are there in 2023, the Paratrooper still remains in the camp at the front. Sunsplash swimming pool has been demolished (within not building) to make way for the new Playxperience. The Donkey Derby still remains, however, not as often as it once was. In the photo showing the Monorail train over the swimming pool, you would be looking directly at the pavilion stage. The Octopus ride is no longer in Butlins. 



Postmarked 1988

BM0016

Publisher: Fincom

The postcard is given a reference number: BM0016


This multi-photo postcard shows the iconic monorail train over the outside fun pool, with the entrance of the Shopping mall entrance on the bottom left-hand side. The right-hand side shows the stunning single-decker chalets with the cable cars (also known as Chair lifts) on the bottom right-hand side. In the middle is the Octopus ride.

In 2023, you would see the pavilion stage in the top left and the single-decker chalets still remain in the top right. The cable cars have been removed however, the chalets above (Holnicote Village) still remain. The shopping Mall was in two locations at the start. One of them still remains to this date and connects from the Inn of the Green to Bar Russo. The second was renamed later to the Old Town connecting the Sweeny Tood to Malones Bar. The Old Town was sealed off with two cash machines in the Pavilion and boarder off at the other end next to the Beachcomber Inn. 

Postmarked 1986

BM0023

Publisher: Fincom

The postcard is given a reference number: BM0023

This photo shows you the Oasis swimming pool, which was designed as an alternative to Sunsplash. This current view shows you the main pool which still exists in today's Splash swimming pool. The Oasis swimming pool was used to become the current swimming pool by removing the panels on the left-hand side to extend into a new area that includes the rapids, the flumes and the wave machine. What you see in this photo is what is in the current swimming pool, meaning that the Oasis is still there with additional areas added. 

Postmarked 1989

BM0017

Publisher: Fincom

The postcard is given a reference number: BM0017

The chapel of Butlins Minehead had started in the Prince's building. The Prince's building also had a skating rink and the Pig & Whistle within. In 1986, Butlins Minehead was going to change as it introduced the Butlin's Somerwest World era. It was this year that the chapel in the Princes building was closed down with a new chapel being built within the camp for staff and customers to use. 

Its location was in the chalet village called Greenacres and it would show on the map as "Chapel, computer room and chaplains office". The maps continued to show this location with only the name changing to "Chapel". 

In the changes to the company from the owners at the time, the Rank Organisation, the chapel was not shown as a name however was shown with a symbol. It was no longer a part of Greenacres and was now a part of the Holnicote Village.  Around 2010, the chapel was renamed to the "Church" whilst still being a part of the same chalet village. 

The church does get a coat of paint every now and then with stories that it hosted weddings and much more. Still remaining in place on the camp, it gives you a great chance to sit down and relax. Within the church is also a plaque on the wall that has dedication to the Surfers Point family, which became as chalet village in Butlins to this very date. 



Postmarked 1989

BM0020

Publisher: Fincom

The postcard is given a reference number: M10 

 The big red slide was located in the main funfair within the camp and was amazing to have a go on. You would get a mat from a member of staff, race to the top and then have the big task on your hands! 

It was at this moment...

1. What lane should I choose?
2. Lane has been chosen, How am I going to travel down this slide, sitting down, head first or lying down backwards
3. Reaching the bottom....let's do it again! 

When the funfair was relocated to the front of the camp, the slide was placed into the children's funfair, which I am told is still the same slide to this date. 

Postmarked 1989

BM0001

Publisher: Fincom

The postcard is given a reference number:   BM0001

The outside swimming pool in Butlin's Minehead with the iconic Monorail train peeking through and the Sunsplash flumes. The building on the left-hand side is the former Regency building. In this photo, it was renamed to the Wessex building.  As of 2023, you would be looking at a part of the Pavilion stage, a selection of shops. The building you see here remains however it's outside the pavilion with that stair case and door remaining. It's being currently redeveloped into the Playxperience, ready to open in 2024. 

Postmarked 1989

BM0008

Publisher: Fincom

The postcard is given a reference number: BM0008

A similar postcard to one further up with the Octopus ride replaced with the Somerwest World logo. 


Postmarked 1989

BM0010

Publisher: Fincom

The postcard is given a reference number: BM0010

Sunsplash swimming pool in its very early days as this photo is showing you the Black hole and yellow flumes exit. On the left-hand side was the visitors sitting area with the pool on the right-hand side. This used to be the former indoor heated swimming pool until it was updated to the new fun pool, which was a large success. It was closed down in 1999 and remained closed until the year 2023 when it was demolished to make way for the new Playxperience due to open in 2024. 



Postmarked 1989

BM0013

Publisher: Fincom

The postcard is given a reference number:  BM0013

Showing the classic ride on the top left-hand side and the Sunsplash swimming pool on the bottom. On the top right-hand side is the Donkey Derby with the outside swimming pool with the iconic monorail travelling pass with the Princes building peeking through. Today (as of 2023), if would still see this ride in the main funfair, however, the Sunsplash swimming pool has been demolished within to make way for the Playxpereince. The Donkey Derby still remains however, not has much as shown here. The outside swimming pool view would show the Pavilion stage, Bar Russo, arcades and Costco coffee (plus the toilets)



Postmarked 1989

BM0016

Publisher: Fincom

The postcard is given a reference number:  BM0016

A similar photo postcard as above with the Octopus ride removed from the middle and replaced with the Butlin's Somerwest logo in the middle. 

View the 1970 - 1979 Postcards View the 1990 - 1999 Postcard

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Mark Banks is the individual responsible for the creation and ownership of this website, which displays his collection of Butlin's memorabilia. It was created in my spare time after work as a hobby and has since grown into a site that gives others a chance to smile. It is important to note that this website is not associated with Butlin's and is not an official archive of the company. Furthermore, it includes stories, with the consent of the individuals involved, that recount memorable moments at Butlin's from both customers and former staff members. This website pays homage to the esteemed company and its founder, Sir William Butlin. Additionally, it provides information on the history of Butlin's, based on personal research.

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